58 CULTIVATED VEGETABLES. 



never heats the body, but moistens or dries, 

 according to its various ways of preparation. 

 Thus, when it is boiled, as in a ptisan, it mois- 

 tens ; when it is torrified, as in polenta, it 

 dries. Barley differs from wheat, as it ge- 

 nerates a mild and detergent juice, whereas 

 that of wheat is thick and viscid, and some- 

 what of an obstruent quality. 



There are various ways of preparing bar- 

 ley, either as simple or medicinal aliment. A 

 cataplasm made of barley-flour and butter, is 

 an anodyne remedy against all kinds of pain. 

 The polenta of barley, says Sim.Paulli, boiled 

 in vinegar, and strained through a linen cloth, 

 frequently mitigates the intolerable pain of 

 the teeth, being used as a collution, or, rather, 

 held for some time in the mouth. 



Pearl barley and French barley are only 

 barley freed from the husk by a mill ; the 

 distinction between the two being, that the 

 pearl barley is reduced to the size of small- 

 shot, all but the very heart of the grain being 

 ground away. 



Barley-water is a decoction of either of 

 these, and is reputed soft and lubricating ; a 

 very useful drink in many disorders, and is 

 recommended to be taken with nitre in low 



