REPORT ON CROPS. 255 



REPORTS ON CROPS. 



Ill September, 1871, the Secretary issued a circular of in- 

 quiries upon the following crops, embracing their culture and 

 produce : Wheat, Rye, Oats, Barley, Buckwheat, Corn, Pota- 

 toes, Onions, Tobacco, Broom Corn, Beans, and Root Crops. 



These circulars were sent to every town in the State. The 

 importance of introducing new and better varieties,. and of 

 devising better modes of culture, should have secured more 

 full replies. Every one could tell something worth knowing 

 to his brother farmers about his crops, success or failure, and 

 should be free to communicate. 



From their miscellaneous character it has been found im- 

 possible to classify them, but they contain many valuable facts 

 and suggestions, and will repay careful study. 



Tlie Potato. 

 Alexander Hyde, Lee, Mass. 



The potato has grown within the last 200 years from noth- 

 ing to one of the leading crops of the civilized world. With the 

 exception of corn, — and some would also except tobacco — it 

 is the greatest contribution that the discovery of tbe western 

 hemisphere has made to the vegetable productions of the 

 earth. The potato is the most farinaceous of all the roots, 

 and makes the best substitute for bread. It holds the same 

 rank among esculent vegetables that water does among 

 drink ; it is universally agreeable. Some like turnips, a 

 few like cabbages, occasionally one can be found that will 

 eat an onion, but all like potatoes. Potato accompanies meat al- 

 most as much as the shadow follows the substance. Tlie al- 

 most universal acceptance of the potato, as an article of diet, 

 is due to its mild, agreeable flavor. We can occasionally 

 drink tea or coffee, or milk, not to say lager or anything 

 stronger, but for a steady drink commend us to cold water. 

 So for a steady vegetable commend us to the potato. 



One of the great recommendations of the potato is that it 

 can be cooked in such a variety of modes, the culinary art 



