THE POTATO DISEASE : 



(TS Supposed causes and remedies, or some of them„ 



BY SAMUEL VAN WYCK, 

 Chairman of the committee on the subject, appointed by the National Convention of Farmers, &c. 



The Committee appointed by the National Convention of Farmers, 

 Gardeners and Silk Culturists, held during the 20th Annual Fair of 

 the American Institute, to investigate the Potato Disease, its sup- 

 posed causes and remedies, or some of them, 



REPORT: 



That they have given the subject some attention and think, 

 that it is unnecessary and useless to recapitulate much of the matter 

 that has accumulated in relation to it for years, both here and in 

 Europe. That the important facts touching it have been taken hold 

 of by men the most eminent for science generally in the world, and 

 ingenious and plausible theories formed, as to the causes of the dis- 

 ease, and the most efficient remedy for it. That enough has been 

 written, spoken and published, in relation to it, to form if collected 

 together a tolerable library, the sight of 4vhich would deter a great 

 majority of readers from approaching, much more to think of reading 

 and digesting the contents of its numerous volumes. The most im- 

 portant articles contained in these would be more likely to be read 

 individually in the different newspapers, pamphlets and periodicals, 

 in which they each originally appeared. 



All that has been written and published upon the subject, has no 

 doubt been with the best intentions, and a sincere desire to alleviate 

 suffering humanity, especially in the old world, where the disease 

 has been most severely felt. 



To pronounce any of the conclusions arrived at by these various 

 writers, even if they appeared so, absurd or ridiculous, would be 

 rather uncharitable; if noticing them at all we think it should only 



