358 GATHERING, STORING AND PACKING 



early autumn months when the large succulent leaves 

 are much enjoyed. To get these a rich root run and 

 severe thinning are necessary. When cut it should 

 be used quickly, and is useful as a " packing" when 

 sending other vegetables. 



RHUBARB. 



This is in great demand from January to May 

 and is largely grown for market. The early forced 

 Rhubarb is most liked in private gardens. It is 

 grown in a dark place to give the bright colour so 

 much liked and is also forced largely for sale, two or 

 three stalks with a good portion of the leaves being 

 tied together. Larger bundles are made later on 

 and sent in crates or baskets, or whole van loads are 

 packed up at one time. The varieties differ as re- 

 gards colour, the Champagne being a market favourite. 



TOMATOES. 



These should be quite fresh though they keep a 

 long time if not dead ripe or at all damaged. A 

 smooth even well-coloured Tomato is better than 

 a large ribbed one. Many force Tomatoes under 

 glass for spring and these give by far the best return 

 though it is only fair to state that the best-flavoured 

 fruits are those grown under glass without heat and 

 that ripen from July to September. Many gather 

 the fruits before they are at all ripe but this means 



