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RHUBARB. 
RHUBARB. 
Rmubarbe, Rheum . 
Rhubarb is a genus of exotic plants, comprising seven 
species, of which the following are the principal : 
1. Rhaponticum, or Common Rhubarb, a native of Thrace 
and Syria, has long been cultivated in British gardens for 
the footsalks of the leaves, which are frequently used in pies 
and tarts. 
2. Rheum undulatum is also cultivated for the same use. 
3. The Pulmatum , or true Officinale Rhubarb, is a native 
of China and the East Indies, whence its culture has been 
introduced into Europe : it produces a thick, fleshy root, 
externally yellowish brown, but internally of a bright yellow 
colour, streaked with red veins. It grows to great perfection 
in Scotland, as far north as Perthshire, (lat. 56,) and in Eng- 
land, Turkey, and various other parts of Europe. When 
the importance of this root as a medicine is considered, it is 
a matter of astonishment that it has not been more generally 
introduced into the United States. 
The several kinds of Rhubarb may be propagated by off- 
sets taken from the roots early in the spring, or from seed 
sown late in autumn, or in March and April, in drills one 
inch deep and a foot apart. The indispensable points to the 
production of good roots of the Palmatum , are depth and 
richness of soil, which should be well pulverized before the 
plants are set out. Prepare beds of fine mould eighteen 
inches deep ; in these put in the plants from the seed-bed, 
ten or twelve inches apart ; this must be done when they 
have attained the height of four or five inches, and have 
thrown out as many leaves. 
The first season is the most critical, and much care is ne- 
cessary. If the weather be hot, the nursery must be shaded, 
and at all events frequently watered; for water, though 
hurtful to old plants, is now of the first importance. Wet 
weather is the most proper time in which to plant. The 
