CITRON, LIME, AND LEMON. 193 
more clearness and effect, the white figured parts of 
coloured patterns that are dyed with colours formed 
from iron. Its juice is procured by simply squeezing 
the fruit, and straining it through linen or any loose 
filter ; and in Sicily, and other parts of the Mediter- 
ranean^ it forms an important article of commerce. 
Being one of the most valuable remedies for the scurvy, 
with which we are acquainted, it generally constitutes 
part of the sea store of ships that are destined for long 
voyages. 
Several modes have been recommended for preserving 
lemon juice. One of these is to put it into bottles, with 
a small quantity of oil, which, floating on the surface, 
prevents the immediate contact of the air, and retards 
the decomposition of the acid; though, in this case, the 
original fresh taste soon gives place to one which is less 
grateful. In the East Indies lemon juice is sometimes 
evaporated, by a gentle heat, to the consistence of a 
thick extract. Sometimes it is crystallized into a white 
and acid salt; but what is sold in the shops, under the 
name of essential salt of lemons, for taking out ink-stains 
and iron-mould spots from linen, is only a preparation 
from the juice of sorrel. 
The external part of the rind has a grateful-aromatic 
and. bitter taste, which renders it useful in cookery. 
When dried it is considered a good stomachic, promotes 
the appetite, and is otherwise serviceable as a medicine. 
It is often candied and made into a sweetmeat, under 
the name of lemon chips. When distilled it yields a light 
and almost colourless oil, which, in smell, is nearly as 
agreeable as the fresh peel, and is frequently employed 
as a perfume. 
Lemons are sometimes preserved in syrup; Small 
ones with thick rinds are converted into a grateful 
pickle ; and a marmalade and syrup- are also made of 
them. For the purpose of keeping the fruit, it is re- 
commended that a fine packthread about a quarter of 
a yard long, should be run through the protuberance 
at the end of the lemons: the ends of the string are 
VOL. II. K 
