124 KITCHEN-GARDENING. 



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 Officinal Rhubarb, is a native 

 of China and the East Indies, whence its culture has been in- 

 troduced into Europe. It produces a thick, fleshy root, exter- 

 nally yellowish brown, but internally of a bright color, streaked 

 with red veins. The several kinds of Rhubarb may be propa- 

 gated by offsets taken from the roots early in the spring, or 

 from seed sown early in autumn, or in March and April, in 

 drills one inch deep and a foot apart. 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 beds of fine mould eighteen 

 inches deep, in which set the plants from the seed-bed, ten or 

 twelve inches apart. This must be done when they have at- 

 tained the height of four or five inches, and have thrown out as 

 many leaves. 



The first season is the most critical, and more care is neces- 

 sary. If the weather be hot, the nursery must be shaded, and 

 at all events frequently watered; for water, though hurtful to 

 old plants, is now of the first importance. Wet weather is 

 the most proper time in which to plant. The beds must be 

 kept free from weeds during the summer, and on the approach 

 of severe weather, covered up with light litter. In the early 

 part of spring, this must be taken off; and in the beginning of 

 April the plants must be transplanted into rich ground. 



Those who cultivate the Palmatum for the sake of the roots, 

 should dig the ground two or three spades deep, and place the 

 plants three feet apart every way. As to the other varieties, 

 it is not so particular, only the plants must have room in which 

 to grow. In the early part of November, the leaves being 

 then decayed, the beds should be covered with dry litter. Be- 

 fore this is done, a little earth should be drawn round the 



