INTRODUCTION 



AS I am fully convinced, that a great 

 population is the fureft indication of 

 the happinefs of a nation, and the moil cer- 

 tain prefage of its glory ; and as I alfo know, 

 that population cannot be advanced, or even 

 continued in its prefent ftate, but in thofe 

 countries in which the neceflaries of life are to 

 be obtained in plenty; I have thought it my 

 duty to make a root generally known, which, 

 in years of fcarcity, will afford to men an 

 healthful and agreeable food; which, when 

 forage is fcarce or dear, will furnifh cattle, 

 as well during the fummer as the winter, 

 with a cheap and abundant nourifhment ; 

 which, at all times, and in all countries, 

 may be certainly produced in great quanti- 

 ties and of which the cultivation is fimple, 

 and the crop gathered in with little trouble, 

 and which is eafily preferved, 



B The 



