but he observes, that such cake, when dressed by steam, or otherwise, will afford nearly the same quantity and weight, as three pounds and a half of potatoes, properly boiled.—Some roots, that had been thoroughly frozen, have been managed in a similar manner; and the cake was perfectly sweet; whereas others of the same parcel, that were left unpressed, in a few days became rotten.
Mr. Millington's second method of preserving these roots, is as follows: Five pounds of potatoes were properly cleaned and pounded in a mortar, without being previously peeled; and then pressed in a small wine-press into a thick cake; the whole being completed in the manner above described. This cake also was sweet and wholesome, but did not possess the clear whiteness of the former; nor does it appear that such as were prepared according to the last process, will remain sweet for the same length of time as those consisting of peeled potatoes.—At all events, this contrivance deserves to be farther pursued and improved; for, independently of the immediate advantages that will result from supplying mariners with vegetables, it is an object of the greatest importance, when considered as a mean of preserving so useful, though perishable, an article for years; and of laying up a store in plentiful seasons, against the time of scarcity.
Another mode of keeping potatoes, was lately and successfully tried, by the patriotic Bath and West of England Society; and which certainly is less complex than that before described. It consists simply in slicing potatoes, without taking off the rind or skin, and afterwards drying them in an oven or kiln. The roots thus prepared will remain sweet for almost any length of time: the Society sent some to Jamaica in a barrel; which had been four years from Britain, and, on their return, were found not to be in the least degree affected.
POULTICE, an external application employed for promoting the suppuration of tumors, or abating painful inflammation; and which is sometimes also called a Cataplasm.
Poultices are generally prepared of bread and milk, to which are added oil, lard, or other unctuous matter, to prevent their adhesion to the parts inflamed. In large hospitals, the consumption of these articles for such purpose being very considerable, while the bread and milk are liable to become sour in warm weather, the following ingredients have, by Mr. T. Payne, surgeon, been proposed as substitutes:—Take, of the finest pollard, three parts; of genuine linseed flour, one part; both by measure; and, of boiling water, four parts: mix these ingredients with a spoon or a broad knife; and they will, in general, form a poultice of a proper consistence, without requiring oil, lard, or other emollient ointment: though, if the inflammation be considerable, a small quantity of oil may be added, to prevent adhesion.
POULTRY, a term including every kind of domestic fowls which are reared about yards, such as cocks, hens, ducks, turkeys, &c.
Poultry constitutes part of every farmers stock, but the rearing of it is, in this country, seldom productive of any pecuniary advantage; for, though fowls are considered chiefly as an article of luxury,
