to attacks of this dangerous disease, ought to avoid all crude, hard, viscid, and heating food, especially salted and pickled provisions. Unripe fruits are particularly injurious. As an effectual preventive, Dr. Buchan advises a large plaster of Burgundy-pitch to be worn for several years, between the shoulders: also, constant setons or issues; of which latter, however, we by no means approve.
CROUT, Sour Croute, or Kroute, a preparation of cabbage, originally invented by the Germans, who write it, Sauer Kraut. For this purpose, the soundest and most solid cabbages are selected, cut very small, put into a barrel in layers, about a hand high, over each of which is strewed a handful of salt and caraway seeds: in this manner, the layers are closely rammed down, one upon another, till the barrel is full, when a loose cover is put over it, and pressed down with a heavy weight. After standing for some time, the mass begins to ferment; and as soon as it subsides, the head is fitted into the barrel, which is then finally closed, and its contents preserved for use. After being once opened, the kraut must be carefully compressed with a loose cover, and fresh salt and water every time substituted for that which is become foul, floats on the top, and should be removed. As this preparation has been found of considerable efficacy as an antiscorbutic, in long sea-voyages, particularly those round the world, performed by the late Captain Cook, it deserves to be more generally known in this country: and though its flavour is far from being agreeable to those who taste it for the first time, yet we are convinced from experience, that it will soon be relished, even by delicate ladies, whose reason is superior to prejudice or custom. In so damp a climate as that of Britain, we could not recommend a more antiseptic and wholesome dish, especially if it be managed with care and attention to cleanliness.
CROW, the Common, or Carrion-crow, Corvus corone, L. a bird sufficiently known: it bears a strong resemblance to the raven, both in its nourishment aud other habitudes. The food of crows is carrion, or similar refuse, and also insects. They are sometimes very destructive in corn-fields, by devouring vast quantities of grain; and were formerly so numerous, and their devastations so great, as to be considered an object worthy of parliamentary redress. An act was, therefore, passed for their destruction, in the 24th of Henry VIII. by which every hamlet was enjoined to provide crow-nets for ten years, and all the inhabitants were obliged to convene and consult, at stated times during that period, concerning the proper means of exterminating these birds. The most successful method of destroying them appears to be the following: A kind of table is to be formed between the branches of a large pollard oak; on which may be laid carrion, or any other meat, prepared with pulverized nux vomica, a poisonous drug brought from the East Indies. By previously accustoming the crows to resort to the place and food, without any addition, they will be induced to take it readily when thus poisoned, and consequently be destroyed. But, though crows occasionally commit depredations in corn-fields, they also devour a multitude of locusts, catterpillars, and
