WORK OF FORCING. 21 



plentiful supply of the roots is the principal factor in 

 extensive growing, it pavs to husband them very care- 

 fully. 



Age of Roots for Forcing. — For profitable results, 

 roots must be thrifty and strong (the larger the better), 

 and not less than two or three years old. 



Propagated roots, if well grown will be at their best 

 from two to five years old ; ^\diile those grown from seed 

 need an additional year's growth. For reasons else- 

 where mentioned too old roots are undesirable but of 

 course may be used if no better can be obtained. 



With large growers the root supply especially for 

 the second season's work often becomes a serious prob- 

 lem ; after that if rightly managed the trouble will be 

 avoided. 



It is not wise to force all the roots in sight the first 

 year, lest the second year's work becomes a minus 

 quantity. 



To those engaging in the work, we say, plan for the 

 future. Husband carefully and feed generously what- 

 ever roots you may have, look about among your neigh- 

 bors and procure of them as many as they may be able 

 to spare. The ^^Tug of War" is for the first and second 

 year's supply, but with reasonable forethought the prob- 

 lem will work out in the years following. 



Best Varieties. — Early Strawberry, Linnaeus and 

 Victoria are standard varieties, and will, I think, succeed 

 wherever rhubarb will grow. The Victoria is considered 

 best for forcing, but has the peculiarity of maturing 

 its crop all at once. Whether this feature is advan- 

 tageous or otherwise will depend on circumstances, and 

 must be determined by the grower. It is however a 

 great yielder and much sought after in the market. All 

 varieties are good and succeed well under both open and 



