LUTHER BURBANK 



Northwest, the roots of which are relished by the 

 Indians. 



One species in particular, called the epau 

 potato, is dug in great quantities in the fall and 

 stored for winter use. The roots are small, almost 

 like those of the Ranunculus (cowslip, etc.), and 

 are similar in form to the roots of the dahlia, 

 though much smaller. They have a sweet, aro- 

 matic, and pleasant flavor. In different localities 

 they vary a good deal in size and quality. There 

 are places where the plant grows almost like grass, 

 so that hardly a shovelful of dirt can be turned 

 over without exposing numerous roots. 



When brought under cultivation, the epau 

 potato appears susceptible to the influences of its 

 new surroundings. The roots increase greatly in 

 size and in succulence. 



I have gathered the seeds and roots of this 

 plant, and have from time to time had seeds sent 

 me from many localities, during the past fifteen 

 years. The best seeds came from Idaho. Plants 

 grown from seed sent from Idaho developed into 

 herbs four feet in height, producing roots three to 

 four times as large as most of the California Car- 

 urns, and seeding quite as abundantly. 



I have been able by selecting individual roots 

 to improve the species known as Carum gairdneri 

 quite rapidly. I have observed that when the 



[264] 



