40 
D. M. FERRY & CO’S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 
RAPE. 
This plant is extensively grown in Europe and Canada for 
forage, especially for sheep, and for green manure, for which 
purpose there is perhaps no plant better adapted where a 
quick, rank growth is desired. 
Cu.LtTurE.—Prepare the ground as for turnips and sow in 
June or July, with a turnip drill, in rows two and one-half 
feet apart, at the rate of two and one-half pounds seed per 
acre. Or it may be sown broadcast at the rate of five pounds 
per acre. We handle only one variety of Rape for sowing, 
the Dwarf Essex, which is a biennial and is used in this 
country almost exclusively for pasture and green manure. 
Our stock can be relied on to be the true Dwarf Essex, 
and not an annual variety. 
RHUBARB, 
OR PIE PLANT. 
French, Rhubarbe. German, Rhabarber. 
Rhubarb, familiarly known as Pie Plant, or Wine Plant, is 
cultivated in gardens for its leaf stalks, which are used for 
pies and tarts. Immense quantities are now annually sold in 
all the large markets. No private gar- oe 
den should be without a bed of it. Z a 
RHuBaARB. Satsiry. 
CuLTURE.—Rhubarb succeeds best in deep, somewhat reten- 
tive soil. The richer its condition, and the deeper it is stirred 
the better. Sow in drills an inch deep, and thin out the plants 
to six inches apart. In the fall trench a piece of ground and 
manure it well; then transplant the young plants into it three 
feet apart each way. Cover with leaves or litter the first 
winter, and give a dressing of coarse manure every fall. 
The stalks should not be plucked till the third year, and the 
plant never allowed to exhaust itself by running to seed. 
Our seed is saved from selected plants of Linnzeus, Victoria, 
Giant and other improved sorts. Like the seeds of fruit trees, 
seed cannot be relied upon to reproduce the same variety. 
We have the roots for sale also. 
RICK, WILD. 
Zizania aquatica. 
An annual which sows itself in the fall, about the middle of 
September, lies dormant all winter, in spring commences to 
sprout as soon as the water gets warm, reaching the sur- 
face during the first half of June. It grows very rapidly in 
one to four feet of water, ripens late in August or early in 
September. It should be planted in the fall before ice forms, 
broadcast from,a boat, in two or three feet of water, having 
amud bottom. It has been successfully planted through the 
ice in winter and in the spring, but it succeeds best when 
planted in the fall. Asan attraction for wild fowl it cannot 
be equaled. In large ponds and lakes it purifies the water, 
affords a refuge for the small fry from the large fish, as well 
as furnishing the small fry plenty of food from the animal- 
culze upon its stalks; for planting in fish ponds it is especially 
desirable. It also does well along the shores of marshes, and 
makes a good hay. In the South two crops cau be cut, and 
all cattle are very fond of it. 
SALSIFY, 
OR VEGETABLE OYSTER. 
French, Salsijis. German, Hafer-Wurzel. 
The long, white, tapering root of Salsify resembles a small 
parsnip and when cooked isa good substitute for oysters 
aving a very Similar flavor. 
CuLTuRE.—It succeeds best in a light, well enriched soil, 
which should be stirred toa good depth. If itis necessary 
to use manure, it should be very fine and well rotted, for if it 
is fresh and coarse, the roots will grow irregular and ill shap- 
ed. Sow early and quite deep, and give the general culture 
recommended for the parsnip. The roots are perfectly hardy, 
and may remain out all winter, but should be dug early in 
the spring, as they deteriorate rapidly after growth com- 
mences. Store a quantity for winter use in a pit, or in a cel- 
Jar in damp earth or sand. 
LARGE WHITE.—The old sort; 
smooth; flesh white. 
MAMMOTH SANDWICH ISLAND.—This is in every 
way superior to the old sort, being larger, stronger growing, 
and less liable to branch. Invaluable to market gardeners. 
SPINAGE. 
French, Epinard. German, Spinat. 
The spinage is very hardy, extremely wholesome and palat— 
able, aud makes a delicious dish of greens, retaining its bright 
green color after cooking. 
roots medium size, 
Rounp Summer. 
CuLTURE.—Should be planted in very rich ground, the richer 
the better. Sow in drills one foot apart, and commence 
thinning out the plants when the leaves are an inch wide, 
and all should be cut before hot weather, or it will be tough 
and stringy. For early spring use the seed should be sown 
early in autumn. In the Northern States the plants will re- 
quire a slight protection of leaves or straw, but in the South- 
ern States no protection is necessary, and they will continue 
their growth most of the winter. 
=e 
Prickry Winter. 
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