380 



CASSELL'S POPULAR GARDENING. 



donian, Maclean's Wonderful, TelegTaph, Stratagem, 

 John Bull Magnificent, Harrison's Glory, G. F. 

 Wilson, Dickson's Favourite, Victory, Duke of 

 Connaught, Robert Fenn, &c. For later crop : 

 Emperor of the Marrows, Maclean's Best of All, 

 Ne Plus Ultra, Sturdy, British Queen, Culverwell's 

 Giant Marrow, Omega, Prince of Wales, and 

 Yorkshire Gem. 



Rliubarb {Rheum Rhapontiewn.) French, Rhu- 

 harbe ; German, Rhabarber ; Italian, Rhubarbaro ; 

 Spanish, Rilibarbo. The common culinary Rhubarb 

 deserves notice here, even though its leaf -produce is 

 subject to somewhat different treatment to what other 

 vegetable comestibles of the garden are. As a perennial 

 plant, introduced originally from Asia, it is as hardy 

 as it is easily grown, and popular amongst all classes. 

 Many garden varieties, some of which are great 

 improvements on the original species above, exist. 

 All may be increased, either by seeds or division of 

 the roots, as every crown attached to old stools will 

 separate, and form independent plants readily when 

 separately planted. 



In forming new plantations it is most economical 

 to trench the ground two or three feet deejD, or to the 

 depth at which the subsoil is found. The more 

 manure, in reason,, then placed at the bottom of the 

 trench, and midway up it, so much the better, be- 

 cause it is not possible to make any additi ns 

 thereto during the existence of such plantations. The 

 plants, which may be possessed of two or three crowns 

 each, should be planted upon such newly -prepared 

 ground in rows three feet apart, and two feet dis- 

 tances apart in the rows. Care must be taken upon 

 trenched ground to somew^hat elevate the crowns at 

 the time of planting, else when the ground finally 

 settles down, they will be found to be too deep, which 

 is a drawback to continued success in the future. Not 

 only does this plant succeed better elevated somewhat 

 above the mean level of the surface ; but by being so 

 placed a better opportunity will, besides, be given, to 

 add manure abundantly, in the form of mulchings, to 

 the surfaces of the roots. Having planted such a 

 plantation, it will, aided by these latter mulchings, 

 last in full productiveness for years, the only further 

 laoour requisite in regard to it being an annual early 

 spring forking over of the surface-soil, and the need- 

 ful amount of hoeing to keep it free from weeds. 



Seeds maybe sown either in deep boxes filled with 

 rich soil, under glass protection, upon a slight hot- 

 bed, or upon a warm, sunny border out of doors. In 

 the two former cases the month of March should be 

 chosen, and the latter about the middle or end of 

 the month of April. So soon as the plants become 

 large enough, transplant from the two former on to a 

 rich nursery bed. Thin out the plants upon the 

 latter when large enough, transplanting such young 

 seedlings as are dr-awn in the operation. Grow the 

 young plants in these nursery beds until large enough, 

 then finally transplant into permanent plantations, as 

 before advised. The variety named " Paragon " is 

 one of the most prolific amongst late improvements. 

 The crowns are, however, so easily divided, that un- 

 less for new varieties, root division is the simplest 

 means of propagation. 



Hastening forward or forcing Rhubarb is ex- 

 ceedingly easy and simple. Any time after the 

 middle of the month of December proper forcing or 

 sea-kale pots are placed over each crown (large-sized 

 fiower-pots may be inverted over them), these aie 

 subsequently covered over with fresh manure in a 

 state of ferment. By ensuring that the heat rises to 

 80^ or 85'' Fahrenheit during the first week, graduallv 

 falling down to 58° or CO", growth will be caused 

 within, and a good crop of tender semi-blanched 

 leaves will result. By similar treatment dming the 

 months of February and March, using any kind of 

 straw, litter, or kindred covering in lieu of ferment- 

 ing materials, the natural supply will also be has- 

 tened a month or two. Roots may also be taken up 

 and potted, or placed into mould in a mushroom shed 

 or other warm place, which being well watered will 

 also give from two to three crops of leaves suitable, in 

 rapid succession. Established plantations are jirone 

 to run to seed somewhat about Midsirmmer. It is 

 very important that such stalks be removed immedi- 

 ately they make their appearance, else they rob the 

 base of much strength, which should repose in the 

 loots below' for future expenditure in needful rcot 

 form. It is an error to deprive plantations of their 

 leaves more than about three or four times in suc- 

 cession during any sjoring season, A good displ;;^' of 

 such should be permitted during the summer mcnth<, 

 to remain upon the plants for autumn ripening down, 

 whereby alone means of a good and abundant crop 

 in the spring following is assured. 



PRINTED BY CASSELL AND COMPANY, LIMITED, LA BELLE SADVAGE, LONDON, E.C. 



