There has been an outburst of literature in England on the subject of the introduction of the potato. A number of writers contend that none of the names connected with the histories had anything to do with it. One writer says, mildly :

" Possibly, though hardly probably, there were other return voyages of which we have no record. If we are to attempt to select a possible one at all, this of 1586 is the most likely. It may be a matter of no moment to decide what particular expedition brought the potato, but so many histories state Raleigh brought it from Virginia, it is perhaps well to make clear that this is inaccurate. All the various statements are made with an air of accuracy which is without foundation, and of authority to which they are not entitled. In the absence of proof we can but surmise".

No effort is yet made to show that no such a person as Sir Walter Raleigh ever existed, or to prove that the "reign of good Queen Bess" is wholly a myth.