Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/512

484] France, where numbers are caught for the table, being there esteemed a great delicacy.

Red-breasts construct their nests either in some low bush near the ground, or in retired parts of old buildings. The female lays twice annually, from five to six dusky-white eggs, marked with reddish spots.

Insects are the favourite and general food of these birds: there are none of the feathered tribe more tame and useful than the Red-breast, which closely attends the gardener, when at work with the spade, with the view of obtaining worms: and, frequently in the winter season, enters houses, where the doors or windows are open, when it picks up the crumbs from the table, while the family are at dinner.  : See ; p. 76.  : See.  : See.  : See ; p. 59.  REDDLE,, or , a species of , found in various parts of Britain, particularly in the counties of Stafford and Derby.

This mineral is of a deep-red colour; and, on being handled, stains the fingers. It consists of clay and oxyd of iron; falls to powder in water; and, when heated in the fire, becomes black.

Reddle is used in the manufacture of colours; in the marking of sheep; and, we understand, has lately been employed in Staffordshire, with great advantage, as a manure.  REED, or Arundo, L. a genus of plants, comprising ten species; five being natives of Britain; of which the following are the principal, namely:

1. The arenaria (Calamagrostis arenaria of Dr. ) or Sea-Reed.—See.

2. The phragmites, or, grows in rivers, lakes, ditches, and fenny or marshy situations, to the height of seven or eight feet: it is perennial, and flowers in the month of July.—This species is employed for covering cottages and barns; for which purpose it is superior to every other indigenous vegetable, being incomparably more neat and durable. By previously soaking the reeds in strong alum-water, such a roof may be rendered . They are also manufactured into screens, for sheltering young plants from the cold winds; and may be usefully employed for cane-bottomed chairs. Farther, the Common Reed makes excellent  , and is generally nailed across the frame of wood-work, to serve as the foundation for plastered walls, pillars, &c.—From the dried roots of this plant, a very nutritive flour is easily obtained, which may be converted into wholesome and palatable . Its panicles are used, in Sweden, to impart a green colour to wool.

3. The epigeios, (calamagrostis epigeios of ) or, is perennial, grows in shady ditches, and moist situations, where it flowers in July.—This herb abounds particularly in the Isle of Ely, and is called by the inhabitants of the fens, Maiden-Hair:—it is manufactured into hassocks, or thick mats, for churches.

4. The calamagrostis (lanceolata of Dr. or, is likewise  rennial;