AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 453 



rence, however, is found in potatoes, for the starch in them va- 

 ries from fourteen to twenty-seven per cent; and in small as well 

 as in large potatoes of the same kind. 



M. Decaisnes said that Dioscorea Batatas had yielded, immedi- 

 ately after being dug, from seventeen to eighteen per cent of 

 starch. He announced that the Marshal, minister of war, had 

 sent to him seeds of the plant gathered in Africa, and that per- 

 haps we may obtain from these new varieties of the plant, or at 

 least get some female plants! 



Mons. Guerin Menneville observed that the agents of M. de 

 Montigny had sent to him bulbilles of a variety of Dioscorea Ba- 

 tatas, and hoped that gentlemen would examine and try them 

 cai-efully. 



Messrs. Decaisnes and Remont remarked upon the singular pecu- 

 liarity in the culture of these plants, and that is, they hate dung ! 

 M. de Montigny says that the Chinese never use any in the cul- 

 ture of them — although they are great partisans for manures. 



As to the difficulty of getting the roots out of the ground, M. 

 Bourgeois thinks that as we raise out carrots with an appropriate 

 plow, we can make one to lift the Batatas. 



M. Remont announced that he meant to try the cultivation of 

 them in six of our departments, on a great scale. 



A premium of the first class was awarded to him for his Dios- 

 corea work. And the grand medal of honor to M. de Montigny, 

 for his introduction of it. Unanimously. 



Sessio7i of December 13, 1855. 



Messrs. Bossin and Louesse presented tubers raised from the 

 bulbilles, weighing 45 grammes. 



M. Decaisne presented tubers of the Dioscorea Batatas, and of 

 the Aroides direct from China. The first long, with both ends 

 truncated. This is sold in the Chinese markets in bundles as we 

 do salsify; the other roots resembles Arum, and are probably the 

 Colocasse. This has a turbinated (top-shape) form. A third one 

 is oblong and roundish, and appears to be a new variety which 

 the Chinese grow in their temperate places. 



Mr. William Lawton, from the special committee, presented the 

 following report, prepared by Mr. Geissenhainer, wliich was 

 read : 

 To the Farm.ers'' Club of the American Institute: 



The committee appointed at the last meeting of your Club to 

 examine Mr. Jean Blanc's patented " Improvement in Preparing 

 Vegetable Fibre," beg leave to submit the following report : 



