Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/449

Rh. To expel the former, Dr. directs the ground to be strewed with soot. He also adds, that if the plants be whipped with the green boughs of alder, the latter will not touch them. With respect to caterpillars, it has been recommended as a certain remedy for the mischief they cause, that all the borders of the ground, where it is intended to plant cabbages, be sown with hemp; and, however the vicinity may be infested with those insects, the ground inclosed will be found to be perfectly free from them; no vermin will approach it. There is also another remedy prescribed, which, though somewhat more complex than that above-mentioned, has nevertheless been of considerable efficacy in exterminating those insects from cabbage plantations: For an acre of ground, two ounces of common asafœtida are directed to be taken and boiled in a small pot of dung-juice, till the whole is dissolved. This decoction is to be emptied into a shallow tub, with the addition of a pint or two of dung-liquor; and the whole, being well stirred with a stick, carried into the field for use. All the plants, previously to being set, are to be steeped in this decoction in the following manner: As many as can be clasped in both hands should be immersed in this composition, so as to moisten thoroughly every part of the plants; which, as soon as this operation is performed, are to be placed in heaps on the ground, and sprinkled with a little mould. Thus moistened, they are to be distributed to the planter, who must immediately set them in holes previously prepared, and, with a piece of wood for that purpose, press the earth against each plant. Such is the effect of this operation, that no game will touch these plants, but, on the contrary, will avoid them with the utmost abhorrence and precipitation. It must be observed at the same time, that no apprehension whatever need be entertained, lest the plant should contract any bad or unwholesome scent from this preparation, as the united effect of the sun and air will purify it in the course of time. The same intelligent correspondent, in the Gentleman's Magazine for 1763, mentions also another remedy, somewhat more simple in its composition, which, when sprinkled on the plants that are infected by insects, will soon destroy them, or compel them to retreat. He directs six dwts. of asafœtida, three of woad, a similar quantity of garlick, and bruised laurel-berries, to be infused in a pailful of dung-water. To this are to be added one handful of the leaves or tops of alder, and another of carline, white cameleon, or thistle-root. The whole of this is to digest for three days, and as many nights; and, when there is occasion to use it, on sprinkling the infected plants with a wisp ot rye-straw, it will eradicate those noxious insects.

Qualities. Every species of cabbage is generally considered as being hard, affording but little nourishment, and as tending to produce flatulency; but this supposition does not appear to be well founded. Different vegetables have, we know, different effects on various constitutions; and to this cause may be attributed the opinion, generally received, respecting the unwholesomeness of cabbages. They have a strong tendency to putrefaction, especially when frost-bitten; they become putrid much sooner than any Rh