On the other hand, Bechstein informs us, that the wood of the yew-tree, when reduced to powder by a file, mixed with paste, and baked in an oven, has been highly extolled in Germany, as a sovereign remedy for the bite of a mad dog: it is, therefore, taken in doses of half an ounce.
Dambourney observes, that a decoction of yew-tree berries imparts a handsome chamois-dye to wool previously immersed in a weak solution of bismuth.—On boiling the red root of this tree, together with the bark of the common birch-tree, he obtained a beautiful cinnamon colour, with a mordoré tint; but the wool was first boiled for a considerable time in a solution of tin: and, by adding alum, the dye assumed an aurora, or bright-red colour.
YOKE, in agriculture, is a wooden frame, adapted to the necks of oxen; by means of which they are coupled and fastened to the plough, or other vehicle. It is composed, 1. of a thick piece of wood, that passes over the neck, and is strictly called the yoke; 2. of a bow, which encompasses the neck; and, 3. of the wreathings or stitchings, that serve to connect the whole. Beside these parts, there are employed, a ring, denominated the yoke-ring; and a chain, for securing the traces.
The yokes chiefly used in England, are those known under the name of the Roman Ox-yokes, which are preferable to the cumbersome frames formerly employed; because the animals thus acquire a greater power of draught. As, however, the Roman yokes are apt to chafe the necks, and the oxen are compelled to draw with their noses close to the ground, we conceive the Portuguese, and French methods of working oxen to be the most effectual; and, having already given an account of them, we refer the reader to vol. iii. pp. 323-24.
Yolk. See Egg.
YOUTH, or Adolescence, in general, is that happy period of human life, which commences from childhood; continues as long as the fibres increase in dimensions or firmness; and terminates at full growth: among the Romans, it was computed from the age of 12 to 25, in males, and to 21, in females. In modern times, the term adolescence, includes the age of from 15 to 25 years, and sometimes to 30.
During this important stage of our existence, the principal revolutions take place, both with respect to mind and body. While the latter progressively acquires muscular energy, and adopts a more solid deportment, the faculties of the former begin to unfold; and the young member enters into society, with all the advantages which arise from the tender regard, interest, and indulgence, evinced by the generality of mankind, towards inexperienced youth.
As it would be incompatible with our limited plan, to enter into a disquisition respecting all the mental and bodily imperfections, and diseases, incident to young persons of either sex; or to analyze the changes taking place during the transition from the period of childhood to that of puberty, we shall here discuss only the dangerous influence of the power of imagination, on the juvenile character.
None of the mental faculties exhibit such interesting and diversified phenomena, as that of Imagination. While this powerful agent is restrained within due li-
