Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/104

86] is hurtful, nay, sometimes fatal to horses.

There is another kind of lentil cultivated in this country, under the name of French Lentil, or Tills. It is in every respect a plant twice as large as the preceding, and is supposed to be a distinct species. It is raised from seeds, which are sown in March, in a soil that bore corn in the preceding year, and has been once ploughed. Manure is not absolutely necessary, though it will greatly increase the crop; which is said to be very copious, and may be mown several times in one season.

The stalks and foliage of this kind of lentil, furnish an agreeable and wholesome food to horses, sheep, and particularly to cows: while they considerably increase the quantity, and improve the quality of their milk. Its long and numerous pods ripen late in autumn, and produce a new species of pulse, which may be dressed in the same manner as the common lentils: in a fresh state, they may also be used as an excellent ingredient in soup; and, when dry, they are eagerly eaten by poultry. The dried herb, likewise, furnishes a good winter fodder for cattle; and, as this vegetable thrives on the poorest land, it deserves to be more generally cultivated.  LEOPARD's-BANE, or Doronicum, L. a genus of plants comprising seven species; the principal of which is the only indigenous one, termed Pardalianches, Great Leopard's-bane, or Wolf's-bane, growing on the banks of rivers, and in the Lowlands of Scotland: it produces yellow flowers in the months of May and June.

This plant delights in a moist soil, and a shady situation: its spreading roots multiply so rapidly, and the seeds, if carelessly scattered about the land, produce plants so abundantly, as very soon to become a most troublesome weed.

The roots of the leopard's-bane were formerly employed in medicine, as alexipharmics and purifiers of the blood; but, on account of their violent operation, have been justly exploded.  LEOPARD's-BANE, the, or Arnica montana, L. an exotic plant growing wild on the Alps, and on the high mountains of Germany.

This vegetable delights in a moist, shady situation: it may be propagated in autumn, when the stalks begin to decay, either by parting the roots, or by sowing the seeds, soon after they become ripe. It is a very hardy plant, and requires no other care than to be kept clear from weeds.

The German Leopard's-bane possesses an acrid, bitter taste; and, on bruising it, emits a pungent odour, which excites sneezing. Hence the country people, in some parts of Germany, employ it in, and smoke it as a substitute for.

Various medicinal properties are attributed to this vegetable: it has been chiefly recommended in paralytic affections, and in cases of gutta serena. For the removal of such disorders, an infusion is to be made, of from one to four drams of the flowers, in a pint of boiling water; and the liquor to be taken in divided doses, in the course of the day. Although the use of this remedy is frequently attended with no sensible operation, yet sometimes it produces vomiting, sweating, or a copious discharge of urine;