SAN from high-water mark : next in quality, is that washed down by the rain on gravelly soils ', but the worst sands are those which are dry and light, because they are liable to be drifted or blown about by every gust of wind. Lastly, it was suggested a few years since by Dr. Struve, that rape, linseed, or other oils, might be divested of their colour, and also of any ill smell or rancidity, by simply agitating them in water mixed with sand ; a large propor- tion of the former being employed and changed for a purer fluid, as often as it becomes turbid. Dr. S. observes, that he employed this method with success on a small quantity of oil in a phial. We understand, however, that similar experiments have been made in Britain, but which did not suc- ceed. Hence we are inclined to attribute such failure to a different, or impure, kind of sand used for that purpose ; and therefore advise those who wish to avail themselves of this hint, previously to wa^h and dry ihe sand ; next to submit it to the fire in a crucible j and, while red-hot, to pottr it into pure water : by repeating this simple process two or three times, a very soft, friable sand will be obtained, and which may be farther im- proved by triturating it in a glass mortar, together with water j af- terwards washing, then suffering it to subside in a closed vessel ; de- canting the fluid, and again drying it. Thus prepared, we venture to promise a successful result. SAND-EEL, or Ammodytcs to- hiamts, L. a fish, resembling an eel, but seldom exceeding one foot in length. It abounds on the sandy shores of Britain during the sum- mer months, where it conceals it- SAN [19 self, after the tide has retired, at the depth of twelve inches in the sand. In some places, this fish is freqtiently dug out, and in others it is drawn up by means of a parti- cular hook contrived for that pur- pose. The sand-eel is usually employ- ed by way of bait, 'for taking other fish ; though it is sometimes car- ried to the table, being reputed to be Very delicate eating. SAND-PIPER, or Tringa, 1. r genus of birds, comprising 45 spe- cies, 18 of which are natives of Britain : the principal of the'se ar'e, 1, ThepiigJiax. See Ruff. 2. The alpifia, or Dunlins Sand-piper, whose back, head, and upper part of the neck are of an iron colour, marked with large black spots 3 the lower part is white, with short dusky streaks ; in size, it is somewhat larger than the lark. These birds are found on the British shores, but princi- pally on the coast of Yorkshire ; where they are taken in great numbers, and much esteemed at the tables of the luxurious. SAND-STONE, a genus of fos- sils found in various parts of Bri-- tain, and which is divided into four species, namely : 1 . Calcareous Sajid-stones, which consist of carbonate of lime and' marie, with a considerable portion of sand intermixed with its par- ticles. Their surface is rough, ge- nerally grey, though they are some- times found of a yellowish or brown cast. — This species is occa- sionally burned for lime, 2, Aluminous Sand-stones are those, the basis of which is c/w- mina, or pure day. They are of a close and compact texture, which is finer or coarser according to tiie size of the sand forming their con-- C 2 stitusat
