France, where numbers are caught for the table, being there esteemed a great delicacy.
Red-breasts construct their nests either in some low bush near the ground, or in retired parts of old buildings. The female lays twice annually, from five to six dusky-white eggs, marked with reddish spots.
Insects are the favourite and general food of these birds: there are none of the feathered tribe more tame and useful than the Red-breast, which closely attends the gardener, when at work with the spade, with the view of obtaining worms: and, frequently in the winter season, enters houses, where the doors or windows are open, when it picks up the crumbs from the table, while the family are at dinner.
Red Lead: See Lead; p. 76.
Red Morocco: See Pheasant's-eye.
Red-rot: See Sundew, the Round-leaved.
Red-water: See Lamb; p. 59.
REDDLE, Raddle, or Ruddle, a species of marle, found in various parts of Britain, particularly in the counties of Stafford and Derby.
This mineral is of a deep-red colour; and, on being handled, stains the fingers. It consists of clay and oxyd of iron; falls to powder in water; and, when heated in the fire, becomes black.
Reddle is used in the manufacture of colours; in the marking of sheep; and, we understand, has lately been employed in Staffordshire, with great advantage, as a manure.
REED, or Arundo, L. a genus of plants, comprising ten species; five being natives of Britain; of which the following are the principal, namely:
1. The arenaria (Calamagrostis arenaria of Dr. Withering) or Sea-Reed.—See Matweed.
2. The phragmites, or Common Reed, grows in rivers, lakes, ditches, and fenny or marshy situations, to the height of seven or eight feet: it is perennial, and flowers in the month of July.—This species is employed for covering cottages and barns; for which purpose it is superior to every other indigenous vegetable, being incomparably more neat and durable. By previously soaking the reeds in strong alum-water, such a roof may be rendered fire-proof. They are also manufactured into screens, for sheltering young plants from the cold winds; and may be usefully employed for cane-bottomed chairs. Farther, the Common Reed makes excellent weavers' combs, and is generally nailed across the frame of wood-work, to serve as the foundation for plastered walls, pillars, &c.—From the dried roots of this plant, a very nutritive flour is easily obtained, which may be converted into wholesome and palatable bread. Its panicles are used, in Sweden, to impart a green colour to wool.
3. The epigeios, (calamagrostis epigeios of Withering) or Wood Reed, is perennial, grows in shady ditches, and moist situations, where it flowers in July.—This herb abounds particularly in the Isle of Ely, and is called by the inhabitants of the fens, Maiden-Hair:—it is manufactured into hassocks, or thick mats, for churches.
4. The calamagrostis (lanceolata of Dr. Withering) Small or Hedge-Reed, is likewise pe-
