DWYER'S GUIDE. 87 



otherwise, necessary. As with the Asparagus, it is beneficial to slight- 

 ly ridge up the rows in the late fall, to make more perfect and rapid 

 drainage, to promote and increase the early growth of the plants in the 

 spring. An early southern exposure is, of course, the best situation for 

 the Rhubarb. Perhaps in no other crop is earliness of such primary ana 

 supreme importance as in the cultivation of this vegetable. Our mar- 

 kets will command surprisingly high prices for the early production- 

 prices that make it worth our while to endeavor to secure by the best 

 cultural methods. 



Fertilizers. — The ordinary stable manure is positively the best for 

 the Rhubarb. It should be applied in the late fall, using two or three 

 large forkfuls directly on top of each plant, and letting it remain there 

 during the winter, to serve the double purpose of protection and food 

 for the plants.' When this cannot be had wood ashes or other good 

 fertilizers can be used as a substitute. 



When Planting. — Set the roots so that the crowns will be three in- 

 ches below the grade surface of the ground. Strong two-year-old roots 

 are the best stock to start with; you can have a good crop of stalks from 

 these the following season. Rhubarb should be planted in the months 

 of IVIarch and April, the earlier the better for best results. We do not 

 advise Autumn planting of this vegetable. 



VARIETIES OF RHUBARB. 



Early Scarlet. — Smaller than Myatt's, but extremely early and very 

 highest quality. Perhaps the best extra early sort for home use. 



Myatt's Linnaeus. — This is the leading market variety, and is grown 

 extensively for that purpose. It is also desirable for the home use. It 

 is an early, tender variety, without being in the least tough or stringy, 

 with a mild sub-acid flavor. 



Queen. — Strong, vigorous grower, producing extra large stalks ot 

 finest quality, of a decided pink color. For canning or cooking in any 

 way its quality is unsurpassed. 



St. Martins. — A new English variety, now grown largely for the 

 London market. It is not only immensely productive, but it is also one 

 of the earliest and, above all, it has a rich, spicy flavor, very similar 

 to the gooseberry, when used for pies or tarts. At the present time this 

 is being planted quite largely here and is highly appreciated by those 

 who are acquainted with it. 



Victoria. — Leaves large, skin rather thick, more acid that the Myatt's, 

 but cultivated largely for market, where it brings good prices. The 

 plants are fine, "^'igorous, compact growers. 



