26o Foreign Varieties of the Potato. 



I presume that Mr. Sargent must have fine specimens of both these 

 pines in his grounds at Fishkill, on the Hudson. We sent him plants in 

 1857. I send you a small branch of each to show the differences of char- 

 acter to which I have alluded. 



FOREIGN VARIETIES OF THE POTATO. 



It is somewhat remarkable, that, of the great number of foreign varieties 

 of the potato which from time to time have been introduced into this coun- 

 try, so few have proved worthy of cultivation. That they are productive, 

 healthy, and of good quality, at home, there can be no question ; but that 

 they are unproductive, extremely liable to disease, and often unfit for the 

 table, when grown in this countr}', a long experience has proved to be 

 equally true. 



In a trial-growth made last season of many of the more recently-intro- 

 duced foreign sorts, in connection with some of the most approved Ameri- 

 can varieties, the difference in yield in favor of those of American origin 

 was most remarkable ; and we ought also to add, that a like difference in 

 favor of the latter was quite as observable when put upon our table. We 

 do not deny that a valuable variety may yet be received from abroad ; but, 

 judging from the past, it is plainly evident, \\\z.\. potatoes of American origin 

 are best suited to American soil. Passing through the markets of any of our 

 large cities, the varieties offered for sale will be found almost exclusively 

 those which originated in this country ] and this we must consider a decided 

 test of their superiority. 



Looking over the numerous list of foreign potatoes we have had on trial, 

 embracing many of the most esteemed and highly recommended, not one 

 can be found that would fill the place of the Mercer, Jackson White, Early 

 Goodrich, White Peachblow, Early Rose, or any one of the kinds now 

 approved and generally cultivated in the United States. 



For the vegetable garden, we are satisfied that selections from American 

 potatoes will prove the earliest, most productive, and the best ; and that, 

 in every desirable quality, they will prove greatly superior to any of the 

 introduced varieties for cultivation for market. Fearinsr Burr. 



