Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/454

422] and continue to improve till January, when they are in the greatest perfection.

These fish grow to a considerable size, weighing sometimes 14lb.; but in such case their flesh is coarse, and not proper for the table: hence those of an inferior bulk are more esteemed when their weight does not exceed 2 or 3 pounds.  HAIL, a meteor, which is usually defined to be frozen rain; though it widely differs from the latter, as hail-stones are not composed of single pieces of ice, but of several small globules condensed together.

Hail is one of those phenomena, of which naturalists have in vain endeavoured to give a satisfactory explanation. As far as the limits of our knowledge extend, hail is a meteor, that is never productive of any good effect. Both and  invigorate the whole vegetable world; and the, by expanding the water contained in the earth, often pulverizes and renders the soil fertile; while the  shelters the more tender plants from being injured by severe frost. Neither of these purposes is effected by hail, which is indeed attended with contrary effects: for, during the winter, it does not lie sufficiently close to the ground, to preserve vegetables from the nipping frosts; and, during the spring and summer seasons, its cold temperature not only chills and blasts, but its weight greatly injures the more delicate plants; frequently laying whole corn-fields level. But, though we cannot discover any ostensible use of hail, it is certain that the Creator has formed nothing, that is not in gome degree subservient to the operations of Nature.  HAIR, small filaments, which issue from the pores of the skins of animals, and which serve them as a natural covering.

Hair is found on all parts of the human body, excepting on the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet; but it grows to the greatest length on the head and chin.—It is subject to few diseases; the only affection that can in this country be strictly considered as a disease, is ; for which we have pointed out the most proper remedies. Vol. i. p. 152.

Frequent cutting the hair is very beneficial to the ears, eyes, nay, to the whole body: and, if the head be washed or immersed daily in cold water, it will be found an excellent preventive of periodical head-achs.

Persons subject to defluxions of humours from the head, to weak eyes and similar complaints, will derive great benefit from shaving the head at certain intervals; as this is the most effectual mode of opening the pores and promoting perspiration. There is no danger of contracting cold from washing or exposing the head, after being rubbed dry, to the open air: and this futile objection should influence only the conduct of those who, from ignorance or prejudice, carry all their exhaled impurities on the surface of the skin, and especially on the head, for a succession of years. Thus, perhaps, arise many states of intellectual derangement, the source of which is seldom suspected. Besides, cleansing the head affords comfortable and pleasing sensations; and the more frequently the hair be cut, it will grow the more speedily; so that this simple expedient may, in some measure, serve as a substitute for a constant blister, or artificial issue.

There are, however, certain cases,