348 



This Vegetable, at least some of its varieties, have been 

 known from the earliest ages. The best varieties of our Gar- 

 den Pea originated in France and were introduced in the middle 

 of the 16th Century, to this country from thence. The Roun- 

 cival appears to be our oldest variety, 



BEAN. 15. 



This was a chief article of food among the Greeks and Ro- 

 mans. It has been long known in this country being mentioned 

 by some of our oldest Authors. Many varieties of course have 

 been introduced within the last two Centuries. We had the 

 Mazagan, from a Portugese settlement of that name on the 

 coast of Morocco. 



KIDNEY BEAN. 18. 



This is believed to have been a native of Turkey and other 

 parts of Eastern Europe. It is menlioned by Pliny. When 

 first introduced here I find no mention, but Henry Compton 

 Bishop of London, first made us accjuainted with several varie- 

 ties in the latter part of the 17th Century. 



POTATOES. 27. 



This most valuable of Roots was introduced from the colony 

 settled in America by Sir Walter Raleigh about the year 1586. 

 It is a native of the continent of South America. It was first 

 cultivated on Raleigh's Estate in Ireland ; but never came into 

 general use until the commencement of the present Century. 

 It was considered as a delicacy in the time of James the 1st, 

 for in 1619 a small quantity is mentioned as bought for the 

 Queen's use at one shilling per pound, They were recom- 

 mended in 1662 by the Royal Society to be more extensively 



