This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: AnnetteCode Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.ireland.may.general/8424.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: There had been several small famines in Ireland prior to 1846 . Caused by one type of potato, other types were OK so depending on what was planted when the blight came depended on having a useless crop. The amount of potato's eaten daily by a working irishman was like 5 lbs. perhaps that's a bit much but it was a pretty amazing amount. The seed potato's carrying the scourge came from America and was spread there, in Ireland, the UK and parts of Europe. The potato blight was already written about in 1830 in Wexford and parts of Wicklow. The famine was unnecessary due to the fact there was plenty of food being produced by Irish farmers but for the gentry to sent to the UK. Cattle, barley, corn etc. were sent to the UK even at the height of the famine. Annette Code Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.