BALLINA CHRONICLE Ballina, Mayo, Ireland Wednesday, April 3, 1850 THE POTATO - Nothing like the absolute rage for potato sowing which now prevails throughout the South of Ireland has been remembered by that extraordinary being to whom reference is so often made - namely the oldest inhabitant. It seems to be a universal principle to sow as much land with the treacherous esculent as possible. We have heard of persons sowing five, and six, and eight and ten acres, who, in the most prosperous seasons, never sowed more than half an acre in any previous year. In Clare the breadth of land down is most extensive. In Tipperary it is equally so. In Waterford it is the same; while in Limerick the name of an enterprising gentleman has been mentioned to us who has already no less than twenty acres under potato seed, partly, for the purpose of raising pigs! Should the root come to a prosperous maturity, potatoes in good sooth will be as plenty as blackberries about the middle of July.-- Limerick Chronicle. EARLY MUSHROOMS - On Thursday and Friday last, in a field belonging to Mr. Peard Cooleabbey, a dish of remarkably fine mushrooms was picked. What renders the growth of these mushrooms singular is, that the grass had been closely eaten down by cattle.-- Cork Constitution. - The universal determination of the Irish people seems to be, that the potatoes must grow. They will listen to no intimations or premonitions to the contrary. Since the year 1845, so large a quantity of potatoes has not been planted in any one year as are already committed to the earth. It is a desperate venture, in every way to be deplored; for, be the immediate result what it may, it cannot come to good. Should the crop flourish, there is an end to the agricultural improvement of Ireland.--Mail. EARLY VEGETATION - In a garden belonging to Mr. William Ellis, at Carramote, some potato stalks may be seen shooting over the ground. This is very early, considering the severe weather experienced during the past fortnight. The potatoes were planted in the latter part of January. The same may be seen in Mr. Little's garden, at Iceland Cottage. NOVEL IMPORTATION - Some day last week a small hooker from Killybegs in the county of Donegal, put into the quay of Killala with a cargo of potatoes called "Rattlers." They were sold out in small quantities at 2s.4d. per cwt.; and a gentleman from that neighbourhood who purchased some of them describes them as the best of the sort he has ever seen. They were intended for this town, but owing to the severity of the weather, the vessel was unable to clear the bar. Cathy Joynt Labath Ireland Old News http://www.IrelandOldNews.com/