(as in the case of
market-gardens), they should be allowed to attain their full size. In
removing them, they should be pulled off close to the base, and not cut,
to prevent an unnecessary escape of sap, which, in all succulent plants,
flows more copiously from a clean cut than from one slightly lacerated
or torn. The footstalks should then be separated from the leaves, and
tied up in bundles of suitable size for market."--_M'Int._

Rhubarb is sometimes blanched. This may be effected without removing the
plants, by means of sea-kale pots, or by empty casks open at the top,
put over the crowns in March. It can, however, be more perfectly done by
taking up the roots, and placing them in some dark place, with a
temperature of 55 deg. or 60 deg.; where they should be slightly covered with
soil to prevent them from drying. When so treated, they are much more
tender, crisp, and delicate than when grown exposed to the sun and air:
but the quality is greatly impaired; the pulp, though somewhat acid,
being generally comparatively flavorless.

_Use._--As before remarked, it is cultivated for its leaf-stalks; which
are used early in the season, as a substitute for fruit, in pies, tarts,
and similar culinary preparations. When fully grown, the expressed juice
forms a tolerably palatable wine, though, with reference to health, of
doubtful properties. "As an article of commercial importance in the
vegetable markets, it is of very recent date. In 1810, Mr. Joseph
Myatts, of Deptford, England, long known for his successful culture of
this plant, sent his two sons to the borough-market with five bunches of
Rhubarb-stalks, of which they could sell but three." It is now disposed
of by the ton, and many acres in the vicinity of nearly all large towns
and cities are devoted exclusively to its cultivation.

_Varieties._--These are very numerous, as they are readily produced from
the seed; but the number really deserving of cultivation is
comparatively limited. Old kinds are constantly giving place to new,
either on account of superior earliness, size, productiveness, or
quality. The following are the prominent sorts cultivated:--

CAHOON.

Leaves remarkably large, often broader than long, and more rounded than
those of most varieties; stalk short and thick,--if well grown,
measuring from twelve to sixteen inches in length, and three inches or
more in diameter; skin thick, uniformly green.

Its remarkable size is its principal recomme