Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/420

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Z I Z
Z I Z

particularly in epilepsy, and in the acute spasms of the stomach, to which persons of delicate constitutions are subject: they have also been given with success in some cases of dry asthma. The dose is from one to two grains, taken twice in the day, and gradually increased lo 8 or 10 grains; but, being a very powerful remedy, it ought never to be resorted to, without medical advice.

For an account of the affections in which the vitriol of zinc may be of service, the reader will consult the article Vitriol.

ZIZANY, the Water, or Zizania aquatica, L. is a native of North America, where it grows in wet and marshy situations.—The root of this vegetable is fibrous, and strikes forth many angular, smooth stalks of a serpentine form. The panicle on the central stalk is generally four feet long, while those on the others never exceed twelve inches. The large, oval, yellowish, mealy seed attains to maturity in September, and has the agreeable taste of rice; on which account it is much esteemed by the American Indians, who carefully collect and convert it into Bread, or other culinary dishes. Hence Linnæus recommends its culture in situations abounding with reeds, and producing no other useful plant. In such places, we are persuaded, many and important advantages might be derived from the introduction of the zizany into marshy counties, especially those of Lincoln, Cambridge, &c.



The Domestic Encyclopædia being now arrived at the conclusion of the Alphabet, various motives have induced the Editor to offer an Appendix, or Supplement, with a view to render this Dictionary of Facts as complete as the extent of the work, and diligent research would admit. Among these, will occur numerous articles of greater or less importance: the propriety of inserting them, however, was not sufficiently evident, till their respective connexion with the subsequent parts of the arrangement, could be more clearly ascertained. Others again, being of a more recent date than the commencement of this publication; and containing many new, and valuable hints, for the advancement of Rural and Domestic Economy, the Reader will probably meet with information, alike curious and useful.—In consulting the Domestic Encyclopædia, therefore, he is requested to avail himself of the annexed Supplement; by which he may be enabled to form a tolerably correct idea of the various improvements suggested in the course of this pcactical work.

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