Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Artichoke, the Jerusalem

ARTICHOKE, the Jerusalem, is a plant of the same genus as the sun-flower. It produces bulbs at its roots, has been long cultivated in gardens, as an esculent vegetable, and, except that it is watery and of a softer consistence, in many respects resembles the potatoe, but is not in such general esteem. This root, however, is much valued for feeding hogs and store-pigs. Mr. Peters, the author of "Winter Riches," published in the year 1772, asserts, that from one acre of ground, he obtained between seventy and eighty tons of this root. He is of opinion, that seven acres will yield three hundred and ninety-six tons, which will keep one hundred swine for six months, allowing each head fifty-six pounds per day, at an advance of value from ten to fifteen shillings, especially if they be boiled with sweet hog-wash.

When these roots are given to horses, they should be washed, cut, and ground in an apple-mill: the proportion given at each time is eight pounds, with two ounces of salt, and a bite of hay, thrice daily.

Another celebrated cultivator found the produce of this root to be about four hundred and eighty bushels Winchester measure, per acre, without any dung. Its chief recommendations are, the certainty of a crop; its flourishing almost upon any soil; not requiring manure, and being proof against the severest frosts.—The culture is the same as that of potatoes.