636 THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



roots. Some force Rhubarb in fruit- produce comes naturally fit for use 



houses ; the roots are packed closely about a week sooner than from the 



together on the floors, a little leaf- open field. In making permanent 



mould or other soil is cast over plantations, divisions of the old 



them, and they are afterwards stools are used, and they are planted 



covered with mats, which remain in rows 2 or 3 ft. apart, and from 



on them until the stalks are fit to 2 to 2\ ft. asunder in the rows, 



gather. Rhubarb forced in this way No leaves are cut away from them 



is not so good in colour as that pro- the first year, but the space between 



duced in darker places, and which the lines is planted with Lettuces 



we see in the markets early in the or Coleworts. During the second 



season ; but it is greatly superior to season many stalks are not cut, 



it in flavour. but in the third year a fair crop is 



Whole fields in Surrey are de- gathered. As soon as time can be 



voted to Rhubarb culture, but the spared in winter, and before the 



bulk of it from London market- leaves begin to grow, the ground 



gardens is grown under fruit-trees between the rows is dug over 



positions in which it grows well, roughly, and a large forkful of 



In spring, when the produce is most rank litter placed over each crown, 



wanted, the trees are leafless, and Under the litter the stalks come up 



therefore they do not shade it much, clean, tender, and crisp very much 



but afford slight protection, and the more so than if none were used. 



USES. The fleshy stalks are used for making tarts, pies, and 

 preserves, especially in England and America. 



The following are the principal varieties which are considered 

 to be derived from Rheum kybridum : 



Early Red Tobolsk Rhubarb. A very early spring variety, 

 and the best for forcing. Leaves rather small, heart-shaped, with 

 short, blunt point, broadly waved at the edges, very glossy, and 

 clear green. Stalks short in length, about two-thirds of the blade, 

 smooth, and all red. Flowers abundantly, the flower-stalks green, 

 thin, with erect branches. 



Hybrid Florentin. A cross between Rheum officinale and 

 Rheum CoKmanum, remarkable for the great size of its leaves, 

 often 3 ft. in length, as also its floral stalks, usually from 6 to 9 ft. 

 high, and covered during summer with innumerable dark red 

 flowers. Recommendable for its hardiness and the thickness of 

 its leaf-stalks, which are round and without grooves, tinged red 

 at the base, and blotched red for the rest. Not only a valuable 

 vegetable, but also a highly ornamental plant. 



Hawke's Champagne. This has now become the favourite 

 sort in the London market-gardens. Comes early into use. Stalks 

 of a deep crimson colour, large, and of fine quality ; leaves deep 

 green, slightly pubescent, the younger ones having an almost heavy 

 appearance. 



Mitchell's Royal Albert (Early RecT).A very early variety, 

 with thick long stalks of excellent flavour, equal in length (when 



