130 On the Use nf Steamed Potatoes 



fifteen years ago : they were boiled with their other food ; 

 but I was soon obHgcd to desist from it, the hounds being, 

 very violently purged and affected by it : from this trial I 

 was satisfied that the potatoe liquor contained a very poi- 

 sonous quality, which n)ust be highly pernicious. Indeed, 

 I have no doubt, if any animal was suffered to drink the 

 water which comes from the potatoe, it would be destroyt'd 

 by it. It is upon this account I adopted the leaden cistern 

 upon which the tub rests, and into which the steam is in- 

 troduced. Though I am satisfied there is a great loss of 

 steam by it, and an increased expenditure of fuel, yet to 

 keep clear of the potatoe liquor mixing with the potatoes, is 

 of the first importance. As a remcdv against the loss of 

 steam, I should advise to lengthen the slcam-pipe in the 

 cistern, so as to throw the steam to the centre of the tub, 

 and to have a hole cut, and covered witli a leaden cap, with 

 hole's for the steam to pass throuoh ; by which means the 

 condensation will fall by the sides of the tub, and much 

 steam be saved. The potatoes are made much drier bv 

 suffering them to stand a few minutes in the tub after the 

 steam is taken from theui. 



I had so little assistance from any thing previously done 

 in steamina;, that the first season it retjuiied five men to do 

 the work which one man can now accomplish with ease. 

 It took two persons to wash them, which they did in a 

 verv incomplete manner; two to steam and bruise, and 

 one man and a horse to furnish water. The washer will be 

 found to answer the purpose admirably well ; and w hen the 

 saving of water is an object, its value will be increased. 

 Several private families have adopted them ujion a small 

 scale, and found great convenience from it. I believe the 

 method I have adopted of mixing a portion of cut straw 

 (from a tenth to an eleventh part) is highly advantageous : 

 first, as it prevents the food passing too quicklv ; and, se^ 

 fondiv, as it keeps the mouths of tlic horses from being 

 clogcied with the potatoes. Should doubts still remain as 

 to the performance and health of the horses thus fed, I am 

 readv to afford unquestionable proof from the persons who 

 have the care of them, I shall always be ready to answer 

 r.nv questions, or to afford anv further information in mv 

 power. 



From what I have previouslv stated, the advantages t 

 have already reaped from tliis method will be apparent ; and 

 f cannot but sincerely wish, both for the advantage of th^ 

 public and individual'^, that through the medium of your 



nio.-;t 



