These fish are cured in the same manner as herrings, at Gravesend and Yarmouth: they are also occasionally pickled, in which state they are little inferior to anchovies, excepting that the bones of the former will not separate from the fleshy part, like those of the latter.—For an account of Mr. Batley's patent, for curing sprats, the reader will consult vol. iii. p. 463.
SPRING, a fountain, or source, whence water spontaneously rises from the bowels of the earth.
Various conjectures have been formed by naturalists, concerning the origin of springs; but, consistently with our limits, we shall only observe, that the most plausible theory appears to be that of Dr. Halley, who supposes them to originate from the rain and snow waters; which, penetrating through the soil, at length settle in the fissures of the earth, and form fountains or springs.
As water is indispensable to the health and convenience of mankind, many expedients have been devised, with a view to ascertain the particular spots, whence a supply might be obtained: we shall, therefore, state a few indications, or land-marks, by which that necessary article may be discovered.
1. As all mountains are colder in proportion to their height, the evening mist descends on them, particularly in damp situations, much sooner than on the vallies, and thus may indicate the existence of springs.
2. Another observation is suggested by Dr. Darwin, in order to determine the existence of subterraneous springs, in rimy mornings:—moist earth conducting heat better than dry soil, the rime will be dissolved more speedily on those spots which are moistened by springs under ground, than on the adjacent parts.
Lastly, the rise of these natural fountains may be discovered during the winter, in wet ditches, by the growing of brook-lime, water-cresses, or similar aquatic plants: for such vegetables do not thrive in the ditches that become dry in the summer. And Dr. Darwin remarks, that when those ditches which contain springs, are nearly dry, the direction of the current may be ascertained hy the point, to which the leaves of the aquatic plants may turn, with as great a degree of certainty as can be effected by a level.
SPRING-GRASS, the Sweet-scented, or Vernal-grass, Anthoxanthum odoratum, L. an indigenous perennial, growing in meadows and pastures; flowering in the months of May and June.—This is one of the earliest British pasture-grasses, and occasions the delicate flavour perceptible in newly-made hay. It is eagerly eaten by cows, horses, goats, and sheep; on account of its aromatic taste, and juicy, nutritive nature.—Mr. Swayne, however, observes, that it abounds in wet lands, particularly on peat-bogs; and that it appears to be of little consequence; as it is neither very productive to the farmer, nor palatable to cattle.—Nevertheless, other agriculturists are of a different opinion; and Mr. Sole (Letters and Papers of the Bath and West of England Society, vol. ix.) conceives that the vernal-grass would be an useful addition to meadows, by sowing it in the proportion of one-eighth. This judicious advice, every practical husbandman will be induced to adopt; as it is a well-known fact, that this
