40 THE NEW RHUBARB CULTURE. 



not to disturb the crowns or eyes, and making sure that 

 each section has one or more eyes. Trim up nicely, care- 

 fully removing all broken or mangled portions of the 

 roots, leaving of course, as much root as possible. 



Unforced Roots. — When propagating from roots that 

 have not been forced, the best results will be obtained by 

 digging out late in the Fall and removing to some shed, 

 or otherwise slightly protecting, and allow them to 

 freeze out through the Winter. The results of the freez- 

 ing will be more than satisfactory. However, they will 

 succeed nicely if left in the ground until time for trans- 

 planting which should be done as early in Spring as 

 weather and ground will permit. 



Forced Roots. — As some controversy has arisen over 

 propagating from the forced roots, it is well to state that 

 when properly handled they are perfectly safe for propa- 

 gating, and valuable in keeping up the root supply, and 

 whatever professedly wise men may say of their use- 

 lessness, and "throwing them on the manure heap," 

 should be passed by as idle talk. Simply, when forcing, 

 give the roots a chance for their lives, and when they 

 begin to decline, stop the growth by removing from the 

 cellar to a shed, or otherwise slightly protect them from 

 too severe changes, until time for transplanting. 



Divide and otherwise treat them just the same as un- 

 forced roots and they will again be ready for forcing 

 in from two to three years. The Writer has seen as fine 

 roots as could be desired dug out the second year after 

 transplanting. 



All propagated roots should be planted into perma- 

 nent rows four to five feet apart, and the ground between 

 the rows may be used for catch crops the first year. 



Plants for setting. — These may be obtained from 

 any of the reliable seed or nursery men; and will well 



