BUCK′THORN. Syn. Rham′nus, L. The rham′nus cathar′ticus (Linn.). Berries (BAC′CÆ RHAM′NI, L.), cathartic; juice of the berries (SUC′CUS R., L.) is officinal in the B. P. See Rhamnine, Syrups, &c.
BUCK′WHEAT. See Wheat.
BUG. Syn. Ci′mex, L.; Punaisé, Fr.; Wanse, Ger. A name popularly and very loosely applied to a vast number of insects that infest houses and plants; in zoology, hemipterous insects of the genus ‘cimex,’ of which there are many hundred species; appr., the bed-bug.
Bug. Syn. Bed′-bug, House′-b., Wall-b., Wall′-louse*, &c.; Ci′mex domes′ticus, C. lectula′′rius (Linn.), L.; Punaise, Fr.; Bettwanze, Häuswanse, Ger. An insect too well known in all the larger towns of Europe and America, and in the huts of squalid poverty everywhere, to require a description here. It is almost the only species of the bug kind that has undeveloped wings. Its introduction to England is believed to have occurred soon after the great Fire of London (A.D. 1666). Human blood appears to be its favourite food; but it will also eat grain, seed, flour, dried paste, size, soft deal, beech, osier, &c. Cedar, mahogany, and the odorous and harder woods are usually avoided by this insect. Aromatics, perfumes, and strong odours generally are unfavorable to its propagation.
Exterm., &c. Various means have been adopted to prevent the accession, and to destroy or drive away, these enemies of “tired nature’s sweet restorer, balmy sleep.” Among the most certain of these is thorough cleanliness and ventilation. The furniture brokers put articles infested with these insects into a room with doors and windows fitting quite close, and subject them to the fumes of burning sulphur or chlorine gas. In the small way poisonous washes are commonly resorted to. For this purpose nothing is more effective than chloride of lime or chloride of zinc; the latter being preferable to the other on account of its being comparatively scentless.
The following mixtures are in common use, or have been recommended for this purpose:—
1. Corrosive sublimate (in powder) and hydrochloric acid, of each 1 oz.; hot water, 3⁄4 pint; agitate them together until the first is completely dissolved. It is applied with a paint-brush, observing to rub it well into the cracks and joints. This is the common ‘bug-wash’ of the shops. It is a deadly poison!
2. As the last, but substituting 2 oz. of sal-ammoniac for the hydrochloric acid.
3. Oil of turpentine, 1 pint; camphor, 2 oz.; dissolve. Very cleanly and effective.
4. Tobacco-water, made by steeping 2 oz. of good shag in 1 pint of warm water for a few hours.