De James. _Vil._

This is an English hybrid, said to have been originated by a Mr. James,
an extensive market-gardener in Surrey, Eng. The bulb is pyriform, or
pear-shaped; and measures four inches and upwards in depth, and two
inches or more at its broadest diameter. Skin copper-yellow,--the
coating next under it reddish-brown; flavor strong. It is not early, but
is much prized for its long keeping; the bulbs not sprouting so early in
spring as those of most varieties.

LARGE RED.

Wethersfield Large Red.

[Illustration: Wethersfield Large Red Onion.]

Bulb sometimes roundish, but, when pure, comparatively flat. It is of
very large size; and, when grown in favorable soil, often measures five
inches or more in diameter, and three inches in depth. Skin deep
purplish-red; neck of medium size; flesh purplish-white, moderately
fine-grained, and stronger flavored than that of the Yellow and earlier
Red varieties. It is very productive; one of the best to keep; and is
grown to a large extent, in many places on the seacoast of New England,
for shipping to the South and West. It is almost everywhere seen in
vegetable markets; and, with perhaps the exception of the Yellow or
Danvers, is the most prominent of the sorts employed for commercial
purposes. It derives its name from Wethersfield, Conn.; where it is
extensively cultivated, and where it has the reputation of having
originated.

A sub-variety of the foregoing is cultivated in some localities, with
nearly the same variation in form that exists between the Danvers and
Common Yellow. It will probably prove somewhat more productive; but it
is neither better flavored, nor to be preferred for its superior keeping
properties.

MADEIRA.

Large Globe Tripoli. Romain. De Madere Rond. De Belle Garde. _Vil._

This is a roundish, obovate onion, of remarkable size, often measuring
six inches and a half in depth, and six inches in diameter; neck thick
and large; skin reddish-brown,--the layer next within, pale red.

The variety is much prized for its extraordinary size, and for its mild,
sugary flavor. The plants, however, often fail to form good bulbs; and,
even when well matured, the latter are liable to decay soon after being
harvested. It requires a long, warm season for its greatest perfection.
The seed should be sown early, in drills sixteen inches apart; and the
plants should be thinned to eight inches apart in the rows.

Not suited to New England or the cooler