FAMINE FOODS. 



lib 



The following diagram from the Gardeners Chronicle shows in graphic form 

 the quantitative composition of the potato : — 



-^"PROTEIN 



CRUDE 

 FIBRE 



■o-j 



FAT 



The nutrient ratio of Dioscorea pentaphylla, it will be seen, is considerable, 

 and it becomes a question whether its cultivation should not be encouraged 

 for the benefit of the poorer classes. 



Pro. Goff, in that extremely interesting work of his, entitled " Principles 

 of Plant Culture," page 11, says, "In culture the intelligence and energy of 

 man produce a more favourable envii'onment for the species he desires to 

 rear ; hence domestic plants and animals attain higher development in certain 

 directions than their wild parents. The cultivated potato, for example, grows 

 larger, is more productive and is higher in food value than the wild potato." 



I would therefore invite the attention of the Director of Agriculture and 

 Collectors of Districts to the dietetic value of this yam, and suggest that its 

 cultivation be encouraged as far as possible in the Bombay Presidency. The 

 introduction of this and other tubers into the Panch Mahals especially, for 

 example, would probably be followed by favourable results in the event of 

 another famine should one unfortunately occur there. 



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