tends to improve the earth; and, as weeds and other vegetable substances are thus reduced to a state of putretaction, it promotes the nourishment of the new roots. Lastly, ploughing removes too great humidity, by forming the land into ridges (which see), and contributes to the eradication of weeds; as it first causes their seeds to vegetate; and, afterwards tearing up the young plants, exposes their roots to the drought; in consequence of which, they are deprived of their vegetative power.
Ploughman's-Spikenard. See Flea-Bane.
PLOVER, the Common, or Charadrius Pluvialis, L. a well-known bird of passage, frequenting chiefly the Northern parts of Britain, particularly the Hebrides, where they sometimes appear in flights of many thousands.
Plovers delight to feed on ploughed land near the sea; they utter a shrill whistling noise, and may be easily enticed within gun-shot, by a skilful imitator of their note. In the spring, before they form an acquaintance with teal, and other shy birds, plovers are readily taken by nets. For this sport, the month of October is the most eligible; and, as all sea-fowl fly against the wind, advantage should be taken of this circumstance, in setting the net. Contrary to the nature of land-fowl, these birds never roost on trees or hedges, but sit on the ground, in a manner similar to ducks or geese; though, in stormy weather, they frequently retire to some sheltered situation.
The flesh of plover somewhat resembles, in flavour, that of widgeon, teal, and other wild-fowl, but it is milder, and consequently more nutritive.
PLUM-TREE, or Prunus, L. a genus of plants, comprising fifteen, but according to Bechstein, thirty species; five of which are reared in Britain, namely:
1. The Padus, or Bird-cherry; and,
2. The Cerasus, or Common Wild Cherry; see vol. i. pp. 509—10.
3. The insititia, Bullace-plum, or Black Bullace-tree, which grows in hedges, and flowers in the month of April.—The fruit of this species is of an austere, but pleasant sub-acid taste, especially when it has become mellow by the frost. It is of a dark-blue colour (there is also a variety which is white); of a globular shape; double the size of common sloes; and next kin to plums. In Germany, it is preserved in vinegar and spice; though the Bullace-plum may also be profitably converted into brandy.—The wood of this tree is beautifully veined, and highly prized by turners.—The bark of the roots and branches has styptic properties; and Dr. Withering observes, that an infusion of the flowers, sweetened with sugar, is a mild purgative, well adapted for children.
4. The spinosa. See Sloe-tree.
5. The domestica, or Common Plum-tree; which abounds in hedges, where it is supposed to be propagated from stones planted by birds. It delights in lofty situations, and does not prevent the grass from growing beneath its shade.—Its bark imparts a yellow dye.
Numerous varieties of this species are raised by gardeners, of which the following are the most remarkable:—1. The Lord's Plum; and 2. the Ladies' Plum; see p.
