THE TURNIP. 181 



potatoes. Perhaps in no part of the world, unless 

 we should be obliged to except some parts of the 

 United States, is drunkenness more common or 

 more cheaply purchased than in the countries 

 named. The greater part of the brandy, as this 

 liquor is called, is made from potatoes ; and, when 

 they have been partiall) frozen, the quantity and 

 proof of the spirit is much nicreased. 



As potatoes are valuable in proportion to the farina 

 they contain, it may be remarked, that, in determin- 

 ing this point, reference must be had to the time of 

 examination, as it has been proved that the roots con- 

 tain nearly double the quantity in November that 

 they will when preserved until May. Germination 

 destroys the farina, as it does in wheat ; hence po- 

 tatoes sprouted, or wheat grown, are unfit for food. 

 In conclusion, we may remark, that Dr. Tissot ob- 

 jects to the use of potatoes as food for man ; not be- 

 cause they are unhealthy to the body, but because 

 they injure the faculties of the mind. He owns that 

 those who eat potatoes may grow tall and acquire 

 a large size, but doubts if a literary work of merit 

 has ever been produced by a potato-eater. 



CHAPTER XI. 



THE TURNIP. 



Valueof the Turnip.— Varieties.— Seed.— Soil and Preparation. 

 —Sowing. — Drills. — After-culture.— Good Crop. 



One of the most striking proofs of design shown 

 in the order of creation, and a most beautiful illus- 

 tration of the wisdom and beneficence of the Deity, 

 !S found in the fact that, as the population of the 



