88 THE BOOK OF RARER VEGETABLES 
division just before growth is active in the early spring ; 
each portion of root detached from the plant should have 
a crown or bud and the roots should be placed below the 
surface, so that the crown is quite covered. One good 
sized plant will make a 
number of roots when 
carefully divided, and 
these should be made firm 
at the planting by tread- 
ing during the work, 
when the soil is in suit- 
able condition. No stalks 
should be taken the first 
year, and in dry weather 
supplies of food in the 
shape of liquid manure 
would be well repaid. 
In all gardens of any size 
it is advantageous to 
make new quarters every 
two or three years, and 
many growers force the 
older roots, but I find 
much better results will 
follow if two or three 
year old roots are forced ; the leaf-stalks, though 
less numerous, are much stronger, and that is a great 
gain. In planting, ample space should be given the 
plant, at least 3 feet between, and 4 feet between 
the rows, and in the late spring and early summer 
the seed stems must be cut as soon as they appear ; 
but some of the newer kinds, such as the Sutton 
Rhubarb, bear very little seed and this is an advantage. 
Few plants force more readily, and this usually com- 
mences in November and is continued up to the time 
the open ground crop is ready. The old plan of covering 
RhUBARB STALKS 
{Or.e-seventh natural size) 
