The Sunflower. 157 



anthus Tuberosa — Jerusalem Artichoke, a plant that was 

 formerly much cultivated for the sake of its tubers, which were 

 formerly relished ; the supposition, however, having obtained 

 credence that these were very unhealthy, tending to produce 

 flatulency and dyspepsia, has almost sunk them in oblivion. 

 It should be understood that this is not the true Artichoke, which 

 is the fleshy receptacle of the Cynara Scolymus, and still pre- 

 serves its esculent reputation. Mr. Noble says : — The Artichoke 

 is but very little known as a farm crop as yet, and its properties 

 and uses are not understood or appreciated as they should be. 

 This root possesses a strong propensity to grow. It seems to 

 thrive on almost every kind of soil, and is less affected by the 

 seasons than any other crop with which I am acquainted, though 

 the better the soil, and the more favorable the season, the greater 

 will be the product of this as well as other crops. Of its ability 

 to stand late frosts and severe drought, I had the fullest proof the 

 past season. While all other crops in this section of the country 

 were nearly destroyed by these influences, my field of Artichokes 

 stood out in bold relief, as if in defiance of the worst weather 

 that could blow, grew on and produced a splendid crop. As a 

 root crop it possesses decided advantages over all others, in 

 being more certain, and costing less in its production ; while in 

 the point of value in nutriment I believe it is not inferior to 

 any. (The opinions of some learned men to the contrary not- 

 withstanding.) 



In addition to the value of the roots, the tops, when cut in sea- 

 son and rightly cured, furnish a large amount of fodder (say 

 from three to five tons per acre), which is much relished by 

 sheep, horses, and cattle ; and to these advantages, it does not 

 require planting after the first season, and the crop may be left 

 in the ground all winter, without any danger of injury from freez- 

 ing; on the contrary, the roots are benefited by the frosts of 

 winter. 



I have fed these roots to all kinds of stock, and they all seem 

 to relish them much. The two last seasons I have fed them to 

 my whole flock of sheep, and the effect evidently was to increase 

 the growth of wool, and cause the ewes to yield an abundance 

 of milk, as shown by the large fleeces, and the fine, thrifty, and 

 vigorous lambs. Previous to using Artichokes, I fed potatoes in 

 the same manner, but I give the former a decided preference. 



