Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/263

Rh consisting of eleven species, two of which are natives of this country, viz.

1. The maritimum, or, which is perennial, grows on the sea-shore, strikes its roots 20 feet deep into the soil, and flowers in the month of July or August.

2. The campestre, or, which is also perennial, grows chiefly near the sea-side, and likewise flowers in the month of July or August.

Both species possess the same properties; the leaves being somewhat sweet, and having an aromatic warmth or pungency. The sea-eryngo, however, is much stronger than the latter species.—The young, flowering shoots, when boiled, have the flavour of asparagus, and are an wholesome and nutritious summer food. The roots of the first species are principally directed for medical use: they possess no remarkable smell; but, when chewed, have a pleasing, and somewhat aromatic sweetness. considered this plant as one of the principal aperients, and he usually prescribed it as a diuretic and antiscorbutic: at present, however, the roots only are candied, and preserved as sweet-meats: those of the second species are thick, pulpy, sweet and nourishing, on which account the Germans boil and eat them as a culinary vegetable.—See.

In dyeing, these plants afford but an indifferent yellowish brown colour: hence they are, according to M., of Prague, more advantageously employed in that city for extracting , or mineral.  . See.  ESCHALLOT, or, Allium Ascalonicum, L. is a native of Palestine, whence it has been introduced into our kitchen gardens. It is raised from suckers, which are set about the end of February, in beds or furrows, at the distance of about three inches from each other. Towards the end of June, the stems are tied up; and, in the course of another month, the plants are pulled out of the earth; when they are exposed to the air to dry, ana afterwards preserved in some dry airy place.

The roots of the eschallot are very pungent; have a strong but pleasing smell, and are preferred to onions, as ingredients in highly-flavoured soups and gravies. They are also pickled, in which state considerable quantities are consumed in the East Indies.

This plant, when mixed with vinegar, rice, and honey, is said to be serviceable against the bite of a mad dog: we doubt, however, the efficacy and propriety of such an application. It is also recommended as an excellent cephalic, especially when inhaled through the nostrils; but its most beneficial properties are those of creating an appetite, and expelling foul air.  ESPALIERS, in horticulture, are rows of trees, planted in gardens or hedges, in such a manner as to inclose distinct lots of ground; hence they are trained up regularly to a lattice of wood-work, in a close hedge, for defending tender plants against the injuries of the wind and weather.

The trees chiefly planted for espaliers, are apples, pears, and plums. While they are young, it will be sufficient to drive a few stakes into the ground on both sides;