520 



THE POTATO 



discovered, as- reporteth Clusia, since which time 

 I have received roots hereof from Virginia, other- 

 wise called Norembega, which grow and prosper 

 in my garden as in their own native country. 

 The leaves thrust forth of the ground in the begin- 

 ning of May; the floures bud forth in August, the 

 fruit is ripe in September. The Indians call this 

 plant pappas, meaning the roots; by which name 

 also the common potatoes are called in those 

 Indian countries. We have its proper name men- 

 tioned in the title "Potatoes of Virginia." Be- 

 cause it hath not only the shape and proportion of 

 potatoes but also the pleasant taste and vertues 

 of the same, we may call it in English, Potatoes 

 of America or Virginia.' " 



The potato is receiving greater attention to-day 

 than ever before in the history of the plant. In 

 the countries where it is most needed for food 

 there has been the greatest development at the 

 hands of man. Single tubers of new varieties 

 in England have sold for fabulous prices, and new, 

 improved sorts are jealously guarded by their 

 originators. 



Growers, Government and state experimenters, 

 and other scientific men — in all countries — are 

 now working for varieties that will produce the 

 greatest possible tonnage of the highest class prod- 

 uct, and for cultural methods best suited to ac- 

 complishing this. 



