“Yards into which newly clipped sheep are to be turned should be previously cleared of all green food, hay, and even fresh water; if perfectly empty they are still safer. When the dipping is finished they should be cleaned, washed, and swept, and any of the unused dipping solution at once poured down the drains. Dipped sheep should remain, if possible, in an open exposed place, as on a dry road, or in a large open yard. Over-crowding should be avoided, and every facility given for rapid drying, which is greatly expedited by selecting for the operation fine, clear, drying weather. On no account should sheep be returned to their grazings until they are dry, and all risk of dripping over.[160]
[160] Finlay Dunn.
SHELL-FISH. The common name for the Crustacean and Molluscous animals that are used for food. ‘Shell-fish’ are extremely liable to disturb the functions of the stomach and
bowels. The oyster (Ostrea edulis), and the cockle (Cardium edule), are, perhaps, the least objectionable. The crab (Cancer pagurus), the crayfish (Astacus fluvialis), the lobster (Homarus vulgaris), the mussel (Mytilus edulis), the prawn (Palæmon serratus), the periwinkle (Littorina littorea), and the shrimp (Crangon vulgaris), with the exception of the claws of the first three, are always suspicious, particularly in hot weather, and often absolutely poisonous. We have seen the most alarming, nay, fatal symptoms, follow the use of mussels, even amongst those habitually accustomed to take them; whilst it is a well known fact that the luscious bodies of the crab and lobster have too often formed the last supper of the epicure. See Oyster, &c.
SHEL-LAC. See Lac.
SHELLS (Prepared). Syn. Testæ præparatæ (Ph. L. 1836), L. Prep. (Ph. L. 1836.) Wash oyster-shells (OSTRÆ—Ph. L.) with boiling water, having previously freed them from extraneous matters; then prepare them in the manner directed for chalk. The product is similar in constitution and properties to prepared chalk.
Shells, To Polish. 1. The surface of the shell should be first cleaned by rubbing it over with a rag dipped in hydrochloric acid, till the outer dull skin is removed. It must be then washed in warm water, dried in hot sawdust, and polished with chamois leather. Those shells which are destitute of a natural polished surface, may be either varnished or rubbed with a mixture of tripoli powder and turpentine applied by means of a wash-leather, after which fine tripoli alone should be used, and, finally, a little olive oil, the surface being brought up with the chamois leather as before.
2. “The shells are first boiled in a strong solution of potash, then wound on wheels, sometimes through one strata to show an underlying one, then polished with hydrochloric acid and putty powder. In this operation the hands are in great danger. Shell grinders are generally almost all cripples in their hands. (Spon.)
SHER′BET. [Pers.] A cooling drink, used in the East, prepared with the juices of fruit, and water, variously sweetened and flavoured. The word has been, of late years, commonly employed in these countries in a similar manner. See Lemonade, Orangeade, and Powders.
SHER′RY. Syn. Sherry wine, Sherris; Vinum Xericum (Ph. L.), Vinum album (Ph. E.), Vinum album Hispanicum (Ph. D.), L. This is the only wine ordered in the British Pharmacopœias. See Wines.