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XI. On some Modes of continuing a Supply of Young Pota- 

 toes, through the Year. By George Henry Noehden, 

 LL. D. F. L. S. $c. Vice-Secretary. 



Read February 3, 1818. 



A s the Potatoe, in its young state, is thought to be an object, 

 very desirable for the table, the most convenient methods 

 for obtaining it, in that condition, deserve to be noticed. 

 Every one knows, that it undergoes a change, in its quality, 

 and, consequently, in its taste, as it advances in age. When 

 old, most of the varieties become mealy : while, when young, 

 they generally have a closer grain, and approach to what is 

 called a waxy texture. It is under these circumstances that it 

 is often preferred, for the use of the table. It has, accordingly, 

 become a practice with gardeners, to force the plant, by 

 artificial means, at such periods, when common culture, in 

 the open ground, could not produce it. The usual way is 

 by hot-beds, on which it may be raised in winter, or early 

 in spring. This process is attended both with trouble and 

 expense, and is not within every body's reach ; for which 

 reason, any other mode, that would answer a similar pur- 

 pose, in a cheaper and more easy manner, might justly be 

 commended. 



The Potatoe, from the abundant nourishment, which the 

 flesh of the tuber affords to the embryo plant, has an ex- 

 traordinary disposition to vegetate; and it seems to be 



