we are not acquainted with any vegetable that is likely to afford greater advantages to an industrious cultivator who possesses a few acres of ground which, is not sufficiently fertile for corn or pasture-grasses. It deserves, however, to be remarked, that it greatly tends to impoverish the land; as it requires constant moisture, and would not be productive without artificial irrigation. See Kitchen-garden, vol. iii. p. 50; and Paper, p. 336.
2. The tuberosus, or Tuberous Sun-flower, a native of Brazil, likewise bears single stalks, which frequently attain the height of 9 feet. Having already described this species, under the head of Artichoke, the Jerusalem, we shall only observe, that it produces no ripe seeds, and bears smaller flowers than the preceding; but it is more easily propagated: for, when the roots are once planted, they incessantly vegetate in the same soil, without requiring rich manure, or great attention; and, though left throughout the winter in the ground, they withstand the severest frost.
The different species of the Sun-flower have, hitherto, been cultivated only for ornament; but it must be obvious, that they may be rendered subservient to many economical purposes, especially as substitiites for hemp, in manufacturing pack-thread from their strong fibrous stalks. Lastly, it deserves to be noticed, that the flowers of these plants regularly take the direction corresponding to the sun's course, while they afford to bees a considerable supply of honey.
SUN-SCORCHED, is a term employed by gardeners, to express a distemper affecting fruit-trees, in consequence of their sudden exposure to the heat of the sun; so that the fruit becomes withered.
The trees, chiefly liable to such injury, are those placed in situations, which seclude them from the vernal sun; so that they cannot afterwards sustain its scorching rays during the summer. It may, however, be prevented, by planting fruit-trees in proper aspects; and, if such as are affected be timely attended to, the disease may be removed by frequent and copious irrigation.
Sun-spurge. See Wartwort.
SUPPER is the evening refreshment, or the last meal which is usually taken, shortly before retiring to rest.
Since late dinners have, within these few years, become fashionable, suppers are in a great measure relinquished; but, as many persons still retain the latter practice, it should be remarked, that all flatulent and heavy food ought to be avoided; for, as digestion is more slowly effected during sleep, the stomach will become oppressed, and often troubled with nausea, eructations, accompanied with headach, &c. in the morning, consequent on excess in eating. Where, however, a healthy person is obliged to labour at the desk, or in any other sedentary manner, during the greater part of the night, it will be advisable to take a slight repast, such as bread-pudding, water-gruel, or milk with biscuit, toasted bread, and the like, at least one or two hours previously to bed-time. Nevertheless, to convalescents, it may, under certain circumstances, be allowable to eat an egg, or partake of a few oysters, or similar shell-fish, that atford a more solid
