new or recenthj introduced. 89 



trial. In order that our readers may know everything in relation to 

 it, we extract the following, from Mr. Youell's advertisement: — 



" This highly esteemed variety will be found to be the earliest 

 of all early sorts. As a proof of its extraordinary precocity, 

 it was, this season, [1837,] ready for tarts, &:c. the twen- 

 tieth of February^ on the open border, in a very exposed situa- 

 tion, and will continue to produce its fine large stalks till Sep- 

 tember. 



" It would be useless to eulogize its merits, farther than the great 

 demand for it last season, together with the many high testimoni- 

 als of approbation received, claim for it a decided superiority. 



" The Tobolsk rhubarb may be grown in boxes or pots, in any 

 common garden mould, or enveloped in damp moss, and placed 

 in a closet, dark cellar , or the hack jire-room of a hot-house, and 

 watered occasionally, when it will produce the stalks of a beau- 

 tiful transparent delicate pink, containing a rich, vinous, juicy 

 pulp; and when cooked retains its beautiful color, which renders 

 it an elegant addition, as well as a delicious luxury, to the table, 

 at a season when fruits are unattainable. Roots planted in JS'o- 

 vemher will he ready for cutting [the stalks] in January. A 

 fresh box brought in every three weeks will afford a regular sup- 

 ply; and the plants, when done with, may be taken out of the 

 boxes and replanted in the open ground, and may again be cut 

 for use in summer, and replaced in the cellar, &c., in November. 



" This rhubarb makes an excellent preserve Avhen cut into 

 pieces an inch and a half long, and preserved in sugar." 



Thus much w-e have set forth in the advertisement, and the 

 letter communicated, by order of the queen, to Mr. Youell, states 

 that "its excellent qualities fully justify the high character" he 

 had previously given it. 



Certainly it will prove a valuable variety, particularly for forc- 

 ing, as in our climate, however so early it might be in that of 

 England, we should never expect to see it in a fit state for cut- 

 ting, in the open ground, without artificial means of some kind, 

 before the early part of April: but as it can be so easily man- 

 aged in boxes, in almost every situation, out of the danger of 

 frost, it may be had at all seasons: besides this, it has 

 the rare property of retaining its beautiful color, (a delicate 

 pink,) which would give it an additional and decided value, were 

 it deficient in other particulars. We certainly hope that some 

 of our enterprising amateurs or seedsmen will introduce this va- 

 riety; for if it equals the description given of it, or even comes 

 near to it, it will be a most important acquisition. Immense 

 quantities of rhubarb are now disposed of in our markets, and the 

 sale is extending every year. Could it be supplied in quantity dur- 

 ing the months of January, February and March, it would com- 

 mand a liberal price. By the return of another season we hope we 



VOL. IV. NO. III. 12 



