THE MANSE GARDEN. 187 



bite; and of the long-rooted it is remarkable, that 

 if it be sown in holes made with a small dibble and 

 left open the plant will grow thicker and more ten- 

 der. This accords with what was observed in regard 

 to leeks, and may perhaps be true of some other 

 plants. The young seed pods of the radish afford 

 a substitute for capsicums. 



Rhubarb Excellent for tarts in the early part of 

 the season, before gooseberries make their appear- 

 ance. Two sorts of it are cultivated; that having 

 the pointed and palmated leaf springs earlier, but 

 does not sooner get ready for use ; the other, which 

 is rounder, and not so deeply cut in the leaf, has a 

 thicker leaf stalk, and is best for the table. The 

 roots of both are medicinal, but it is not certain that 

 either sort is the same as that which yields the Turkey 

 rhubarb. To have a good supply for tarts, set a 

 dozen or more of cuttings of the roots, reserving to 

 each a part of the crown or top on deep rich ground, 

 in rows four feet apart and three feet distant in the 

 row, taking care to have none less than a yard from 

 the walk or box edging. As soon as the leaves have 

 decayed, dig, with plenty of manure, between the 

 plants, avoiding the roots, and taking care not to crush 

 the^buds, which are scarcely visible, but on which the 

 crop for next year depends. It is by such culture 

 and good feeding that the leaf stalks are numerous, 

 ponderous, and full of juice. The flower stems, in 

 order to preserve the strength of the roots, should 

 be all cut off as soon as their height declares their 

 intention. In moist weather, towards the end of 

 autumn, the young leaves become as tender as those 

 of spring. By putting large wooden boxes, coarsely 



