On Rheum palmatum as a Culinary Rhubarb. 397 



much larger supply of the rheumic acid than those of the 

 other species ; and, if it be less early in the season before they 

 can be used, the roots continue to shoot forth leaves until a 

 much later period of the year : indeed, if the flowering stem 

 be cut down soon after it shows itself, the leaves are put forth 

 so abundantly, and for so long a period, that the footstalks 

 may be obtained until autumn. It is true that the supply of 

 fruits fit for baking during summer and in autumn render the 

 cultivation of rhubarb for this purpose less necessary ; but I 

 am one of those who think a good rhubarb tart a luxury at 

 any season. 



From the observations which I have been enabled to make 

 respecting the cultivation of the Rheum palmatum in market 

 gardens, and even in the garden of the Horticultural Society, 

 I am satisfied that the general stunted appearance of the 

 plants, which is the chief objection made to this species, de- 

 pends, in a great measure, on the stiffness of the soil and the 

 too free exposure of the plant to light. We are informed by 

 Dr. Rehman *, who had the opportunity of seeing this species 

 of rhubarb growing in its native soil and climate, the decli- 

 vities of the chain of mountains near the lake Kokouor in 

 Tartary, that the soil is light and sandy ; and the Bucharians 

 assert that the best grows in the shade, on the southern sides 

 of the mountains. I planted two roots of the R. palmatum 

 five years since in the open part of my small garden, and 

 found that whilst they continued fully exposed to the influence 

 of the light of the sun, the leaves were moderately expanded 

 only, and the footstalks not more succulent than those of the 

 other species ; but on removing them to a part shaded by 

 rose bushes, the leaves which have been put forth in each suc- 

 ceeding season have been very luxuriant. When in the best 

 state for making tarts, the footstalks are green, slightly coloured 

 with purple streaks, have a short fracture, and admit of the 

 ready separation of the cuticle and cortex. It may be neces- 

 sary to add, that although the root of this species of rhubarb 

 be that which is employed medicinally, yet the footstalks have 

 less of the flavour of the medicine than those of any of the 

 other species. 



If the attention of market gardeners be directed to the cul- 

 tivation of this species of rhubarb, and the public thereby 

 abundantly supplied with it at a moderate price, I have no 

 hesitation in predicting that it will supersede every other ; and 



* Vide Me"m. de la Socie'te' Impenale des Nat. de Moscow, 1809, torn. ii. 

 p. 126. 



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