The extraordinary elasticity of the down appears from what I have already said of three quarters of an ounce filling a large hat; and Pontoppidan says, that two or three pounds of it, though pressed into a ball, which may be held in the hand, upon being allowed to expand, will fill the foot-covering of a large bed. It is worthy of notice, however, that it is only the down taken from the nests which has this great elasticity, for what is taken from the dead birds is much inferior, being, as Pontoppidan says, “fat, subject to rot, and far from as light as what the female plucks to form a bed for its young.” It is on this account that it is prohibited by the laws of Norway to kill the eiders for their down. The young have been taken from the Farn Islands, in hopes of their becoming domesticated, but all attempts have proved ineffectual; probably for want of proper food, which is said principally to consist of shell-fish. The native regions of this bird extend from 45° north, to the highest latitudes yet discovered, both in Europe and America; some wandering pairs have been known to breed on the rocky islands beyond Portland, in the district of Mayne, which is, perhaps, the most southern extent of their breeding place. Greenland and Iceland abound with them, and they are numerous on the coast of Labrador. They associate together in flocks, generally in deep water, diving for shell-fish, retiring frequently to the rocky shore to rest themselves, particularly on the approach of a storm. Their flesh is much esteemed by the inhabitants of Greenland, but tastes strongly of fish. Wilson says, that several attempts have been made to domesticate them, but hitherto without effect.—_Bewick_—_Von Troil_—_Montagu._ ELK, _s._ A large and stately animal of the stag kind. ELL, _s._ A measure containing a yard and a quarter. ELM, _s._ The name of a tree. ELOPS, _s. obs._ A fish, reckoned by Milton among the serpents. EMACIATE, _v._ To lose flesh, to pine. EMBROCATION, _s._ The act of rubbing any part diseased with medicinal liquors; the lotion with which any diseased part is washed. Embrocations are of a stimulating nature, and are greatly assisted by friction. Of this kind are opodeldoc, soap liniment, &c. MUSTARD EMBROCATION. _For inflammation of the Lungs._ Flour of mustard 4 oz. Liquid ammonia 1½ oz. Oil of turpentine 1 oz. Water, a sufficient quantity to bring it to the consistence of cream. Flour of mustard mixed into a thin paste with water only is a powerful stimulant, and may be employed with good effect in cases of internal inflammation either of the bowels or lungs. EMBROCATIONS. _For hard indolent Tumours._ No. 1. Olive oil 4 oz. Camphor 4 dr.—Mix.