Let it stand till the
camphor is dissolved, then rub it on the part affected night and
morning, and it will seldom fail to afford effectual relief. This
mixture is also very proper for sprains and bruises, and should be kept
for family use. But several of our own domestic plants as above may be
used with advantage in the rheumatism. One of the best is the white
_mustard_. A table-spoonful of the seed of this plant may be taken twice
or thrice a day, in a glass of water or small wine. The water trefoil is
likewise of great use in this complaint. It may be infused in wine or
ale, or drunk in the form of tea. The ground-ivy, camomile, and several
other bitters, are also beneficial, and may be used in the same manner.
No benefit, however, is to be expected from these, unless they be taken
for a considerable time. Cold bathing, especially in salt water, often
cures the rheumatism. It is also advisable to take exercise, and wear
flannel next the skin. Issues are likewise very proper, especially in
chronic cases. If the pain affects the shoulders, an issue may be made
in the arm; but if it affects the loins, it should be put into the leg
or thigh. Such as are subject to frequent attacks of the rheumatism
ought to make choice of a dry, warm situation, to avoid the night air,
wet clothes, and wet feet, as much as possible. Their clothing should be
warm, and they should wear flannel next their skin, and make frequent
use of the flesh brush. One of the best articles of dress, not only for
the prevention of rheumatism, but for powerful co-operation in its cure,
is fleecy hosiery. In low marshy situations, the introduction of that
manufacture has prevented more rheumatisms, colds, and agues, than all
the medicines ever used there. Such of the inhabitants of marshy
counties as are in easy circumstances, could not, perhaps, direct their
charity and humanity to a better object than to the supplying their poor
neighbours with so cheap and simple a preservative.

RHUBARB. By proper attention in the growth and preparation of this root,
it may be obtained here nearly in equal goodness to the foreign. The
plants are all increased by seeds, which should be sown in autumn soon
after they are ripe, where the plants are designed to remain, as their
roots being large and fleshy when they are removed, they do not recover
it soon; nor do the roots of such removed plants ever grow so large and
fair as those which remain where they were sown. When