THE WINTER RHUBARB 



as of the dealer and consumer, is not hard to 

 understand. 



It may be added, as further evidencing the 

 unusual qualities of the new plant, that it grows 

 in almost any soil, although giving quick response 

 to good conditions of cultivation like the older 

 varieties; that it propagates readily from root 

 division and under these circumstances breeds 

 altogether true to the perfected type; and that it 

 is hardy and requires no unusual attention, so that 

 any amateur may grow it in his garden even more 

 readily than he grows the ordinary rhubarb. 



It must be understood, however, that the plant 

 cannot thrive in latitudes where it is buried under 

 snow, as the steady production of leaves appears 

 to be essential to its very existence. 



In the colder parts of California it does indeed 

 cease to grow actively in the heart of winter, but 

 even then it submits to adverse conditions reluc- 

 tantly, if the phrase may be permitted; that is, 

 that it stops putting forth new leaves only when 

 the conditions are exceedingly unfavorable and 

 immediately resumes new growth when the 

 slightest change for the better in the weather 

 occurs. 



THE ORIGIN OF THE WINTER RHUBARB 



The importance of the new plant, and its wide 

 departure from the traditions of the rhubarb 



[173] 



