26 WHEAT. 
particles. Fresh water is put to it, and after being 
considerably agitated, it is allowed to subside. As the 
sediment increases, the water is gradually drained oft", 
and, at length, the starch is formed into small pieces, 
and dried for use. 
During the late war, when the intercourse betwixt 
France and the West Indian islands was entirely cut off, 
several attempts were made in that country to obtain 
sugar from starch. The process was a long and intri- 
cate one ; and the success with which it was attended 
was not such as to render it either practically or per- 
manently useful. 
Bran is the husk of wheat, separated in grinding. 
Infusions of bran are, not unfrequently, employed both 
externally and internally in medicine. They are also 
sometimes used to cleanse the hands instead of soap. 
And, in times of scarcity, bran has been advantageously 
employed in the making of household bread. 
Wheat straw, when chopped or cut small, forms a 
wholesome provender for horses and oxen, especially 
when mixed with green food. It is also used as litter for 
horses, and is employed as thatch for cottages, houses, 
and barns. When cut into certain lengths, bleached 
by means of sulphur, and split, it is plaited, and formed 
into hats and bonnets. 
A nutritive substance called Semolina is formed from 
wheat flour, granulated by a particular process. A 
patent was granted in the year 1780 to Mr. Jacob Levy, 
for a method of making it. Previously to this, semolina 
had been imported from Poland, under the name of 
Cracow groats. It constitutes a light and wholesome 
food for invalids, being considered, in this respect, 
preferable to sago ; it may also be made into excellent 
puddings. 
Macaroni is a preparation from the finest wheat flour, 
mixed with eggs, or other glutinous substance. It is 
chiefly imported from Italy, Sicily, and Germany. Its 
name implies cut paste, and it is eaten in various ways ; 
on the continent with milk, and with us in soups and 
