Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/251

Rh longitude at sea. Various experiments have, by order of the British Government, been instituted with this design; but the most correct instrument, was that construded by the late Mr., and denominated a Time-keeper; for which the Commissioners of the Board of Longitude, in 1764, awarded him the sum of 10,000l., being one half of the premium which was promised by an act of parliament, passed in 1714, to the artist whose mechanical contrivance might be calculated to find the longitude at sea. Mr. H.'s admirable work did not vary more than 43″ of time in a voyage from England to Jamaica: it was afterwards improved; and a time-piece, constructed on his principles, was sent out with Capt., in 1772; which, during the space of three years, did not differ more than $14 1⁄2$ seconds per diem; the remaining sum of 10,000l. was consequently paid to the inventor. Our limits not permitting us to enter into the rationale of its mechanism, the reader is referred to the Principles of Mr. 's Time-Keeper, &c. (4to. 1767, 5s. Nourse), in which its construction, as well as its application, are fully stated, and illustrated with plates.

Another time-keeper for ascertaining the longitude, was invented, a few years since, by Mr., and which during a trial of 13 montlis differed only 6.69″ during any two days. Its greatest variation would not have exceeded one minute of longitude, which might thus be computed with the same accuracy as the latitude can be determined. We understand, however, that this contrivance has not been introduced into the Navy.  TIMOTHY-GRASS, or Phleum, L. a genus of plants, comprehending eight species, four being indigenous; of which the following are the principal, namely:

1. The nodosum, or, grows chiefly on the dry, hilly, pastures in the vicinity of Bath, and flowers in the month of June.—This species, in the opinion of Mr. , is well calculated for dairy-pastures; as it affords a large quantity of rich milk, and is eagerly eaten by cows. It is also relished by sheep and other cattle; though disliked by horses, where they find the meadow or fescue-grasses.

2. The pratense, or, thrives generally in moist pastures, and flowers in July, The culture of this grass has been strongly recommended by Mr. , in the 4th vol. of the Museum Rusticum et Commerciale. According to him, it is eaten by horses and cows, preferably to any other pasture-grass; though Dr. observes, that it is disliked by sheep, and is not relished by horses or cows: Mr., and the Rev. Mr. , likewise, remark, that the Common Timothy-grass is very coarse, of little value for cattle, and does not deserve to be cultivated in England. Notwithstanding such diversity of opinion, we appeal to the authority of, who expressly states, that Common Timothy-grass should be sown on lands, which have been newly drained; as it is very luxuriant, attains the height of 3 or 4 feet, and prospers in wet and marshy situations. Farther, we learn from, that its stalk grows to the height of 6 feet; that horses, and swine, are exceedingly partial to this grass; consequently, that it