RHUBARB. 1 



CULTURE.;^ Rhubarb is propagated either by seeds or by di- 

 vision of the roots. Where a great quantity is wanted, the former 

 process will have to be resorted to. Though the plants raised in 

 this manner will not be of a uniform character, yet from seeds of 

 the best kinds all will be worth cultivation. The seed should be 

 sown as early as can be done in Spring. On light, dry soil, draw 

 drills about an inch deep and one foot apart, in which sow the 

 seeds thinly, and cover evenly. They will be up in about four 

 weeks, and if the weather proves dry, give them occasional 

 waterings. Hoe them freely to keep under the weeds. Sow 

 a very few R,adish seeds with them, and you will thereby see 

 clearly where to use the hoe, and the Radishes will be pulled 

 before the Rhubarb plants have made much progress. When 

 they are an inch high, thin them out to four inches apart, and 

 allow them to grow till October ; at which time a piece of deep, 

 rich ground should be selected, and dug eighteen inches deep, 

 manuring it well with very rotten dung, and breaking and 

 working it perfectly with the spade. When it has settled for 

 about two weeks, set out the plants two feet apart in the row, 

 and four feet between the rows. Plant their crowns two inches 

 below the surface, and cover them four or five inches thick with 

 leaves, or litter from the stable, to prevent the frost from 

 throwing them out of the ground during Winter. No farther 

 after-culture is required beyond keeping the ground clear of 

 weeds. In the first year a crop of Lettuce, Beans, or Early 

 Cabbage can be taken from between the rows, as the plants 

 will not attain their full size for two years. In the early part 

 of Winter, every year, cover the ground with a few inches of 

 manure, digging it in with a fork, in Spring, among the roots. 

 Rhubarb, thus treated, will continue many years in great per- 

 fection, and produce a very ample return. Where there aro 

 only a few roots wanted, they may be procured by the division 

 of one or two good roots, leaving an eye to each, and planting 

 them ab once in ground prepared as above, where they are to 

 remain. About eight or ten plants will suffice for a small 



