78 RHUBAKB. 



to be of a milder and better flavor, but the bulbs are~ 

 not so large as those of the Garlic. 



The plants are very hardy, and will grow in almost every 

 soil or situation. They may be propagated either by the 

 roots or seeds ; the former ought to be separated and planted 

 at the same time, and in the same manner as Shallots. 



If raised from seeds, they may be sown in drills, either 

 shortly after the seeds are ripe, or in the succeeding Spring ; 

 they require only to be kept clear of weeds, and in the 

 following Autumn may be taken up, the bulbs parted, and 

 planted as before ~ 



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 footstalks of the leaves, which are frequently 

 used in pies and tarts. 



2. Rheum undulatum 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,) 

 also in England, Turkey, and various other parts of Europe. 

 When the importance of this root as a medicine is consi- 

 dered, 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 

 offsets taken from the roots early in the Spring, or from seed 

 sown late in Autumn, or in March and the early part of April. 

 The indispensable points to the production of good roots of 

 the Palmatum, are depth and richness of soil, which should 

 be well pulverized before the plants are set out. Prepare 



