33o] WIN wholly reje^led by hogs. — Accord- ing to Becustein, this herb re- markably absorbs the inflammable air generated in moist situations ; so that it deserves to be cultivated in the neighbourhood of dwellings on marshes, both on account ot such useful property, and its large beau- tiful purple flowers. 2. The arigustifolium, or Rose- bay Willow-herb, is alsoperen- nialj being frequent in woods and hedges ; where its rose-coloured flowers appear from June to Au- gust.-— This species is eaten by sheep, cows, and goats ; but is refused by horses and hogs. — An infusion of the leaves produces intoxicating efFe6ts ; though the suckers of the roots, when pro- perly dressed, aft'ord a wholesome dish. — ^The inhabitants of Kamt- schatka brew a kind of ale from the pith of this plant, which tljey convert into vinegar j and the down, ■with which its seeds abound, has, in combination with cotton, or fur, been advantageously manufa6tured into stockings, and other articles of wearing apparel : tliis fibrous substance may also be profitably employed as a material for making paper. WIND, is a perceptible agitation or commotion of the atmosphere, occasioned by a strong current of air from one region to another. The temperature of climates be- ing greatly modified, by the winds ; and navigation depending almost entirely on their influence, the ori- gin of this powerful agent has na- turally engaged the attention of ■lany inquisitive naturalists : hence different theories hayebeen framed, with a view to account for the cause of these changes j but, as none of the conjedures appear to us conclusive, or satisf^^toi)', we WIN we shall briefly state the tf^cSti produced on the human frame, by this airy meteor. — Thus, a south wind debilitates and relaxes the whole system ; and disposes the body to catarrhal di.sease3 : on the contrary, the north wind in- vigorates the animal fibre, and re- markably contributes to health j because it dissipates noxious va- pours, while it purifies the air, and renders it serene. — Winds blowing in the earlier part of the day, are of a drying nature ; and, conse- quently, walking in the forenoon is more salutary than at any other period ; whereas the even- ing breezes, being generally damp and cool, are less beneficial both to the healthy and infirm : besides, die latter are frequently accom- panied with rain. — The relative salubrity of these various winds, however, greatly depends on local circumstances : for, if they blow across the sea, over mountains, or continents, they necessarily con- vey, and communicate to the at- mosphere, a greater or less degree of cold or humidity. — See also Anemoscope ; Climate 3 and Weather. WIND, or Broken- Wind, a disorder incident to horses : in this nflfeftion, they cannot breathe free- ly, and their natural fun6tions arc impaired : it is usually preceded by a dry cough, and may be known by the animals eating litter, and swal- lowing frequently copious draughts of water. Farriers are by no means agreed, respeAing the cause of this mala- dy : Mr. Gibson attributes it to an injudicious or hasty method of feeding young horses, especially those for sale ; so that their lungs, and the other organs contained in the chest, become pretcrnaturally enlarged J
