and sold at high prices in the market, they never repay the value of the corn which they have consumed, especially if such grain must be purchased. With respect to farmers, we are aware, that the profits arising from the stock of the poultry-yard, are claimed by custom as the market-money of every housewife. Nevertheless, we conceive, it would be more conducive to their mutual interest, if this expensive perquisite were compensated by an annual allowance of pin-money. Indeed, where profit is the object of the husbandman's labours, no poultry should be admitted into the vicinity of barns; unless for the purpose of picking up scattered grain: though, in general, it cannot be denied, that they acquire their fat substance from the corn left in the straw, by negligent threshing.—For the most economical methods of rearing fowl, the reader will consult the articles Cock, Hen, Duck, Goose, Turkey, &c.—See also Chafer: vol. i. p. 486.
Pound. See Weight.
POWDER, a form of medicine, which is prepared, by breaking and reducing sustances to minute particles, either in a mortar, or by chemical process.
In the preparation of powders, especial care ought to be taken that no corrupted, or impure matters be employed. Dry aromatic substances should be sprinkled, during their pulverization, with a few drops of water; while those of a moist nature, may previously be exposed to a moderate heat. Gums, and other materials that are with difficulty reduced to powder, may be mixed with drier articles, and no part should be separated for use, till the whole quantity has passed through the sieve, and the different siftings are incorporated.
If powders be long kept, and the air not carefully secluded, their virtue becomes greatly impaired. Thus, ipecacuanha, if exposed to the action of the atmosphere, at length loses its emetic property.
The dose of powders, in general, is from one scruple to a dram; though the principal ingredient often does not exceed one grain.—The usual vehicle for taking this form of medicine, is any agreeable thin liquid, or pure water; but the more ponderous calces of metals, as well as the powders compounded of resinous matters, are more eligibly swallowed in syrups, or other thick liquor.—On the whole, medicines reduced to this impalpable state, operate both more certainly and expeditiously than pills, lozenges, or bolusses; without clogging the stomach and bowels.
PREGNANCY, a certain state of the animal body, which requires no farther explanation.
The first duty of persons, in that prosperous condition is, a constant and redoubled attention to all the surrounding and occasional causes which may be productive of injurious effects on their constitution. Thus, prudent mothers will greatly contribute to the future health and welfare of their children, by avoiding every violent and depressing passion; living regularly in all respects; and especially by taking proper or moderate exercise in the open air. These few hints cannot with too great earnestness be impressed on the female mind; as every comfort, or misery, connected with family life, will, in a great measure, depend on the conduct pursued during that
