Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/262

240&#93; 24o] MUG considerable quantity of essential oil, which is used, both extenvil- ly and internally, for destroymg worms. — If the leaves be put into sour beer, they speedily correft its acidity ; and, being excellent an- tiseptics, th y are often employed in forn-^ntations, to resist putrefac- tion. — According: to Withering, an infusion of these leaves is a good stomachic ; and, with the addition of fixed alkaline salts, proves a powerful diuretic in some dropsical cases. Their ashes pro- dace a purer alkali than most other vegetables. An infusionof the same herb, given to a suckling woman, renders her milk bitter; and, if the plant be eaten by sheep, it also imparts a bitterness to mutton.-— Although turkeys are fond of it (on the authority of Mr. Hol- lefear), yet it is not relished by horses and goats, while it is refus- e.d by cows and swine. — If the plant be macerated in boiling wa- ter, and repeatedly applied to a bruise, bywav of cataplasm, it will not only speedily remove the pain, but also prevent the swelling and discoloration of the part. — In dye- wg, a decoction of the Common Woi'rawood produces, with the ad- dition of alum, ike. various shades of yellow; and, if such liquor be applied to bedsteads, chests of drawers, and similar articles, it prevents the generation of vermin, •—The .smoke arising from the lighted bundles of this herb, expels bees from their hives, when honey is to be collected, without desti'oy- ing these useful inseiSls. 3. The^7//^ari5, CommonMus- woRT, or Southernwood, which grows on the borders of fields, ditch-banks, and on rubbish ; it ako llowers in August. —This tptjcies, pofisessing a mote agree!* MUL able flavour, is in some countries used as a culinary aromatic : a de- coction of it, is often taken by coun- try-people, for curing intermittent fevers. — The Chinese employ the fresh plant bruised, for healing wounds : and, according to Dr. Home, a dram of the leaves, dried and pulverized, if taken four times a day, has effeolually removed hysteric fits, after aether and asa- foetida had failed of procuring re- lief. — Dr. Anderson remarks, that sheep are very fond of the Common Mugwort, devouring it with great avidity, especially the roots; though, according to Lin- N.Eus, these animals, as well as swine, totally refuse it; and Irorses, cows, and goats do not relish it. MULBERRY-TREE, or Moras, L. a genus of exotics, comprising seven species, of which only the )iig7-a, or Common Mulbt^rry-tree, is cultivated in Britain, on account of its black fruit. It is propagated both by layers, and by cuttings, which last are preferable; because, when judi- ciously selefted, and properly ma- naged, they will speedily strike root. For this purpose, the cut- tings ought to be taken from shoots of the preceding year, with one joint of the two years' wood at the bottom, and to be set towards the end of March, in beds of rich light earth, which should be press- ed closely around them. If tliejr be placed beneath glasses, tlieir growth will be remarkably pro- moted ; but, if the young plants be exposed to tiie air, it will be necessary to shelter them from the- severit)^ of winter, with moss ; a precaution, which at the same time renders it unnecessary to water tliem frequently. — In thesucceed- ing spiing, tiiey should be- removed id