Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/244

214] of turf, till the whole is made level, in a similar manner, and the bank is raised to the height of four or more feet, at the same time increasing the width of the foundation, in proportion to the height. As the bank ascends, both sides must be made to slope internally, so that the top shall be about $2 1⁄2$ feet in width.

There is one caution necessary to be observed in constructing this kind of fence; that is, never to raise it during very dry seasons, because, if violent rains should follow, the earth contained between the sods would swell, burst out, and destroy the beauty and solidity of the bank. The top may be planted with quick, which, if repeatedly clipped, will grow very thick, and afford excellent shelter for cattle.  EARTH-NUT, a native plant of two species, namely, the Bunium bulbocastanum, or ; and the flexuosum, or, or Pig-nut. Both are perennial plants, growing in sandy or gravelly meadows, pastures, orchards, and woods: they flower in the month of May or June.

The roots of these plants are at present searched for only by hogs, which devour them with avidity; but as they are very little inferior to chesnuts, we think they might form an agreeable addition to our winter desserts, and be eaten either raw, boiled, or roasted.  EARTHQUAKE, is a sudden and violent concussion of the earth, which is generally attended with uncommon noise, both in the air and under ground; in consequence of which, whole cities are at once levelled, as well as rocks; the course of rivers is altered; and the most dreadful devastations are thus occasioned.

There is no phenomenon in nature, more calculated to impress the human mind with awe, than an earthquake; but it has not till lately been investigated with philosophical precision, and the history of these events still remains very incomplete.

Of the observations, which indefatigable naturalists have been able to collect, the following are the principal: 1. Where there are any volcanoes or burning mountains, earthquakes may naturally be expected to occur more frequently than in other countries. 2. Earthquakes are, in general, preceded by long droughts; but they do not always happen immediately after them. 3. They are likewise frequently indicated by certain electrical appearances in the atmosphere, namely, the aurora borealis, the falling of stars, &c. 4. A short time previous to the shock, the sea swells, with a loud noise; fountains are disturbed, and become muddy; and the irrational animals appear frightened, as if conscious of approaching calamity. 5. The air, at the time of the shock, is in general very calm and serene; but afterwards becomes dark and cloudy. 6. The concussion begins with a rumbling noise, similar to that of carriages: a rushing sound resembling the wind is sometimes heard; at others, explosions not unlike the firing of cannon; and the ground is agitated in different directions. A single shock seldom exceeds a minute in its duration; but frequent concussions succeed each other, at short intervals, for a considerable length of time. 7. During the shock, chasms are made in the earth,