THE
DOMESTIC ENCYCLOPÆDIA.
RUFF, or Tringa pugnax, L. a bird of passage, frequenting the fens of Lincolnshire, and various other parts of Britain, early in the spring; and disappearing about Michaelmas.
Towards the latter end of March, or early in April, Ruffs, for a short time, visit Martin Mere, in Lancashire; where they are taken in clap-nets, to the number of 40 or 50 dozen in a season; and fattened for the table: the food commonly employed, is bread and milk, hemp-seed, boiled wheat, and sugar: thus, in about a fortnight they become extremely fat; and are generally sold at 2s. and 2s. 6d. each. Being of an irascible disposition, it is erroneously supposed that these birds must be fed in dark places; lest, on the admission of light, they should destroy each other by combat.
Ruffs are dressed for the table, with their intestines, like snipes; and, when killed at the critical time, are by epicures considered the most delicious of morsels.
RUM, a spirituous liquor which is distilled from sugar-canes.
The best state in which rum can be imported or preserved, is that of rectified spirit; as it may thus be conveyed in one half of its usual compass, and afterwards reduced to the proper degree of proof strength, by means of spring-water. It would, likewise, in this state be better calculated for punch, both on account of its finer flavour, and because the strength of the mixture may be then more uniformly regulated. Farther, fraudulent persons would now be prevented from adulterating it with malt spirits, and also from dulcifying or sweetening it with oil of vitriol, and similar pernicious drugs.
Pure, old rum, is incomparably more wholesome than brandy; Dr. Short, therefore, prefers it to any other spirit, both as a cordial, and for making punch. It softens and dilates the alimentary canal, while it promotes a more regular perspiration, as well as the discharge of urine. It is also of greater service in nephritic complaints; and, where the constitution is broken by hard or long-continued drinking. Dr. S. recommends it in small quantities, as being well adapted to raise and preserve the tone of the stomach.—We deem it, however, necessary to observe, that such stimulating liquors are in no case absolutely salubrious, and ought to be resorted to only as medicines.—See Arrack, Brandy, and Gin.
Running-Thrush. See Frush.
Runnet. See Rennet.
RUPTURE, or a partial protrusion of an intestine, is one of those
