Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/515

Rh  and Observations, made with a view of Improving the Art of Composing and Applying Calcareous Cements, and of preparing Quick-Lime, &c. (8vo. 5s. Cadell, 1780); in which the matter is fully and ingeniously discussed. See.  CEPHALIC, generally signifies whatever relates to the head. Hence these remedies that are given for disorders of that part, are denominated cephalic medicines. Under this description are comprehended cordials, and whatever tends to promote a free circulation of the blood through the brain: thus cephalic snuff is taken with a view to remove pains in the head, by occasioning the patient to sneeze, and, in this manner, perhaps, giving vent to obstructions in the smaller vessels. Such is the imperfect theory of cephalic medicines; and, strictly speaking, we are possessed of no specific remedy for relieving a common head-ach, unless the cause from which it proceed, can be ascertained. Of the multiplicity of circumstances which may operate, to produce that complaint, and likewise of the most proper means of alleviating it, we shall endeavour to convince the reader, under the article.  Cerussa. See White.  . See.  CHAFER,, May-beetle, Jeffry Cock, or, in Norfolk, , the Scarabæus Melolontha, L. is an insect belonging to a genus, which comprises eighty-seven species. It has, like all the rest, a pair of cases to its wings, of a reddish, brown colour, sprinkled with a whitish dust, which is easily separated. The necks of these insects are, in some years, covered with a red plate; in others, with a black; but they are distinct varieties. Their fore legs are very short, and thus better calculated for burrowing in the ground, to which they instinctively retreat.

Chafers are well known by the buzzing noise they make, in the evening, when rising in the air; but particularly for the irreparable mischief they occasion to the industrious cultivator; having been found, in some seasons, so numerous, as to consume every vegetable production. These pernicious vermin are generated from eggs, which the females usually deposit, about six inches deep in the ground. Three months after, the inclosed insects begin to break the shells, and crawl forth, in the form of small grubs, or maggots, which feed upon the roots of whatever vegetables they meet with. In this worm state, they continue for more than three or four years, devouring the roots of every plant they approach, and burrowing under the ground with the utmost celerity for food. At length, they exceed a walnut in size, being large, white, thick maggots, with red heads, which are most frequently found in newly turned earth, and are much sought after by every species of birds. When largest, they are an inch and a half long, of a whitish, yellow colour, with bodies composed of twelve segments, or joints, on each side of which there are nine breathing holes, and three red feet. The head is larger in proportion to the body; of a reddish colour, with a forceps, or pincer before, and a semi-circular lip, with which they cut the roots of plants, and suck out their moisture. They have no eyes, but are furnished with two