Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/82

64&#93; 6 4 J COR continues to vegetate, and another fresh bark grows under the former, which likewise affords cork in the same period of time. In the Geritlemdn s Magazine 'for 1758, we met with the following curious contrivance of a corh-waiit- coat, for the purpose of preventing accidents bv drowning. It was in- vented by Mr. Dubourg, and is composed of four pieces of cork, two for the breasts, and two for the back, each being nearly of the same length and breadth as the quarters of a common waistcoat, without flaps ; the whole is cover- ed with coarse canvas, having two holes to put the arms through. — . There are spaces left between the two back pieces and each back and breast piece, that they may the more easily be adjusted to the body. Thus, the waistcoat is open only in the front, and may be fastened on the wearer with strings ; or, if it should be thought more secure, with buckles and leather straps. The weight of this cork-waist- coat does not exceed twelve ounces, And may be made at a very mode- rate expence. It is more simple in its form than any other contri- vance lor a similar purpose. Mr. Di'BouRo has made trial of its efficacy in the Thames, and found that it not only supported him on the water, but that even two men, with their utmost efforts, were not able to sink him. Hence it is eminent!)- calculated for mariners, passengers at sea in general, and likewise for all those who resort to bathing- places for the benefit of their health ; as the most timorous and delicate person may, with per- t '■•' -t safety, boldly venture wilh one of tl ese waistcoats into a rough sea See Bamboo-Habit. Theexpence of* providing a suffi- COR cient number of them for the Bri- tish navy, can be no objection to a nation so gratefully fond of a powerful marine establishment. — ; Those of our readers who are de- sirous of obtaining farther informa- tion on the subject of cork-waist- coats, we refer to a treatise writ- ten by Mr. J. Wilkinson, and en-, titled The Seaman's Preservation, or Safety in Shipwreck, printed in 1759, 8vo. Is. Od. Cork is applied to various uses, by different rations. The Egyp- tians made coffins of it, which be- ing lined with a resinous composi- tion, preserved dead bodies from corruption. The Spaniards burn it, to make that kind of light colour we call Spanish Men k, used bv painters: They also employ it to line stone walls ; an expedient which not only renders them much warmer, but also corrects their moisture in damp weather. In rhedicine, the bark, as well as the acorn of the cork-tree, are. reputed to be astringent, after be- ing burnt, reduced to powder, and used externally. But in Britain, the former is principally employed for stopping bottles and casks, and lining the inner soles of shoes and slippers. Cups made of cork are said to be of service to hecfical persons, when used as their com- mon drinking-vessels. CORN, in rural economy, the grains or seeds of plants, which are. separated from the ear, and used chiefly for making bread. There are several species of corn, such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet, and rice, maize, or Indian corn, &c. each of which will be mentioned in its alphabeti- cal order: we shall, ther fore, in this place, not enter into any par- ticulars relative to its culture, con- fining