he bulbs just below the surface of the
ground. The subsequent culture consists in keeping them clean from
weeds, and gathering a little earth about them from time to time in the
process of cultivation. As soon as the tops are entirely dead, they will
be ready for harvesting.

It is very prolific, yielding from four to six fold. Such of the crop as
may be too small for the table should be preserved during the winter, to
be set in the following spring; planting them out in April, in drills
one foot apart and three inches from each other in the drills, and
sinking the crowns just below the surface of the ground. They attain
their full size by September.

SILVER-SKIN.

White Portugal, of New England.

Bulb of medium size, flattened,--average specimens measuring about three
inches in diameter, and an inch and a half or two inches in thickness;
neck very small; skin silvery-white. After the removal of the outer
envelope, the upper part of the bulb is often veined and clouded with
green, while the portion produced below ground is generally clear white.
Flesh white, fine-grained, sugary, and remarkably mild flavored.

It forms its bulb early and regularly, ripens off well, and is quite
productive; an average yield being about four hundred bushels per acre.
It is a very poor keeper; and this is its most serious objection. It is
always preserved through the winter with much difficulty, and almost
invariably decays if kept from light and exposed to dampness. The best
method for its preservation is to spread the roots in a dry, light, and
airy situation.

The Silver-skin Onion is much esteemed in the middle and southern
sections of the United States, and is cultivated to a considerable
extent in New England. It is well adapted for sowing in August, or the
beginning of September, for early use, and for marketing during the
ensuing spring. Where the winter are mild, the crop, with slight
protection, will sustain no injury in the open ground. In Europe it is
much esteemed, and extensively grown for pickling, as its "white color,
in contrast with the fine green veins, or lines, gives it a very
agreeable appearance. For pickling, the seed should be sown very
thickly, then slightly covered with fine soil, and afterwards rolled. If
the seed is covered more deeply, the bulb, from not being quite on the
surface, has a larger and thicker neck; so that it loses its finely
rounded form, and is, moreover, less compact."

This variety