LUN 6s sheep, he supposes that the for- iner might eat it wilh safety, and that a small field, planted with it, near the flirm-yard, " would be of admirable use and profit." Beside these various purposes to which lucern is subservient, it ameliorates the soil, so that consi- derable crops of corn have been obtained after it ; nay, instances have occurred, in which a com- plete ploughing, that was given with a view to eradicate it for corn, has renovated this plant to such a degree, that it was left again for another series of years. — ^I'hose of our agricultural readers, who wish to acquire more minute informa- tion relative to the management of lucern, will consult Mr. Harte's classical work above-mentioned, and also Mr. RocauK's Practical Treatiscou Cullivatljig Lucern Grass (8vo, Is. 6d.) in which this inte- resting suEjett is fully discussed, ■while its advantages and expences are fairly appreciated. Lumbago. See Rheumatism. LuxACV. See Madness. LUNGS, in anatomy, denote the two viscera or lobes in the cavity of the breast, by which we breathe. They are conncfted with the neck, ar:d situated on the right and left side of the heart. Being furnish- ed with innumerable cells, which are formed by the descent of the wind-pipe into the lungs, those bronchial tubes communicate with each other ; and the whole ap- pears not unlike a honey-comb. The most important use of the lungs is that of respiration, by which the circulation of the blood is supposed to be elteded ; and b)-- the consequent alternate pressure of the different parts of the lower 'belly, the digestion of food is pro- moted. Jjcsides; not only the e.- LUN [133 pulsion of the feces and urine greatly depends on the constant attion of the lungs, but Hkewise the sense of smelling is enjoyed by in- haling the air ; and it is chiefly by the organic strufture of these ves- sels, that mankind are enabled to speak. — Lastly, they perform the office of excretion, and expel those useless matters which, if retained in the system, would be produc- tive of fatal consequences. The organs of breathing are sub- ject to various atfedions, such as Asthma, Catarrh, Cough, &c. which are discussed in their alpha- betical series. Hence, we shall at present treat only of the Peripneu^ monia, or Inflammation of the Lungs. — This dangerous affeftiou manifests itself by a moist cough, in which the expedorated matter is frequently streaked with blood ; by an olrtuse, dull pain under the breast-bone, or between the should- ers ; anxiety and difficulty of breathing ; the face is swelled, and appears of a purplish hue. Ic chieay attacks persons of gross ha- bits, who eat strong food, and drink viscid liquors : it is general- ly fatal to the asthmatic, especially if they be of an advanced age. Causes : An inflammation of tlic lungs is not always a primary dis- order, but more frequently is the consequence of a quinsy, pleurisy, catarrh, and other diseases. It al- so arises from an obstrufted per- spiration induced by cold ; from the wearing of wet clothes ; from too violent exercise ; fra6lures or other injuries of the ribs ; suppres- sion of die itch, rose, and other cutaneous eruptions 5 as well as from the exhalation of noxious or sulphureous particles ; and lastly, from 'orm3. The penpneuinony is divided K i iuto
