Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

2 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

FLORIN GRASS.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

FLORIN GRASS. We copy the following loiter, addressed lo the Editor of the Cambrian. The incredulity manifested by numerous indi- viduals on the nature and properties of Fiorin1 Grass, or the u4grostis Stc'onifera, will, in all probability, be rather increased than removed by an article which appeared in the North Wales Gazette, of the 20th ult. under the head—" Spi- rits of Fiorin which states, that this invalua- ble grass possesses a quality infinitely superior in importance to, any other previously asserted of it.-[ mean a capability to produce a very considerable proportion of spirits, no less than seven pints from 401bs. of hay and I rather suspect that some of your readers will be inclined to consider the article as partaking more of a hoax than a matter of fact; especially as being given as an extract from an Irish Newspaper. To remove errors, to combat prejudices, and to enlighten, as far as in him lies, his fellow-crea- tures, collectively and individually, on every subject connected with their wellfare and their interests, is an indispensible duty on every mem- ber of society, and no man has more strenuously performed that duty than the benevolent and pa. triotic Dr. Richardson has done, on the subject of the useful grasses, and more especially on Cocksfoot and Fiorin-a subject of vital impor- tance to the interests of this country; and I have no doubt but the time will corfie when the bene- fits resulting from that gentleman's disinterested exertions will be duly appreciated, and that he will be deservedly ranked among the greatest benefactors of the British Empire. The unremitting exertions of Doctor Richard- son, and the very great pains he has taken, and daily takes, to induce a general cultivation of Fiorin Grass, do infinite honour to his head and heart, and I should very ill discharge a debt I owe to society, and be very deficient in gratitude to Doctor Richardson for the very handsome and instructive communication J hare just received from him on the culture and properties of Fiorin, were I to omit to use the means I now possess of removing any doubts which may be entertained by he readers of the Cambrian with regard to the article before alluded to but as that cannot be effected without your assistance, I must re- quest you will be so kind as insert this letter in the Cambrian, if your columns should not be oc- cupied by more important matter. Doctor Rich- ardson's communication to me confirms the fact you quoted in your paper, with this difference, that 40lbs. of hay produced eight pints, instead of seven pints and the following are the Doo- tor's own words The rich saccharine matter with which Fiorin abounds, enables it to produce a strong spirit.—The Bishop of Derry, from 40lbs. of hay, extracted four quarts of strong spirits of most delicate flavour; and his Lordship twicc afterwards repeated the experiment with success." The Doctor then states, that he par- took of a bottle of,the spirits with his Lordship, which (ii-aiilc in punch at more than four matersand, he adds, I have obtained leave to set up a small still, and on Saturday ran off a gallon ol strong spirits from a puie decoction of Fiorin Hay. 11, when this has been perused by your readers, any one of them should remain incredulous, a further attempt to divest him of his incredulity would be similar to the endeavour to the hue of a negro from black, to white. Incredulity, on the subject of Fiorin has been kept up in a great measure by persons who either through prejudice or ignorance, have ridiculed the idea of making hay during winter. Doctor Richardson writes tbus, winter hay-making is not 1Jecessarbllt should dreadful weather throw you into December and January, as was my case in 1810 and 1812, you will be teized and fright- ened your labour will be somewhat increased, but you will not lose or abuse a single handful." "If imprudent wisdom forces you to mow ear- lier than you are allowed, your stolones will not have acquired a sufficient length, so vill fail in quality:1 Wisdom and incredulity on this point, with neglect of weeding and draining, have occa- sioned all the failures in England the Scotch, without asking questions, do as they are order- ed, and are making fortunes by me. The in- I credulity of the English will soon be pressed much further on the subjeci of Fiorin, but I shall not anticipate. I alone have tried to make beer from Fio- 1 riti the first attempt has failed, but under cir- cumstances not discouraging." The Hon. Geo. Knox, our first Chemist, calculates that an acre of Fiorin wilt produce more spirits by one-third than an acre of Barley." Should this calculation be realised, the newly discovered property pos- sessed by Fiorio will be, as i have before ob- served, of superior importance, as superseding the necessity of using a very great quantity of human food in distillation and Dr. Richardson will, by his persevering exertions, have confer- red a more durable and solid advantage on his country than all the Admirals and Generals who have for a century past led her fleets and armies to victory. I am, Sir, &c. T. JENKINS. P. S. I am now pressing experiments on a grass very much like Fiorin, a sample of which I lately sent to Doctor Richardson, and he in- forms me, that he is, at the same time making experiments on it himself. Poatardnlaia, May 18th, 1819,

Advertising