a genus of plants comprising three species, one of which is a native of Britain; viz. the annuus, Annual Knawell, or German Knot-grass, which grows in sandy soils and corn fields; flowers in the months of July and August.
The Swedes and Germans introduce occasionally the steam arising from a decoction of the knawell into their mouths, with a view to cure the tooth-ach.—Its sweetish leaves are astringent.—Goats and sheep eat this plant, but cows totally refuse it.
Knee-grass. See Rough Panick-grass.
KNEE-HOLLY, or Ruscus, L. a genus of plants, consisting of several species, one of which is indigenous, namely, the aculeatus, Common Knee-holly, Butchers'-Broom, or Prickly Pettigree. It grows in woods, thickets, and hedges; flowers in the months of May and June.
This plant is much used by butchers, for brooms to sweep their blocks. Branches of it are likewise employed by hucksters, to defend their bacon and cheese from mice; because these vermin cannot penetrate through the prickly leaves.—The root of the knee-holjy is reputed to be aperient, and is chiefly used in diet-drinks, for removing slight obstructions of the viscera, and promoting the fluid secretions.
Knolles. See Turnip.
Knot-berries. See Cloud-berry.
L.
LABDANUM, or Ladanum, resinous juice exuding from the Cistus creticus, L. a native of the Levant, whence it is imported. The best sort (which is extremely rare even in Turkey) consists of very dark-coloured, soft masses, and almost liquefies, when held in the hand: it emits an agreeable odour, especially while burning, and has a slightly pungent, bitterish taste.—This medicinal drug is chiefly used externally, for attenuating and discussing tumors.
LABOUR, in a general sense, implies the exertion of human strength in the performance of any kind of work.
The price of labour has, at all times, varied; and, as the poorer classes feel, with additional rigour, every evil arising from the pressure of the times, different expedients have been devised, with a view to alleviate their burdens, supply their wants, and render them more comfortable.
From these investigations, it appears that, in the middle of the fourteenth century, the usual price of labour was 2d. per day; and wheat was sold at from 3s. 4d. to 4s. per quarter.
In the middle of the fifteenth century, the pay of a labourer per day, was 3d.; and wheat cost from 5s. to 5s. 6d. per quarter.
In the earlier part of the sixteenth century, the price of labour rose to 312d. and that of a quarter of wheat to 7s. 6d. About the middle of the 17th century, the pay of a la-
