Garden Pea Potato 



unless the workmen are on the ground early. However, on this 

 delicate point, the ' early bird ' that carries a spade will have an 

 advantage, because the sparrow is really a late riser, and does not 

 begin business until other birds have had breakfast, and have 

 finished at least one musical performance. 



POTATO 



Solanum tuberosum 



THE POTATO has been designated the ' King of the Kitchen Garden,' 

 and perhaps we should so regard it. Of its importance it would be 

 idle to speak ; but we may be permitted to remark that in our opinion 

 the Potato is destined to a far higher position, not only in our daily 

 dietary, but in the useful and decorative arts, as well as in various 

 manufactures, than it has attained to as yet. The exceedingly simple 

 manner in which gum may be prepared from Potato starch, the cheap 

 rate at which a good substitute for arrowroot may be produced, and 

 the ready manufacture from the Potato, after the starch is removed 

 from it, of substantial imitations of horn and ivory, suggest that in 

 this root there is more wealth hidden than has hitherto been dreamt 

 of in our philosophy. As a farm and garden crop its value may at 

 any moment be influenced by such considerations, and it should 

 be added that the dietetic value of the Potato appears to be always 

 advancing. As a food it is properly associated with animal pro- 

 ducts of some kind or other, being in itself deficient of flesh-forming 

 constituents ; but in this proper association it appears capable of 

 superseding all other vegetable foods, bread alone excepted. We are 

 not about to recommend our readers to abstain from Asparagus, and 

 Peas, and Spinach, and regard Potatoes as a sufficient substitute for 

 such delicacies ; but it is well to remember that while this useful root 

 is, by virtue of its starchy compounds, an important article of food, 

 it has a direct tendency to promote health and that freshness of com- 

 plexion that appears to prevail most amongst well-fed people who 

 customarily use Potatoes. 



Early Potatoes are .produced in various ways, and by very 

 simple appliances. The Potato will not bear the slightest touch of 

 frost. It is a subtropical plant, and will endure considerable heat if 

 at the same time it can enjoy light, air, and sufficient moisture. In 

 some respects it may be likened to the Lettuce, for if crowded or 

 overheated, or subjected to sudden checks, it bolts in other words, 



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