fragrant herb not only remarkably spreads, and increases in its bushy stalks, when cultivated in favourable situations, but it also effectually checks the growth of moss, in sour meadows.—It is farther remarkable, that the root of this grass possesses a strong odour, resembling that of musk.—The dried blossoms are, on the Continent, employed for imparting an agreeable flavour to snuff and tobacco.
SPRUCE-BEER, a kind of diet-drink, which is prepared in the following manner: Eight gallons of water are first poured into a cask, or other vessel; and a similar quantity of boiling water is added: 16 pounds of molasses are next mixed, together with a few table-spoonfuls of the essence of spruce (which is obtained from the cones of the spruce-fir). Half a pint of sweet yeast must now be put in; and the whole, after being well stirred, should be placed in a temperate room, for a few days, till the fermentation ceases. The liquor may then be bottled; and, in the course of a fortnight, it will be fit for use.
Spruce-beer has a peculiar flavour, which renders it disagreeable to the palate of many persons; it is, however, a most powerful antiscorbutic, and affords a wholesome beverage, particularly during the summer; as it does not affect the weakest stomach.
Spruce-fir. See vol. ii. p. 279.
Spunge. See Sponge.
Spur. See vol. ii. p. 67, and also p. 6 of the present volume.
SPURGE, or Euphorbia, L. a genus of plants, comprehending 110 species; 12 being natives of Britain; the principal of which are the following:
1. The characias, or Red Spurge, grows in woods and hedges, where it flowers in the month of June.—The pulverized leaves of this plant, if taken in doses of from 15 to 25 grains, operate as a brisk purgative:—its juice, like that of all the other species of the spurge, is so extremely acrid, that it ulcerates every part of the body, with which it comes in contact. Hence, it is never used internally:—but, a single drop put into the cavity of an aching tooth, is said to have removed the pain, and at the same time destroyed the nerve. This corrosive liquid, however, may, according to Dr. Withering, be applied with safety to warts and corns; as it eradicates them in a very short time.
2. The helioscopia, or Sun-spurge. See Wartwort.
3. The Cyparissias, or Cyprus Spurge, grows in dry woods (at Enville, in Staffordshire), where its yellow flowers blow in May and June.—Goats are exceedingly partial to this herb; and its seeds afford grateful food to pigeons.—The beautiful caterpillar, which is changed into the Spurge-bnttetfly, derives its nourishment from the leaves of this species.
Spurge-flax. See Mezereon.
SPURGE-LAUREL, or Laurel Mezereon, Daphne Laureola, L. an indigenous shrub, found in woods and hedges, principally in the county of York, where it flowers in March and April.—The whole of this vegetable, especially the bark of the root, is very acrid: it has been employed with success in rheumatic fevers, operating powerfully as a purgative. It is likewise an excellent vermifuge; but, as it possesses great acrimony, it ought never to be administered without medical advice, and in
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