EHUBARB. 



255 



rhubarb, then growing in his grounds, as his family did not 

 like the plant. In consequence, I transplanted a dozen 

 roots in my garden. The leaves were too small to agree 

 with my notion of rhubarb ; but being winter, I supposed 

 it a different variety from the one I had before seen. In 

 the spring, when the plant sent up its leaves, it proved to 

 be nothing in the world but Patience Dock. The seed 

 sent for, came on in season from Mr. Buist, and was planted 

 early in March. It came up finely, and proved to be the 

 genuine rhubarb. It was planted on the north side of a 

 fence, in a rich, moist soil, and grew finely in the early 

 part of the summer, but died out entirely in J uly and Au- 

 gust, which it is apt to do without great care in shad- 

 ing in ordinary seasons. The next autumn I procured 

 from Mr. Buist half a dozen roots of his early and Myatt's 

 Victoria rhubarb, and after subdividing them, planted them 

 in a very deep, moist soil, on the north side of a fence. 

 They have grown vigorously the last summer, and we 

 were tempted to try them for a rhubarb tart, but did not 

 disturb them for fear of injuring the roots. The crowns, 

 now December, 1852, appear very healthy and filled with 

 good buds. I have but little doubt that in their present 

 situation the plants will do well. 



The soil best adapted for rhubarb is a light loam, rich 

 and moderately moist. It should be trenched two spades 

 deep. In this climate, it will scarcely endure the meridian 

 sun, but should be sheltered by fences and buildings ; not 

 by trees. It is difficult to raise the roots here from seed. 

 They can easier be imported. Set out thirty inches apart. 

 Cover them in the fall about two inches deep, with well- 

 rotted manure, which dig in the spring. Hoe them often, 

 and give a good watering occasionally in dry weather. 



Rhubarb, to be good, must be quickly grown. This 

 plant is forced at the north in a cask which is put over it 



