DUCK. 243 
summer, may be well met by an infusion of Hop leaves, strobiles, 
and stalks, as Hop-tea, to be taken by the wineglassful two or 
three times in the day; whilst a more vigorous action of the 
biliary organs is also stimulated thereby. The popular nostrum 
“ Hop-bitters ” is thus made: Of Hops (dried), half a pound ; 
of Buchu leaves, two ounces ; boil these in five quarts of water 
in an iron vessel for an hour; when it is lukewarm, add thereto 
Essence of Wintergreen (Pyrola), two ounces, and one pint of 
spirit (Brandy, Whisky, or Gin). Take one tablespoonful three 
times a day before eating ; it will improve the appetite consider- 
ably. Horehound Beer is much drunk by the natives in Norfolk. 
Again, Balm tea is highly restorative. Borage has a cucumber- 
like flavour, and when compounded with lemon, and sugar, added 
to Claret, and water, it makes a delicious “‘ cool tankard” as a 
summer drink. A tea brewed from Broom tops, with bruised 
Juniper berries, is famous for increasing the flow of urine, and 
relieving dropsy. Black Currant leaves make a fragrant infusion 
as a substitute for China, or Indian tea. A scented Orange- 
water is largely prepared in France from the flowers, which is 
often taken by ladies as a gentle sedative at night, when suffi- 
ciently diluted with Eau Sucrée (sugared water); thousands 
of gallons are drunk in this fashion every year. ‘‘ There’s 
nothin so refreshing as sleep, Sir!” (quoth Sam Weller to his 
Master) “as the servant gal said afore she drank the eggcupful 
of laudanum.” For, in the more serious language of Dr. 
Martineau, “ God has so arranged the chronometry of our spirits 
that there shall be thousands of silent moments between the 
striking hours.” Primrose tea exercises similar curative effects, 
though in a lesser degree, to those of the Cowslip ; it is excellent 
against nervous disorders of an hysterical nature. Sage leaves 
add pleasantly, and with benefit to the refreshing contents of 
the afternoon teapot; and a Tamarind drink obviates putrid 
fevers. 
DUCK. 
THe Duck (Anas), which has become included among our 
domesticated poultry for the table, is scarcely suited for persons 
of delicate stomach, because of its fat contained in large amount ; 
otherwise it makes a savoury, nutritious food. This grease is a 
great anodyne, and of good service against distempers of the 
nerves; “anoynted it helps the pleurisie, and gout.” Rouen, 
