3 



■months. The roots grown here the past summer, when dug at the end 

 of October, were found to be in a vigorous state of growth. 



Notwithstanding the fact that this root, as has been already stated, may 

 be propagated with great rapidity, still the demands from all quarters, 

 on the first cultivators, have been so rapid and numerous, that it has 

 been found impossible to obtain any considerable supply for our country, 

 and but limited quantities will be attainable the present season. In fact 

 many years must elapse before even moderate supplies can be furnished 

 ; to the numerous countries which will strive to establish its culture. 



The manner of cultivation is extremely simple, and the same course can 



l'i)e pursued as with the Common and the Sweet Potato. It is said that 

 the Chinese cultivate it in hills, as we do Indian Corn, and plant but 



■one tuber or piece of root in each hill, and plough between the rows 

 twice during the summer, to keep them free of weeds. We doubt this 

 statement: — first, because the Chinese exercise the utmost economy in 

 the use of the soil ; and secondly, because the labor of that country is 



•generally manual. If cultivated in hills, we think that three or four 

 pieces should be planted in each ; but v:e would suggest the planting 



'them in double rows, and they will then need to be ploughed but one 

 way. We think, by adopting this course, a greater yield may be obtained 

 from an acre, and at less expense than otherwise. In several of the 

 Western States, where land is cheap and no manure required, and where 

 the soil is so easily tilled, it will probably be most advantageous to cul- 

 tivate them in single rows, as is usually done with the common Potato. 

 It will be seen that, by growing this root as a biennial crop, the labor 

 of annual planting, which is indispensable with the two other species 

 of Potato, is diminished one half. It seems also highly probable 

 that the seed tubers may be planted in Autumn, immediately after the 

 regular crop has been taken up, which would be an additional saving in 

 kbor. 



In the Chinese books it is stated to be a mountain plant, and especially 

 , hardy, its common appellation being " Arum of i/te moitntam." It is 

 generally cultivated in sandy soils and on terraced hill-sides, where little 

 f 1-e could be grown. 



Having had opportunities during the past Autumn, of testing the qual- 

 ity of the Discorea grown in this country, the following will serve as a 

 1 'ief description: 



Leaves opposite, triangular-cordate, deep green ; Flowers, dioecious, 

 (■ 'inposed of six petals, pale yellow, in clusters springing from the axils 

 of the leaves. The male plant only has been introduced to Europe and 

 America, and consequently no seeds can be yet produced. Root fifteen to 



