POTATOE. 87 



become acquainted witli this valuable root. 

 So difficult is it to overcome prejudices in 

 ignorant minds ! 



Many persons were prejudiced against the 

 potatoe, on account of its being a species of 

 Solatium, or Nightshade, alleging it was nar- 

 cotic. In Burgundy, the culture or use of the 

 potatoe was interdicted, and it was deemed 

 a poisonous and mischievous root. Amongst 

 other evils, it was accused of occasioning the 

 leprosy and dysentery ! 



The potatoe first became an object of na- 

 tional importance in 1662-3, as appears by 

 the record of a meeting of the Royal Society 

 held March 18th in that year; when a 

 letter was read from Mr. Buckland, a Somer- 

 set gentleman, recommending the planting 

 of potatoes in all parts of the kingdom, to 

 prevent famine. This was referred to a com- 

 mittee, and, in consequence of their report, 

 Mr. Buckland had the thanks of the Society : 

 such members as had lands were intreated to 

 plant them ; and Mr. Evelyn was desired to 

 mention the proposals at the close of his 

 Sylva. Notwithstanding, it was not till within 

 the last twenty years that they were used as a 

 substitute for corn-bread in England ; when 

 the apprehension of a scarcity induced all 



