336 CULTIVATED VEGETABLES. 



Those described are varieties of the pani- 

 cum, or common millet. We are principally 

 supplied from India, although it is sometimes 

 sown in this country for feeding of poultry. 

 Puddings made from this seed are much ad- 

 mired by many persons, and esteemed a pro- 

 per diet for the nursery. The seed should 

 be sown in April, on a warm dry soil. 



Millet is diuretic and astringent ; the seeds 

 are said to be of extraordinary service in dis- 

 eases of the lungs, and exulce rations of the 

 kidneys : made into a cataplasm, they are 

 anodyne and resolvent/ 



According to Miller, it is cooling, drying, 

 and binding, and not easily digested ; a strong 

 decoction of it with figs and raisins, mixed 

 with wine, and drunk warm in bed, is a very 

 good sudorific. 



Among the Italians, says C.Bauhine, loaves 

 are made of millet, which are yellow, and 

 eaten hot by many, not out of necessity, but 

 for their sweetness ; but when this bread is 

 grown hard, it is quite black. Of the fine 

 flour of millet the Italians make cakes also, 

 which must be eaten as soon as dressed, or 

 else they become glutinous, and unpleasant 

 to the taste. 



# Hist. Plant, adscript. Boerhaave. 



