from a quick and all other weeds, in a better and more expeditious manner than is effected by manual labour; and Mr. Ogden is of opinion, that two men, with three horses and his implement, may perform as much work as forty men in the ordinary way, beside saving one fallowing season; an object of the utmost importance to the speculative farmer.
Family-Diet. See Diet, p. 135.
Family-Mill. See Mill.
FAN, a well know contrivance employed chiefly by females to raise wind; cool the air by agitating it, and defending their complexion.
This kind of toy was introduced into Britain from the East, where it is very generally used for shading the face from the sun, and guarding it against troublesome insects. Although the practice of fanning be sanctioned by fashion, it does not appear to be conducive to health, nor consistent with the operations of Nature; because the evaporation of perspirable matter on the human skin has a greater tendency to cool the body, than the incessant fanning, wiping, and rubbing of the face. Nevertheless, fans may be useful for affording protection against the rays of the sun, for which purpose, however, parasols will be more convenient.
Fan is also an implement of husbandry, employed for winnowing corn.—See Winnow.
FARCY, a disorder peculiar to horses, but which sometimes also affects oxen, and other cattle.
The farcy is infectious, and spreads among horses, in a manner similar to the distemper. It arises from vitiated blood, and is attended with eruptions of hard pustules, knots, or strings along the veins, and also wth ulcers; which are not easily cured.
This malady is generally occasioned by sudden changes of excessive heat and cold; it may also take place when the animal is galled by rusty spurs, snuffle-bits, &c; or after being bitten by an infected horse.
The method of cure prescribed for this disorder, is first to fire, that is, to perforate the ulcers or parts affected with hot irons; after which two drams of red precipitate finely ground, one ounce of Venice treacle, and as much Diapente powder (see Horse-medicines) as will be sufficient to incorporate those ingredients, are to be made up into a bolus, and given to the animal affected. Two handfuls of rue, four ounces of the roots of madder and sharp dock, together with two ounces of guaiacum, and an equal quantity of sassafras, are then to be boiled in four pints of stale beer, till they are reduced to three; when the infusion is to be strained off, and administered while lukewarm. The bolus and infusion are to be repeated two or three times in the week, during which period the animal should drink only warm water: and in the course of ten days, or a fortnight, he will in general be perfectly restored.
FARM, a small district of land, on which is erected a house, with other conveniencies; hired or taken on lease, or otherwise, for the purpose of cultivation.
Having already, in the course of this work, discussed various subjects of rural economy, we shall at present confine ourselves to experimental farms, as the articles neces-
