AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 317 



lengthwise circumference, twenty-one and one quarter inches, and 

 in girth fourteen inches and three-quarters, and weighs two pounds 

 and three-quarters. 



The Rev. 0. C. Wheeler, of Sacramento, California, by his 

 brother H. Hill Wheeler, of Hiland Terrace, New- York, exhibited 

 a pear of a different kind grown at or near Sacramento, which 

 measured nineteen inches in its length circumference, and fifteen 

 and a-half in girth, weight two pounds and one and a-half ounces. 



Messrs William R. Prince & Co., of Flushing, presented a dios- 

 corea batatas tuber for tasting. This tuber resembled a long 

 sweet potato, in color and shape, W'ith this difference that the neck, 

 it may be called, is quite tapering to its junction with its vine. It 

 is covered all over with what may be called eyes, these are slightly 

 protuberant, each haying a slender rootlet attached, probably this 

 tuber had on it ten times as many eyes as are found on our largest 

 common potato. It was boiled in about half the time required 

 for the potato, and was served up au nature!, no salt, no butter, or 

 anything else. The members all tasted it. Some few prejudiced 

 members compared the quality of it to poor potatoes, the majority 

 were disposed to think it good. It is as pure farina as exists. 

 Its product per acre is far greater than that of the potato. Its 

 growth being vertical, it is troublesome «to dig out. We recom- 

 mend the formation of ridges and planting the batatas on the top, 

 so that when mature they can be taken out as readily as celery; 

 and it is probable that in such ridges it will flourish more than 

 in the close level earth. 



This plant possesses one peculiar property highly to my taste ^ 

 that is, according to Chinese theory and practice, it detests all 

 sorts of manure ! This is a recommendation to our palates. 



Rev. Mr. White moved the continuance of the subject of 

 " Orchards " to next meeting. Carried. 



Prof. Mapes moved to add " Isomeric compounds for agricul- 

 tural purposes." Carried, 



The Secretary now remarked that the time of taking up the 

 fixed question of the day had arrived, and a considerable audience 

 being present, he hoped that some of them had something to offer 

 upon this very important subject. 



