14 THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



District, and several other districts in the Thompson River Valley. Around Arm- 

 strong the production of early potatoes on the uplands has been made a specialized 

 industry, while the river lands produce very large late crops. Other districts 

 producing potatoes of good quality are Vernon, Kelowna, Grand Forks District, 

 Lillooet, and Columbia Valley. 



In the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island there is much land capable of 

 producing large yields of good potatoes, and although the output is not very large 

 at the present time, the probabilities are that the industry will increase. Such 

 districts as Comox, Metchosin, Errington, and Sooke may in time become important 

 potato-producing centres. 



Fig. 6. A potato-field in the Ashcroft District (original). 

 USES OF THE POTATO. 



The potato may be used in several ways: 



(1.) As Human Food. The potato is a staple article of diet in almost every 

 household and it is considered a wholesome and nutritious food. The assumption 

 that potatoes are not a healthful, wholesome food because they contain a large 

 percentage of starch is not usually considered to be true. 



The chemical composition of a raw unpeeled potato is : Water, 78.3 per cent. ; 

 protein, 2.2 per cent.; carbohydrates, 17.6 per cent.; fat, 0.1 per cent; ash, 1.1 

 per cent. 



From this is will be noticed that potatoes are very high in carbohydrates 

 (starches, sugars, etc.) and low in protein (nitrogenous matter) ; therefore if eaten 

 alone would form an unbalanced ration. However, if eaten with meat and eggs, 

 etc., which are nitrogenous foods, a balanced ration is obtained, which is very 

 necessary to produce health and vigour. 



(2.) As a Source of Starch. The starch of the potato is used in large quantities 

 to make sizing for paper and textiles. 



(3.) As a Source of Alcohol. This industry, although unknown here, is carried 

 on to a large extent in Europe. 



(4.) Potato- flour. The production of potato-flour in some countries, but not in 

 Canada. 



(5.) As Feed for Stock. Potatoes, more especially the culls, may be fed 

 profitably to stock. (This, however, is discussed fully in another part of the 

 bulletin.) 



