No. 105.] 351 



country, is dependent upon the potato, as being almost the only food 

 of the greater number of its inhabitants. Well might the Irish peasant 

 shed tears, as some of them are reported to have done, when, on lift- 

 ing their potatoes, the fatal marks of decay appeared. In Ireland the 

 potatoes must be saved, or famine of the most dreadful character would 

 inevitably ensue. 



The English government has accordingly directed its attention first 

 to Ireland, and has sent thither three commissioners, Doctors Lyon, 

 Play fair and Kane, as competent chemists, with Dr. Lindley as bota- 

 nist and physiologist. This commission has now been actively en- 

 gaged since the beginning of October. It has issued five reports, giv- 

 ing some of the results of its inquiries, and suggestions for the preser- 

 vation of the present crop. It is now engaged in the more strictly 

 scientific investigations, and has for some time been very quiet. 



But while active eflTorts are thus making in Ireland, other sections 

 of the country are not idle, and Scotland has the credit of the plan 

 which seems to me most likely to effect the desired end- This plan 

 originated with Prof. Johnston, and a few members of the Agricultural 

 Chemistry Association ; it was first brought before the public early in 

 October, at the annual meeting of the Highland Society at Dumfries, 

 and has since been entirely sustained by private subscription. 



It contemplates a more complete and extended investigation, than 

 any that has hitherto been attempted ; a conjunction of entomological, 

 botanical, meteorological and chemical science, with practical skill. 

 In order to carry out these views fully, each branch has been allotted 

 to a well qualified person, who is to devote himself to it as his particu- 

 lar field. Sir Wm. Jardine, Bart., of Applegarth, has been entrusted 

 with the entomological branch ; Dr. Greville, of Edinburgh, with the 

 botanical, Mr. D. Milne, of Milne Graden ; with the meteorological ; 

 Prof. Johnston and Mr. Fleming, of Barochan, with the chemical and 

 practical. 



All of these gentlemen are now actively engaged, and it is only by 

 such a combination, whereby light from every quarter is sought, that 

 we can ever hope to ascertain the cause of this mysterious disease. I 

 say that we can hope^ because I think with the promoters of this 

 scheme, that success is not absolutely certain. 



