PERENNIAL VEGETABLE PROJECTS 281 



1. What procedure is necessary to maintain the fertility of a rhu- 

 barb plantation ? W-VG:421. L:200. C:403. 



2. What is the composition of rhubarb? 



8. Forcing. — Rhubarb is forced on quite a large scale for 

 commercial purposes. It is a very simple proposition in a hotbed, 

 greenhouse, steam-heated frame, residence cellar, or wherever 

 some artificial heat can be provided. For several years, the 

 author has been forcing a few roots every year in coal ashes placed 

 about five feet from the hot water furnace, used to heat the 

 residence. 



Roots are dug in the fall and covered with leaves or other litter 

 until wanted for forcing. Then they are exposed to freezing 

 weather for a few days. About two inches of either hard or soft 

 coal ashes are placed on the cellar floor and the roots set on the 

 ashes as closely together as possible. Additional ashes are worked 

 into the spaces between the roots which are covered to the depth 

 of about two inches. The bed is then soaked with water. 

 After the leaf blades begin to appear, brown paper is placed over 

 the bed and more water is applied at intervals of ten days or two 

 weeks. In about thirty days the first cutting will be ready. When 

 forced in subdued light, the leaf blades are mere rudiments and the 

 stalks are a beautiful pink, exceedingly tender and of the best 

 quality. The skin is so tender that it is unnecessary to peel the 

 stalks. The stalks are harvested until the roots are exhausted, after 

 which they are thrown away. 



1. Would it pay you to force rhubarb ? 



2. Can you explain the principles involved in the forcing of rhu- 



barb? W-VF:191. 



