MAS 



MAT 



Dankments and drainage, and consti- 

 tute fertile, wet meadows. 



MARSH MALLOW. Allhcea offi- 

 cinalis. An herbaceous perennial, of 

 the family Malvaccer, preferring moist 

 lands, and very readily cultivated by 

 seeds, slips, &c. It is very mucilagin- 

 ous, and is used in coughs as a sirup. 

 MARSH MARIGOLD. Caltha. 

 Ornamental water plants. 



MARSH MIASM. The pestilen- 

 tial emanations from marshes, produ- 

 cing agues and intermittent fevers. 



MARSH MUD. The scrapings of 

 rivers, bogs, and marshes often yield 

 a fertile mud, which may contain 

 much decaying vegetable matter, 

 marl, or other fertilizing bodies. It 

 is, therefore, occasionally added to 

 lands with great advantage, especial- 

 ly where there is much difference in 

 the texture of the land and mud. 

 That which is black and fcetid will 

 usually be best : admixture with lime 

 will greatly improve it. As much as 

 twenty per cent, of vegetable matter 

 has been found in some specimens, 

 but as the composition is very differ- 

 ent, it is best for the farmer, while he 

 recognises the utility of marsh mud, 

 to make small trials with it first, be- 

 fore going to much expense in cart- 

 ing a quantity out. It may be applied 

 in the natural state, after being ex- 

 posed one winter to frost, or compost- 

 ed with lime, animal matter, &c. 

 Thirty or more loads are applied per 

 acre, and where a different texture is 

 to be given to the land, several hun- 

 dred may be used. The point to be 

 considered is the economy of using 

 such coarse amendments. 



MARSUPIALS. Quadrupeds with 

 an abdominal pouch, in which their 

 young reside, as the opossum, kan- 

 garoo. 



M A R T I X G A L. A part of the 

 bridle fastened by a thong to the girth, 

 and furnished wiih two straps carry- 

 ing rings, through which the reins 

 pass. It hinders the horse from toss- 

 ing his head. 



MARUM. Bitter, strong-scented, 

 MASCAGNIN. Native sulphate 

 of ammonia, found in volcanic dis- 

 tricts. 



S 3 2 



MASH. A mixture in hot water. 

 A soft sort of diet occasionally given 

 to horses. It is prepared by pouring 

 boiling water upon a small quantity 

 of ground malt, bran, or other similar 

 substance, in a pail, so as just to wet 

 it well. After this has been done, it 

 should be well stirred about, till it is 

 thoroughly mixed and sweetish to 

 the taste, when, after becoming luke- 

 warm, it is in a proper state to be 

 given to the animal. It is frequently 

 used after purges to increase their 

 operation, as well as after hard la- 

 bour, and in the time of disease. 

 Mashes are very useful for restoring 

 animals in these circumstances. 



MASONRY. The art of building, 

 especially with stones. 



MASSETER. The muscle which 

 moves the lower jaw. 



MASSICOT. Yellow oxide of 

 lead. 



MAST. The nuts of beach, oak, 

 chestnut, &c., forming admirable food 

 for hog.s, and often worthy of collec- 

 tion for winter store. 



MASTIC. The resin of the Pista- 

 cia Icntiscus, extensively used in ma- 

 king varnishes. Also a cement used 

 in plastering walls. 



MASTICATION. Chewing. The 

 reduction of grains, &;c., into meal 

 by the teeth. Old animals require 

 this to be done artificially for them. 

 It is very essential to health that it 

 be properly performed. 



MASTIFF. The large guard dog. 

 He has small, drooping ears, smooth 

 skin ; is variously coloured, hanging 

 lips, large jaws, and is strong, and 

 very large. 



MASTOID. Small knobs or ele- 

 vations on bones, &c. 

 MATE. The Paraguay tea. 

 MATERIA MEDICA. The col- 

 lection of drugs used in medicine, far- 

 riery, &c. 



MAT GRASS. Nardus stricla. 

 An insignificant Southern grass, 

 growing uu barren lands. 



M .■V T R ASS. A chemical flask, 

 with a long neck, used for heating or 

 boiling fluids. 



MATRIX. A womb. A place 

 where anything is formed. The rain- 



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