Chinese Yam. 99 



•we may credit tlie statement be lias given to the public in a voluminous 

 pampblet, be bas succeeded in its cultivation ; but otber parties, dis- 

 interested, make quite a diflereut report, asseverating tbat tbe mucb- 

 lauded substitute for tbe potato will not form tubers in open cultivation, 

 and moreover scarce gives evidence of its presence above tbe soil. In 

 some instances it bas attained a growtb of ten or twelve incbes and tben 

 decayed. In EngL^nd, it will in all probabilitv bo consigned to tbe 

 greenbouse, Mr. Joiix Henderson's assertions to tbe contrary notwitb- 



standing. 



We are informed it bas been introduced into tbis country by an 

 enterprising nurseryman, wbo is at present experimenting witb it ia 

 order to determine its value in our more propitious climate. Of course, 

 a single season's experience is insufficient to form a definite conclusion 

 as to its merits. We bave seen tbe Chinese Yam growing in its native 

 localities ; its cultivation tbere is of tbe most simple character. It is an 

 enormous yielder, and forms tbe leading article of food among tbe poorer 

 class wbere it is indigenous. Tbe natives boil and peel, after wbicb it is 

 in a fit state for tbe table. During our sojourn in tbe tropics, we dis- 

 covered a better method than the ordinary manner of cooking : subsequent 

 to being boiled, we bad them grated finely, and then kneaded like bread, 

 seasoning with pepper, salt and butter, after which we put the consistent 

 mass into a shallow baking pan, wbicb was placed in a hot oven and 

 tbere let remain unil a tempting brown crust gave external indication 

 tbat tbe product of our cuisine skill was in condition for eating. Pre- 

 pared after tbis fashion, it became very respectable food ; but with, 

 simple boiling, without tbe addition of condiments, it is quite unsatis- 

 factory, being perfectly tasteless — indeed, we were unable to discover tbe 

 least peculiarity of flavor. We should imagine tbat for dyspeptics it 

 would prove invaluable, as it is a light food and of easy digestion, like 

 most products of tbe tropical latitudes, where stomachs are not arranged 

 to bold conflict witb " Welsh rabbits." 



We consider tbe Yam eminently wortby of trial in tbis country, and 

 would advise cultivators to experiment perseveringly. By this means, 

 new features may be disclosed wbicb at present are not transparent. 

 We give Mr. John Henderson's opinion, wbicb tbe reader will discover 

 is highly favorable : 



I. Tbat, in point of flavor and nutritive properties, it is equal to tbe 

 potato, and, in the opinion of Professor Decaisne, superior. 



II. That tbe quantity yielded is greater than that of tbe potato, whilst 

 its freedom from disease renders tbe crop more certain. 



