318 OX THE POTATO. 



accounts from the clergy in Scotland, nothing scarcely new 

 can be said on the subject. I need only remark, that this 

 exotic thrives as well in Europe as it does in America. In 

 this island particularly, it is quite at home, and there is 

 hardly a soil, but, with a little pains, may be made to produce 

 the potato. In dry seasons, when the crop of corn falls short, 

 the potato is most abundant *. The potato may be cultivat- 

 ed in every habitable part of the globe, but with various suc- 

 cess. The heat of the West Indies is too great for it, but 

 in Jamaica and other mountainous islands, where they have 

 all climates, I have seen the potato in great perfection. 



Use.-— On account of the potato being a species of Solan um 

 or Nightshade, there were many who were prejudiced against 

 it, alleging that it was narcotic. In Burgandy, we find the 

 culture and use of potatoes in food, interdicted as a poisonous 

 and mischievous root ; amongst other effects, it was accused of 

 occasioning leprosy and dysentery. Potatoes exposed to the 

 sun and weather for a few days, acquire a green colour, a 

 bitter taste, and a narcotic quality. In this state they are 

 not fit for eating. But there is not the smallest foundation 

 for the other allegations. Prejudice and ignorance have long 

 yielded to experience and truth, and ail mankind at this day 

 agree that there is no food more wholesome, more easily pro- 

 cured, or less expensive, than the potato. It constitutes the 

 chief article of food to vast numbers of people, and may be 

 converted to the support of all domestic animals and poultry, 

 whether raw, boiled, or roasted. 



Potato-Flour. — In the simple analysis of the potato, we 

 find it is composed of three distinct and essential principles, 1st, 

 A mucilaginous juice, which has no peculiar properties. 2dly, 

 A fibrous light and grey coloured matter, like that contained 



* Tliis is not generally the case. 



