branches, from the sides and end, which they insert in the middle of the bundle, where they can be of little service. Instead of continuing this wasteful method, such superfluous leaves and boughs ought to be scattered on the ground, which will, in consequence, be considerably ameliorated; for this kind of manure is particularly beneficial to bad and exhausted land, which may thus be converted into an excellent garden mould; and the growth of young trees will be remarkably promoted.
Fainting. See Swooning.
FAIR, a public place, where merchants, trades, and other persons, from remote parts, assemble on some fixed day in the year, to buy and sell commodities, and to partake of the diversions usually to be met with on such occasions.—See Market.
Fairs are of very ancient origin, and, though in former times, when the commercial intercourse of distant towns and countries was more difficult than it is at present, such establishments were useful, and perhaps necessary; yet, we are of opinion, that their gradual abolition would be attended with real benefit to the community.—Many scenes of idleness and profligacy might thus be obviated, and an additional number of valuable house and shop-keepers might be maintained in country towns and villages, in order to furnish the necessary commodities—instead of those unsettled dealers who spend one half of their time in travelling from fair to fair, and thus consume the profits of their trades, without materially contributing to support the burthens of society.
FALCON, a formidable bird of prey, of which there are two species, namely:
1. The Jer-Falcon, Falco Gyrfalco, L. which is but seldom found in Scotland and the Orkneys: next to the eagle, it is the most intrepid and voracious of the feathered tribe, and likewise the most valuable species for the purposes of falconry. The stork, the heron, and the crane, fall easy victims to its bold attacks; and it kills hares, by darting upon them in a direct line.—It is remarkable that in this, as in ail other birds of prey, the females are much larger and stronger than the males, which last are employed in falconry to catch only the smaller birds, such as the crow, the heron, and the kite.
2. The Gentil-falcon, which is less ferocious, and also rarely met with in Britain.
FALL, or the act of tumbling from an erect posture, or from a higher place, is sometimes attended with serious consequences; especially if it should be neglected in the beginning. Hence the necessity of examining the whole body, whether the fall has been productive of violent bruises, dislocations, or fractures; in which cases surgical aid should be immediately procured. But, if the person fallen, remain motionless, and in a swooning state; or in order to prevent him from fainting, it may be useful to administer a wine-glassful of sweet oil of olives, which will greatly tend to calm and compose the whole body.
After a fall from a precipice, or high place, it will perhaps be necessary to open a vein; but we cannot approve of that superstitious remedy, on this occasion, advised by the late Prof. Bradley; according to whom, the blood issuing
