d deposited in earthen
pots; when it is worked by the hand until it becomes consistent. It is
then formed in globular cakes, and laid in small earthen basins to be
further dried. After the opium is extracted from the capsule, the plant
is allowed to stand, and ripen its seeds.

"The seeds of the Poppy have nothing of the narcotic principle, and are
eaten by the people of the East as a nourishing and grateful food; and
they yield, by expression, an oil which is regarded as inferior only to
that of the olive."--_Law._

The expense of labor forms the principal objection to the cultivation of
the Poppy in the United States for its opium. As, however, the plants
succeed well, and can be easily and extensively grown in any section of
the country; and as the process of extraction, though minute, is yet
simple,--the employment of females or children might render its
production remunerative.

* * * * *

PALMATE-LEAVED RHUBARB. _Law._

Turkey Rhubarb. Rheum palmatum.

This species is readily distinguished by its deeply divided or palmate
leaves, and is generally considered as that from which the dried roots
chiefly used in medicine are obtained. Like the Pie Rhubarb, it requires
a deep, rich soil, which should be thoroughly stirred, and put in as
fine a state of cultivation as possible, before setting the plants.
These should be placed about three feet apart in each direction, and
kept free from weeds during the summer. They will not be ready for
taking up until five or six years old.

The roots are thick and succulent, with a brownish skin and
bright-yellow flesh, streaked or variegated with red. After being dug,
they are washed clean, cut in rather large pieces, and dried either by
the sun, or in kilns formed for the purpose; when they are ready for
use.

Rhubarb from Turkey and the neighboring countries is generally
preferred; but it is said its superiority, to a great degree, is
attributable to the manner in which it is dried and prepared for market.
It is propagated by seed, or by a division of the roots.

* * * * *

RUE.

Ruta graveolens.

Rue is a hardy, shrubby, nearly evergreen plant, and thrives best in
poor but dry and warm soil. It is propagated by seeds, or slips, and by
dividing the roots. The seeds are sown in April, and the roots may be
separated in spring or autumn. The plants should be set about eighteen
inches apart in each direction