KITCHEN-GARDENING. 123 



up too thick, they should be thinned to one or two inches 

 apart. Give gentle waterings as occasion requires, with tepid 

 water, and keep them well covered in cold nights. For raising 

 early Radishes without frames, hotbeds may be made in ridges, 

 and arched over with hoop-bends, or pliant rods, which should 

 be covered with mats or canvas cloth at night, and during the 

 day in cold weather. In moderate days turn up the covering ; 

 and on fine mild days, take it wholly off, and harden the plants 

 gradually to the weather. 



In order to have tender Radishes, it is essential that they be 

 made to grow rapidly. When they grow slowly, and the 

 weather is cold, Radishes are tough and stringy. 



ROCAMBOLE. 



AIL D'ESPAGNE. Allium scorodoprassum. 

 This and the Allium sativum, or common Garlic, are raised 

 in some gardens. Many people consider the Rocambole to be 

 of a milder and better flavor than Garlic, but the bulbs are not 

 so large. The plants are hardy, and will grow in almost any 

 rich soil or situation. They may be propagated either by the 

 roots or seed. The former ought to be separated and planted 

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

 raised from seed, they may be sown in drills, either shortly 

 after the seed is ripe, or in the succeeding spring. The plants 

 require to be kept clear of weeds ; and in the following autumn 

 may be taken up, the bulbs parted, and planted as before. 



RHUBARB. 



RHUBARBS. Rheum. 



Rhubarb is a genus of exotic plants, comprising seven species, 

 of which the following are the principal : 



