1. The Asphodelus luteus, L. or the common Yellow Asphodel, which, according to Lemery and Vicat, produces an esculent root, abounding in farinaceous particles, easily extracted in boiling water: this mealy decoction, passed through a sieve, mixed with barley or rye-flour, and then baked, affords a palatable and most nourishing bread. Its stalks also, though naturally acrid, may be deprived of that property by boiling, and converted to a similar use.—Another writer on economy, Prof. Beckmann, of Göttingen, informs us that, though this plant is a native of Sicily, it prospers, and abundantly propagates, in the open air of Germany. Its roots, by which it is produced, consist of long yellow knobs, so disposed that they all adhere to a larger one, serving as the basis of the whole. They are pulpy, mucilaginous, and balsamic; and a species of bread may likewise be prepared from their seeds.—Sestini also remarks, in continuation of the preceding facts, that the shoe-makers of Italy make of this root an excellent paste, for cementing the inner soles; and that it is preferable to the usual paste of those artisans, who consume considerable quantities of wheaten and other flour.
2. The Asphodelus ramosus, L. or Branching Asphodel, with naked stalks three feet high, and ensiform, cuneated, smooth leaves. It is a native of Germany, in many parts of which it grows in common meadows: its flowers are white, and of a stellated form. The pulpy root of this species was eaten by the ancients, with the addition of oil and salt; while its stalks, roasted under hot wood-ashes, afforded them, according to Bechstein, a most delicious repast.
Asplenium trichomanoides. See Maiden-Hair.
Asplenium scolopendrum. See Hart's-Tongue.
ASS, by naturalists, is classed as a species of horse, or Equus.
The tame, or domestic Ass, is an animal remarkable for his meekness, patience, and tranquillity. He submits with firmness to chastisement, is temperate in his food, and contents himself with the disagreeable herbage which other animals disdain to eat; but is more delicate with regard to his drink, never using water, unless it be perfectly pure. This animal is esteemed for his attachment, and, though generally used with severity and harshness, nay, often with cruelty, he is fond of his master, has a scent of him at a distance, and easily distinguishes him from other persons. Of all animals, the ass, perhaps, is capable of supporting the heaviest burthen, in proportion to his size: and, on account of his slow and regular pace, is particularly useful in journeying over uneven grounds, and mountainous countries.
The finest breed of asses was formerly met with in Egypt, but, at present, those reared in Spain are preferable. In the latter country, as well as in Italy, the inhabitants eat the flesh or asses with avidity. Their milk is of so thin a consistence, that it neither affords butter nor cheese, but is extremely agreeable to the tender stomachs of consumptive persons, and very wholesome for young children, when drank while warm from the animal; but it should be taken at least three or four times a day,
