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From the INTRODUCTION. My lecture here last year was devoted to the consideration of the conditions and the results of growth of the pre-eminently sugar-yielding root crops, and I have now to direct your attention to the conditions and the results of growth of the pre-eminently starch-yielding Potato. From the point of view of the vegetable physiologist the Potato is not a root, but a tuber; but from the point of view of the agriculturist it might well be classed as a root-crop. It does not fall within my scheme of illustration, to discuss at any length the history of the Potato as a European crop. It will suffice to say that it seems to have been introduced into this country from Virginia, just about three centuries ago; though it is probable that it had been introduced into Portugal, and thence into other continental countries, some years earlier. It is also outside of my plan to enter into a consideration of the comparative characters of the enormous number of varieties now cultivated; or of the differences in the treatment of the crop, according to soil, climate, and other local circumstances, My special object is to show the general requirements of the crop, both actually, and as compared with other crops, and the actual and comparative characters and composition of the product obtained. As in my lectures on other crops, I propose to draw my illustrations, mainly from the results of Field experiments on the growth of the Potato by different manures, for a number of years in succession on the same land, at Rothamsted, and from those of collateral investigations into the composition of the produce, made in the Rothamsted Laboratory. I shall, however, bring to my aid the results of other investigators, so far as the subject may require, and my limits as to time and space will permit.

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9781539938002

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