Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/184

164] the soil will thus be improved for five years, in a manner equal to that obtained from the richest dung.—We confess our inexperience of the effects of this remarkable compost; but, as it has the sanction of a respectable authority, aind is not attended with any considerable essence (though the trouble of preparing it may, in this country, be a serious objection), we do not hesitate to recommend it to the attention of our practical agriculturists, whose skill and industry will doubtless enable them to overcome many obstacles.  MANUSCRIPT, signifies a book or paper written by hand, as opposed to those which are printed.

Having already pointed out, in the article, the most easy method of restoring written characters that are almost obliterated, we shall at present state a simple contrivance by which, we believe, manuscripts may be rendered legible, though the letters be totally effaced.—First, let the obliterated, paper be slightly moistened with a sponge dipt in cold water, after which some galls finely levigated, are to be sifted over the paper. When it is perfectly dry, the powder should be gently shaken off, or removed with a soft brush: thus part of it will adhere to the former outlines that still exist in the paper, and the letters will immediately re-appear.  MAPLE-TREE, or Acer, L. a genus of plants, comprising twenty species, of which the following are the principal, viz.

1. The campestris, or, which is a native of Britain, grows in thickets and hedges, and flowers in the month of June.—The wood of this species is much used by turners, being far superior to that of the beech. When it abounds with knots, it is greatly esteemed by joiners, for the purpose of inlaying. On account of its lightness, maple-wood is also frequently employed for musical instruments: being remarkably white, it was formerly converted into tables, and other articles of domestic furniture, particularly cups; which last may be turned so thin, as to transmit light. But, at present, this tree is principally planted for hedges, and for underwood; because it is of quick growth, and affords excellent fuel.—According to, a decoction of the bark of the common maple, imparts to wool, prepared in a solution of bismuth, a reddish-brown colour similar to that obtained from woad.

2. The Pseudo-platanus. See.

3. The Saccharinum, or, which is a large, beautiful exotic tree, frequently growing to the height of from 40 to 60 feet, and 2 feet in diameter. Its flowers appear early in the spring, and are succeeded by long winged seeds, which sometimes ripen in England. This species is cultivated to a very considerable extent in North America, for the sake of its vinous juice, which flows, on making incisions in the tree, for several weeks in the spring, and is by evaporation reduced to the consistence of a brownish saccharine substance, known under the name of Maple-sugar. Besides, the sap of this tree affords an excellent vinegar, and a very agreeable kind of melasses which Dr. thinks, may be converted into a wholesome summer-beer.—It is remarkable, that the juice exuding from this tree