230 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



Renewing. Plants in the field should be taken up 

 every three or four years, separated, and parts reset in 

 the same ground. Or with less trouble the outer parts 

 of the roots may be cut off with a spade, without dis- 

 turbing the part to be left in the ground. If this is 

 done in the fall the parts taken away may be forced; 

 or in either fall or spring they may be reset. 



Pests. Against the Rhubarb-beetle cut the leaves 

 regularly, making sure that all the early leaves are re- 

 moved by midsummer, thus destroying eggs and larvae. 

 Burn the leaves. Destroy all neighboring dock plants. 



ROCAMBOLE (Allium Scorodoprasum) is a hardy 

 perennial plant of the Onion family, grown as an 

 annual for its compound bulbs, which are used as 

 garlic. The plant seldom produces seed, and may be 

 propagated by its "tops" or bulblets, produced at the 

 end of the twisted stem, but it is grown more usually 

 and profitably by planting the cloves or parts of the 

 bulbs. The flavor is milder than garlic. 



Soil. Light, rich, quick. 



Distances. Rows a foot or more apart, bulblets or 

 cloves three inches or more in the row. 



Depth. Barely cover. 



Sow in early spring, or in mild climates set the 

 bulbs in the fall. 



Lift the bulbs when the tops die, and store like 

 onions or garlic. 



