corn-fields, meadows, and gardens, chiefly near waters. It subsists on nuts, acorns, pease, and grain, which last it prefers to every other kind of food, collecting considerable quantities in its subterraneous residence.
As soon as the corn is ripe, the meadow-mice assemble together in corn-fields, where they commit great ravages, by cutting down the stalks of corn with their teeth, and robbing the ears; nay, they follow the reapers, consume all the fallen or neglected grain, and, when the gleanings are devoured, they flock to the newly sown fields, and destroy the crop of the succeeding year. Being very prolific, the females produce from eight to twelve at a litter, several times in the year. During the winter, they retire to woods, coppices, &c. where they subsist on acorns, hazle-nuts, and the seeds of trees.
In some seasons, the meadow-mice become so numerous, that they would consume every esculent, if they did not destroy each other. Hence, in unproductive years, their numbers are greatly diminished, not only by devouring their own species, but also by becoming the prey of the long-tailed Field-mice, of foxes, wild-cats, weasels, and especially of dogs.
MOUTH, in anatomy, a part of the face, comprehending the lips, gums, inside of the cheeks, palate, &c.
The mouths of different animals are admirably adapted to various uses, according to their size and nature; being well formed and calculated for the reception and mastication of food, the seizing of prey, &c. It would, however, be incompatible with our design, to enter into any details relative to the organization of this part; we shall, therefore, concisely state only a few of the diseases incident to the human mouth.
1. Affections of the Teeth, and Gums, which are discussed in their respective places.
2. Cancers, which see.
3. If the mouth be affected with excruciating pain, the internal application of opium will afford considerable relief. But, if any tumors or swellings arise, it will be advisable to apply externally cataplasms of marsh-mallow, and other emollient vegetables, or poultices of bread and milk. When the tumefied parts continue very painful, without suppurating, it will be proper to lance them, in order to reduce the swelling. The patient ought, at the same time, to avoid speaking; and to take no such food as is either of an acrid and stimulating nature, or requires any efforts of mastication. Hence, he ought to subsist principally on liquid, mucilaginous aliment; and his drink should be sweetened with honey, which in itself is one of the best balsamics.—See Gargle.
MOWING, the act of cutting down grass, &c. with the scythe.
This method of reaping has hitherto been practised chiefly on oats, clover, and the grasses; but there is no doubt that it may, with advantage, be extended to wheat, and every other kind of grain; for the following obvious reasons: 1. Mowing is much easier, and less fatiguing to the labourers, than reaping. 2. It is more expeditiously performed. 3. It requires a smaller number of hands. 4. It affords employment for children, aged men and women, who are almost past labour, in gathering the corn, and other lighter branches of the work.
