144 ARTICHOKE. 



JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE, C. 19. O. 1. Dh. 5 ft. (sea arti- 

 choke), has a potato-shaped root, produced by a species of the sun- 

 flower (helianthus tuberosum), growing wild in S. America, and often 

 found in our gardens. It is 8 or 10 feet high, with yellow flowers. 70 

 or 80 tons of the roots are grown on an acre, often times. They suc- 

 ceed in almost any soil, and once planted, they flourish in the same 

 soil without much attention. They are planted in March and in Oct., 

 and are preserved in sand during winter. The roots are eaten plainly 

 boiled, or served up with fricassee-sauce and in other ways. They 

 are said to be valuable for swine, and if ground, for horses. 



The Cardoon, C. cardunculus, is the foreign name of this plant. It 

 is much eaten in the S. of Europe, as a salad, pot-herb, and in stews. 

 It is a native of Candia, and is called the Cardoon artichoke. The 

 cardoon of France was introduced from thence into Canada, and called 

 the Canadian potato. This is a variety, and is now the Jerusalem 

 artichoke of our country. This name has been corrupted by the En- 

 glish from the Italian girassole to turn with the sun. It is a native of 

 Brazil, and is there baked in pies with marrow, dates, ginger, sack, 

 and raisins. The roots are mostly boiled in water till tender, then 

 peeled and stewed with butter and a little wine. They are planted 

 and raised like the potato on a light rich soil. If earthed and co- 

 vered in winter, the tender leaf stalks are fine as salads, for soups 

 and stews. 



It was introduced into England in 1167, where it was much culti- 

 vated and esteemed till potatoes came into use. Its name arises from 

 its similarity to the artichoke. It flowers in autumn, and bears our 

 severest winters. The root is composed of many tubers in clusters. 40 

 are often attached to one stem. If a small piece of tuber be left in 

 taking them up, a plant will spring up from it. The best roots are 

 obtained from cuttings of tubers, planted like potatoes (though earlier), 

 which they resemble. 7 acres will yield near 400 tons, or sufficient 

 to keep 100 swine for 6 months. Its chief recommendation is the 

 certainty of a crop; its not requiring manure, its flourishing upon any 

 soil, and being proof against winter weather. It has been found to 

 yield 640 bushels to the acre, while the same land yielded but 327 

 bushels of potatoes. It also withstands well the dryest weather. On 

 poor soil, it will produce at least 30 per cent, more than most esculent 

 roots. 



Leaves spiny, all wing-cleft, large, cottony beneath, upper ones 

 decurrent ; scales of calyx ovate ; stem thick, cottony, a little branch- 

 ed ; flowers blue, terminal. 



ARROW ROOT (fecula tuberis) maranta arundinacea, C.I. O.I. 

 Cannea sp. 7-20. Eh. 2 ft. This is an important plant on account of 

 the value of its root. Its properties resemble those of the potato. It 

 is a native of S. America, and much cultivated in gardens in the East 



