natural history, a semipellucid stone, composed of crystal debased with earth, of one uniform substance, and free from veins; but of different degrees of colour, according to the quantity of earth it contains, and naturally surrounded with a whitish crust.

Flint is a stone of an extremely fine, compact, and firm texture, and very various, both in size and figure. It is of all the degrees of grey, from nearly quite black, to almost quite white. It breaks with a fine, even, glossy surface; and is moderately transparent, very hard, and capable of a fine polish. It readily strikes fire with steel, and makes not the least effervescence with aquafortis, and burns to a whiteness. Its uses in glass-making, &c. are too well known to need a particular recital.

Floatages, all things floating on the top of the sea or any water, a word much used in the commissions of water bailiffs.

Flood. See Deluge.