CHAPTER XVIII. 



SWEET POTATOES., (Convolvulus Batatas.) MUS 

 TARD, (Sinapis nigra and alba.) HOPS, 

 (H umulus L up u I u s . ) 



532. The Sweet Potato, belongs to the order Convolvulacece, 

 the Convolvulus or Bindweed family, of which the common 

 Morning Glory of the gardens ( C. purpureus,) may be men 

 tioned as a type. The Yams of South America, and the medi 

 cine Jalap are also of the same genus. The Sweet Potato is 

 biennial, growing with a large, long shaped bulb at the root. 



533. As an agricultural plant, it may be considered as pro 

 perly belonging to warm climates, but can be cultivated pro 

 fitably, on suitable soils, as far north as Michigan. In JS ew 

 Jersey, large quantities are annually grown ; but in all the nor 

 thern States, the plant rapidly degenerates, and must be replac 

 ed by fresh bulbs from the South. In the southern States, this 

 plant takes the place of the common potato, and is used not 

 only for man s food, but for cattle, hogs, &c. It is there raised 

 with great ease, and returns from 200 or 300 to 1500 bushels 

 per acre, according to soil and climate. (Patent Office Reports, 

 1845, pp. 452, 4:53.) In this present article we shall confine 

 ourselves to its culture in the North. 



534. The only analysis of this root with which we are ac 

 quainted is one made in the West Indies, ( 0. Henry.) 

 Starch, - 133 

 Albumen, . 9 

 Sugar, - - 



Cellular matter, - - - - 68 



