276 POTATOES. [PART n, 



CHAP. VII. 



POTATOES. 



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265. I HAVE made no experiments as to this 

 root, and I am now about to offer my opinions 

 as to the mode of cultivating it. But, so much 

 has been said and written against me on account 

 of my scouting the idea of this root being pro 

 per &s food for man, I will, out of respect for 

 public opinion, here state my reasons for think 

 ing that the Potatoe is a root, worse than use 

 less. 



266. When I published some articles upon 

 this subject, in England, 1 was attacked by the 

 Irish writers with as much fury as the New 

 foundlanders attack people who speak against 

 the Pope; and with a great deal less reason ; 

 for, to attack a system, which teaches people to 

 fill their bellies with fish for the good of their 

 souls, might appear to be dictated by malice 

 against the sellers of the fish ; whereas, my at 

 tack upon Potatoes, was no attack upon the 

 sons of St. Patrick, to whom, on the contrary, 

 I wished a better sort of diet to be afforded. 

 Nevertheless, I was told, in the Irish papers, 



