their supposed efficacy in convulsive and epileptic cases, though later experience has not confirmed these advantages:—similar virtues have been attributed to the leaves, which have likewise been found ineffectual in those complaints.
The juice of oranges is a pleasant sub-acid liquor, which has often proved of service in inflammatory or febrile disorders; by diminishing heat, allaying thirst, and promoting the salutary discharges. It is likewise eminently useful in the scurvy, and has, therefore, been introduced into the Navy, as part of the stores of ships destined for long voyages.
Nor is the outer rind less valuable, as it forms the basis of an excellent conserve; and, when preserved with sugar, is deservedly esteemed in desserts, being a grateful aromatic bitter, and one of the best stomachics.—There is also an oil expressed from the orange-peel, which is sold under the name of Bergamot.
From the flowers of this tree, an essential oil is prepared in Portugal and Italy, termed Essentia Neroli: this perfume is said to possess a more delicate and agreeable fragrance than even the Ottar of Roses; but it is with difficulty procured in Britain.
Lastly, the Seville, or Bitter Orange, is seldom employed in medicine at present; the China orange being generally substituted.
ORCHAL, Argol, or Cudbear; Lichen Roccella, L. an indigenous plant, growing upon the rocks on the coast of Guernsey; the Isle of Portland; and, we understand, also in some parts of the Highlands of Scotland.—This species attains the height of two or three inches, having cylindrical stems, which are internally white. It abounds on the islands of Teneriffe, and the Canaries, whence it is imported into Britain.
Argol is of a light colour, though it is sometimes found of a dark-grey: when mixed with lime, urine, and alkaline salts, this moss is formed into a dark-red paste, which has received the different names above-mentioned, and is much used in dyeing wool of a deep red or purple colour.—Orchal is subject to the sum of 2s. 1012d. per cwt. on importation; but, if it be brought into Britain expressly for the use of dyers, it is admitted free of duty, by the 8 Geo. I. c. 15, § 10; provided it be legally imported, regularly entered, and landed.
ORCHARD, in horticulture, a tract of land appropriated to the growth of standard fruit-trees, with a view to furnish a supply of the most useful kinds of fruit.
Orchards are sometimes confined to the cultivation of apples, pears, cherries, or other particular fruit, especially if they be situated in the vicinity of a town or city: more frequently, however, they are composed of all the trees before mentioned, with a double proportion of those bearing apples; which doubtless are the most plentiful and valuable fruit, that may be easily preserved during the whole year.
The utility of a general orchard, both tor domestic use and the sale of its productions, is evident to the most superficial observer, independently of the beautiful appearance it presents, from an early period in the spring to the late autumn:—we shall therefore state a few hints, from practical writers, and actual experience, on the proper manage-
