PREFACE. 



WHEN a great Calamity, arising from some un- 

 known cause, comes over the human race, every 

 individual feels the deepest interest in ascertaining 

 the agent which has given rise to the mischief. 

 Hence I was led to inquire into the present potatoe 

 malady, but had no idea, in the first instance, that a 

 volume would have been written to record my 

 observations. 



The result of my inquiries might have been con- 

 veyed in a few words, had there been no other 

 observations published upon the subject. I have 

 now, however, been compelled to consider all the 

 assumed causes of this malady, which have been 

 already promulgated by scientific men. 



It is to be regretted that some of our most respect- 

 ed philosophers should have committed themselves 

 early in this matter. For now, I fear, in some cases, 

 they will not like to reconsider their opinion ; and 

 should this be the case, they must necessarily act 

 as opponents to all other rationalia of this lamented 

 malady. 



