By Joseph Sabine, Esq. 



257 



size which they probably might have done if they had been 

 formed earlier. 



They will however answer perfectly for the purpose of re- 

 production (or for seed, as it is technically called,) and they 

 are in sufficient plenty to be subjected to treatment similar 

 to a common crop of Potatoe. The result of another year's 

 experience is necessary to enable us fully to observe on the 

 merits and value of this new introduction ; but the following 

 changes already appear to have attended its subjection to 

 cultivation ; — the produce is most abundant, the tubers have 

 lost all the bitterness of flavour which is attributed to them 

 in the natural state, and their size is increased remarkably ; 

 from all which circumstances I am disposed to infer, that 

 the original cultivators of this vegetable did not exercise 

 either much art or patience in the production of their garden 

 Potatoes. 



The increased growth of the Potatoe, not only in these 

 kingdoms, but almost in every civilized part of the globe, has 

 so added to its importance, that any information respecting 

 it has become valuable ; the subject of this communication 

 may therefore not be without interest. With the exception 

 of wheat and rice, it is now certainly the vegetable most em- 

 ployed as the food of man ; and it is probable that the period 

 is at no great distance, when its extensive use will even place 

 it before those which have hitherto been considered the chief 

 staples of life. The effect, of the unlimited extent to which 

 its cultivation may be carried, on the human race, must be a 

 subject of deep interest to the political economist. The 

 extension of population, will be as unbounded as the pro- 

 duction of food, w hich is capable of being produced in very 



