264? THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



4-8. RAPE. Var. BRASSICA. 



JSrassica is the generic name of this plant ; accord- 

 ing to the Linnaean system, the original Latin name 

 of napus is made the specific. 



Wild rape or navew is a native of Britain, and is 

 exceedingly hardy ; it is chiefly used as a small 

 salad, and is cultivated for that purpose both in 

 winter and summer, similarly to the mustard and 

 cress. The seed of rape being cheaper than mus- 

 tard, large quantities of it are substituted for that 

 herb in the London markets ; but it is not nearly 

 equal to the latter either in virtue, tenderness, or 

 taste. 



It is often cultivated by the country people and 

 cottagers, who find it a good substitute for greens 

 during the winter; for which purpose it should be 

 sown in July or August, and when of a proper size 

 transplanted to half a yard apart ; and after being 

 frost-bitten, it will be found tolerably good and 

 tender. 



49. RHUBARB. RHEUM. 



The botanic name Rheum is supposed to have 

 been given to the rhubarb from its superior medi- 

 cinal qualities ; and its specific Ponticum, as coming 

 from Pontis : the other names are derived from the 

 habit of the plant. 



The Genuine or True Rhubarb is principally grown 

 in China, where it is dried and prepared for export- 

 ation. It is chiefly purchased by the Turks, Jews, 

 and Gentiles, who monopolise the trade as much 



