ceremonies which are religiously observed at the interment or burial of the dead. They varied among the ancients, according to the different genius and religion of each country.
It is not, however, our design to specify these ceremonies, but merely to point out an abuse that loudly claims the attention of all. In many populous parishes, within the bills of mortality, a dangerous practice prevails, of excavating pits (graves they cannot be called) for the reception of the poor, who, being packed in four deal-boards loosely nailed together, are there deposited, till the hole is sufficiently filled. During the interval, planks are laid over the common grave; and, when the uppermost coffin arrives, a minister is employed to mutter, at once, the usual prayers over the hapless victims of poverty, who are then covered with the maternal earth. Such mal-practice demands an immediate remedy; as the mephitic vapours arising through the planks, especially during summer, have the most noxious properties; and perhaps many have met with a premature grave, from inhaling those putrid exhalations.—Facts like these, we conceive it our duty to state, on account of their immediate influence on the health of every inhabitant.
Fungus. See Mushroom, and White Swelling.
FUR, in commerce, signifies the skins of wild quadrupeds, which are dressed with alum, without depriving them of the hair; and which form a part of the robes of princes, magistrates, and others. The skins chiefly used are, those of the sable, ermine, bear, beaver, hare, &c.
Furs did not become an article of luxury in this country for many ages, and were imported principally from Italy, till, since the conquest of Canada and the more northern parts of America, we have obtained them from the Indians.
The furs at present used, are those brought from the remotest parts of North America by the Hudson's Bay Company, and from Russia. They are very valuable, especially the skins of ermines, black foxes, and sables, for which various prices have been paid, from 20 to 100 guineas.—Imported furs are subject to heavy duties, which our limits will not permit us to enumerate.
With respect to its influence on health, we shall briefly remark, that fur deserves no commendation as an article of ordinary dress. Its alkaline and oily particles stimulate the skin, when in contact with it: thus partially increase perspiration, and lay the foundation of colds and catarrhs. A fur dress readily attracts infection, and acquires an intolerable smell. Hence whole nations that wear such garments, are exposed to obstinate cutaneous diseases, and, perhaps, to the propagation of the plague itself; which is said to be spread among the Turks, chiefly by their absurd cumbersome dresses lined with animal hair.
FURNACE, an utensil, or apparatus, in which a strong fire, either of coals or of wood, may be raised and maintained.
There is a great diversity of furnaces, according to the different purposes to which they are applied; but, as it would exceed our limits to specify them, we shall only state the chief points to be attended to in their construction, and next mention the various patents
