Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/31

11&#93; SAJ -4be.Cock's-head,.is iu the rqonth j6f Mc^rch} .the quantity 'of seed varies, from one to four, and even ,ei.^t"bushels per acre, broad-cast; flitough the most economical me- thtld is that of drillin<j it in rows f^o feet asunder; by which half a bilshel is sufficient to stock an acre. This vegetable is, however, occasionally sown together with .cldver^'or with barley, in the pro- portion of from one to three aiVshets per acre, to which 5 lbs. gf. trefoil are generally added ; as the latter prevents the growth of weeds, till the saintfoin has taken deep root. This species of clover is one of the most promising plants, which might be cultivated in, Britain ; and it is m.uch to be regretted, that its introdudlon should be almost totally neglected by so many te- nants or proprietors of poor, shal- low, and stony soils ; as' it will produce, on their worst lands, at least one ton of hay, together with a considerable after-growth for grazing cattle. Saintfoin, indeed, will yield abundant crops for ten or fifteen, years, at the expiration of which, it will afford an excel- lent pasture for sheep, during se- reral succeeding years ; and, if the soil be rich, it will produce two crops annually ; except, how- ever, in the first two or IJiree years, when the growth seldom exceeds one load, or half a crop per acre : but no cattle should be suffered to graze on it, for the first winter ; as their feet will injure it : nor should any sheep be fed on it during the second summer; be- cause they are apt to bite the crowns or tops of the roots, the growth of which would,. i^ug. be immediately checked. ' • '■ At the expiration of seven or SAL [«r eight years,, it will be proper tq manure the soil with dung; and, if it be sandy, with marie. Should the first season for mowing prove; wet, the saintfoin must be left fo^ seed ; it ought not, however, to be cut before it is in full bloom ;, as the quality of the hay woul^ thus be materially injured; but, if it be giv'en to cattle, while green, it will produce a second crop in the same year. Whether it be consumed in a fresh or dry state, it is equally useful for Ireding cat- tle, and is said to, fatten sheep more speedily than any other vege- table. It is farther beiieved to increase the quantity and improv^ the quality of milk in cows, thcj cream of which becomes not only richer, but the butter acquires, a better colour, and more delicious flavour. Lastly, saintfoin is an un- commonly strengthening proven- der for horses, which, when fed with it, require no oats. Sal-ammoniac. SeeAMMONiAC. SALAD, in general, signifies a, dish of raw or fresh esculent herbs, which are usually seasoned with salt, vinegar, oil, and mustard ; to these condiments are sometime^ added hard-boiled eggs, sugar, pepper, and other spices. TJie vegetables constituting the; principal part of Bfitish salads, are lettuces, endive, cresses, celery, radishes, &c. respecting the cul- ture and properties of which, the, reader will find an account in the progress of this work. To these may be added, purslane, corn-salad,, chervil, spinach, and other plants, which are known under the namp oi small herbs, and should always be cut, while in the seed-leaf^. . Salads are very wholesome, and contribute to purify the blood, as well as promote digestion,, provided ^ they