Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/338

316] very high degree of perfection in this country, which may justly boast of the most intelligent and skilful orchardists. And, though we have not so great a number of scientific gardeners, or such extensive and systematic orchards to exhibit, as the Germans, French, and Dutch: yet the continual migration of industrious gardeners from the northern quarter of the island, toward the British metropolis, will ultimately be attended with the best effects. Thus, we may hope to see, in time, a greater number of regular private orchards established in England: and with a view to accelerate the fulfilment of this patriotic wish, we think it our duty to mention the title of the following practical and useful work, though we have not had an opportunity of examining its contents: "A Plan of an Orchard: exhibiting, at one view, a select quantity of Trees sufficient for planting an Acre and a Half of Land, properly arranged according to their usual size of growth and hardiness of bearing: in which is comprised, a Collection of the most esteemed Orchard Fruit, proper for the Table and the Kitchen, in regular succession throughout the season: shewing also, in a distinct Table, others nearly similar in quality, size, use, and time of maturity; with an Alphabetical List of above Eight Hundred Species and Varieties, such as are now cultivated in England; together with the different names by which they are generally known. By ." (Fol. 2s. Lond. Champante and Whitrow, 1796.)—The Monthly Reviewers observe, that "this is a pretty present to the young orchardist; and the alphabetical list of fruit-trees may be found useful to the more experienced. Difficulty will always be a spur to ingenuity:—gardening, therefore, is studied in Scotland, and orcharding in Norfolk."  ORCHIS, or Orchis, L. a genus of plants, comprising sixty-five species, nine of which are indigenous; and the most remarkable of these are:

1. The mascula,, or , growing in meadows and pastures; flowering in the month of May.—According to an account inserted in the 59th vol. of the "Philosophical Transactions," Mr. maintains, that from the roots of this species is prepared the celebrated Salep-powder, which has been highly recommended in cases of, bilious dysenteries, strangury, and disorders of the chest.—The roots should be gathered when the seed is formed, and the stalk is about to decay; for the new bulb (of which  is prepared) has then attained its full size. After separating the new roots from the stalk, washing them in water, and removing the exterior thin skin, they are placed on a tin plate in an oven, previously heated to the degree requisite for baking bread. Thus, in about ten minutes, they will acquire the transparency of horn, without being diminished in size: next, they should be spread out in another room, where they will dry and harden in a few days: or the same object may be effected in a very moderate heat, within a few hours.

2. The morio,, or , grows on moist meadows and pastures; flowers in May and June.—The roots are roundish; the stalk is