330 The American Naturalist. [April, 
1828. Decaisne and Naudin’” say it is grown in gardens, but 
is not as esteemed as is the Victoria rhubarb. In 1840 Buck's 
and Elford rhubarb are referred to as originating from this spe- 
cies. In 1882, a variety called Zartreum™ 
as new, and highly praised, is referred here. 
announced in France 
Rheum palmatum L. 
Its habitat ascribed to China neighboring to Tartary, it first 
reached Europe in 1763” or 17587” The footstalks are much 
smaller than those of other kinds, hence it is not in general cul- 
tivation.” It is yet rare in France, although this species is 
superior in quality, as it is quite tender.” 
Rheum compactum L, 
A native of Tartary and China, it became first known in Eu- 
rope in 1758. Inthe Bon Jardinier of 1882 it is said to be the 
species principally’ grown in France as a vegetable, but Vil- 
morin ™ refers his varieties to Rheum hybridum, but these it is to 
be remarked are English, 
Rheum hybridum L. 
This is the species to which our largest and finest varieties are 
usually referred. It is of uncertain origin. It is first noticed in 
England in 1773 or 1774,” but it did not come into use as a 
culinary plant until about 1827. In 1829 a footstalk was noted 
as sixteen inches long.” The Victoria rhubarb of our gardens 
is referred to this species. In 1877 a stalk was exhibited at’ 
119 Decaisne & Naudin. Man., IV., 190. 
12 Vegetable Substances, 1840, 205: 
1% Vilmorin, Les. PL Pot., 1883, 538. 
1% Miller's Dict., 1807. 
12 Rhind. Veg. King., 1857, 309. 
