PROCEEDIITOS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 85 



The subject selected for the next meeting was " Flowers, In- 

 Han corn for Soiling, and Strawberries." 

 Adjourned, 



June 10, 1861. 

 Mr, Hawshurst in the chair. 



RHUBARB. 



Mr. Carpenter exhibited a stalk and leaf of Cahoon's Mammoth 

 Rhubarb, grown .from a single eye set out last spring. For 

 culinary purposes it is not equal to Myatt's Linnaeus, although 

 as good as the Victoria or Prince Albert. But for wine purposes 

 it is preferable to any other. Leaves have been grown to weigh 

 nine pounds. 



Mr. Pardee said that the rhubarb had been raised very much 

 in value by the system of selecting the best seed from the best 

 plants,' and giving the plants thus produced the highest possible 

 cultivation. By the continous repetition of this process, we not 

 only obtain varieties very much improved, but they are more 

 likel}^ to produce their kind from seed than those which are not 

 so thoroughbred. 



Mr. Robinson stated that the original Cahoon's Mammoth Rhu- 

 barb was produced at Kenosha, Wis., on Lake Michigan, on land 

 richer than any garden could be made in this vicinity, being a 

 muck of the richest kind, and 20 feet deep. It is remarkably 

 true to its kind in raising from seed, 



Mr. Carpenter— Rhubarb inclines to a moist and deep soil. 

 Covering it in the winter does not materially hasten it in the 

 spring. It is a gross feeder and will exhaust the richest soil ; 

 but if the soil is renewed, it will bear for a great number of 

 years. The rhubarb is a desirable plant, being a healthy and 

 inexpensive food, and making its appearance in the spring long 

 before currants. 



Mr. Robinson — There is not a family in the city, that has room 

 to place a barrel in the back yard, hut may raise more pie plant 

 than they can consume. 



SUGAR VS. MEAT. DIETETICS. 



Rev. Mr. Weaver said that rhubarb was not inexpensive, 

 because it cost so much for sugar to render it palatable. 



