17. The Roccella. See Orchal.
It is remarkable, that the lichens, or mushrooms, cannot be propagated by seed; and that, with these fungous productions, there appears to commence a new and intermediate kingdom, partaking both of vegetable and animal nature: so that the generation of fungi seems to be involved in a process of fermentation, which suddenly assumes a vegetable form.
Lixive. See Pot-ash.
LIXIVIUM, or Ley, signifies a solution of salts or ashes in water, for the different purposes of bleaching, washing, dyeing, &c.—Having, in the progress of this work, frequently employed the term lixivium, we shall in this place only observe, that a ley may be made either of the vegetable or mineral alkali; that the latter is often found native in some parts of the earth, as well as universally combined with the waters of the ocean; but that the former is uniformly obtained from the ashes of burnt vegetables. Hence a lixivium may be prepared even from straw reduced to ashes, if more substantial plants cannot be procured on the spur of the occasion.
LIZARD, or Lacerta, a genus of amphibious animals, consisting of several species; the most remarkable ot which is the Agilis, or Common Green Lizard, a native of Britain. It is extremely nimble; of a green colour; and, though perfectly harmless, its form inspires general disgust.—During the heat of summer, this animal delights to bask on the sides of dry banks, or beneath aged trees; but, as soon as it is noticed, it immediately retreats to its hole.—The food of lizards consists of insects, and they are themselves devoured by birds of prey. But, notwithstanding their terrific appearance, these animals are of real service, especially in gardens; and ought by no means to be destroyed, merely to gratify an unnatural and cruel aversion.
Lizard-flower. See Satyrion.
LOADING OF GOODS, the act of removing ponderous substances, such as timber, corn, or other merchandize, to a cart or waggon.
As various accidents happen by the removal of heavy goods, especially on wharfs, and other crowded places, we shall communicate a contrivance which is eminently calculated both to facilitate labour, and to prevent misfortunes. In this respect, we are indebted to Mr. Geo. Davis, of Windsor, Berks, on whom the "Society for the Encouragement of Arts," &c. in 1797, conferred a premium of forty guineas, for his useful invention.
Description of the Plate representing Mr. Davis's "Portable Machine for loading and unloading goods."
A, the winch turning the bar B, on which are two endless screws, or worms, CC, that work in the toothed wheels DD. These wheels are fixed to the barrels EE, round which the ropes FF coil, wind up, or let out the same occasionally: the ropes pass over the pullies GG; are brought round; and their ends, being furnished with hooks for that purpose, are hitched into staples fixed to the front of the cart, or other carriage. Within these ropes, the load H is placed on a common pulley I, that forms an inclined plane, up which, by turning the winch, the ropes are wound upon the barrels; and thus the load is raised into the carriage.
KK, the frame, intended to shew
