446 Notice respecting several Vegetables, $c. 



the American expedition, through the Continent to the Pacific 

 Ocean, under Captains Lewis and Clarke. Both these 

 plants may very probably prove valuable acquisitions ; at all 

 events they are fit objects for the enquiry of the Society. 



8th. The Indian nations about Columbia river gather vast 

 quantities of large tubers from the roots of an aquatic plant, 

 which, according to the late Professor Barton, of Phila- 

 delphia, who had seen dried specimens of it brought by 

 Captain Lewis, is a species of Sagittaria. These tubers are 

 an important part of the diet of those tribes. You may see 

 in Osbeck's Voyage to China,* that similar tubers, from a 

 species of Sagittaria, grow in the watery places about Can- 

 ton, and if I well remember, are purposely cultivated, turn- 

 ing to profit those naturally unproductive places. Would 

 not this object be worthy the enquiry and attention of the 

 Society ? 



If perchance, indications of this nature, directed chiefly to 

 encrease the number of probably useful objects of cultiva- 

 tion, meet the indulgence of the Society ; I shall feel encou- 

 raged to continue this kind of communication. 



You are perfectly acquainted with my attachment to you, 

 and the sentiments with which I am, 



your constant friend, 



and obedient servant, 

 Joseph Correa de Serra. 



* Forster's translation, Vol. i. page 334. 



