New potatoes are less nutritious than older ones, and in cooking, if slightly underdone, are said to satisfy the appetite better; this being the reason why the laboring classes prefer them, as they say, "with a bone in them." In a hundred parts are found but two of nitrogen, eighteen of starch, three of sugar, two-tenths of fat, seven-tenths of saline matter, and seventy-five parts of water.

The _Sweet-potato_, _Yam_, and _Artichoke_ are all of the same character.

Other _Tubers_, the _Turnip_, _Beet_, _Carrot_, and _Parsnip_, are in ordinary use.

The turnip is nine-tenths water, but possesses some valuable qualities.

The beet, though also largely water, has also a good deal of sugar, and is excellent food.
Carrots and parsnips are much alike in composition.