328 PLAIN AND PLEASANT TALK 



4. Let trees winch are found to be in an injured condi 

 tion be marked and examined again as follows : 



(1.) At the breaking up of winter, to see if any change 

 of condition has taken place. 



(2.) At the breaking of the bud into leaf. 



(3.) At the full development of leaf and when the down 

 ward current of sap is begun. 



5. It is a matter of great importance to ascertain whether 

 the character of the season which follows such frost-injuries 

 as have befallen fruit-trees in this region, modifies the dis 

 ease. Some think that blight will follow without regard to 

 the ensuing season ; others suppose that a dry, and warm 

 season will very much prevent the mischief; but that a 

 moist and warm spring and summer, will give it a fatal 

 development. 



It is ardently to be hoped that accurate observations will 

 be made; and upon a large scale. We presume that it need 

 not be added that the exact truth of facts is the first step 

 toward any sound explanation ; and that our object should be 

 to find out facts, and then, afterward, to deduce principles. 



BOILING POTATOES. Not one housekeeper out of ten 

 knows how to boil potatoes properly. Here is an Irish 

 method, one of the best we know. Clean wash the potatoes 

 and leave the skin on ; then bring the water to a boil and 

 throw them in. As soon as boiled soft enough for a fork to 

 be easily thrust through them, dash some cold water into 

 the pot, let the potatoes remain two minutes, and then pour 

 off the water. This done, half remove the pot-lid, and let 

 the potatoes remain over a slow fire till the steam is evapo 

 rated ; then peel and set them on the table in an open dish. 

 Potatoes of a good kind thus cooked, will always be sweet, 

 dry and mealy. A covered dish is bad for potatoes, as it 

 keeps the steam in, and makes them soft and watery. 



