FOR PROFIT. 107 



CHAPTER XV. 



RHUBARB. 



This is grown to a great extent near London, and 

 is a paying crop. The land should be good, and the 

 soil deep. The black soil of market-garden grounds 

 near the Thames, and the sea and its effluents seem 

 to suit Rhubarb admirably. Now that it is used later 

 in the season for wine and for jam, its culture may 

 probably pay for extension. Early Rhubarb is to be 

 recommended (preference being given to that of a 

 good red colour), as when gooseberries make their 

 appearance the price falls. 



The forcing of Rhubarb for the London Markets is 

 a great industry in Middlesex and some of the 

 Northern towns. 



1. Daw's Champion —This is far the best and earliest, 

 and the stalks are of a rich colour, whether forced or 

 in the open ground. Highly recommended. 



2. Hawke's Champagne— A sturdy grower, starting 

 early ; of good flavour and rich colour. 



3. Johnstone's St. Martin's, or Linnoeus — Early, very 

 fine flavour. Not so acid as many, and worthy of 

 extensive cultivation. 



Paragon is also a good early. 



4. Victoria — A very strong growing kind, which 

 comes in well after the others, and where it is sold 

 by the ton, helps to make up weight. 



The crowns are planted about 4-ft. apart, the land 

 being previously heavily manured, and early in April 

 some light litter is scattered over each stool. 



