A little thought will shew it could not be otherwise. The potato, eaten in the way it is, simply boiled, and as I have again and again pointed out, _without aught else with it but salt!_ and not even that sometimes, contains but little more than _two pounds weight_ of that description of nutriment (gluten, or animal matter) which is essential to uphold strength, in fact to re-create bone and muscle in the system, for every _hundred pounds weight_, the unfortunate being condemned to live upon it solely, is obliged to gorge himself with, in order to sustain his animal powers. The average quantity of potatoes an adult peasant labourer consumes in the day is about ten pounds--his meal being usually a quarter of a stone each at breakfast, dinner, and supper; thus he receives into his system every twenty-four hours, about 3 ounces of that which is essential to give him power to perform his functions of labour. In other words, he eats in that time but 3 ounces of the representative of _meat_. What would the railroad "Navvy" of England say--what the farm labourer--if either was doled out 3 ounces of beef or mutton per day to work upon? and if he seemed _listless_ and unenergetic, was then taunted with the name of "_indolent, reckless, good-for-naught_." Still, my unhappy countrymen have received this quantum of food, with submission for ages; and with it received those degrading appellations, as a fitting reward for their "_endurance_." Now, medical research has fully established that the quantum of animal matter, be it obtained from vegetable or else, actually necessary to be taken into the system merely to reproduce the bone and muscle worn away by the general labourer in his day's work, is 5 ounces! It cannot therefore be doubted, that the Irish labourer, _in Ireland_, is and has been deteriorated in physical capability, and consequently, mental energy, by want of proper nutrition. Such has been his position for ages; and my firm belief is, that his sufferings would not have been so long borne, but for the hope which has been, from time to time, kept alive in him. Alas, how delusively! In "Emancipation"--he was taught to see deliverance from his miseries--mayhap, remission of his rent. In "Repeal"--"plenty of work and plenty of money; and the cattle kept at home, and the pigs to be eaten by himself, in place of by _the Saxon_."