90 RHUBARB. 



RHUBARB. 

 RHUBARBE. Rheum. 



RHUBARB is a genus of exotic plants, comprising seven 

 species, of which the following are the principal : 



1. Rhaponticum, or Common Rhubarb, a native of Thrace 

 and Syria, has long been cultivated in British gardens for 

 the footsalks of the leaves, which are frequently used in pies 

 and tarts. 



2. Rheum nndulatum is also cultivated for the same use. 



3. The Palmatum, or true Officinale Rhubarb, is a native 

 of China and the East Indies, whence its culture has been 

 introduced into Europe : it produces a thick, fleshy root, 

 externally yellowish brown, but internally of a bright yellow 

 colour, streaked with red veins. It grows to great perfection 

 in Scotland, as far north as Perthshire, (lat. 56,) and in Eng- 

 land, Turkey, and various other parts of Europe. When 

 the importance of this root as a medicine is considered, it is 

 a matter of astonishment that it has not been more generally 

 introduced into the United States. 



The several kinds of Rhubarb may be propagated by off- 

 sets taken from the roots early in the spring, or from seed 

 sown late in autumn, or in March and April, in drills one 

 inch deep and a foot apart. The indispensable points to the 

 production of good roots of the Patmatum, are depth and 

 richness of soil, which should be well pulverized before the 

 plants are set out. Prepare beds of fine mould eighteen 

 inches deep ; in these put in the plants from the seed-bed, 

 ten or twelve inches apart ; this must be done when they 

 have attained the height of four or five inches, and have 

 thrown out as many leaves. 



The first season is the most critical, and much care is ne- 

 cessary. If the weather be hot, the nursery must be shaded, 

 and at all events frequently watered; for water, though 

 hurtful to old plants, is now of the first importance. Wet 

 weather is the most proper time in which to plant. The 



