Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/397

Rh so that it becomes corrupted and breaks out, discharging a noisome and ulcerating matter. The chief cause of the injury is owing to the neglect of milking, or sucking down in proper time; but it may also arise from too high feeling. Cows and sheep, when thus affected, may be secured; because these animals are tractable, and will suffer the diseased parts to be anointed with emollient applications; remaining quiet, while their teats are gently drawn down. Instances have occurred of cows, which were, even after they had lost half their bags, recovered by the simple methods above mentioned, especially by gently squeezing out the corrupted milk from the two sound teats. But sows can seldom be cured, on account of their intractability; and their pigs will never relieve them by sucking, after they have once tasted the vitiated milk: hence they necessarily perish, in consequence of their unlimited high feeding.  GARLIC, or Allium, L. a genus of plants comprising 54 species, seven of which are indigenous: of these, the following are the principal:

1. The oleraceum, Streaked Field-garlic, or Wild Garlic, which is perennial; grows in pastures, meadows, and among corn; and produces whitish-green blossoms in the month of July.—It is eaten by cows, goats, sheep, and hogs:—the tender leaves of this species are usually boiled in soups, or fried with other herbs, and form an wholesome article of food.

2. The ursinum, Broad-leaved Garlic, or Ramsons, which is also perennial; grows in woods, hedges, and meadows; and produces large white flowers, that blow in the month of May and June. This species is eaten by cows, but it communicates its flavour to the milk and butter, to such a degree as to render those articles offensive during the spring.—It affords an excellent remedy for dispelling rats and moles; nor will this plant suffer any vegetable set near it to thrive:—an infusion of it in brandy is esteemed, according to Mr., a good medicine for the gravel.—The inhabitants of Kamtchatka find it of great service in removing the scurvy, even in the most advanced stages.

3. The Schœnoprasum, Chive, or Chived Garlic, abounds in meadows and pastures; and flowers in the month of June. It is propagated by parting the roots, and was formerly in great request as an ingredient in salads, during the spring; but it has been latterly neglected: its taste, smell, &c. are milder than of the common onion.

Beside these species, which are but little cultivated, there is another, that deserves to be noticed, viz. the sativum, or Common Garlic. It is a native of Sicily, whence it has been introduced into our gardens.—This is a very hardy plant, and will thrive in almost every soil or situation. It is propagated either by the roots or seeds: the former ought to be set in autumn, so that they may strike firmly in the ground before the spring; which is requisite to make them flower vigorously the ensuing summer. When raised from seeds, it should be sown on a border of common earth, either in autumn, shortly after the seeds are ripe, or in the succeeding spring: they require only to be kept clear of weeds; and, in the following autumn, may be transplanted to the