56 ESCULENT ROOTS. 



Fluke Kidney. Plant vigorous, with luxuriant, deep-green 

 foliage ; continuing its growth till late, in the 

 season, or until destroyed by frost. The tuber is remark- 

 able for its singular shape, of a flattened oval, frequently 

 measuring eight or nine inches in length by nearly three 

 inches in width. The peel is thin, and remarkably free 

 from eyes ; the surface, smooth and even ; the flesh is dry, 

 mealy, and farinaceous, exceedingly well flavored, and, in 

 general excellence, surpassed by few, if any, of the late vari- 

 eties. It is also healthy, hardy, and very productive ; but is 

 much better towards spring than when used soon after being 

 harvested. 



The variety originated near Manchester, Eng., about the 

 year 1844 ; and appears to be a cross or hybrid between the 

 Lapstone Kidney and Pink-eye. 



In this country the variety has never reached the degree 

 of excellence it appears to have attained in England. With 

 us the yield has been small, and it has suffered greatly from 

 disease. The flesh is also yellow when cooked, and quite 

 strong flavored. Not recommended for cultivation. 



Forty-Fold. An English variety. Plant healthy, ripening 

 about the middle of September, rarely producing seed or blos- 

 soms ; tubers white, of medium size, round ; skin rough or 

 netted ; flesh white, comparatively dry, and well flavored. 

 It yields abundantly ; is a good kind for forcing ; and, though 

 the plants remain green until frost, the tubers attain a suitable 

 size for use quite early in the season. An English sort, 

 known as Taylor's Eorty-fold, is quite distinct, the tubers 

 being oval, much flattened, and of a reddish color. 



Garnet Chili. Plant of medium height, rather erect, sturdy 

 and branching ; flowers abundant, white or pale purple, showy, 

 and generally abortive ; tubers large, roundish or oblong, 



