The Jerusalem Potato or Artichoke. 
581 
Sandy soils 
Soils of the best quality 
At Bechelbroiin (mean) 
Bechelbronn crops of 1839-40 
Tons. Cwt^. Qrs. lbs. 
4 3 3 6 
10 8 3 13 
10 16 0 8 
14 8 2 27" 
Note. 
In our present uncertainty with regard to the future yield of potatoes, 
it occurred to me as well as to Dr. Playfair that the Jerusalem artichoke 
might be worth the attention of farmers, at least as food for stock, being 
a common crop in Alsace. They are a kind of sunflower ; and sun- 
flower being in Italian Girasole, has been corrupted into the word 
Jerusalem, whence soup made with this vegetable is absurdly called 
Soupe a la Palestine. M. Boussingault further states that he gives his 
ground about 9 tons of dung every other year, for which he obtains 20 
tons of roots, or 10 tons each year. This is equal to a good average 
crop of common potatoes. The next question is as to the nutritive 
qualities of this root. In this respect M. Boussingault places it in the 
same rank with potatoes, not only on theoretical grounds, but also from 
direct experiment, in using them as food for horses, to whom they were 
given undressed with perfect success. They seem to be worth a trial 
for stock, but I think that when boiled they are too watery to take the 
place even of potatoes as food for man. — Ph. Pusey. 
XV. — Comparative Trial of Superphosphate and Guano. 
By R. D. Drewitt. 
To the Secretary. 
Dear Sir, — I forward the promised statement of the result of my ex- 
periments with guano, bones with sulphuric acid, &c., as regards their 
application for turnips. The whole process was carried out under my 
personal superintendence ; I can, therefore, speak very confidently as to 
the accuracy of the details. 
Yours truly, 
James Hudson, Esq. R. D. Drkwitt. 
Peppering, near Arundel, 
January 9th, 1846. 
Statembnt. 
