192 Observations on forcing Garden Rhubarb. 



roots were selected for potting. These were planted in 

 common garden mould, in pots between twelve and fourteen 

 inches deep, and of ten inches diameter at top ; five or six 

 plants being put into each pot, according to the size of their 

 roots. After the whole were potted, they were placed behind 

 a wall on a north border, having been well watered to settle 

 the mould in the pots. They remained there without further 

 attention until they were wanted for forcing. They were 

 at various successive times placed on the shelves, and on the 

 floor of the Russian or Winter Forcing-house, which is used 

 for growing mushrooms, blanching salads, and other similar 

 purposes, the light being entirely excluded. They were 

 occasionally supplied with water. The temperature of the 

 house was generally maintained, by means of a fire flue and 

 the dung used in the house, at from 55 to 60 degrees of 

 Fahrenheit. The produce was from five to six leaves from 

 each root ; and in five weeks from the time the pots were 

 put into the house, the foot-stalks of the leaves became from 

 ten to fourteen inches long, and were fit for use. The first 

 were ready to gather early in January. 



For a comparison, an equal quantity of old roots was 

 placed in the house at the same time as some of the seed- 

 lings. The young roots proved far superior. When the 

 leaves on them were ready to cut, those of the old plants 

 were just appearing above ground ; which is to be accounted 

 for from their roots, owing to their large size, requiring" to 

 be cut to get them into the pots, and consequently becoming 

 injured. A great advantage derived from the use of seedling 

 plants is, that a quantity of them may be grown in a small 

 space with little trouble and cost. After being forced, the 



