392 
RED HYBRID RHUBARB. 
respect to its capability of prolific production, under proper manage¬ 
ment there will be no complaint, for I am persuaded it bears pulling 
better than any other variety; yet on account of its combined ex¬ 
cellencies of fragrant flavour, and rich inviting appearance, it is com¬ 
monly plucked too often and too closely. This plan necessarily 
causes the root to send forth feeble stalks, and as a remedy for this 
evil, I would recommend that no stalk be plucked off less than three- 
fourths of an inch in diameter. 
This Rhubarb has a tendency to produce flower stems, particularly 
where plantations are not renewed every three or four years, a regu¬ 
lation which is very necessary when perfection of growth is the aim 
of the cultivator. Those flower-stems should be cut clean away, on 
their first appearance, for they are a draw-back on the perfection of 
the plant, and are neither ornamental nor useful, inasmuch as they 
never perfect seed, unless inoculated by the farina of other varieties 
which may happen to be growing contiguous to them; and even in 
that case, the seed invariably produces a bastard and inferior variety. 
Attempts have been made to raise seed from this hybrid, for a dozen 
years in succession, but always without success; and I am convinced 
it will never produce generative seed, except through the medium of 
inoculation. 
One peculiar characteristic of Watson’s hybrid, is the production 
of two separate and distinct crops in one year, from the same root. 
It may be plucked from the beginning of April to the latter end of 
May, when the principal part of the remaining stalks suddenly be¬ 
come spongy, the leaves fade, fall to the ground and perish, return¬ 
ing their nutritious juices to the parent root, the vegetative functions 
of which then become dormant for two or three weeks, but after¬ 
wards, with renewed vigour, push forth an abundance of leaves and 
stalks. These of course are unaccompanied by flower-stems, and 
may be reaped indefinitely through the summer, to be preserved 
with sugars for winter’s luxury, due regard being paid to the dimen¬ 
sions of the stalks as above directed. 
A plantation of this kind of Rhubarb is decidedly ornamental in a 
kitchen-garden; its growth is more vertical than other varieties ; its 
bright deep shaded undulating foliage, contrasted with the numerous 
showered stalks, altogether form an interesting embellishment; so 
that it is not merely desirable, but when once possessed, will be 
found an indispensable requisite. 
In preparing a plot of land lor a plantation, whether the natural 
soil be sand, loam, or limestone, it should, if admissible, be trenched 
at least two feet deep; and, in situations where peat earth can be 
