stirred, and the remainder of the milk added. The Spanish white must next be crumbled in, or scattered on the surface of the fluid, which it gradually imbibes, and at length sinks; when the whole should be briskly agitated.
M. De Vaux observes, that the milk ought not to be sour; because, in such case, it would form with the lime a calcareous acetite, winch strongly attracts moisture. Either of the oils above-mentioned may be used; but, if white paint be required, that of caraways is preferable; as it is perfectly transparent.—In order to obtain a distemper or size-colour, the paint thus prepared may be tinged with levigated charcoal, yellow-ochre, &c. for painting with which, the most common oils may be used.
The quantity here prescribed is, farther, stated to be sufficient for the first coat of six toises, or from twenty-four to twenty-seven square English yards: it may be applied in the usual manner; and costs in Paris the sum of nine sols, or 412d. sterling.
Painting of the Face, is a prostitution of the human countenance, too absurd to be described.—See Cosmetics, and Washing.
Paintings. See Pictures.
PALATE, or the organ of taste, consists of that flesh which composes the roof, or the upper and inner part of the mouth. It has a similar structure with the gums, but a greater number of glands, situated in the posterior part near the Uvula (which see), and secreting a mucus that serves to lubricate the mouth and throat, as well as to facilitate deglutition, or the act of swallowing. These glands have a great number of apertures for the discharge of the secreted humour into the mouth: hence it will be understood that, if the stomach, or the glandular system, be in a disordered state, the palate likewise will become corrupted; and, that persons who continually stimulate their appetite with heating drugs, spices, liquors, &c. cannot expect to possess either a natural relish for plain and wholesome food, or a good digestion.—See Mastication.
For the cure of a vitiated palate, we cannot suggest a better remedy than temperance, and occasional abstinence. If, however, the mouth be affected with an unpleasant taste, especially in the morning, it generally originates from a foul or diseased stomach, which ought to be previously restored to its healthy state. As a palliative, or temporary remedy, we recommend frequent gargling and rinsing the whole mouth with infusions of aromatic herbs, or common tea slightly acidulated, or even toast and water; a practice equally conducive to health and cleanliness.—See also Teeth.
PALES, denote planks or pieces of larch, oak, or other hard wood, which are driven into the ground, and serve as a fence for parks, paddocks, gardens, and similar inclosures.
As pales are exposed to all the vicissitudes of the weather, in consequence of which they often rapidly decay, a proper method of rendering them more durable, is an object of importance to landed proprietors. With this view, the following varnish has been recommended:—Let any portion of tar be ground with as much Spanish brown, as it will bear without be-
coming