Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/245

Rh  occurs most frequently in the months of May and July; namely, in the proportion of three to one, when compared with the months of April and September; but only in that of two to one, when contrasted with June and August. During the months of April and September, the number of thunder-storms is equal; and likewise in June and August. They arise generally with a south-wind; less frequently with a south-west; still more rarely with east and west; and scarcely ever with north, north-west, or north-east winds. It is also remarkable, that thunder-storms are the most violent, when proceeding from regions where they seldom occur; that they happen in the afternoon, or in the evening, more usually than in the morning; and are in mountainous districts more common than in a plain country.

When swallows pursue each other in flights, with a loud noise, early in the morning, it may be considered as an almost certain indication of an approaching thunder-storm: many persons, also, feel a peculiar heaviness and languor, previously to tempestuous weather; and, though such sensations subside only when the clouds break forth in torrents of fire or rain, yet we are inclined to ascribe these symptoms to some diseased action in the animal frame, or to a preternatural susceptibility of nervous impressions.—In short, if due attention were paid to the changes taking place among animals and plants, previously to the formation of thunder and lightning, we could, perhaps with the greatest precision, foretel their approach.

Lastly, to prevent unfortunate accidents during thunder-storms, we would seriously advise every person to keep at some distance from trees, and rather to expose himself to a shower. While in a room, it will be proper to avoid the fire-place, fire-irons, gilded mouldings, and all articles containing metallic ingredients.—See also.  THYME, or Thymus, L. genus of spicy plants, comprising 17 species, of which the following are the principal, namely:

1. The serpyllum,, or , an indigenous perennial, growing on heaths and mountainous places, where it flowers in July and August.—This plant possesses a grateful aromatic odour, and a warm, pungent taste: its dried leaves, when infused in boiling water, serve as an agreeable substitute for : the essential oil obtained from this herb is so acrid, that farriers employ it as a caustic.—A little cotton wool moistened with it, and put into the hollow of an aching tooth, frequently mitigates the most excruciating pain.—Bees eagerly visit the aromatic leaves of wild thyme, which is likewise eaten by sheep and goats, but refused by hogs.—There is another variety of this species, cultivated in gardens, and called the Lemon-thyme, which has broader leaves, and a more pleasant flavour.

2. The Acinos,, or , grows on dry hills, in chalky and gravelly situations; flowering from June to August.—This odoriferous plant is much frequented by bees, which collect honey from its flowers.

3. The vulgaris, or, is originally a native of the southern parts of Europe, but is now generally cultivated in British gardens. It may be  gated