RHUBARB. 271 



the open ground with dry mulchy stuff about six 

 inches thick, will forward the leaves for use nearly 

 a fortnight before those that remain uncovered. 



For forcing rhubarb in pots, plants of one (if 

 strong), two, and three years' old will be eligible, 

 and also cuttings, after one year's growth. 



As soon as the leaves are decayed in autumn, the 

 plants may be taken up and potted in deep pots, al<- 

 lowing for an inch of earth at bottom, and the same 

 thickness round and over the top of the root. The 

 mould should be light and rich, and after the plant- 

 ing a good soaking of water will be necessary on 

 purpose to fill up any hollowness between the 

 roots ; the pots are then to be placed in a vinery 

 or in any part of a forcing-house, and where no 

 other plants would thrive for want of light and air. 

 When the rhubarb plants begin to grow, they must 

 be copiously supplied with water, which will cause 

 them to produce stalks for use, early, and in abund- 

 ance. As it may be perhaps difficult to find a 

 really dark place in a forcing-house of any descrip- 

 tion, pots similar to those used for forcing in the 

 open ground should be inverted over the pots of 

 rhubarb, which will certainly exclude both light 

 and air. 



After the plants have done producing stalks for 

 culinary use, they may be turned out in a rich piece 

 of ground, when after a year's growth they may 

 again be taken up for the purpose first assigned 

 them. 



Hot-beds, frames, or pits, where a gentle heat 

 can be kept up, will do extremely well for forcing 

 rhubarb, provided the glasses are kept darkened. 



