794 [Assembly 



that it may be profitable to our country. Von Thaer thinks, and so 

 do I, that we should have as good scholars in agriculture as in arms, 

 and that we could if we understood farming as we ought (as was said 

 ata distinguished dinner given not long since by Sir Robert Peel,) 

 have one hundred bushels of wheat from an acre, and bunches of 

 black Hamburg grapes weighing each five pounds. 



Christopher C. Pabor, of Harlem, presented a pumpkin, which he 

 said was called spice pumpkins, now two years old and perfectly 

 sound, so that on indention by the thumb nail it bled immediately. 

 Mr Pabor said it was supposed to keep seven years. It must remain 

 out of reach of frost perfectly undisturbed, and he now placed it in 

 care of the Club, that they may test its durability. He also presen- 

 ted two fine cream pumpkins of his last years crop, that the seeds 

 may be distributed. These pumpkins are of fine form and color, and 

 had not been seen by the greater number of members. 



The thanks of the Club were unanimously voted to r\Ir. Pabor for 

 these presents. 



James Knowlton, of Westchester, presented a basket of potatoes 

 of his last crop, vide his communication. 



Ossining, Westchester Co., March 4, 1848. 



Dear Sir; — According to promise I write to give you a history of 

 the potatoe called the early prolific, of v.hich I spoke to you, and ot 

 which I now send you a specimen. This potatoe was first brought 

 to this country from England by an Englishman whose name I have 

 forgotten, but it came into my poscssion about li years ago, and was 

 first planted by me in ray garden. I found it to be so good, early, 

 and prolific, that I planted what I had on hand in the field, and have 

 since raised or cultivated it as my principal crop. You will see by 

 the specimen, that they are a pure white outside, and in, and of the 

 kidned shape, dry and white when cooked, even when not half grown, 

 and have never been afflicted with the rot. This potatoe is not so 

 good for the table after mid-winter, owing to its great propensity to 

 grow, and must be overhauled once or twice during the winter to 

 keep off the sprouts. When planted they produce a strong and vig- 

 orous top and the potatoes in the hill are found in a heap or close 

 together, and it will yield when properly cultivated 100 barrels per 

 acre and perhaps more. I planted the last season about four acres 

 in one field which was a wheat stubble and which has been under 



