*»•] ' * 
 
/ Tiirhyf/inrnsiini ;i ///' I'lm / a- ■ ■ 
 ■i.Siniifwi/lifs. «- ^■ 
 
 ■ rTi'llflUf. 
 
 ■f/lltrli lii'lrmlli wlnppn^ rirniii 
 
 
 y fif,'////u-//ir. Asfii'H'/h' i,ii dish . 
 ' ' L'hshr. 
 SB// //I. 
 
 Criitir stnmi fnrf'i'iiil iiiifl Ihinrrs.Oisi/tnJsiiiJhiv 
 
THE 
 
 HOU^El^EEpEI( 
 
 I ESPECIALLY ADAPTED TO TEE EVERY DAY WANTS OF 
 
 AMERICAN HOUSEWIVES ; 
 
 EMBRACING 
 
 SEVERAL THOUSAND THOROUGHLY TESTED AND APPROVED RECIPES, CARE 
 
 AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN, BIRDS. AND HOUSE PLANTS; FLOWER 
 
 AND WINDOW GARDENING, ETC.; WITH MANY VALUABLE 
 
 HINTS ON HOME DECORATION. ' 
 
 DETROIT, MICH. 
 
 M. W. ELLSWORTH & COMPANY. 
 
 1882. 
 

 COPYKIGHT BY 
 
 M. W. Ellsworth and F. B. Dickerson, 
 
 1883. 
 
)TO( 
 
 glx0Sje gousjeitrixrjes 
 
 WHO DELIGHT 
 
 IN MAKING HOME A PLACE OF PEACE, COMFOP.T 
 
 AKD ENJOYMENT, 
 
 THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Bride's Cake, 42 
 
 Christmas Cake 50 
 
 Wedding Cake, 75 
 
 Floating Island, 90 
 
 Coquettes of Rice • . . . . lOT 
 
 Curistmas Plum Pudding 120 
 
 Eggs a la Bonne Femme, 154 
 
 Mi^iiROOMS, . 184 
 
 Potato Pie, 234 
 
 Section of Bullock, 273' 
 
 Beep, 275 
 
 Sheep, 27a 
 
 Lamb, . . 27a 
 
 " Calf, . . 273 
 
 Aitchbone of Beef, . 277 
 
 Brisket op Beep 27S 
 
 Ribs of Beef, 280 
 
 Sirloin op Beep, 281 
 
 Roast Quarter op Lamb, . 290 
 
 Leg op Mutton, 294 
 
 Back, 295 
 
 Fowl, to Carve, 31S 
 
 Goose, " .317 
 
 House Pests, 358 
 
 Sleep '. . 447 
 
 Aquarium in Window 489 
 
 Tank, 490 
 
 Tank (3) 491 
 
 Marine Aquarium, 495 
 
 Trellised Window, 510 
 
 514 
 
 Creepers, . . . . Sift 
 
 Window Garden, 526 
 
 .'....- 527 
 
 Ferneries 52d 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 j [N the compilation of this work, we have striven to give the 
 greatest amount of information possible, consistent with the 
 plan adopted, and to so arrange it that any subject sought can 
 he easily and quickly found; and, when found, that it shall contain 
 just the information sought. The tendency of the age is toward 
 the practical, and he who would gain the attention of the public 
 must be concise and to the point. 
 
 Our aim is to assist in the management of the household, but 
 especially would we enter our plea for improved cookery. Ill- 
 cooked meals are a source of discomfort. Bad cooking is waste — 
 waste of money and loss of comfort. Among the "common things " 
 which educators should teach the rising generation, this should not 
 be overlooked. It is the commonest and yet the most neglected of 
 the branches of female education. 
 
 In this department we have endeavored to give only those recipes 
 whicli have stood the test of actual use and received the endorse- 
 ment of the best cooks and caterers of the day, and all of them can 
 be depended upon as being just what they purport to be. 
 
 We have considered it unnecessary to add the names of the con- 
 tributors, as most of them would be nearly or quite unknown to the 
 reader, and, therefore, would carry no weight of authority with 
 them, and would serve but to occupy space, which is better used 
 for additional recipes. 
 
Ti PREFACE. 
 
 The greater part of human labor is occupied in the direct pro- 
 duction of the materials for human food. All these articles — corn, 
 beef, mutton and such like — are handed over to the female half of 
 the human species to be converted into food for the sustenance of 
 themselves, their husbands, and their families. How do they use 
 their power? Can they cook? Have they been taught to cook? 
 Is it not a fact that, in this country, cooking is one of the lost 
 or undiscovered arts? 
 
 The most worthless unit in a family is an ill-managing wife, or an 
 indolent woman of any sort. If she knows nothing of her kitchen, 
 and is at the mercy of the cook, the table will soon become intoler- 
 able — bad soup, soft and flabby fish, meat burned outside and raw 
 within. The husband will soon fly from the Barmecide feast, and 
 take refuge in his club, where he will not only find food that he 
 can digest, but at the same time escape from the domestic discord 
 that usually accompanies ill-cooked victuals at home. 
 
 In short we want common sense in cookery, as in most other 
 things. Food should be used and not abused. Much of it is now 
 absolutely wasted — wasted for want of a little art in cooking it. 
 
 The advancement of a people is measured by its proficiency in 
 the cuisine. Vice and crime consort with foul living. In those 
 places demoralization is the normal condition. There is an absence 
 of cleanliness, of decency, of decorum — all tending to foster idle- 
 ness, drunkenness and vicious abandonment. 
 
 Besides the cooking recipes, we have added such other informa- 
 tion as is of importance to every housekeeper. In its completeness 
 we now present The Successful Housekeeper to a discrimin- 
 ating public, with the hope that it may make easier the burden and 
 more pleasant the cares of the over-burdened wives and mothers of 
 our land. 
 
THE 
 
 SUCCESSFUL HOUSEKEEPER. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 BREAD MAKING. 
 
 il 
 
 [F it be true that bread is the staff of life, no one can be insensible 
 to the statement which has been made by authors on the sub- 
 ject so many times of late, that we make a great mistake, from 
 a dietetic point of view, in the kind of flour which we select for 
 making bread. The most nutritious bread is not the whitest, but 
 rathjr the reverse, since the branny portion of wheat, which is sys- 
 tematically rejected, contains very valuable substances and salts 
 that, takyn into the body, go to form bone, ilesh, and nerve, as well 
 as to assist in the digestion of starchy matters. The central poi*- 
 tion of wheat, or that portion Avhich forms the ordinary flour of 
 commerce, consists solely of starch, which is not a flesh-forming 
 substance, but a heat-giving principle of food. The bran con- 
 tains phosphates, of which bones and nerves are so largely made 
 up; gluten, or flesh-forming substance; and cerealine, a peculiar 
 body which has the character of a ferment, changing starchy mat- 
 ter in such a way as to be more readily absorbed and utilized by 
 the system in the act of digestion. 
 
 It stands to reason, therefore, that flour made from the entire 
 wheat contains the very substances which are needed to make it 
 nutritious, and that the removal of the bran in the making of flour^ 
 
8 BREAD MAKING. 
 
 as ordinarily practiced, entails the loss of very important items of 
 diet. Further, it is clear that the pliysiologist is right in recom- 
 mending the use of whole grain flour, provided that there is no 
 special drawback on account of its physical character. But this is 
 just what has been the case hitherto. When the bran is mixed with 
 the ordinary flour and taken, it is found to be difficult of digestion, 
 and, in some cases, to irritate; the latter result being due to the 
 mechanical action of the bran scales upon the intestines, and hence 
 there has been a real difliculty in extending the consumption of 
 brown bread. But recent improvements in milling machinery have 
 to a great extent overcome these difiiculties, and as a consequence, 
 the consumption of wheat in its many and various preparations is 
 correspondingly increased. 
 
 For good bread three things are essential — good flour, good 
 yeast, and great care. 
 
 Yeast that will not Sour. 
 
 Good bread cannot be made from poor yeast, and here is a recipe 
 that will not sour: One bowl of flour, one bowl of sugar, one cup 
 of salt, one tablespoonful ginger. Take a double handful of hops 
 and pour over them five quarts of water, boil an hour, and have as 
 much water on at the last, and pour scalding hot through a strainer 
 on to the other ingredients, stirring briskly; when cold add a cup 
 of good yeast and let rise thirty-six hours, pour into a perfectly 
 sweet jug, and keep in a cool place. A cupful of. this added to a 
 quart of lukewarm water, with flour enough to make a stiff batter, 
 will make two loaves of bread. Set this at night and knead in 
 more flour the next morning, keep in a place where it will be of 
 even temperature, raising it as fast as possible; when raised again, 
 knead a good deal, using but little flour, and put into bread pans; 
 when well raised bake slowly three-fourths of an hour. Part of 
 this tak n out and raised once or twice, with sufficient butter or 
 lard, and the white of an egg added, makes excellent rolls for tea. 
 
BREAD MAKING. 9 
 
 A Good Reliable Yeast. 
 
 Steep slowly, in a porcelain or bright tin kettle, one large hand- 
 ful of hops, tied in a cloth, boil six large potatoes, sliced thin, in 
 two quarts of water; when done very soft, mash till smooth and 
 creamy. Have ready one pint of flour, wet and rubbed to a smooth 
 paste; pour into this the potato water, boiling hot, stirring 
 smoothly; let it boil a few minutes, stirring all the time; add the 
 hop water and potatoes, two tablespoonfuls of salt, and one cup of 
 white sugar; stir thoroughly, and set away to cool. When milk 
 warm, stir in one cup of yeast; let it rise in a warm place twelve 
 hours; put it into an air-tight vessel, previously well scalded, and 
 set in the cellar. This will keep from four to six weeks. Always 
 make new yeast before the old is gone, in order to have some to 
 start with. Be very particular with every new batch of yeast, to 
 have the vessel in which it is kept well cleaned, and scalded with 
 hot saleratus water. Much depends upon keeping this sweet and 
 clean. 
 
 Another Good Yeast. 
 
 Boil two potatoes with a good handful of hops, tied in a bag; 
 mash the potatoes when done, in the yeast dish, and add two tea- 
 cupfuls of flour, and scald with the potato water; when cool, add 
 a yeast cake soaked in warm water. Dry hop yeast can always be 
 found at grocery stores. 
 
 Good Home-made Bread. 
 The superiority of good home-made bread has long been acknowl- 
 edged, yet how few know how to make a really good article of 
 bread, therefore so many housekeepers depend on the baker, which 
 is at least very expensive, to say nothing of the injury the constant 
 use of baker's bread causes to the healtlr of delicate persons and 
 children, as all baker's bread contains alum, which causes the loaves 
 to increase in weight, as it makes the flour absorb more water. 
 Therefore a pound loaf of baker's bread will contain less nourish- 
 ment than a loaf of home-made bread of equal weight. Economy, 
 
10 BREAD MAKING. 
 
 therefore, should make every housekeeper her own bread maker, as 
 baker's bread dries and becomes stale much quicker than home- 
 made. 
 
 To make first-rate bread, the sponge should be set over night in 
 a warm place and raised and kneaded three times; the first time 
 from fifteen to twenty minutes — the more the better. If this rule 
 is followed the bread will present an even surface when sliced ofi", 
 and not the loose, crumbly appeai-ance which is so often seen in 
 bread. 
 
 Take three quarts of good flour, sift and warm; make a cavity in 
 the center, add a large teaspoonful of salt; take one pint of new 
 milk, or water boiling hot, pour into this and stir quickly; cool off 
 with one quart of cold milk or water; add one cup of yeast; mix 
 well together; then cover well and set in a moderately warm place 
 (if in cold weather) ; this will be I'cady to knead up before break- 
 fast, if set over night. Slashing the dough with a sharp knife adds 
 to its lightness and texture. When well kneaded the first time cover 
 tightly, watch closely, and as soon as light knead as before, but be 
 very careful not to work in much flour; only keep enoiigh on the 
 board to prevent sticking, as all the flour that is added after the 
 first kneading only makes the bread hard and dry. As soon as it 
 is light the second time divide into loaves and reserve a portion for 
 biscuit so that the bread will not be cut till cold. Mold smoothly, 
 put into tins, let rise fifteen or twenty minutes in a warm place; 
 bake half an hour in moderately hot oven. When done, set on 
 hearth, cover with double thick cloth five minutes, turn out on 
 same cloth; let stand until cool; put in stone jar and keep covered. 
 Always keep a cloth folded in the bottom of the jar to take up 
 the dampness which naturally collects. 
 
 Yeast Bread. 
 
 To three quarts water add one teacupful of yeast, stir into 
 enough sifted flour to make a stiff batter; do this in the evening 
 and set in a warm place. In the morning mix stiff; it will soon 
 
BREAD MAKING. 11 
 
 rise, then mold out into the tins. No certain time can be given for 
 the time of rising, as that depends on the temperature. 
 
 Potato Bread. 
 Pare and boil six good-sized potatoes, drain off the water, mash 
 fine and pour over them about three pints of cold water and run 
 through a colander; add flour until this is a thin batter, then put 
 in a coffee cup of yeast from the jug; let stand until it rises, then 
 stir into it flour as much as you can with a spoon and let it rise 
 again; work in enough more flour to make stiff" enough for bread 
 and then let rise the third time; when light this time, work into 
 loaves and let rise. All the flour must be sifted. 
 
 Anotijer. 
 
 Boil four potatoes to the loaf; mash when done and add two tea- 
 cupfuls of flour and scald with the potato water; when cool add the 
 yeast and let stand till bed time, then sponge and knead in the 
 morning; make quite stiff and knead fifteen or twenty minutes; let 
 rise again and mold into loaves. 
 
 Milk Sponge Bread. 
 
 Put a pint of boiling water into a pitcher with a teaspoonful of 
 sugar, one-fourth teaspoonful of salt, and the same of soda; let it 
 stand till you can bear your finger in it, then add flour to make a 
 thick batter; beat it hard for two minutes. Now place the pitcher 
 in a kettle of hot water — not hot enough to scald the mixture; keep 
 the water at the same temperature till the emptyings are light. If 
 set early in the morning and carefully watched they will be ready 
 by eleven o'clock to make a sponge the same as for other bread, 
 with a quart of very warm milk. Let this sponge get very light, 
 then make into loaves and set to rise again, taking care that they 
 do not get too light this time before putting into the oven, or the 
 bread will be dry and tasteless. The emptyings pitcher and bread 
 pan or tray must be perfectly clean and sweet. Scald them out 
 ' with saleratus or lime water. 
 
12 BREA.D MA.KING. 
 
 Salt Rising Bread. 
 
 In the evening scald two tablespoonfuls of corn meal, a pinch of 
 salt and one of sugar, with sweet milk, and set in a warm place till 
 morning; then scald a teaspoonful of sugar, one of salt, half as 
 much soda, with a pint of boiling water, add cold water till luke- 
 warm, then put in the mush made the night before, and thicken to 
 a batter with flour; put in a close vessel in a kettle of warm water 
 (not too hot); when light, mix stiff, adding a little shortening; 
 mold into loaves. It will soon rise, and will not take as long to 
 bake as yeast bread. 
 
 Salt Rising Bread, No. 2. 
 
 In the morning take a quart dish and scald it out, then put in a 
 pint of warm water; put in a teaspoonful of salt and a little pinch 
 of soda, two or three tablespoonfuls of corn meal, and flour enough 
 to make a thick batter. Stir well, and set the dish in a kettle of 
 warm water, and keep at the same temperature (just so you can 
 bear your hand in it). If water rises on the top, stir in briskly one 
 or two tablespoonfuls of flour, and put back into the kettle. If the 
 flour is good the emptyings will be light within three or four 
 hours; then take flour enough in a bread pan to make three or four 
 loaves of bread, make a hole in the center, put in the emptyings, 
 and fill the same dish with warm water; add a little salt, stir it in 
 with a spoon, mix a thick sponge and cover it with some of the 
 flour, and set in a warm place to rise. When light, mold it into 
 loaves and set to rise again (it does not require as much kneading 
 as yeast bread). Bake from a half to three-fourths of an hour. 
 Railroad emptyings are made in the same way, of middlings instead 
 of flour. 
 
 Corn Bread. 
 
 One pint sweet milk, one pint sour milk, one pint flour, two pints 
 meal, one teaspoonful syrup, one teaspoonful salt, one teaspoonful 
 soda. Steam three hours. 
 
BREAD MAKING. 13 
 
 Corn Bread, No. 2. 
 
 Two eggs well beaten, one cup sugar, half cup butter, one cup 
 sweet milk, half cup sour milk, half cup wheat flour, one and a half 
 cups corn meal, two teaspoonfuls of any good baking powder. 
 
 Corn Bread, No. 3. 
 
 One pint buttermilk, two eggs, one pint corn meal, two table- 
 spoonfuls melted butter, a little salt, and one teaspoonful soda. 
 
 Corn Bread, No. 4. 
 
 One pint com meal, one pint flour, one pint buttennilk, one tea- 
 cupful molasses, one teaspoonful soda, one teaspoonful salt. Bake 
 just two hours. 
 
 Grandmother's Indian Bread. 
 
 Three cups sweet milk, three cups com meal, one cup wheat 
 flour, one half cup molasses, one teaspoonful of soda, one teaspoon- 
 ful salt. Put into a buttered bake-dish, and set in a steamer and 
 steam three hours. 
 
 Quick Graham Bread. 
 
 One and a half pints sour milk, two-thirds cup cooking molasses, 
 a half teaspoonful salt, two even teaspoonfuls of saleratus dissolved 
 in a little hot water, and as much Graham flour as can be stirred in 
 evenly with a spoon. Put into a well-greased pan, and bake imme- 
 diately. It will require from an hour and a half to two hours to 
 bake. 
 
 Baking Powder . Graham Bread. 
 
 One and one-half pints Graham flour, one-half pint flour, one 
 tablespoonful of sugar, one teaspoonful of salt, two teaspoonfuls 
 baking powder; mix with a pint and a half of milk, or equal parts 
 of milk and water. Sift together Graham, flour, sugar, salt, and 
 baking powder; add the milk, or milk and water, mix rapidly into 
 a soft dough, put into a greased tin, bake in rather hot oven for 
 forty minutes. Protect the loaf with paper the first fifteen minutes. 
 
14 BREAD MAKING. 
 
 Brown Bread of Graham Flour. 
 Take one cup of milk; add hot water to warm; thicken with, 
 sifted Hour, sufficient to make a sjjonge; stand over night in a 
 warm place; in the morning add half a cup of milk, with a cup of 
 hot watir, one cup molasses, one cup butter, one teaspoonful salt; 
 mix in (xraham flour till thick, and smooth with a spoon; pour into 
 bread pans half full; let stand in a warm place until the pans are 
 nearly full; bake an hour in a moderately hot oven. Keep a steady 
 fire. 
 
 Graham Bread. 
 
 To a scant quart of warm water add a heaping teaspoonful of 
 salt, a good half cup of brown sugar; stir in a pint of the sponge 
 made of flour for potato bread; add as much Graham flour as 
 can be stirred in; put into baking pans and let rise until light; 
 bake in a moderate oven, and when done wrap in a damp towel 
 until cool. 
 
 Graham Bread, No. 2. 
 
 Take one and two-thirds cups of water or milk and a small piece 
 of butter or lard; mix quite thick Avith Graham flour or Arlington 
 wheat meal, which is better; add half a cup of good yeast and set 
 to rise over night. In the morning dissolve one-half teaspoonful 
 soda in a little water and add one-half cup of molasses; stir this 
 into the bread, mix quite soft and put in baking tin to rise. Bake 
 thoroughly. A nice rye and wheat loaf may be made in the same 
 way, using one and one-half cups sifted rye and the rest wheat 
 flour. If you wish a light colored loaf use only one cup of rye and 
 sweeten with sugar. 
 
 Brown Bread. 
 
 Take two quarts of corn meal; scald with one quart of boiling 
 milk or water; when cool add one quart of Graham flour, one large 
 spoonful salt, one cup brown sugar or best molasses, one cup home- 
 made yeast, one cup flour. Mix with warm water as stiff as can 
 easily be stirred ; put in deep basins; steam two hours and bake 
 
BREAD MAKING. 
 
 15 
 
 one 
 
 Before baking baste with a few spoonfuls of sweet cream or 
 milk; this makes a soft, tender crust. 
 
 Biscuit is made from the same dough as the bread, rolled out and 
 spread with a small quantity of lard, which must be very fresh and 
 sweet. Double the dough together, roll and spread again three 
 times; then cut in small biscuits; place on buttered tins; let stand 
 half an hour; bake fifteen minutes until a very light brown. Cover 
 with cloth a few minutes and slip off on the same until ready for 
 use. All bread, biscuit, loaf cake or doughnuts made from yeast 
 should rise after being mixed before being baked; if put into the 
 oven or fried directly they are never light, as the dough has no 
 chance to recover its elasticity. 
 
 Brown Bread, No. 2. 
 
 One pint of rye meal sifted, one pound of coarse yellow Indian 
 meal sifted, one quart of sour milk, salt, half cup of molasses or 
 less, one heaping teaspoonful of saleratus dissolved in a little hot 
 water. Steam three hours and-a-half in a tin pail set in a kettle of 
 boiling water. 
 
 Boston Brown Bread. 
 
 Flour one-half pint, one pint corn meal, one-half pint rye 
 flour, one teaspoonful salt, one tablespoonful brown sugar 
 two teaspoonfuls baking powder, one-half pint water; sift flour, 
 corn meal, rye flour, sugar, salt and baking powder together 
 thoroughly; peel, Avash, and well boil two mealy potatoes, rub 
 them through the sieve, diluting with water. When this is quite 
 cold use it to mix the flour, etc., into a batter like cake; pour it 
 into a well-greased mold, having a cover (a tin pail will do), place 
 it in a kettle or sauce pan half full of boiling water, when the 
 loaf may steam or simmer one hour; then take off the cover and 
 bake in the oven a half hour. 
 
 Rye Bread. 
 
 Make a sponge as for wheat bread, and let it rise over night; 
 then add two-thirds cup molasses, one teaspoonful salt, one quart 
 
16 BREAD MAKING. 
 
 milk and water — equal parts — and mix with rye flour, not as stiff 
 as wheat bread, and bake. 
 
 Rye and Indian Bread. 
 
 Scald two quarts Indian meal by pouring over it just boiling 
 water enough to wet it, one quart rye meal or flour, one-half tea- 
 cupful molasses, two teaspoonfuls salt, one of soda, one cup of 
 yeast; make as thick as can be Stirred with a spoon, mixing with 
 warm water, and let rise over night; put in a bake tin, let stand a 
 half hour, and bake from four to six hours. 
 
 Rye Bread with Baking Powder. 
 
 One pint rye flour, one-half pint corn meal, one-half pint flour, 
 one teaspoonful sugar, one teaspoonful salt, two teaspoonfuls 
 baking powder, one tablespoonful lard, nearly one pint milk. Sift 
 together rye flour, corn meal, flour, sugar, salt and powder, rub in 
 the lard cold, add the milk and mix into a smooth batter, as for 
 cake; pour into a well greased tin, and bake in a moderate oven 
 three-quarters of an hour; protect with a paper the first quarter. 
 
 HoYLETON Bread. 
 
 Five cups Indian meal, seven cups wheat flour, two cups rye 
 meal, four cups buttermilk, two cups sweet milk, one-half cup 
 molasses, two teaspoonfuls salt, two teaspoonfuls soda. Put it in a 
 three quart pail that has a cover; let it stand near the fire thirty 
 minutes with the cover off, to rise, then put on cover, and bake or 
 steam four hours. 
 
 Norwegian Bread, for Dyspeptics. 
 
 One pint barley meal, one-half pint Graham, one-half pint flour, 
 one teaspoonful salt, two teaspoonfuls baking powder, one pint 
 milk. Sift together barley meal, Graham, flour, salt and powder. 
 Mix into a firm batter with the milk, pour into a greased tin, and 
 bake in a moderate oven forty minutes; cover with a greased paper 
 the first twenty minutes. 
 
BREAD MAKING. 17 
 
 Oat Meal Bread. 
 
 One-half pint oat meal, one and-a-half pints flonr, half teaspoonful 
 salt, three teaspoonfuls baking powder, three-fourths pint milk; 
 boil the oat meal in one and-a-half pints salted water for one hour. 
 Then dilute it with the milk. Set aside to get perfectly cold. Sift 
 together flour, salt, powder, and when the oat meal preparation is 
 cold place it in a bread bowl; add to it the flour, etc.; mix smoothly 
 together, pour from the bowl into the greased tin, and bake in a 
 moderate oven three-fourths of an hour; protect the loaf with paper 
 the first twenty minutes. 
 
 Rice Bread. 
 
 Boil one cupful of rice in a pint of water; when tender, add one- 
 half pint milk; when cold, add one and-a-half pints flour sifted, with 
 a teaspoonful sugar, half teaspoonful salt, two teaspoonfuls baking 
 powder; mix together smoothly, pour into greased tin, and bake 
 forty minutes, 
 
 8 
 
CHAPTER 11. 
 
 BREAKFAST AND TEA CAKES. 
 
 [^ Light Biscuit. 
 
 rN kneading bread, set aside a small loaf for biscuits. Into 
 this work a heaping tablespoonful of lard and butter mixed, 
 and a teaspoonful of sugar. The more it is worked, the 
 whiter it will be. As it rises, mold it down twice before making 
 into biscuit. Roll out and cut with a biscuit cutter. The dough 
 should be quite soft. 
 
 Butter Biscuit. 
 Sift one quart of flour into a pan, and make a hollow in the center 
 large enough to admit a pint of milk and a coffee-cup of yeast; mix 
 into a sponge, set it to rise; in the morning add one pound of 
 melted butter, and knead as much flour as will, with another pint 
 of warm milk or Avater, make a soft dough ; make out the biscuit in 
 pans to rise; when sufticiently light, bake in a well-heated oven. 
 
 Soda Biscuit. 
 One quart of sifted flour, an even teaspoonful of soda dissolved 
 in a pint of buttermilk, or sour milk, heaping tablespoonful of lard, 
 a pinch of salt. Bake in an oven — not too hot — after raising fifteen 
 or twenty minutes. If sour cream is to be had, use it instead of 
 milk, leaving out the shortening. 
 
 Dixie Biscuit. 
 Three pints of flour, two eggs, two tablespoonfuls of lard, one 
 small cup of yeast, one cup of milk; mix at 11 o'clock, roll out at 
 4 o'clock, and cut with two sizes of cutters, putting the smaller one 
 on top; let'rise until supper. Bake twenty minutes. 
 
 18 
 
BREAKFAST AND TEA CAKES. 19 
 
 Baking Powder Biscuit. 
 To begin with, have a hot oven; have the flour sifted, and roll 
 dough as soft as it can be handled. Then more baking pow- 
 der is needed than is usually given. For each teacupful of flour 
 use a teaspoonful of powder; butter the size of a hen's egg is suffi- 
 cient for a quart of flour; after rubbing powder and butter into the 
 flour, mix soft with cold water or milk, stirring with a spoon; roll 
 lightly and bake at once. 
 
 Cream of Tartar Biscuit. 
 
 One quart flour, a tablespoonful of butter, and a tablespoonful of 
 lard, a half teaspoonful of salt, one teaspoonful of soda, two tea- 
 spoonfuls of ci'eam of tartar. Sift the flour and cream of tartar 
 together, rub the butter and lard very thoroughly through it; dis- 
 solve the soda in a pint of milk or water (if water, use more short- 
 ening) ; mix all together. Roll out, adding as little flour as joossi- 
 ble; cut with a biscuit cutter, and bake immediately in a quick 
 oven. 
 
 - English Biscuit. 
 
 One and a-half pints of flour, one coffee-cup full corn starch, three 
 tablespoonfuls sugar, a large pinch of salt, two lai-ge teaspoonfuls 
 baking powdei-, three tablespoonfuls lard, one egg, one-half pint 
 milk, one-half cup currants, one tablespoonful coriander seed (if 
 desired). Sift together flour, corn starch, sugar, salt, and baking 
 powder; rub in the lard cold; add the eggs beaten, milk, currants 
 well cleaned; mix into a smooth dough soft enough to handle, flour 
 the board, turn out the dough, i-oll it out to half an inch thickness, 
 cut out with a round cutter, lay them on a greased baking tin, and 
 bake in a rather hot oven twenty minutes; rub over Avitli a little 
 butter on a clean piece of linen when taken from the oven. 
 
 Graham Biscuits. 
 Take one quart water or milk, butter the size of an egg, three 
 tablespoonfuls sugar, half cup yeast, and a little salt; take enough 
 white flour to mix a batter with the water; add the other ingredi- 
 
20 BREAKFAST AND TEA CAKES. 
 
 ents, and as ranch Graham flonr as can be stirred in with a spoon; 
 set it away until morning; tlien grease a pan, flour hands, take a 
 lump of dough tlie size of a hen's (^gg, roll lightly between the 
 palms; let them rise twenty minutes, and bake in a rather hot oven. 
 
 Cold Biscuits. 
 Three pints flour, two tablesj^oonfuls sugar, one teaspoonful salt, 
 two heaping teaspoonfuls baking powder, four tablespoonfuls 
 lard, two tablespoonfuls caraway seeds, two eggs, one pint milk. 
 Sift together flour, sugar, salt and powder, rub in lard cold, add the 
 seeds, beaten eggs, and milk; mix into a smooth, firm dough, flour 
 the board, turn out the dough, give it a few quick kneadings, and 
 roll out to the thickness of a quai'ter of an inch, cut into large bis- 
 cuits, prick with a fork, lay on a greased tin. Bake in hot oven 
 fifteen minutes; when cold, store for use. 
 
 BuNiis. 
 
 Break an egg into a cup, and fill the cup up with sweet milk; 
 mix with it a half cup yeast, half cup butter, one cup sugar, enough 
 flour to make a soft dough; flavor with nutmeg; let rise till very 
 light, then mold into biscuits with a iew currants; let rise the 
 second time and bake, and when nearly done glaze with a little 
 molasses and milk. 
 
 Bunks. 
 
 One cup butter, one cup sugar, half cup yeast, half pint milk, 
 make stiff with flour, and mold into biscuits; when light, bake. 
 
 Bunks. 
 
 One cup yeast, one egg, one tablespoonful molasses, flour to make 
 a batter; let it rise, then add one pint milk, one pint sugar dissolved 
 in the milk, half pint butter, two eggs; stir in flour stiff enough to 
 make the buns, and let them rise in the pans before baking. 
 
 CiKNAMox Cake. 
 Take yeast bread dougji when liglit, knead and roll out three- 
 fourths of an inch thick; put thin slices of butter on the top, 
 sprinkle with sugar, and then with cinnamon; let rise, and bake. 
 
BREAKFAST AND TEA CAKES. 21 
 
 Graham Cakes. 
 To one quart Graham flour add one teaspoonful of salt, five 
 tablespoonf uls molasses, three tablespoonf uls yeast, or a yeast cake 
 dissolved in warm water. Stir as thick as pound cake; let stand 
 over night; when ready to bake, add a well beaten egg, a table- 
 spoonful lard and a teaspoonful of soda. Bake in cups half an hour. 
 
 Rye Drop Cakes. 
 
 One egg, two cups rye flour, two cups flour, half a cup sugar, a 
 teaspoonful salt, two teaspoonfuls cream of tai'tar, one teaspoonful 
 soda — or three teaspoonfuls baking powder, — a tablespoonf ul melted 
 butter, and one of lard, one and a half cups milk; droj) from a spoon 
 and bake half an hour. 
 
 Corn Cakes. 
 
 One pint sour milk, two cups Indian meal, one cup floui', one egg, 
 two tablespoonfuls molasses, one teaspoonful salt, one teaspoonful 
 soda; mix thoroughly and bake twenty-five minutes in shallow 
 pans. 
 
 JoHiOsT Cake. 
 
 One quart corn meal, one quart milk, two eggs, two tablespoon- 
 fuls shortening, half cup sugar, teaspoonful salt, three teaspoonfuls 
 baking powder — or substitute one quart sour milk and a large tea- 
 spoonful soda. 
 
 Newport Breakfast Cakes. 
 
 Three eggs, three spoonfuls sugar, one and-a-half pints milk, 
 half cup butter, three teaspoonfuls baking powder. Stir stiff with 
 flour and bake in loaves, like cakes. 
 
 " Potato Cakes. 
 Peal enough good sized potatoes for a meal for the family, grate 
 on a coarse grater, and stir in from three to five eggs, salt and mix 
 stiff enough to mold into cakes, and fiy inhot lard or drippings. 
 
22 GRIDDLE CAKES. 
 
 GRIDDLE CAKES. 
 
 Stale Bread Griddle Cakes. 
 •Soak one pint bread crumbs in warm water, when soft drain oft 
 the water and add one pint sour milk with a teaspoonful soda 
 stirred in, half teaspoonful salt, a beaten egg, and thicken with 
 flour to make a batter. 
 
 Corn Meal Griddle Cakes. 
 One pint corn meal, one of sour milk or buttermilk, one egg, one 
 teaspoonful soda, one of salt. Bake on a griddle. 
 
 Rice Griddle Cakes. 
 One and one-half pints boiled rice, the same of flour, one-half 
 teacupful sour milk, one teacupf ul sweet milk, one teaspoonful soda, 
 salt, three eggs, and butter the size of a walnut. 
 
 Flour Griddle Cakes. 
 Make a thick batter with one quart of sour milk and flour. Let 
 it stand over night and in the morning add two well-beaten eggs, 
 salt, and a teaspoonful of soda dissolved in a tablespoonf ul warm 
 water. Bake immediately. 
 
 Greex Corn Griddle Cakes. 
 Six ears grated corn, two eggs, one pint milk, one pint flour, one 
 tablespoonful butter, a little salt. Bake on a griddle. 
 
 Hominy Griddle Cakes. 
 To one pint warm boiled hominy add a pint of milk, or milk and 
 water, and flour enough to make a thin batter; beat up two or 
 three eggs and stir them into the batter with a little salt. Fry as 
 other griddle cakes. ' 
 
 Crumb Corn Cakes. 
 Soak a quart of bread crumbs in a quart of sour milk over night; 
 in the morning rub through a colander and add four well-beaten 
 eggs, a heaping teaspoonful soda dissolved in a little warm water. 
 
GRIDDLE CAKES. 23 
 
 one tablespoonful shortening, and corn meal to mix into a nice 
 batter. It is better to beat yolks and whites of eggs separately, 
 stirring the whites in lightly jnst before baking. 
 
 Flannel Cakes. 
 Three eggs, one quart sweet milk, one quart sifted flour, with 
 three teaspoonfuls baking powder, a small spoonful salt; beat the 
 yolks and half of the milk, salt and flour together, then the 
 remainder of the milk, and last, the whites of the eggs, well beaten; 
 a teacup of boiled rice improves them. 
 
 Buckwheat Cakes. 
 Take, of equal parts of buttermilk and water, one quart, half cup 
 yeast, a little salt; stir into a batter with buckwheat flour, let rise 
 over night; in the morning add half teaspoonful soda dissolved 
 in a little water. Bake on a hot griddle. 
 
 Graham Griddle Cakes. 
 One pint Graham flour, half pint corn meal, half pint flour, one 
 heaping teaspoonful sugar, half teaspoonful salt, one egg, one pint 
 buttermilk, one teaspoonful soda. 
 
 Squash, Pumpkin and Apple Griddle Cakes. 
 Cold stewed squash, pumpkin or apple, rubbed through a colan- 
 der, half pint; mix with two well-beaten eggs and half pint milk. 
 Sift together half pint Graham flour, half pint corn meal, half tea- 
 spoonful salt, heaping teaspoonful baking powder. Mix smooth and 
 thoroughly into a batter and bake on a hot griddle. 
 
 Berry Griddle Cakes. 
 Take of huckleberries, blackberries, or raspberries a half pint, 
 one and one-half pints flour, one teaspoonful salt, one tablespoonful 
 brown sugar, two teaspoonfuls baking powder, two eggs, and one 
 pint milk. Sift together flour, sugar, salt and powder; add beaten 
 eggs, milk and berries; mix into a batter; have the griddle hot 
 enough to form a crust as soon as the batter touches it. In order 
 to confine the juice of the berries turn quickly in order to form a 
 
24 GRIDDLE CAKES. 
 
 crust on the other side; turn once more on each side to complete 
 the baking. 
 
 Egg Cracknels. 
 
 One quart flour, one-half teaspoonful salt, five tablespoonfuls 
 sugar, one teasjioonful baking powder, four tablesj)Oonfuls butter, 
 and five eggs. Sift together flour, sugar, salt and powder; rub in 
 the butter cold; add the eggs beaten, and mix into a firm, smooth 
 dough. Flour the board, turn out the dough, and give it a few 
 minutes' rapid kneading; cover with a damp towel fifteen minutes; 
 then roll it out to the thickness of one-eighth of an inch. Cut out 
 with biscuit cutter. When all are cut out, have a large pot of 
 boiling, and a large tin pan of cold water. Drop them a few at a 
 time into the boiling water. When they appear at the surface 
 and curl at the edges, take them up with a skimmer, and drop them 
 in the cold water. When all are thus served, lay them on greased 
 baking tins and bake in a fairly hot oven fifteen minutes. 
 
 Oatmeal Crackers. 
 One pint very fine oatmeal, one-half pint Graham flour, one-half 
 teaspoonful salt, one-half teaspoonful sugar, one-half teaspoonful 
 baking powder, one-half pint cream. Sift together the oatmeal, 
 Graham, salt, sugar and powder; add the cream and mix into 
 a dough, rather too soft to handle. Let it stand half an hour, by 
 which time it will have absorbed the extra moisture, and handling 
 it will be easy. Flour the board with Graham, roll out to the 
 thickness of one-third inch, prick with a fork, lay on greased bak- 
 ing tin, and bake in a moderate oven ten minutes. They must be 
 watched during baking, as they burn quickly, and when baked 
 handled with care; they break easily. 
 
 Graham Crackers. 
 
 Sift together one quart Graham flour, one tablespoonful sugar, 
 
 half teaspoonful salt, half teaspoonful baking powder; mix with 
 
 two tablespoonfuls butter and a good half pint milk, into a smooth 
 
 dough, and knead well for five minutes; roll it to the thickness of 
 
GRIDDLE CAKES. 25 
 
 one-quarter inch, cut into crackers round or square. Bake in rather 
 hot oven ten minutes; when cold store for use. 
 
 Crumpets. 
 
 Mix together thoroughly while dry one quaint sifted flour, two 
 heaping teaspoonfuls baking powder, a little salt, then add two 
 tablespoonf uls melted butter and sweet milk enough to make a thin 
 dough. Bake quickly in muffin rings or patty pans. 
 
 London Crumpets. 
 
 Sift together one and one-half pints flour, one-half teaspoonful 
 salt, one teaspoonful sugar, and two teaspoonfuls baking powder; 
 add one beaten egg, a scant pint of milk and cream in equal parts, 
 a little ground cinnamon or a teaspoonful extract of cinnamon; half 
 fill greased muffin rings, place on a hot, well-greased griddle. Bake 
 on one side only. Serve hot with cottage cheese. 
 
 Kentucky Corn Dodgers. 
 
 Place your griddle where it will heat, for this is much better 
 than a bread pan, there being less danger of scorching at the bot- 
 tom. Take an even pint of sifted meal, a heaping tablespoonful of 
 lard, a pinch of salt, and a scant half pint of cold water; mix well 
 and let it stand while you grease your griddle and sprinkle some 
 meal over it. Make the dough into rolls the size and shape of 
 goose eggs, arid drop them on the griddle, taking care to flatten as 
 little as possible,' for the less bottom crust the better. Place in the 
 oven and bake imtil brown on the bottom. Then change to the 
 grate, and brown on top, taking from twenty to thirty minutes for 
 the whole process. Eaten Avhile hot with plenty of good butter, 
 they are better than any other bread. 
 
 The same amount of meal, lard and salt mixed with boiling 
 water, till of the consistency of thick batter, will give you delight- 
 ful hot cakes, to be cooked like any other batter bread. 
 
2Q FRITTERS. 
 
 FRITTERS. 
 
 Greex Corn Fritters. 
 Grate green corn from the cob, and allow an egg and a half for 
 every cupful, with a tablespoonful of milk or cream; beat the eggs 
 well; add the coi-n by degrees, beating very hard; salt to taste. 
 Put a tablespoonful of melted butter to every pint of corn; stir in 
 the milk, and thicken with just enough flour to hold them together 
 — say a tablespoonful for every two eggs. You may fry in hot 
 lard, as you would fritters, or cook upon a griddle like batter cakes. 
 Eaten at dinner or breakfast, these always find a cordial welcome. 
 
 Green Corn Fritters, No. 2. 
 Two cups of grated corn, two eggs, one cup of milk, flour for 
 thin batter, a pinch of soda, salt, one tablespoonful melted butter. 
 Mix and fry as you would griddle cakes. 
 
 Apple Fritters. 
 Beat three eggs very lightly, then stir in one teaspoonful of salt, 
 one-lialf cup of sugar, one pint of milk, two cups of chopped apple 
 and two cups of flour. Flavor with nutmeg. Stir all well together 
 and fry in lard as pancakes. Sift sugar over them and send to the 
 table. 
 
 Celery Fritters. 
 
 Boil some thick but tender stalks of celery in salted water; when 
 done dry them on a cloth, cut them in equal lengths about one and 
 ' a-half inches; fry them in batter to a golden color, sprinkling fine 
 salt well over, and serve. 
 
 Oyster Fritters. 
 Drain them thoroughly, chop fine, season with pepper and salt. 
 Make a batter of eggs, milk and flour; stir the chopped oysters in 
 this and fry in hot butter; or fry them Avhole, enveloped in batter, 
 one in each fritter. In this case the batter should be thicker than 
 if they were chopped. 
 
FRITTERS. 27 
 
 Clam Fritters. 
 Twelve clams, minced fine; one pint milk; three eggs. Add the 
 liquor from the clams to the milk; beat up the eggs and put to 
 this, with salt and jiepper, and flour enough for thin batter; lastly, 
 'the chopped clams. Fry in hot lard, trying a little first to see if the 
 fat and batter are right. A tablespoonful will make a fritter of 
 moderate size. Or you can dip the whole clams in batter and 
 cook in like manner. Fry quickly, or they are apt to be too greasy. 
 
 Lobster Fritters. 
 Put one lobster in two quarts boiling water with half a cup salt; 
 boil twenty-five minutes; when cold remove the meat and fat, cut 
 into small slices; put one tablespoonful butter, one tablespoonful 
 flour, one cup cream, a little celery, salt, thyme, white pepper, and 
 a salt-spoon of parsley, into a stew-pan; let boil two minutes; add 
 yolks of four eggs, and the lobster; mix and set it back to simmer 
 five minutes; pour it out on a well-greased dish and set it away to 
 get firm by cooling; cut into slices, dip into common batter and fry 
 to a light brown in hot lard. Serve on the fritters a few sprigs of 
 parsley, quite dry, fried in the lard fifteen seconds. 
 
 Rice Fritters. 
 Boil one cup of rice in one pint of milk until soft; add the yolks of 
 tliree eggs, one tablespoonful sugar, two tablespoonfuls butter, two 
 tablespoonfuls flour; when cold add the whites of the eggs whipped 
 to a stiff froth; drop in spoonfuls in plenty of hot lard and fry to a 
 light brown color. Serve with cream, wine or lemon sauce. 
 
 Blackberry Fritters, 
 
 Mix one cup blackberries with one and a-half cups common 
 batter and drop by tablespoonfuls into hot lard. 
 
 All berry fi'itters can be made as directed for the above and 
 served with spiced sauce made as follows: Set on the fire three- 
 fourths pint of Avater, one cup sugar; boil twenty minutes, remove 
 from the fii-e and add one teaspoonful each of exti*aet cloves, mace, 
 and ginger. 
 
iS GEMS. 
 
 G E :m s 
 
 Graham Gems. 
 One pint milk, one pint Graham flour, salt-spoonful salt; beat 
 well} heat the gem pan hot, butter it and drop the dough into the 
 sockets with a spoon, tilling each one-half full. 
 
 Graham Gems, No. 2. 
 One ]nnt buttermilk, one teaspoonful soda, a little salt, one egg, 
 one-half cup sugar, tablespoonful lard; thicken with Graham flour, 
 and bake in gem tins. 
 
 Graham Gems, Xo. 3. 
 One pint milk, one cup flour, one cup Graham flour, one egg, a 
 little salt. Have the irons hot before using. 
 
 Cold "^Vater Gems. 
 Take cold water, Graham flour, and a little salt, make rather a 
 stiff batter; heat and grease the irons, or tins, and bake twenty 
 minutes. 
 
 Mixed Gems. 
 One-half pint Graham, half pint corn meal, half pint rye flour, 
 half pint buckwheat flour, one teaspoonful salt, two heaping tea- 
 spoonfuls baking powder, one pint rich milk; mix into a thin 
 batter, then half fill well-greased gem pans. Bake in hot oven 
 fifteen minutes. 
 
 CoRX Gems. 
 One pint corn meal, one pint flour, one teaspoonful salt, two 
 large teaspoonfuls baking powder, one pint milk; mix into a firm 
 batter, two-thirds fill well-greased gem pans and bake in a hot oven 
 
 fifteen minutes. 
 
 Oatmeal Gems. 
 
 Soak one cup oatmeal over night in one cup water; in the morn- 
 ing add one cup sour milk, one teaspoonful soda, one cup of flour, 
 a little salt, bake in gem irons. K on trial they ai-e a little moist or 
 sticky, add a little more flour. 
 
3IUFFINS. 29 
 
 JVrCTFINS. 
 
 To one quart of luilk add two well-beaten eggs, a lump of butter 
 half the size of an' egg, a little salt, and flour enough to make a 
 stiff batter; stir in half a pint of yeast. Let them stand until they 
 are perfectly light and then bake on a griddle in rings made for the 
 purpose. These are merely strips of tin three-fourths of an inch 
 wide, made into rings two and a half or three inches in diameter, 
 and without bottoms, the Ting being simply placed on the griddle 
 and the batter being poured in to fill it. 
 
 Muffins, Xo. 2. 
 
 One pint flour, one cup milk, two eggs, two teaspoonfuls baking 
 powder, butter the size of an egg; beat the yolks of the eggs with 
 the butter, then add the whites well beaten. Sift baking powder 
 with the flour, and mix all together into a batter. Bake in mufiin 
 rings. 
 
 MuFFiifS, ^o. 3. 
 
 One pint new milk, one egg, one tablespoonful sugar, one table- 
 spoonful butter, half teaspoonful salt, one cake yeast (or better, 
 half cup home-made yeast) ; mix with flour until a very stiff batter 
 is formed; leave in a warm place over night and bake in the morn- 
 ing in rings. 
 
 Rice Flour Muffixs. 
 
 One and one-half cups rice flour, two cups wheat flour, one pint 
 milk, one egg, three teaspoonfuls baking jjowder, a little salt, a 
 small piece of butter. Bake as usual. 
 
 Rice Muffixs. 
 
 One pint sifted flour, two heaping teaspoonfuls baking powder 
 and a little salt. Thoroughly mix together; then add one cup cold 
 boiled rice, two eggs, one tablespoonfid butter, and enough sweet 
 milk to make a thick batter. Bake immediately. 
 
30 MUSH. 
 
 Graham Muffins. 
 
 Two cups sour milk, one teaspoonful saleratus, two eggs, a little 
 salt, butter half the size of an egg, three cups Graham flour. Bake 
 in rings. 
 
 Graham MtrrFiNs, No. 2. 
 
 Two cups Graham flour, one cup sweet milk, one-third cup sugar, 
 one egg, butter the size of an egg, two teaspoonf uls baking powder. 
 Bake in rings twenty or thirty minutes in hot oven. 
 
 CoEX Meal Muffins. 
 
 One and one-half cups of corn meal, the same of flour, two heap- 
 ing teaspoonfuls baking powder, one-half cup sugar, one-half tea- 
 spoonful salt, one tablespoonful butter, two eggs, and milk enough 
 to make a stiff batter. 
 
 MUSH. 
 
 Corn Musit. 
 
 Take boiling water (soft water is preferable), salt to the taste, 
 add meal very slowly so as to prevent any lumps being' formed; 
 cook thoroughly. 
 
 Oatmeal Mush. 
 
 Put four tablespoonfuls oatmeal into one quart cold water; add 
 one teaspoonful salt, let it cook slowly for from one to two hours, 
 addin"" hot water when needed; just before serving stir in one 
 teaspoonful butter, or soak the meal over night and add boiling 
 water and cook in the morning. 
 
 Cracked Wheat Mush, 
 To one quart salted water add three-fourths cup cracked or 
 rolled wheat, and boil two hours: or it may be soaked over night 
 and boil one hour. 
 
PUFFS. 81 
 
 Cracked Wheat Musti, No. 2. 
 Moisten one and one-half cups cracked wheat with cold water, 
 add one-half teaspoonfiil salt, place in a muslin bag, leaving half 
 the space for the wheat to swell; put into a small colander and 
 place in a kettle of water and keep boiling from three to four 
 hours. Serve with syrup and butter or cream and sugar. It is 
 nice sliced and fried when cold. 
 
 Fried Mush for Breakfast. 
 Night before, stir into two quarts of boiling water a little salt 
 and one pound of farina, boil for ten minutes, and pour it into 
 a shallow dish to cool; next morning cut it into slices, and fry in 
 lard light brown. This is far superior to corn meal mush. 
 
 Hominy. 
 Take one cup hominy to one quart salted water and soak over 
 night and boil three-fourths of an hour. Serve with milk and 
 sugar. Slice .and fry when cold. 
 
 PUFFS. 
 
 Puffs. 
 Two eggs, two cups of milk, two cups of flour, and a little salt. 
 Pour into hot roll pans and bake in a quick oven. Fill the pans 
 about half full. 
 
 German Puffs. 
 Two cups of sweet milk, two cups of flour, three eggs, and a 
 little salt. 
 
 Graham Puffs. 
 One egg, one pint sweet milk, one pint Graham flour, and a pinch 
 of salt; beat the eggs thoroughly; add the milk, then the flour 
 gradually; beat the whole mixture briskly with an egg-beater; pour 
 into cast-iron gem pans, well-greased, and hot; bake in very hot 
 oven; this mixture is just sufticient for twelve gems. 
 
32 PUFFS. 
 
 Oatmeal Puffs. 
 
 Sift together one-half pint oatmeal, one-half pint Graham, one- 
 half pint flour, one teaspoonful sugar, one-half teaspoonful salt, and 
 two teaspoonfuls baking powder; add three beaten eggs and one 
 pint milk; mix into a thin batter; half fill well-greased gem pans 
 and bake in hot oven ten or fifteen minutes. 
 
 Potato Puffs. 
 
 To each two cupfuls of mashed potatoes take one tablespoonful 
 of melted butter and beat to a cream; put with this two eggs 
 whipped light, and a cupful of milk, salting to taste; beat all well; 
 pour into greased baking dish and bake quickly to a light brown. 
 Serve in the dish in which it is cooked. 
 
 Cream Puffs. 
 
 One-half pint boiling water, one cup of butter, two cups of flour. 
 Let the water and butter boil, then stir in the flour; let it cool; add 
 live eggs well beaten; beat all well; drop in mufhn rings; bake 
 thirty minutes. Boil one pint of milk; beat together one cup of 
 flour, one cup of sugar, and two eggs; add this to the boiling milk 
 and boil three minutes; cut a hole in the top of each cake and fill 
 with cream, putting the piece of crust back. 
 
 PUFFETS. 
 
 One quai-t flour, one pint milk, two eggs beaten light, butter size 
 of an egg, three tablespoonfuls sugar, three teaspoonfuls baking 
 powder; bake quickly. 
 
 Proverbs. 
 
 One cup rich milk, one egg, two cups flour, one teaspoonful 
 baking powder, a little salt; beat together thoroughly, fill buttered 
 cups half full and bake in a hot oven. 
 
 Pocket Books. 
 
 One quart warm Avater or milk, two eggs, three teaspoonfuls 
 sugar, one cup yeast, four tablespoonfuls melted butter, add flour 
 to make a sponge, and set to rise; when it is ri;>en work it over and 
 
ROLLS. 83 
 
 set to rise again; when light put in a piece of soda the size of a 
 bean; roll out, spread the surface with butter, cut in squares and 
 double over to form a pocket book shape; put in a pan and let stand 
 till light, then bake. 
 
 ROLLS. 
 
 How TO MAKE Rolls. 
 When mashing potatoes for dinner, put a tablespoonful of it into 
 one pint of the . water they were boiled in, and set aside till bed- 
 time; then strain it through a colander, add one pint of milk, one 
 large spoonful nice lard, one large spoonful white sugar, one tea- 
 spoonful salt, one penny-worth of yeast, and flour to make a stiff 
 batter. Leave it in a moderately warm place. In the morning add 
 flour enough to make a soft dough, working it well. Let it rise 
 again, I'oU out half an inch thick, cut into round cakes, fold 
 together, drawing a buttered knife through as you fold them. Let 
 them rise again for half an hour, or until light; bake in a quick 
 oven for fifteen or twenty minutes. In cold weather the milk 
 should be luke-warm; in hot weather the milk should be scalded 
 and cooled. The potatoes must be pared before boiling, and the 
 kettle in which they are boiled must be perfectly clean. 
 
 Rolls No. 2. 
 Take a piece of bread dough when molded; roll out half an inch 
 thick; spread with butter, and sprinkle with sugar; roll up and 
 cut off the size you want; let rise and bake.' 
 
 Parker House Rolls. 
 Two quarts flour, one cup yeast, one pint milk, boiled, then 
 cooled to milk-warm, one tablespoonful of shortening, one of sugar; 
 lay a sponge, leaving out enough flour to mix in Avhen rolling out; 
 if for tea, mix in the morning; bake as soon as ready. 
 
 CixxAMox Rolls. 
 Take light dough, as for bread; mix in shortening, an egg, and a 
 
34 ROLLS. 
 
 little sugar; roll out to about one-quarter inch in thickness; spread 
 with butter, then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon; roll up and cut 
 as you would a jelly cake; put in pans like biscuit; set to rise. 
 When light, put a little lump of butter, and sugar and cinnamon 
 on each one, ayd bake. 
 
 AYhite Mountain Rolls. 
 
 Sixteen cups of flour, half cup of sugar, cup of butter, cup of 
 yeast, the whites of four eggs beaten to a stifi" froth, and four cups 
 of boiling milk; melt the butter and sugar in the milk, have the 
 milk blood warm and mix the bread, adding the whites of eggs 
 after mixing in part of the flour; knead stiff and let rise in a warm 
 place over night. In the morning knead into rolls and let rise till 
 light; rub the beaten white of an egg over the tops of rolls, and 
 bake thirty minutes. 
 
 ViEisTNA Twist Rolls. 
 
 Break pieces off dough (as prepared for common rolls) the size 
 of an egg, and divide each piece into two unequal pieces, the largest 
 piece form with the hands into a plain roll tapering at each end; 
 lay them, thus formed, on a greased baking tin so as not to touch 
 each other; flatten each a little and wash over with milk; divide 
 the remaining pieces each into three, roll the pieces out under the 
 hands into strips a little longer than the roll already made, and 
 braid them; then lay each braid, as soon as formed, on top of the 
 plain roll; when all are made, wash over with milk. Bake in a hot 
 oven twenty minutes — a very handsome roll for a dinner party. 
 
 Oatmeal Rolls. 
 
 Sift together one-half j^int oatmeal, one-half pint Graham, one 
 pint flour, one teaspoonful salt, two teasj^oonfuls baking powder, 
 and mix with three-fourths pint milk into a smooth dough; turn 
 out and give one or two quick kneadings to complete its quality; 
 roll out to the thickness of half an inch, cut out with large round 
 cutter, fold through the centre laying one half over on the other, 
 
ROLLS. 35 
 
 lay them on a greased baking tin so they do not touch, wash over 
 with milk and bake in a good hot oven fifteen minutes. 
 
 Italian Rolls. 
 
 Take a piece of bread dough and one-fourth the amount of 
 butter, work the butter thoroughly into the dough and roll out to 
 about one-half an inch in thickness; cut into strips about six inches 
 long; sift over them fine corn meal, place them, separated, on a 
 buttered baking tin, and Avhen light bake in a quick oven. 
 
 Graham Breakfast Rolls. 
 
 Take six potatoes, boiled and pressed through a colander, one pint 
 warm water, one-half cup sugar, one-half teaspoonful salt, one-half 
 cup yeast; mix into a stiff dough with Graham flour, and let rise 
 over night; in the morning mold into rolls and bake when light. 
 
 French Rolls. 
 
 Into one pound of flour rub two ounces of butter and the whites 
 of three eggs well-beaten; add a tablespoonful of good yeast, a 
 little salt, and milk enough to make a stiff dough; cover and set in 
 a warm place till light; cut into- rolls, dip the edges into melted 
 butter to keep them from sticking together, and bake in a quick 
 oven. 
 
 Tremont House Rolls. 
 
 Take two quarts of flour, add one teaspoonful salt; make a hole 
 in the middle and put into it one tablespoonful of sugar, butter 
 about the size of an egg, one pint of boiled milk, and one teacupful 
 of yeast. Do not stir, but put them together at night, and set in 
 a cool place until morning. Then mix all together and knead 
 fifteen minutes. Set in a cool place again for six hours, and roll 
 out about one-half an inch thick and cut with a biscuit cutter; 
 moisten one edge with butter, and fold together like rolls; lay in 
 the pan so that they will not touch, set for half an hour in a warm 
 place to rise, and bake in a quick oven. 
 
36 RUSKS. 
 
 Rosettes. 
 To three eggs, the y<>ll<!^ beaten very light, add one quart of milk, 
 a piece of butter the size of an egg cut in little pieces into the milk 
 and eggs, three coffee cups of flour, a little salt, three teaspoonfuls 
 of baking powder, and lastly the Avhites of the eggs beaten very 
 light and stirred quickly into the mixture. Bake in a quick oven. 
 
 RUSKS. 
 
 Sweet Rusks. 
 In one large coffee cup of warm milk dissolve one cake of com- 
 pressed yeast; then add three eggs and one cup of sugar, and 
 beat all together; use only flour enough to roll out, to which 
 add two ounces of butter; let it rise. When very light, knead, 
 mold into shape, and set in a warm place. When light, bake in a 
 hot oven; when done, cover the top with sugar dissolved in milk. 
 
 Sweet Rusks, No. 2. 
 One pint of Avarm milk — new is best — one-half cup of butter, one 
 cup of sugar, two eggs, one teaspoonful of salt, two tablespoonfuls 
 of yeast; make a sponge with the milk, yeast, and enough flour to 
 make a thin batter, and let rise over night. In the morning add the 
 sugar, butter, eggs, and salt, well-beaten together, with enough 
 flour to make a soft dough. Let it rise again, then make into 
 round balls, and rise a third time. Bake in a moderate o^jeu. 
 
 Rusks. 
 Half pint of sweet milk, one teac'sp of yeasi, two eggs; mix 
 with suflScient flour for a stiff batter and raise; then add one cup of 
 butter, half cup of sugar, one teaspoonful of soda, and a little nut- 
 meg; let rise, and knead out into biscuits; let rise and bake. Just 
 before taking out of the oven beat up the white of an egg and i*ub 
 over the top, then sprinkle with sugar; put into the oven again for 
 a moment, and serve hot. 
 
EUSKS. 37 
 
 Baking Powder Rusks. 
 
 Thoroughly mix with one quart sifted flour, tAvo neaping tea- 
 spoonfuls baking powder, and one teaspoonful salt; then mix the 
 beaten yolks of three eggs with a half cup butter and one cup 
 sugar; now stir up the flour prepared as above with water, making 
 a dough of the proper consistency for bread; then add the eggs, 
 butter and sugar, and mix all well together. Form into little cakes 
 and rub the tops with sugar and water, and then sprinkle dry sugar 
 over them and bake immediately. 
 
 Scones. 
 
 Thoroughly mix one quart sifted flour, two heaping teaspoonfuls 
 baking powder; then rub into one-fourth pound butter and enough 
 sweet milk to make a (Smooth paste; roll out the paste to one-fourth 
 of an inch in thickness and cut it into triangular pieces, each side of 
 which is about four inches long; put them into a greased tin and 
 bake immediately in a very hot oven; when half done, brush them 
 over with sweet milk. 
 
 Scotch Scones. 
 
 Sift together one quart flour, one teaspoonful sugar, one-half 
 teaspoonful salt, two heaping teaspoonfuls baking powder; rub in 
 a large tablespoonful lard cold; add two beaten eggs and nearly 
 one-half pint milk; mix into a smooth dough, knead up quickly and 
 roll out to one-third of an inch in thickness, cut out with a knife 
 into squares larger than soda crackers, fold each in half to form 
 three-cornered pieces, bake on a hot griddle eight or ten minutes; 
 brown on each side. 
 
 Sally Lunn". 
 
 One quart of flour, a piece of butter the size of an egg, three 
 tablespoonfuls of sugar, two eggs, two teacups of milk, two tea- 
 spoonfuls of cream of tartar, one of soda, and a little salt. Scatter 
 the cream of tartar, the sugar and the salt into the flour; add 
 the eggs, the butter melted, and one cup of milk; dissolve the 
 
38 SANDWICHES. 
 
 soda in the remaining cup, and stir all together steadily a few 
 moments. Bake in two round pans. 
 
 Sally Lunn, No. 2. 
 
 Sift together one quart flour, one teaspoonful salt, two teaspoon- 
 fuls baking powder; rub in two-thirds cup butter cold; add four 
 beaten eggs, one-half pint milk; mix into a firm batter like cup 
 cake, pour into two round cake tins, and bake twenty-five minutes 
 in a pretty hot oven. 
 
 Plain Short Cake. 
 
 One quart flour, one saltspoonful salt, two heaping teaspoonfuls 
 baking powder; mix thoroughly; then add one-quarter pound 
 butter, and one-eighth pound lard, and enough cold water to make 
 a thick paste. Roll out about a quarter of an inch thick, and cut 
 into squares; prick with a foi-k and bake immediately. 
 
 Scotch Short Cake. 
 Sift together one and a half pints flour, four tablespoonfuls sugar, 
 one-half teaspoonful salt, a heaping teaspoonful baking powder; 
 rub in four tablespoonfuls butter cold, add three beaten eggs, nearly 
 one cupful milk, a teaspoonful extract of orange, or lemon; mix 
 into a smooth dough without much handling, and roll out to the 
 thickness of a quarter inch, and cut into shape of small envelopes; 
 wash over with milk, and lay on each three thin slices of citron, 
 and a few caraway seeds. Bake in a moderate oven twenty 
 minutes. 
 
 SANDWICHES. 
 
 Ham Sandwiches. 
 Take well-boiled ham, one-third fat and two-thirds lean, chop it 
 until it is as fine as paste, then stir in the yolk of an egg. To one 
 teaspoonful mustard, mix one tablespoonful Worcestershire sauce. 
 Use this or more in such proportions as you may require. 
 
SANDWICHES. 39 
 
 Egg Sandwiches. 
 
 Take slices of buttered bread and grate hai-d-boiled eggs on 
 each slice with a coarse grater, sprinkle with pepper and salt; then 
 lay two slices together. 
 
 This sandwich may be varied by grating a layer of cold smoked 
 tono-ue or ham over the egg on one slice arid not on the other. 
 These require a light and dexterous hand to keep the egg from 
 being crushed. 
 
 Sardine Sandwiches. 
 
 Open a can of sardines, remove the skin and bones, lay bits of the 
 fish on well-spread bread and butter; squeeze lemon over it; lay a 
 slice of buttered bread on top. 
 
 School Lunch Sandaviches. 
 
 Beat three eggs, three tablespoonfuls of milk, saltspoonful of 
 salt, and a dash of pepper; fry it as you would a griddle cake, and 
 lay between buttered bread or biscuit, or slice hard-boiled eggs or 
 nice stewed codfish left cold, and lay between slices of bread and 
 butter. 
 
 Oyster Sandwiches. 
 
 Chop one quart raw oysters very fine, season with pepper, salt, 
 a little nutmeg; mix with one-half cupful melted butter, the same 
 of rich cream, whites of three eggs beaten, and eight powdered 
 crackers. Heat them over steam in an oatmeal boiler or over the 
 fire until a smooth paste; set away until very cold; then cut and 
 lay between buttered slices of bread. , 
 
 Tongue or Ham Sandwiches. • 
 
 Chop fine the lean of cold boiled tongue or ham, season with 
 prepared mustard and black pepper; add melted butter and sweet 
 cream until smooth like a paste, then spread between buttered 
 slices of bread. 
 
40 TOAST. 
 
 TOAST, 
 
 Crea5i Toast. 
 Take slices of stale bread, one quart of milk, three tablespoonfuls 
 butter, whites of three eggs beaten stiff, salt, and three tablespoon- 
 fuls flour. Toast the bread to a golden brown, have a dish half 
 full of boiling water in which a tablespooiiful of butter has been 
 melted; as each slice is toasted dip it in this for a second and lay- 
 in the deep heated dish in which it is to be served. Have ready, 
 by the time the bread is all toasted, the milk scalding hot, but not 
 boiling; thicken this with the flour; let simmer until cooked; put 
 in the remaining butter, and when this is melted the beaten whites 
 of the eggs; boil up once and pour over the toast, lifting the slices 
 that the cream may run between; cover closely; set in the oven a 
 few moments before sending to the table. 
 
 Breakfast Toast. 
 
 Mix two tablespoonfuls of sugar, a little salt, and a well-beaten 
 egg, in one-half pint of milk. In this mixture dip slices of bread 
 and fry them on a buttered griddle until they are light brown on 
 each side. 
 
 Cheese and Egg Toast. 
 
 Put a cupful of cheese crumbs into half a pint of rich milk; boil 
 until it melts. Have two eggs well beaten. Season the milk with 
 salt, pepper and butter to taste; turn in the eggs; stir rapidly for 
 a few minutes; remove from the fire and spread it over some hot 
 slices of toasted bread. Cut them in halves and quarters and serve 
 on, a hot platter. 
 
 Ham Toast. 
 
 Melt in a stew pan a small piece of butter till it is browned a 
 little; put in as much finely-minced ham as will cover a round of 
 buttered toast, and add gravy enough to make moist. When quite 
 hot stir in quickly with a fork one egg. Place the mixture over 
 the toast, which cut into pieces of any shape you may fancy. 
 
WAFFLES. 41 
 
 Spaxish Toast, 
 
 Beat three eggs to a foam; toast a few slices of bakers' bread; 
 dip them in the egg, and fry them to a light brown. 
 
 Fried Bread. 
 Take dry bread, dip it in hot water quickly, and lay on a hot; 
 pancake griddle, which has some lard or butter melted, salt; when 
 nicely browned on one side, turn on the other and brown; add 
 more butter when needed. Some prefer the bread dipped in egg 
 first. 
 
 WAFFLES. 
 
 One quart of sweet milk, warm, four eggs, a piece of butter the 
 size of an egg, one teaspoonf ul of salt, teacup of yeast, flour enough 
 to make a stiff batter; let it rise three hours. Bake in waffle-irons. 
 
 Waffles, No. 2. 
 
 Four eggs, whites beaten separately; two tablespoonfuls short- 
 ening, one quart milk, one teaspoonf ul soda, salt; add the whites 
 last; add two teaspoonf uls cream of tartar to flour enough to m.ake 
 thin batter. 
 
 Waffles, No. 3. 
 
 One pint sour cream (or part milk), two eggs, one spoonful soda, 
 half spoonful salt; then make same as above. 
 
 Waffles, No. 4. 
 
 One pint of buttermilk, flour enough to make a thin batter, one 
 tablespoonful of salt, one teaspoonf ul of soda; mix your milk, flour 
 and salt, then sift the soda over the batter; break the white of one 
 egg in a plate and put the yolk in the batter; beat in well; now 
 whip the white of the egg to a stiff froth and stir in thoroughly — 
 do not beat it in. Have the Avaffle-iron smoking hot and grease 
 with lard or other grease, which should be free from either w^ater 
 
42 WAFFLES. 
 
 or salt, as both raake the waffles stick. If the milk be veiy sour, 
 use more soda to sweeten it. Sour batter will stick to the irons, too. 
 
 Bread Waffles. 
 Crusts and pieces can be put in a pitcher and milk poured over 
 them; when needed, add more milk, and a little flour, to make the 
 right consistency; enough soda to make sweet, salt, and' make waf- 
 fles, or pancakes. 
 
 Rice "Waffles. 
 One and one-half cups of boiled rice, the same of flour, one cup 
 sour milk, a scant teaspoonful soda, a little salt, three eggs, and 
 butter the size of a walnut. 
 
 Graham Wafers. 
 
 Put a pinch of salt into one-half pound of Graham flour; wet it 
 with one-half pint of sweet cream; mix quickly and thoroughly; 
 roll out as thin as possible; cut in strips, prick, and bake in a quick 
 oven. 
 
 Sweet Wafers. 
 
 One pint flour, one cup sugar, three eggs, one tablespoonful 
 butter; flavor with lemon; mix into a batter with a little milk to 
 the consistency of sponge cake, and bake in wafer-irons. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 CAKE. 
 
 g«j^ Almond Cake. 
 
 fOUR cups sifted flour, three teaspoonfuls baking powder, two 
 cups powdered sugar, one cup butter, ten eggs (the yolks and 
 whites whipped separately, the yolks strained), one-half 
 pound sweet almonds blanched and pounded, one tablespoonful 
 orange-flower water, nutmeg. Beat butter and sugar until they are 
 like whipped cream, add the strained yolks, rub the baking powder 
 into the flour and add alternately with the whites, then the almond 
 paste in which the nutmeg and orange-flower water have been 
 mixed; beat well and bake as "snowballs" in small, round, rather 
 deep pans, with straight sides; when done cover with almond frost- 
 ing. Very rich. 
 
 Almond Cake, No. 2. 
 
 One and one-half cups sugar, lialf cup butter, four eggs, half cup 
 milk, two cups of flour, two teaspoonfuls baking powder; bake in 
 sheets. Icing — whites of thi'ee eggs beaten stiff, three tablespoon- 
 fuls white sugar, one cup chopped nut meats; flavor to taste and 
 put these between and on top of layers. 
 
 Adelaide Cake. 
 
 One cup butter, one and one-half cups sugar, four egg;^, one pint 
 flour, two teaspoonfuls of baking powder, one cup dried stoned 
 cherries, one-half cup milk, one teaspoonful vanilla; mix smoothly 
 into a firm batter by beating the sugar, butter and eggs together, 
 and adding the flour with the baking powder and the other ingredi- 
 ents. Bake about fgrty minutes. 
 
44 CAKE. 
 
 Apple Cake. 
 
 Two eggs, whites and yolks beaten separately, one and one-half 
 
 cups sugar, scant three-fourths cup butter, half cup sweet milk, 
 
 three cups flour, one teaspoonful creain of tartar sifted in the flour, 
 
 one-half teaspoonful soda in the milk. Bake in jelly tins or cut for 
 
 dressing. 
 
 Dressing for Same. 
 
 Three good sized sour apples grated, the juice and grated rind of 
 one lemon, one egg beaten, one cup sugar. Cook all together three 
 minutes and spread between the layers. 
 
 Angels' Food. 
 Take the whites of eleven eggs, one and one-half tumblerfuls of 
 granulated sugar, one tumblerful of flour, one teaspoonful of 
 vanilla, and one teaspoonful of cream of tartar; sift the flour four 
 times, then add the cream of tartar, and sift again; but have the 
 right measure before putting in the. cream of tartar. Sift the sugar 
 and measure. Beat the eggs to a stiff froth on a large platter; on 
 the same platter add the sugar lightly, then the flour very gently, 
 then the vanilla; do not stop beating until you put it in the pan to 
 bake; bake forty minutes in a very moderate oven, try with a 
 straw, and if too soft, let it remain a fev/ minutes longer. Turn 
 ' the pan upside down to cool, and when cold, take out by loosening 
 around the sides with a knife. Use a pan that has never been 
 greased, and thei'e must be on the edge three projections of tin an 
 inch or two deep, so that there will be a space between the pan 
 and the table when it is turned upside down. The tumbler for 
 measuring must hold two and one-quarter gills. 
 
 Andalusia Sponge Cake. 
 Three eggs, well beaten, one cup white sugar, one cup flour, and 
 one teaspoonful baking powder;, flavor to suit the taste. Beat 
 quickly and bake at once. 
 
 Black FrUit Cake. 
 Two pounds raisins, one pound currants, one-half pound citron, 
 
CAKE. 
 
 45 
 
 four cuj^s sugar, two cups butter, one cup molasses, eight eggs, two 
 teaspoonfuls soda, one wine glass brandy, spice to taste. Half of 
 this receipt makes two small loaves. 
 
 Bride Cake. 
 The whites of sixteen eggs beaten to a stiff froth, one j^ound of 
 sugar, one pound of flour, one-half pound of butter. Flavor with 
 alrnond. Mix the butter and sugar to a cream, then add the eggs, 
 then the flour. 
 
 Bride Cake, No. 2, 
 
 One afid one-half pounds butter, one and thi-ee-fourths pounds 
 sugar (half New Orleans sugar), two pounds eggs well-beaten, four 
 pounds raisins seeded and chopped, English currants, thoroughly 
 cleaned, five pounds, citron shaved fine two pounds, sifted flour 
 two pounds, two nutmegs, and an equal quantity of mace, one gill 
 
 of alcohol, in Avhich are put fif- 
 teen drops of oil of lemon. Cut 
 the butter in pieces and put it 
 where it will soften; stir it to 
 a cream, then add the sugar 
 and work till white ; next beat 
 tlie yolks of the eggs, and add 
 tbem to the sugar and butter; 
 have the whites beaten to a 
 still frotli and add them to 
 the mixture, then the spices 
 ^^^^^^ and iloui-, and last of all the 
 fruit except the citron, which 
 is to be put in in about three layers, one an inch from the bottom, 
 one an inch from the top, and one between; smooth the top of 
 the cake by putting on a spooonful of water. Bake three or four 
 
 hours. • 
 
 Bread Cake. 
 
 Four cups light dough, two cups sugar, one cup butter, three 
 
 eggs, one cup raisins, a little nutmeg, one-half teaspoonful cloves, 
 
46 CAKE. 
 
 the same of cinnamon, one-lialf teaspoonful soda, dissolved in hot 
 water. Let it rise a short time before baking, then put in the 
 raisins and bake in a very slow oven. 
 
 Black Cake. 
 Two cups brown sugar, one cup butter, one cup molasses, one 
 cup sour milk, in which dissolve one teaspoonful soda, the yolks of 
 eight eggs, four cups of browned flour, and s^^ice to your taste. 
 
 Bridgeport Cake. 
 One cup butter, two cups brown sugar, one cup sour mijk, three 
 and one-half cups flour, four eggs, one teaspoonful saleratus, one 
 cup raisins, spice and one glass brandy. 
 
 Butternut Cake. 
 One and one-half cups sugar, one-half cup butter, two cups flour, 
 three-fourths cup sweet milk, one cup meats of nuts, whites of four 
 eggs, and two teaspoonfuls baking powder. 
 
 BosTox Cream Cake. 
 One-half pint water, one-fourth pound butter, six ounces flour, 
 five eggs. Boil the butter and water together, adding the flour 
 while they are boiling; when thoroughly stirred take it from the 
 fire; when it is cold add the eggs, one at a time, beating the 
 mixture until it is entirely free from lumps. Wet the baking pan 
 with a little soda water, drop the mixture onto the pan by spoon- 
 fuls. Bake twenty minutes in a hot oven; avoid opening the oven 
 door while baking. When tlie cakes are cool, open them on one 
 side and fill with the following mixture: One cup sugar, one-half 
 cup flour, two eggs, and one pint milk. Beat the eggs, sugar, and 
 flour together and stir them into the milk while it is boiling, stirring 
 constantly until it thickens; when cold, flavor to suit the taste. 
 
 CocoANUT Cake., 
 Two beaten eggs, one cup sugar, rolled fine, one-third cup butter, 
 one-half cup milk, two cups flour, sifted witli two teaspoonfuls 
 baking powder. Bake in layers and put together with frosting 
 
CAKE. 47 
 
 and a layer of desiccated cocoanut which has been previously 
 soaked in milk; frost the toj) of the cake and sprinkle thickly with, 
 the cocoanut. 
 
 Cocoanut Cake, No. 2. 
 
 One cup butter, three cups sugar, whites of six eggs, four and 
 one-half cups sifted flour, two and one-half teaspoonfuls baking 
 powder,^ne grated cocoanut, and one cup milk. Rub the butter 
 and sugar to a cream, add the yolks of the eggs, then the milk; mix 
 the baking powder with the flour by sifting. After all are mixed 
 together put in the cocoanut, mixing thoroughly, and bake imme- 
 diately. This cake will keep for some time, retaining its freshness. 
 
 Chocolate Cake. 
 One-half cup butter, two cups sugar, four eggs, one cup sweet 
 milk, two teaspoonfuls cream of tartar, one teaspoonful soda, one 
 teaspoonful vanilla. Bake in layers. 
 
 Paste for Same. — One-half cake chocolate warmed in the oven 
 ten minutes, one heaping teaspoonful white sugar, one teaspoon- 
 ful cinnamon, one-half teaspoonful ground cloves, a pinch of ginger, 
 and two teaspoonfuls vanilla. Pour a little water on the sugar, put 
 it on the chocolate, heat on the stove and put in the spice when 
 boiled. 
 
 CoR?r Starch Cake. 
 
 Take whites of three eggs, one cup white sugar, one-third cup 
 butter, one-half cup milk, one cup flour, one cup corn starch, one 
 teaspoonful soda and two of cream of tartar; flavor with lemon or 
 vanilla. 
 
 Corn Starch Cake, ISTo. 2. 
 
 Whites of six eggs, beaten to a stiff fi-oth, one cup butter, two 
 cups sugar, one cup sweet milk, one cup corn starch, two cups 
 flour, two teaspoonfuls cream of tartar, one teaspoonful soda; flavor 
 to suit the taste. 
 
48 CAKE. 
 
 Coffee Cake. 
 Take two eggs, well beaten, one-half cup butter, one-half cup 
 sugar, one cup molasses, one cup strong cold coffee, one teaspoonf ul 
 cinnamon, one teaspoonful cloves, one teaspoonful allspice, one 
 teaspoonf ul soda stirred into the molasses, one cuj) of raisins, flour 
 to make of the consistency of pound cake. 
 
 Chocolate Eclairs. 
 
 Make a batter as for '' Boston Cream Cake," form it with a spoon 
 on the baking pan into long narrow cakes, leaving a space between; 
 when baked and cold make an opening in the side and put in the 
 cream, which must also be cold. Make the cream as follows: 
 Break, dissolve, and mix smoothly one ounce of chocolate with three 
 tablespoonfuls Avarm water in a bowl; set over a boiling tea-kettle, 
 add gradually a cup of milk and leave it to scald; beat one egg and 
 add to it one-half cup of sugar, and two tablespoonfuls corn starch; 
 mix well and stir into the scalded milk, then 23ut the whole into the 
 bowl over the boiling water, and stir till it is much thicker than 
 boiled custard; add a very little salt and half a teaspoonful of 
 vanilla; after filling the cakes with the custard, frost with hot 
 icmg Avith two ounces of chocolate dissolved in it. Frost the top 
 only. 
 
 Charlotte Cachee. 
 
 One thick loaf of sponge or plain cup cake, two kinds of fruit- 
 jelly, tart and sweet, whites of five eggs, one heaping cup of pow- 
 dered sugar, juice of one lemon. Cut the cake into horizontal slices 
 of uniform width; spread each Avith jelly — first the tart, then the 
 SAveet — and fit into their former places; ice thickly Avith a frosting 
 made of the whites, sugar, and lemon-juice; set in a sunny windoAV 
 or sloAV oven, to harden. The former is the better plan. 
 
 Cider Cake. 
 One cup of sugar, half cup of butter, one egg, well-beaten, one 
 large cup of cider, one teaspoonful of soda, flour suflScient to make 
 
CAKE. 49 
 
 it as thick as j^ound cake. One cup of raisins can be added if 
 desired. 
 
 Cake Without Eggs. 
 
 One cup butter, three cups sugar, one pint sour milk or cream, 
 three cups flour, one pound raisins, one teaspoonful saleratus; spice 
 to taste. 
 
 Cream Puffs. 
 
 Melt one-half cup of butter in a cup of hot water, and while 
 boiling beat in one cup of flour. Take it from the fire and when 
 cool stir in three eggs, one at a time, without beating them. Drop 
 the mixture on tins in small spoonfuls and bake in a moderate oven. 
 
 Custard for the Filling. — One and one-half cups of milk, two 
 eggs, four tablespoonfuls of flour, sugar to the taste, and flavor 
 with vanilla. Beat up the eggs and sugar and stir in the milk with 
 the flavoring, and when it comes to a boil stir in the flour, previ- 
 ously mixed smooth in a little milk. Cool and, fill the puffs by- 
 opening them a very little. 
 
 Citron Cake. 
 
 One cup of butter, two of sugar, three of flour, four eggs, one 
 cup of milk, one teaspoonful of soda, two of cream of tartar, and a 
 pinch of salt Make the cake as above, put in the pan, cut the 
 citron thin and put in the cake endways; push down until the 
 batter covers the citron, and this will prevent the citron from failing 
 tg the bottom of the pan. 
 
 Cream Cake, 
 
 Three eggs, one cup of sugar, one cup of flour, one teaspoonful 
 of baking powder, one-half cup of sweet cream. Bake like jelly 
 cake. Put one cup of pulverized white sugar into one-half cup of 
 very thick sweet cream, and spread between the cakes; flavor both 
 the cake and cream to suit taste. This is delicious. 
 
 Chocolate Cake, !N"o. 2. 
 One cup white sugar, one-half cup sweet milk, one-half cup 
 melted butter, whites of four eggs beaten stiff, one and one-half 
 
 4 
 
60 
 
 CAKE. 
 
 cups flour, with three teaspoonfuls of baking powder sifted in. 
 Bake on three tins. Take whites of two eggs and make a frosting 
 as for any other cake; add one teaspoonful vanilla and two-thirds 
 cake of German sweet chocolate grated. Spread between layers 
 but not on the top one. Take white of one egg to ice the top and 
 sides. Do not frost the cake until cool. The same cake recipe may 
 be used for cocoanut. 
 
 Christmas Cake. 
 Take five pounds of flour, mix with it a dessert-spoonful of salt, 
 rub in three-quarters of a pound of butter and one pound of lard. 
 
 Put in half a pint of good 
 fresh brewers' yeast, and 
 knead as for common bread. 
 If there is any difficulty 
 about the yeast, baking pow- 
 der may be used, allowing 
 a heaped teaspoonful of ordi- 
 nary baking powder for every 
 pound of material. If yeast 
 is used, let the dough rise 
 before adding the other in- 
 Christmas Cake. gredients. Mix in three 
 
 pounds of currants, one and one-half pounds of moist sugar, a 
 whole nutmeg, a quarter of a pound of candied lemon peel finely 
 minced, a tablespoonful of brandy, and four eggs, well-beaten. 
 Butter the mold and bake in a moderate oven for about two 
 hours. 
 
 CiNisrAMpN" Cake. 
 
 Three-fourths of a cup of butter, a cup of white sugar, one and 
 one-half cups flour, four eggs (yolks and whites beaten separately), 
 a tablespoonful of sweet milk, one and one-half teaspoonfuls baking 
 powder, lemon, and a little salt. Rub the baking powder into the 
 flour. 
 
CAKE. 61 
 
 Cinnamon Cake. 
 One cup sour cream, one cup sugar, one-half cup melted butter, 
 one egg, one-half teaspoonful soda. Mix as for cookies, roll out, 
 and spread ground cinnamon over the top; then roll up as a roll 
 jelly cake and slice off with a sharp knife and bake. Any good 
 cookie recipe will do. 
 
 Cup Caive. 
 
 Rub to a cream one cup of butter and two cups of sugar, add 
 four beaten eggs, and three cups of flour, into which one and one- 
 half tcaspoonfuls of baking powder have been sifted, season with 
 extract of almonds; mix into a smooth batter and bake in well- 
 greased cups or muffin pans. 
 
 CocoANUT Pound Cake. 
 
 Beat half a pound of butter to a cream; add gradually one pound 
 of powdered sugar, four well-beaten eggs, one pound of flour sifted 
 with two tablespoonfuls baking powder, a pinch of salt, a teaspoon- 
 ful of grated lemon peel, one-fourth pound of prepared cocoanut, 
 and a cup of milk; mi.Y thoroughly, butter the tins, and line them 
 with buttered paper; pour the mixture in to the depth of one and 
 one-half inches, and bake in a good oven; Avhen baked spread icing 
 over them. Return the cake to the oven a moment to dry the icing. 
 
 Clove Cake. 
 
 One pound of brown sugar, one pound of flour, one pound of 
 raisins, one-half pound of butter, one cup of milk, two large tea- 
 spoonfuls of baking powder stirred well into the flour, one table- 
 spoonful of cloves, one tablespoonful cinnamon, one tablespoonful 
 of nutmeg, four eggs; chop the raisins. For less quantity divide 
 proportionately. 
 
 Delicate Cake. 
 
 One and one-half cups of granulated sugar, one cup of butter, 
 two-thirds cup of milk, whites of six eggs beaten to a stiff froth, 
 •three even cups of flour, three tcaspoonfuls of baking powder put 
 
52 CAKE. 
 
 in the flour and mixed; stir butter and sugar well together, to them 
 add the milk, then put in the flour, and last add the beaten eggs; 
 flavor with lemon. Stir the whole mixture well. 
 
 Delicious Cake. 
 Two cups of white sugar, one cup of butter, one cup milk, three 
 eggs, one teaspoonful soda, two teasj^oonfuls cream of tartar, three 
 cups of sifted flour. Stir butter and sugar together, then add the 
 beaten yolks of the eggs, then the beaten whites; dissolve the soda 
 in the milk, rub the cream of tartar into the flour and add ; flavor 
 with extract of bitter almond. 
 
 Dkop Cake. 
 One pound of sugar, three-fourths of a pound of butter, one and 
 one-fourth pounds flour, five eggs. To be dropped by the table- 
 spoonful on buttered i^ans and baked. 
 
 Dough Cake. 
 Two cups light dough, two cups sugar, one cup butter, half cup 
 milk, two eggs, one and a half cups flour, one teaspoonful soda, one 
 cup raisins; flavor with nutmeg and cinnamon. 
 
 Dover Cake. 
 
 Rub to a cream one cup of butter and two cups of sugar, add six 
 eggs, two at a time, beating five minutes between each addition, 
 one cup of milk, one and one-half jiints of flour, sifted with two 
 teaspoonfuls baking powder; season with one teaspoonful each of 
 extract of cinnamon and orange; bake in rather hot oven forty 
 minutes. 
 
 Dundee Cake. 
 
 Wliip to a cream one and one-half cups of butter and the same 
 amount of sugar; add eiglit eggs, two at a time, beating five minutes 
 between each addition, one-half cu|) of cream or milk, one and one- 
 half pints of flour, sifted with two teaspoonfuls baking powder, 
 one-half of a lemon peel cut in thin slices, one cup of washed, 
 picked, and dried currants, one and one-half cups sultana raisins, 
 
CAKE. 53 
 
 one teaspoonful each of extract nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla; mix 
 into a firm batter, pour into a shallow, square cake pan; chop one 
 cup of almonds coarsely and sprinkle over the top; then bake one 
 hour in a moderate oven. 
 
 Dried Apple Cake. 
 
 Two cups of dried apples, chopped fine and soaked in water over 
 night, then cook in one cup of molasses until soft; add one cup 
 each of butter, sugar, and sour milk, two teaspoonf uls of soda, one 
 teaspoonful each of cinnamon, cloves and lemon extract, one nut- 
 meg. A cup of raisins may be added. Bake in a greased cake 
 dish in a moderate oven. 
 
 Election Cake. 
 
 Beat one and one-half cups of butter and two cups of sugar to a 
 white, light cream; add three eggs, beating a little longer, one and 
 one-half pints of flour sifted with two teaspoonfuls baking powder, 
 two cups of raisins, stoned, one cup of currants well cleaned, one- 
 half cup chopped citron, one-half of a lemon peel, chopped, one-half 
 cup of almonds, blanched and cut into shreds, one teaspoonful each 
 of extract of vanilla and of bitter almonds, one cup of milk; mix 
 into a consistent batter, put into a paper-lined tin and bake in a 
 moderate, steady oven one and one-half hours. 
 
 Everyday Fruit Cake, 
 One cup of butter, two cups of sugar, two cups of sour milk, two 
 cups of raisins, five cups of flour, one teaspoonful saleratus, salt, 
 cinnamon, cloves, citron and wine to Suit the taste. 
 
 Egoless. Cake. 
 One and one-half cups of sugar, one cup of sour milk, three level 
 cups of flour, one-half cup of butter, one teaspoonful of soda, one- 
 half teaspoonful of cinnamon, one-half teaspoonful of grated nut- 
 meg, and one cup of chopped raisins. 
 
 English Christmas Cake. 
 Sift five pounds of flour; mix with it one tablespoonful of salt. 
 
64 CAKE. 
 
 one and one-half pounds of butter and half a pint of fresh brewer's 
 yeast, or five teaspoonfuls of baking powder; if yeast is itsed, allow 
 dough to rise before adding other ingredients; mix in three pounds 
 of washed currants, one and one-half pounds of " A " sugar, one 
 nutmeg grated, one-fourth pound of chopped candied lemon peel, 
 one wine glass of brandy, and four well-beaten eggs; butter the 
 tins and line them with buttered paper; bake in a moderate oven 
 for two hours. The quantity of brandy recommended will serve to 
 keep these cakes fresh for an indefinite time. 
 
 Fruit Cake from Dough. 
 
 Two cups of sugar, one cup of butter, one pint of dough, two 
 eggs, one teaspoonful of soda, as much fruit as you wish, spices to 
 suit the taste; use flour enough to make as stiff as common fruit 
 cake; set in a warm place to raise. When light bake in a moderate 
 oven. 
 
 Fruit Cake. 
 
 One pound of sugar, one pound of butter, one pound of flour, 
 eight eggs, two pounds of raisins, one pound of currants, one-fourth 
 pound of citron, one tablespoonful of molasses, one cup of sour 
 milk, one teaspoonful of soda, and spices of all kinds. Bake two 
 hours in a moderate oven. 
 
 Fruit Cake, No. 2. 
 One cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three and a half cups of 
 flour, one cup of molasses, one cup of cream, four eggs, one pound 
 of raisins, citrons and currants according to taste, one teaspoonful 
 of saleratus, spice to taste. Warranted to keep a year. 
 
 Fruit Jelly Cake. 
 Two cups of sugar, two-thirds cup of butter, same of sweet milk, 
 four eggs, three cups of flour, three teaspoonfuls of baking powder; 
 stir together, then divide into three equal parts. Into one part stir 
 one tablespoonful of molasses, one cup of chopped raisins, one tea- 
 spoonful each of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake, and put 
 together with jelly or frosting. 
 
CAKE. 66 
 
 Favorite Lemon Jelly Cake. 
 
 Take two cups of sugar, one-half cup of butter, one cup of milk, 
 three eggs, two teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, one teaspoonful of 
 soda, three cups of flour; mix and bake in fine, thin layers. For 
 the jelly grate the rind of three small or two large lemons and add 
 the juice of the same with one cup of sugar, one egg, one cup of 
 water, one teaspoonful of butter, one tablespoonful of flour; mix 
 with a little water and boil till it thickens, then place between the 
 layers of the cake. Make before needed for use. 
 
 Fig Cake. 
 
 Three cups of sugar, one cup each of butter and sweet milk, four 
 cups of flour, two teaspoonfuls of baking powder, twelve beaten 
 eggs; bake in layers. Take one pound of figs, boil till smooth 
 and put between each layer with or without frosting. Frost 
 the top. 
 
 Fig Cake, No. 2. 
 
 A large cup of butter, two and one-half cups of sugar, one cup of 
 sweet milk, three pints of sifted flour, with three teaspoonfuls of 
 baking powder, the whites of sixteen eggs, one and one-fourth 
 pounds of figs cut into strips like citron and well floured. 
 
 French Loaf Cake. 
 Two cups of sugar, half cup of butter, one-half cup of sweet milk, 
 teaspoonful of soda, two of cream of tartar, three eggs, three cups of 
 flour; flavor with lemon. 
 
 Feather Cake. 
 Beat to a cream one-half cup of butter, add to it two cups of 
 sugar and beat well together; one cup of milk with one teaspoonful 
 of soda dissolved in it; beat well together; then add one cup of sifted 
 flour with two teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar previously rubbed 
 into it; add next the well-beaten yolk of three eggs, beat the whites 
 separately until stiff, add them and then two more cups of flour; 
 
56 CAKE. 
 
 beat well between each successive addition; butter two middle-sized 
 tins, put in the cake and bake for twenty minutes or half an hour 
 in a moderate oven. 
 
 Feather Cake, No. 2. 
 One cup of white sugar, one teaspoonful of melted butter, one 
 egg, two-thirds cup of milk, two even cups of sifted flour, two even 
 teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, one of soda; flavor with lemon; sift 
 cream of tartar and soda into the flour. You will be surprised when 
 you come to make this cake, it is so delicious. 
 
 Gold Cake. 
 The yolks of eight eggs, two cups of sugar, one cup of butter, 
 one-half cup of sweet milk, three cups of flour, two teaspoonfuls of 
 baking powder; flavor with orange extract. 
 
 Gentleman's Favorite. 
 
 Seven eggs, whites and yolks beaten separately, two cups of 
 sugar and one-half cup of butter worked to a cream, one table- 
 spoonful of water, two teaspoons, level full, of baking powder, two 
 cups of flour, one-half teaspoonful of salt; bake in jelly-cake tins. 
 
 Jelly for Same. — One egg, one cup of sugar, three grated apples 
 without the peelings, one lemon; stir till it thickens. Cool before 
 
 using. 
 
 Ginger Drop Cake. 
 Two cups of sugar, one cup of New Orleans molasses, one cup of 
 buttei', six cups of flour, one cup of hot water, two teaspoonfuls of 
 soda, one teaspoonful of ginger, and one of cinnamon. Drop in 
 hot tins and bake in a hot oven. 
 
 Gingerbread Loaf. 
 One cup of butter, one of molasses, one of sugar, half of cold 
 water, one tablespoonful of ginger, one tablespoonful of cinnamon, 
 one of soda dissolved in boiling water; melt the butter, slightly 
 warm the molasses, spice and sugar, and heat together ten minutes; 
 then put in the water, soda and flour; stir very hard and bake in 
 three loaves. Brush them over with syrup while hot, and eat fresh. 
 
CAKE. 57 
 
 Ginger-Bread, 
 One pint of molasses, one glass of sour milk or cream, one table- 
 spoonful of soda, one-half pint of melted lard; put the soda into 
 the milk and molasses and beat to a foam. Make the dough very 
 soft. 
 
 Soft Ginger-Bread. 
 
 One cup of sugar, one cup of butter, one cup of sour cream, one 
 cup of New Orleans molasses, four cups of sifted flour, one table- 
 spoonful of ginger, one teaspoonful of soda, the grated rind of one 
 lemon, three eggs, well beaten ; stir the butter and sugar together, 
 then add eggs, milk and flour. 
 
 Soft Ginger-Bread, No. 2. 
 
 One coffeecup each of sugar, molasses, and butter, four cups of 
 flour, one cup of sour milk, two large teaspoonfuls of ginger, two 
 teaspoonfvils of cinnamon, one-half teaspoonful of cloves, one tea- 
 spoonful of saleratus dissolved in the sour milk; stoned raisins may- 
 be added. Bake in sponge-cake tins. 
 
 Ginger Cup Cake. 
 Mix two cups of powdered sugar with two cups of warmed 
 butter; add three well-beaten eggs, a cup of molasses, four heaping 
 cups of flour, a tablespoonful of fresh-ground ginger, one teaspoon- 
 ful of dissolved salei-atus; mix thoroughly and pour into buttered 
 molds or patty pans; bake in a moderate oven. 
 
 Groom's Cake. 
 Ten eggs beaten separately, one pound each of butter, white 
 sugar, and flour, two pounds of almonds blanched and chopped fine, 
 one pound of seeded raisins, one-half pound of citron shaved fine; 
 beat the butter to a ci-eam, add the sugar gradually, then the well- 
 beaten yolks; stir all till very light, then add the chopped almonds; 
 beat the whites stiff and add gently with the flour; take a little 
 more flour and sprinkle over the raisins and citron, then put in the 
 cake pan, first a layer of cake batter, then a layer of raisins and 
 
58 CAKE. 
 
 citron, then cake, and so on until all is used, finishing off with a 
 layer of cake. Bake in a moderate oven two hours. 
 
 Graham Cup Cake. 
 Rub to a light cream two-thirds cup of butter and one cup of 
 sugar; add two beaten eggs, one-half cup of cream, two cups of 
 Graham flour, one heaping teaspoonful of baking powder, one tea- 
 spoonful of extract of lemon; mix into a moderately thin batter; 
 bake in well-greased cups, or muflin pans, in a moderate oven. 
 
 Hickory-nut Cake. 
 Two cups of white sugar, one-half cup of butter, three cups of 
 flour, three-fourths cup of sweet milk, one-half teaspoonful of soda 
 dissolved in the milk, one teaspoonful of cream of tartar put into 
 the flour, the whites of eight eggs. Just before baking add two 
 cups of hickory-nut meats. 
 
 Hickory-nut Drop Cake. 
 Whites of six eggs beaten to a stiff froth; add one pound of 
 rolled sugar, one cup of hickory-nut meats, one teaspoonful of 
 baking powder, with flour to stiffen so as to drop. Drop by spoon- 
 fuls on a buttered tin and bake in a quick oven. 
 
 Huckleberry Cake. 
 Rub together one cup of butter and two cups of sugar; add four 
 beaten eggs, one and one-half pints of flour sifted with two tea- 
 spoonfuls baking powder, one cup of milk, two cups of huckle- 
 berries, one teaspoonful each of extract of cinnamon, cloves and 
 allspice; put in a paper-lined bake tin and bake in a quick oven 
 fifty minutes. 
 
 Honey Cake. 
 
 Mix together one cup of honey and one cup of sugar; add one- 
 half cup of melted butter, two beaten eggs, one pint flour sifted 
 with two teaspoonfuls of baking powder, one teaspoonful of cara- 
 way seeds. Mix into a smooth batter and bake in a hot oven 
 thirty minutes. 
 
CAKE, 69 
 
 Imperial Cake. 
 One pound each of sugar and flour, three-fourths pound of butter, 
 one pound of almonds blanched and cut fine, one-half pound of 
 citron, one-half pound of raisins, the rind and juice of one lemon, 
 one nutmeg and ten eggs. 
 
 Ice-Cream Cake. 
 To the whites of five eggs, lightly beaten, add two cups of sugar, 
 one cup of butter, one cup of milk, three cups of flour, and three 
 teaspoonfuls of baking powder; bake in thin layers and use as a 
 cream, to spread between, two and a half cups of sugar and one- 
 half cup of water boiled together; beat the Avhites of three eggs to 
 a stiff froth, and when the syrup will hair, pour it into the whites 
 and stir as fast as possible; flavor with lemon or vanilla and spread 
 between the layers and over the top. 
 
 Jelly Cake. 
 
 Beat to a cream three-fourths cup of butter and two cups of 
 sugar; add five eggs, two at a time, beating five minutes between 
 each addition, one and one-fourth pints of flour sifted with one and 
 one-half teaspoonfuls of baking powder, one cup of milk; mix to a 
 smooth batter and bake in jelly-cake tins; spread with currant or 
 other fruit jelly. 
 
 Jelly Rolls. 
 
 One cup of sugar, one cup of flour, three eggs, one teaspoonful 
 baking powder. Stir well and spread thin on a long baking tin or 
 dripping pan. Bake quickly, turn out on a cloth, spread with jelly 
 and roll uj). 
 
 Kaffee Kuchen". 
 
 One pound light raised dough, one ounce of sugar and three of 
 butter, one egg; cream the butter and beat well with the sugar and 
 the egg; add the dough and mix thoroughly with the hand; put it 
 in a warm place to rise; when light, pour it in a small dripping pan 
 (when baked it should not be more than two-thirds of an inch thick) 
 
60 
 
 CAKE 
 
 and let it stand ten or fifteen minutes; put in the oven and while 
 baking prepare this icing: 
 
 Blanch two almonds and shred them; add to the beaten whites 
 of two eggs one cup of sugar; stir in the almonds, and when the 
 cake is baked cover it with the icing and dry in the oven. The 
 almonds may be browned a little if liked. 
 
 Knickerbocker Cake. 
 
 Beat one-half pound of fresh butter to a cream; add one-half 
 pound of powdered sugar, three-fourths pound of sifted flour, a 
 tablespoonful of orange-flour water, and one of brandy, and four 
 ounces of washed currants; add five well-beaten eggs, and beat the 
 mixture until very light. Line some shallow cake tins with but- 
 tered paper, pour in the mixture until they are one-half full, and 
 bake in a quick oven. 
 
 Lemon Cake. 
 
 Five eggs beaten with three cups of sugar and one of butter, one 
 cup of milk, five cups of sifted flour, one lemon rind grated, half a 
 teaspoonful soda dissolved well in the milk, and one teaspbonful of 
 cream of tartar in the flour; after all is well beaten, add the juice 
 of the lemon and bake immediately. 
 
 Lemon Cake, No. 2. 
 To four well-beaten eggs, add two cups sugar, two tablespoonf uls 
 butter, one-half cup of milk, two cups of flour sifted with two tea- 
 spoonfuls of baking powder; bake in jelly tins and put together 
 with a frosting made of the white of one egg, the juice and grated 
 rind of one lemon, and sugar enough to stiffen. 
 
 Lemon Jelly Cake. 
 
 Beat together two eggs, one cup of sugar, one-third cup of butter, 
 one-half cup milk, two cups flour sifted, with a heaping teaspoonful 
 baking powder; bake in jelly-cake tins. 
 
 Jelli/ for Same. — Two-tliirds cup of water, one cup sugar, the 
 juice and grated rind of one lemon; mix together and let boil; then 
 
CAKE. 61 
 
 stir in two well-beaten eggs. When cold, spread between the 
 layers of cake; also upon the top, or the top may be frosted. 
 
 Lady Cake. 
 Rub to a cream two-thirds cup of butter and three cups of sugar; 
 add one cup of milk, one pint flour, one-half teaspoonful of baking 
 powder, one teaspoonful extract of bitter almond; then add the 
 whites of eight eggs whipped to a froth; when thoroughly mixed, 
 put into a paper-lined tin and bake in a steady oven forty minutes. 
 When cool, ice the bottom and sides with white icing. 
 
 Lunch Cake. 
 
 Beat thoroughly two cups of butter and two cups of sugar; add 
 two cups of egg well beaten, one and one-half pints of flour sifted 
 with a heaping teaspoonful baking powder, one gill of wme, one 
 teaspoonful each of extract of rose, cinnamon and nutmeg; mix into 
 a smooth batter and bake in a moderate oven one hour; when cold, 
 ice with white icing. 
 
 Light Cake. 
 
 Beat six eggs, yolks and whites separately; beat with the yolks 
 one pound white sugar, and three-fourths pound of butter; add one 
 pound of flour sifted with a teaspoonful of cream of tartar, and one 
 cup sweet milk with one-half teaspoonful of soda, one pound raisins, 
 a little citron, and lemon peel, then the whites of the eggs beaten 
 to a froth. Bake in a paper-lined cake tin one hour in a moderate 
 oven. 
 
 Loaf Cake. 
 
 Six cups of bread dough, five eggs, three cups of sugai-, one cup 
 of butter, two teaspoonfuls of ground cloves and cinnamon mixed, 
 and half of a nutmeg, one and one-half pounds of raisins. Bake in 
 a moderate oven. 
 
 Marbled Cake. 
 
 Light part: One and one-half cups of white sugar, one-half cup 
 of butter, one-half cup of sweet milk, one half teaspoonful of soda, 
 
62 CAKE. 
 
 one teaspoonful cream of tartar sifted with two and one-half cups 
 flour, whites of four eggs; beat and mix thoroughly. 
 
 Dark part: One cup of brown sugar, one-half cup of butter, one- 
 half cup of sour milk, one-half teaspoonful of soda, two and one- 
 half cups of flour, yolks of four eggs, one-half teaspoonful each of 
 cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 
 
 With a spoon drop the two batters alternately into a papered 
 
 cake-tin. 
 
 Mountain Cake. 
 
 One cup of sugar, one-half cup of butter, one-half cup of sweet 
 milk, one-half cup of corn starch, one cujj of flour, whites of six 
 eggs, a little vanilla, two teaspoonfuls baking powder. Bake in 
 layers. 
 
 Frosting for Above. — Whites of five eggs, twenty tablespoon- 
 fuls sifted sugar, beaten very light, and a little vanilla. Spread 
 between layers and on the outside of the cake. 
 
 Madeira Cake. 
 Beat together two and one-half cups of butter and two cups of 
 sugar; add seven well-beaten eggs, one and one-half pints flour 
 sifted with one heaping teaspoonful baking powder; mix with one 
 gill of Madeira wine into a smooth batter and bake in a paper-lined 
 cake-tin in a steady oven about one hour, and ice with transparent 
 
 icing. 
 
 Molasses Cake. 
 
 Beat together one cup of butter and one cup of brown sugar; add 
 
 one-half cup of molasses, one cup of milk, one ^^^^ one and one-half 
 
 pints of flour sifted with one and one-half teaspoonfuls of baking 
 
 powder; mix into a consistent batter and bake about forty minutes. 
 
 Molasses Cake, 
 Beat together one-half cup of sugar, a piece of butter the size of 
 an Q:gg, and one Q^^^\ add one-half cup of molasses, one-half cup of 
 sour milk, one-half teaspoonful of soda, two cups of flour, sifted, 
 spices to suit the taste, and a cup of chopped raisins. Bake in a 
 moderate oven. 
 
^ CAKE. 63 
 
 t 
 
 Marbled Chocolate Cake. 
 One cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, four 
 well-beaten eggs, one cup of milk, two teaspoonfuls of baking 
 powder; take out one cup of this batter and mix with four table- < 
 spoonfuls of chocolate dissolved with a little cream; cover the 
 bottom of the pan with the white batter and drop upon it in places 
 a spoonful of the chocolate, forming rings, then another layer of 
 the batter, and so on until all is used. Bake in a moderate oven. 
 
 MoRETON Farm Cake. 
 Two pounds of butter, softened throughout, but not melted; add 
 two pounds of nice, white, soft sugar, and mix together until 
 creamed; take out one-half and reserve it in a separate bowl until 
 wanted. To the rest add one quart of pretty warm, sweet milk; 
 stir in gradually four pounds of flour, then mix in very thoroughly 
 a teacupful of lively, home-made yeast. Let it stand in a warm 
 place until very light, which will take about four hours; then add 
 the remainder of the butter and sugar, and a little more flour if 
 needed; add two pounds of raisins nicely stoned, a little pulverized 
 mace, and, if at hand, some candied lemon peel; let it rise again, 
 and when well raised mix it well, using the hands, and proportion 
 it off into well-buttered pans; let them stand in a moderately warm 
 place until beginning to rise ; put them into a steady oven and bake 
 them fully an hour, or longer if only one or two pans are used. 
 There are no eggs used in this cake — none are needed. It is an 
 excellent cake for economical housekeejiers to make in winter, when 
 eggs are scarce and high-priced. If the top and sides are frosted 
 it will keep moist for a long time. Brown paper is nice to wrap 
 cake in before putting it into the cake box. 
 
 Nut Cake. 
 One cup of butter, two cups of white sugar, four cups of flour, 
 one cup of sweet milk, the whites of eight eggs, three teaspoonfuls 
 of baking powder, and two cups of chopped nut meats. 
 
64 CAKE. 
 
 Nut Cake, No. 2. 
 Two eggs, one cup of sugar, one-half cup of butter; beat together 
 and add one-half cup of sweet milk, one and one-half cups of sifted 
 flour, two teaspoonfuls baking powder, one large cup of chopped 
 walnuts; frost when baked; mark in squares and put half a nut 
 meat on each square. 
 
 White Nut Cake. 
 
 Whites of twelve eggs beaten to a froth, one cup of butter, two 
 cups of sugar, three and one-half cups of flour, teaspoonful of yeast 
 powder. After the butter is well mixed add one large cocoanut, 
 grated; one large tumblerful of the kernels of pecans, and one 
 tumblerful of blanched almonds, the almonds to be slightly 
 mashed in a mortar. 
 
 Neapolitan Cake. 
 
 Black: Take one cup of butter, two cups of brown sugar, one 
 cup of molasses, one cup of strong cofl^ee, four and a half cu2:)s of 
 sifted flour, four eggs, two teaspoonfuls of soda, two of cinnamon, 
 two of cloves, one of mace, one pound of raisins, one of currants, 
 and a quarter of a pound of citron. 
 
 White: One cup of butter, four cups of Avhite sugar, two cups 
 of sweet milk, two cups corn-starch mixed with four and-a-half 
 cups of sifted flour, whites of eight eggs, two, tablespoonfuls of 
 baking powder, one-half teaspoonful of extract of bitter almo»ds. 
 Bake the cakes in round jelly pans with straight edges; the 
 loaves should be one and a-half inches thick after baking. When 
 the cake is cold, each black loaf should be spread with a thick coat- 
 ing of lemon and sugar, made as follows: The white of one egg 
 thoroughly beaten, the grated rind of two and the juice of three 
 lemons; powdered sugar enough to make a thick frosting; lay a 
 white loaf on each black one and frost as you would any other cake. 
 
 Lady Fingers. 
 
 Rub half a pound of butter into a pound of flour; add half a 
 pound of sugar; grate in the rind of two lemons, and squeeze in the 
 
CAKE. 65 
 
 juice of one; then add three eggs; make into a roll the size of the 
 
 middle finger; it will spread in the oven to the size of a thin cake; 
 
 dip in chocolate icing. 
 
 Okange Cake. 
 
 Two cups of sugar, one cup of butter, one cup of sweet milk, 
 three cups of flour, yolks of two eggs and whites of five, three tea- 
 spoonfuls baking powder, grated peel and juice of one orange. 
 Bake in four layers. 
 
 Mlllng. —\yh\tes of three eggs, juice of one orange, fifteen table- 
 spoonfuls of sugar. Beat together, spread between the layers and 
 on the outside of cake. Pare and divide in small sections two 
 oranges and put on top of cake. 
 
 Orange Cake, No. 2. 
 
 Three eggs, one tablespoonful of butter, one and a-half cups of 
 sugar, two cups of flour, with two teaspoonfuls of baking powder 
 sifted with the flour, one-half cup of rich milk, a very little salt, 
 orange juice, or some extract of lemon. Bake on jelly-cake tins. 
 
 Jelly for Orange Cake. — Take two good oranges, grate a part of 
 the rind of one, then peel them and grate them all; remove the 
 seeds and add one cup of sugar, two tablespoonfuls of water, and 
 scald in d tin pail set in a kettle of hot water. Take one table- 
 spoonful of corn starch, mix smooth with a few spoonfuls of cold 
 water and stir into the orange and cook just enough to cook tlie 
 corn starch; when nearly or quite cold, beat the whites of two 
 eggs and add powdered sugar for frosting; leave out a little of 
 this for the top of the cake if you like, and stir the rest into the 
 orange, and you will have a jelly that will not run off or soak into 
 the cake. 
 
 Perfection Cake. 
 
 Three cups of sugar, three cups of flour, one cup of butter, one 
 cup of milk, one cup of corn starch, the whites of twelve eggs 
 beaten to a stiff froth. Before sifting the flour put in three tea- 
 spoonfuls of baking powder; sift all together. Dissolve the corn 
 
 5 
 
66 CAKE. 
 
 starch in the milk and add it to tlie butter and sugar well beaten 
 together; then add the flour and whites of the eggs. Never beat 
 in a tin dish. 
 
 Pork Cake. 
 
 Take one pound fat salt pork free from lean or rind, chop as fine 
 as to be almost like lard, pour upon it one-half pint of boiling 
 water; add two cups of sugar, one cup of molasses, one teaspoonful 
 of soda stirred into the molasses, one pound of raisins, one-fourth 
 pound of citron shaved fine; stir in sifted flour enough to make of 
 the consistency of common cake batter; season with one spoonful 
 each of nutmeg and cloves and two teaspoonf uls cinnamon. Bake 
 in a moderate oven. 
 
 Portuguese Cake. 
 
 Beat together one and one-half cups of butter and four cups of 
 susrar, add eisht esfcrs, tAvo at a time, beatinsj five minutes between 
 each addition, one pint flour sifted with a heaping teaspoonful of 
 baking powder, three cups of almonds blanched and pounded to a 
 paste with a little water, one cup of seedless raisins, one cup of 
 currants; season with nutmeg; mix into a batter and bake in a 
 well-papered tin in a steady oven fo^ one and one-half hours. 
 
 Puff Cake. 
 Two cups of sugar, three eggs, one cup of butter, one cup of 
 sweet milk, two teaspoonfuls cream of tartar, one teaspoonful of 
 soda, and thi-ee cups of flour. Bake in a quick oven, 
 
 Pine-Apple Cake. 
 One cup of butter, two cups of' sugar, one cup of milk, three cups 
 of flour, whites of six (^^%'^ and yolks of four, three teaspoonfuls of 
 baking powder well mixed through flour; bake in jelly-cake pans; 
 grate a pine-apple; sprinkle with sugar, spread between the layers; 
 pine-apple jam may be substituted; frost the outside; beat two 
 tablespoonf uls of the pine-apple into the frosting. 
 
CAKE. 67 
 
 Pound Cake without Soda. 
 One pound of poM^dered sugar, one-half pound of butter, eight 
 ecro-s, whites and yolks, beaten separately and well, ten ounces flour, 
 one nutmeg. Bake one hour. 
 
 CocoAisruT Pound Cake. 
 Beat one-half pound of butter to a cream; add gradually one 
 pound of sugar, one pound of flour sifted with two teaspoonfuls of 
 baking powder, a pinch of salt, one teaspoonful of grated lemon 
 peel, one-fourth pound of prepared cocoanut, four well-beaten eggs, 
 one cup of milk; mix thoroughly; butter the tins and line them 
 with buttered paper; pour the mixture in to the depth of one and 
 one-half inches, and bake in a good oven; when bak^d, take out, 
 spread icing over them and return to the oven to dry the icing. 
 
 Pound Cake. 
 One and one-half cups of flour, one cup of butter, one and one- 
 half cups of sugar, one-half teaspoonful of baking powder. Beat 
 butter and flour to a cream; beat the eggs and sugar very light; 
 put all together and add the baking powder. 
 
 Plum Cake. 
 Beat together two cups of butter, one cup of sugar, two eggs, one 
 cup of molasses, one cup of sweet milk, one teaspoonful each of 
 allspice, cinnamon and mace, one gill brandy, two pounds each of 
 currants and raisins, one-half pound citron, one-half teaspoonful 
 soda. Flour to thicken. 
 
 QuiNCY Cake. 
 One cup of butter, three cups of powdered sugar, four cups of 
 flour sifted with one and one-half teaspoonfuls cream of tartar, one 
 cup of sweet milk, one teaspoonful of soda, the juice and rind of 
 one fresh lemon, whites of ten eggs beaten to a stiff froth. Bake 
 one and one-half or two hours in a pan. 
 
68 CAKE. 
 
 Queen Cake. 
 One pound of sugar, one pound of flour sifted with a heaping 
 teaspoonful of baking powder, tbree-foui-tlis of a pound of butter, 
 five eggs, one gill of sweet cream, one teaspoonful of extract of 
 nectarine, one tablespoonful of water, and one grated nutmeg; beat 
 the sugar and butter to a cream, add the eggs beaten very light, 
 then the cream and flour, and lastly the flavoring. 
 
 Railkoad Cake. 
 One cup of sugar, one cup of floui-, three eggs, one teaspoonful of 
 cream of tartar, one-half teaspoonful soda, or one and one-half tea- 
 spoonfuls of baking powder, a little salt; beat all together as for 
 sponge cake, and spread on two square tins to bake. 
 
 Reception Cake. 
 Beat together two cups of butter and two Cups of sugar; add ten 
 beaten eggs, one quart of flour sifted with two teaspoonf uls of baking 
 powder, two cups of currants, one cup of shaved citron, one-half of 
 an orange peel cut fine, one-half cup of blanched almonds cut fine; 
 season with allspice and cinnamon; put into a paper-lined cake tin 
 and bake in a moderate oven. 
 
 Rice Cake. 
 
 Beat together one-half cup of butter, two cups of sugar, and four 
 eggs; add one-half cup of sweet cream; sift together one and one- 
 half cups of rice flour, one and one-half cups of flour, and one heap- 
 ing teaspoonful of baking powder; mix all together and season 
 with lemon extract. Bake in patty pans in a hot oven. 
 
 Rochester Jelly Cake. 
 Three eggs, whites and yolks beaten separately, two cups of 
 sugar, one-half cup of butter, one cup of sweet milk, three cups of 
 flour, one tablespoonful of baking powder. Take one-half of the 
 above mixture and bake in two square pans, then add to the 
 remainder one cup of stoned and chopped raisins, one-fourth 
 
CAKE. 69 
 
 pound of citron shaved fine, one teaspoonful cinnamon, one nutmeg, 
 one-half teaspoonful each of cloves and allspice, one tablespoonful 
 each of molasses and flour. Bake in like pans and place in alternate 
 layers with raspberry jam or any kind of jelly. 
 
 The same put together with frosting is called Ribbon Cake. 
 
 Silver Cake. 
 Beat to a froth the whites of six eggs; add two cups of sugar, 
 two-thirds of a cup of butter; beat well together and add one cup 
 of sweet milk with one teaspoonful of soda, two cups of flour 
 sifted with two teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar; flavor with any 
 extract. 
 
 The same made by substituting the yolks for the whites makes 
 a nice gold cake. 
 
 Snow Cake. 
 
 One cup of sugar, one and one-half cups of flour, one heaping 
 teaspoonful of baking powder. Sift all together through a sieve 
 and add the whites of the eggs beaten stiff. Bake in a quick oven. 
 
 Swiss Cake, 
 One-quarter cup of butter, one and a half cups of sugar, two and 
 one-half cups of flour, one cup of sweet milk, two eggs, one tea- 
 spoonful of cream of tartar, and one-half teaspoonful of soda. Stir 
 the butter and sugar to a cream; add the eggs, well beaten. Mix 
 and flavor with lemon. This makes a good and inexpensive cake. 
 
 Delicious Sponge Cake, 
 Twelve eggs, one j^ound of sugar, twelve ounces of flour, a pinch 
 of salt; flavor. Beat the whites to a very stiff froth, the yolks till 
 the bubbles look fine. When the yolks are beaten enough add the 
 sugar and beat till sugar is dissolved; then add the whites, and 
 lastly the flour, and bake immediately in brick-shaped tins. This 
 will make two loaves. You will find your cake so much nicer if 
 baked in a paste. Make with flour and water only; roll out on the 
 board same as pie crust, line your greased tins all over inside with 
 
70 CAKE. 
 
 the paste and pour in the batter. Bake nearly an hour. Do not 
 break off the paste till you want to use it. Your cake will be more 
 moist and keep longer; indeed, the cake will be much better a day 
 or two old. 
 
 Sponge Cake with Hot AYater. 
 
 One cup of sugar and twffeggs, well beaten together, one tea- 
 spoonful of baking powder sifted with one cup of flour; stir well 
 together, then stir in one-third cup of boiling water or milk; bake 
 quickly in a buttered tin. If these directions are followed the cake 
 Avill be very nice. 
 
 Sponge Cake. 
 
 Beat together the yolks of four eggs and one cup of sugar ten 
 minutes; add to it one cup of flour sifted with one-half teaspoonful 
 baking powder, one teaspoonful extract of orange; then add the 
 whites whipped to a stiff froth, and bake in a well-greased ' cake 
 mould in a steady oven thirty minutes. 
 
 AYhite Sponge Cake. 
 Sift together one cup of flour, one-half cup of corn starch, one 
 teaspoonful baking powder; add one cup of sugar, one teaspoonful 
 extract of rose, then add the whites of eight eggs whipped to a 
 stiff froth; mix thoroughly and bake in a well-buttered cake tin in 
 a quick oven thirty minutes. 
 
 Sultana Cake. 
 Ber.t together one and one-half cups of butter and one and one- 
 half cups of sugar; add six eggs, two at a time, beating five 
 minutes between each addition, one and one-half, pints of flour 
 sifted with one teaspoonful baking powder, one-half cup of thick 
 cream, four cups of Sultana raisins, one-half cup of chopped citron; 
 mix thoroughly and put in a paper-lined cake tin well buttered. 
 Bake in a moderate oven one and one-fourth hours, When done, 
 spread with transjjarent icing. 
 
CAKE. 71 
 
 Spice Cake. 
 Beat together one cup of butter and two cups of sugar; add tw'^o 
 beaten eggs, one cup of milk, three cups of flour with two tea- 
 . spoonfuls of baking powder, one-half cup each of seeded raisins 
 and currants; season with nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. 
 
 Seed Cake. 
 Beat together one cup of sugar, one-third of a cup of butter, and 
 two e^gs; add one-half cup of milk, and two cups flour sifted with 
 two teaspoonfuls of baking powder; stir in one tablespoon ful of 
 coriander seed and season with nutmeg. Bake in a loaf or in 
 patty tins. 
 
 TuNBEiDGE Cake. 
 
 Bake a plain sponge cake in a cylinder-mould; when cold cut it 
 in thin slices, lay the bottom piece on a plate, spread over any kind 
 of fruit jelly and two tablespoonfuls of any kind of wine; repeat 
 this until all the cake is used; prepare a meringue paste of the 
 whites of four eggs beaten stiff, with two cups of sugar; use it to 
 entirely cover the top and sides of the cake; sift sugar plentifully 
 over it and place it in an oven to brown just a fawn color; when 
 ready to serve slide it off the plate into a glass dish and pile round 
 it one pint of whipped cream. Flavor with any extract to suit the 
 taste. Nice for tea or for dessert. 
 
 Taylok Cake. 
 Seven eggs beaten separately; beat with the yolks two pounds of 
 sugar, one and one-half pounds of butter (less butter will do); 
 then add seven coffeecups of fluur sifted with two and one-half tea- 
 spoonfuls of baking powdei*, one pound of currants, one pound of 
 seeded raisins, three nutmegs, a tablespoonful of cinnamon, one pint 
 of milk, and lastly the beaten whites of the ogg'^. 
 
 Wedding Cake. 
 First procure the following ingredients: One pound and a Iialf of 
 flour, the same of butter, half a pound of candied lemon, half a 
 
72 
 
 CAKE. 
 
 pound of candied orange, half a pound of candied citron, one pound 
 of dried cherries, one pound and a half of currants (or if the cher- 
 ries cannot be readily obtained, use a pound more of curi-ants), 
 eight ounces of almonds, eight eggs, the rind of four oranges, or of 
 two lemons rubbed upon sugar, half an ounce of spices, consisting 
 of powdered cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and ground cloves in equal 
 proportion, a teaspoonful of salt, and a small tumblerful of brandy 
 (if objected to, the brandy may be omitted and another egg added). 
 
 Wash, pick and dry the 
 
 currants, cut the cherries 
 into moderate sized pie- 
 ces, slice the candied peel 
 into thin shreds, blanch 
 and pound the almonds, 
 or cut them into very 
 small pieces, and crush 
 the flavored sugar to pow- 
 der. Put the butter into 
 a large bowl, and beat it 
 to cream, either with a 
 wooden spoon or with the 
 hand. Add very gradu- 
 ally the sugar, flour, and 
 eggs, and when they are 
 thoroughly mixed work 
 in the rest of the ingredients. Put them in a little at a time and 
 beat the cake between each addition. It should be beaten fully 
 three-fourths of an hour. Line a tin hoop with double thicknesses 
 of buttered paper, pour in the mixture, and place it on a metal 
 baking-sheet with twelve folds of paper under it, and four or five 
 on top, to keep it from burning. Put it into a moderately heated 
 oven, and keep the oven at an even temperature until it is done 
 enough. If the cake is to be iced, first prepare the almond part: 
 Take half a pound of almonds, throw them into boiling water, and 
 
CAKE. 73 
 
 skin them. Pound them in a mortar with a few drops of orange- 
 flower water, one pound of fine white sugar, and as much white of 
 egg as will make a soft, stiff paste. Spread this over the top of 
 the cake, and keep it from the edge as much as possible. Put it in 
 a cool oven or in a warm place, till it is dry and hard. To make 
 the sugar icing, put two pounds of icing sugar into a bowl and 
 work it into the whites of two, or if necessary, three, or even four, 
 eggs. The whites must not be whisked, but thrown in as they are. 
 Work the mixture to a stiff, shiny paste, and whilst working it add 
 occasionally a drop of lemon-juice. Be careful to obtain icing 
 sugar. If a drop of liquid blue is added it will make it look whiter. 
 The icing will need to be worked vigorously to make a paste that 
 will not run, and the fewer eggs taken the better. The cake ought 
 not to be iced until a short time before it is wanted, as it may get 
 dirty. The icing should be spread evenly over with the hand 
 wetted with cold water, then smoothed with an ivory knife, and it 
 should be put into a gentle oven to harden. It may be ornamented 
 with little knobs of icing placed round the edge; and on the day of 
 the wedding a wreath of white flowers and green leaves may be 
 placed round it by way of ornament. If anything more elaborate 
 is required, a pretty center ornament may be made with glazed 
 white card board, silver paper, and orange blossom; or a stand and 
 a drum, with artificial flowers, may be hired of the confectioner. 
 Time to bake the cake, about six hours. 
 
 Wedding Cake, No 2. 
 
 Six cups butter, four cups sugar, sixteen eggs, three pints flour, 
 six cups currants, washed, dried, and picked, three cups sultana 
 raisins, three cups citron, two cups candied lemon peel, two cups 
 almonds, blanched and cut in shreds, one-half pint brandy, two 
 ounces each nutmeg, mace, and cinnamon, one tablespoonful each 
 cloves and allspice. 
 
 Prepare all these ingredients in the following manner: Place the 
 butter and sugar in a large bowl; break the eggs into a quart mea- 
 sure or pitcher; cover a small waiter with a clean sheet of paper. 
 
74 CAKE. 
 
 and on it lay the sifted flour, fruit, citron, and lemon peel cut into 
 shreds, the almonds and spices, with the brandy measured at hand; 
 also get ready a large cake tin by papering it inside with white 
 paper, and outside and bottom with four or five thicknesses of 
 coarse wrapping j)aper, which can be tied on. 
 
 Having thus prepared everything, and the fire banked up to last, 
 with the addition from time to time of just a shovelful of coal, by 
 which means you will not reduce the oven heat, proceed to beat to 
 a very light cream the butter and sugar, adding the eggs, two at a 
 time, beating a little between each addition until all are used; then 
 put in contents of the waiter all at once with the brandy; mix very 
 thoroughly, and smooth; put it into the prepared cake tin, smooth 
 over the top, put plenty of paper on to protect it, and bake eight 
 hours, keeping the oven steadily up to a clear, moderate heat; 
 watch it faithfully, and you will produce a cake worthy of the occa- 
 sion; remove from the oven very carefully, and suffer it to stay on 
 the tin until quite cold; the next day ice it with a thin coat of 
 Wh'te Ici>i{/, both the top and the sides; and place in a cool oven 
 to dry the icing. Now spread a second coat of icing, which will 
 prevent any crumbs or fruit being mixed up with the icing when 
 you are icing to finish; now with a broad knife proceed, when the 
 first coat is dry, to ice the sides, then pour the icing on the center 
 of the cake, in quantity sufiicient to reach the edges, when stop; 
 decorate with a vase of white, made flowers, etc., to taste. 
 
 Vanilla Cake. 
 One cup of butter, two cu])s of pulverized sugar, one cup of sweet 
 milk, tliree cups of flour, one-half cup of corn starch sifted witli two 
 teaspoonfuls of baking powder, four eggs, two teaspoonfuls extract 
 of vanilla. 
 
 Washington Cake. 
 
 Tliree- fourths pound of butter, one and one-fourth pounds of 
 su'jar beaten torjether; add four beaten eggs, one pint milk, one 
 and one-fourtli pounds of Hour, with two teaspoonfuls baking pow- 
 
CAKE. 75 
 
 der, one and one-half pounds of seedless raisins, one and one-half 
 pounds of currants, one glass brandy; spice to taste. 
 
 Wine Cake. 
 
 Beat together one and one-half cups of butter and two cups of 
 sugar; add three beaten eggs, two cups of flour with one teaspoon- 
 ful baking powder, one gill of wine; mix into a firm batter and 
 bake in a moderate oven. Frost. 
 
 Webster Cakes. 
 Beat together thoroughly one cup of butter, three cups of sugar, 
 and two eggs; add five cups of flour sifted with two teaspoonfuls 
 of baking powder, one and one-half cups of milk, two cups of 'seed- 
 less raisins, one teaspoonful each of extract of bitter almonds and 
 vanilla. Bake in a quick, steady oven forty-five minutes. 
 
 Watermelon Cake. 
 
 White part: Two cups of j^ulverized sugar, two-thirds cup each 
 of butter and sweet milk, three cups of flour sifted with one table- 
 spoonful baking powder, and the whites of five eggs; flavor. 
 
 Red part; One cup of red sugar sand, one-half cup of butter, 
 two-thirds cup of milk, two cups of flour, one heaping teaspoonful 
 of baking powder, whites of five eggs, and one-half pound of raisins. 
 
 In filling the cake pan put the white part outside and the red part 
 inside; drop in the raisins here and there where they belong for 
 seeds. 
 
 White Cake. 
 
 Whites of eight eggs well whipped, three cups of pulverized 
 sugar, one cup of butter, one cup of milk, four cups of sifted flour 
 with one teaspoonful cream of tartar, one-half teaspoonful of soda 
 dissolved in the milk, juice of one lemon. Bake one hour in a 
 moderate oven. 
 
 Yule Cake. 
 
 Rub together two and one-half cups of butter and three cups of 
 sugar; add ten beaten eggs, four cups of flour with two teaspoon- 
 
76 COOKIES, jmiBLES AND SNAPS. 
 
 fuls baking j^owder, four cups of currants, two-thirds cup of 
 cliopped citron, one teaspoonful each of extract of nutmeg and 
 cloves, one gill brandy. Bake in a well-greased, paper-lined tin, in 
 a moderate oven, two and one-half hours. 
 
 Crullers. 
 One-half pint of buttermilk, one cup of butter, two cups of 
 sugar, and three eggs; beat up the eggs and add the sugar and 
 milk. Dissolve half a teaspoonful of saleratus in a little hot water; 
 add to" the mixture, with a teaspoonful of salt, one-half nutmeg 
 grated and half a teaspoonful of fresh ground cinnamon. Work in 
 as much flour as will make a smooth dough; mix thoroughly; 
 dredge the board, rolling-pin, and dough with flour; roll it out and 
 cut it in. rings or fingers and fry in hot fat. 
 
 Crullers, No, 2. 
 
 Three eggs, one cup of sugar, one-half cup of butter, one cup of 
 milk, three teaspoonfuls of baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and 
 lemon juice, or extract to taste; flour sufficient to stiffen. Cut in 
 strips and fry in lard. 
 
 Crullers, No. 3. 
 
 Six eggs, one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, one-half cup of 
 milk, and flour to roll out easily. They should be rolled out about 
 one-half inch thick; cut with a jagging iron or knife in strips about 
 one-half inch wide, and twist so as to form cakes. The fat 
 should boil up as the cakes are put in and they should be constantly 
 watched while frying. When brown on the underside, turn them; 
 when brown on both sides they are sufficiently done. 
 
COOKIES, JUMBLES AND SNAPS. 77 
 
 COOKIES, JUMBLES, AND SNAPS. 
 
 Almond Cookies. 
 Half a pound of butter, same of sugar, one-and one-fourtli pounds 
 of flour (or half corn starch), one good teaspoonf ul baking powder, 
 two eggs; flavor with extract of almond, and mix into a smooth 
 dough to roll out Avith a little milk; roll quarter of an inch thick, 
 and cut in any shape; wash them over, Avhen cut, with a little 
 water and sprinkle with chopped almonds, and sift over a little fine 
 sugar. 
 
 Almond Cookies. 
 
 Two pounds of butter, three pounds of sugar, one pound of 
 shelled almonds, one dozen eggs, one teaspoonful of ground cinna- 
 mon, one-half teaspoonful of soda, a cup of boiling water, one 
 lemon grated; mix butter, sugar, yolks of eggs, lemon, cinnamon, 
 and hot water; beat the whites, take three parts, mix also one-half 
 of the almonds, and as much flour as it will hold; roll them, and 
 brush with the whites of eggs. Before putting in the almonds and 
 sugar, almonds must be scalded, dried and cut fine. Bake in a 
 moderate oven. 
 
 CocoAxuT Cookies. 
 
 Two cups sugar, one cup butter, two eggs, one teaspoonful soda 
 dissolved in a tablespoonf ul of milk, one cocoanut, and flour enough 
 to roll. 
 
 Cookies. 
 
 One quart flour sifted, three teaspoonfuls baking powder, two 
 eggs, one cup of sugar, half a cup of butter, three tablespoonfuls 
 of milk; mix soft and roll; flavor with any extract. 
 
 Ceeam Cookies. 
 Two cups sugar, two eggs, one cup sour cream, one cup butter, 
 one teaspoonful soda, one teaspoonful lemon extract or one-half a 
 nutmeg grated; flour enough to make a dough as soft as it can be 
 rolled. Delicious. 
 
78 COOKIES, JUMBLES AND SNAPS. 
 
 Cookies, No. 2. 
 
 One cup sugar, one-half cup lard or butter, one-half cup sour 
 milk, one-half teaspoonful soda, just flour enough to roll, baking 
 quickly. Add any flavoring you wish. No eggs are required. 
 These are very nice if grated or prepared cocoanut is added. 
 
 Cookies, No. 3, 
 
 One cup of butter, two cups sugar, four eggs, four cups flour, 
 three tablespoonfuls milk, three teaspoonfuls baking powder. Rub 
 the flour and butter thoroughly together, cream the butter and 
 sugar, beat the eggs separately; add to the above, with a little nut- 
 meg or cinnamon, or any seasoning preferred. Sift in the flour and 
 baking powder, and add enough flour to mold and roll out. These 
 cookies will keep fresh two weeks, and if the milk is left out, a 
 
 m.onth. 
 
 Cookies, No. 4. 
 
 One and one-half cups of white sugar, four eggs, one cup of lard, 
 half cup of butter, three tablespoonfuls of water, one teaspoonful 
 soda, a half grated nutmeg; roll thin; dust over with sugar and roll 
 down lightly. Bake quickly. 
 
 Egoless Cookies. 
 
 Two cups sugar, one cup sweet milk, one cup butter, one-half 
 teaspoonful soda. Flour enough to roll. Use vanilla, lemon or 
 nutmeg for seasoning. They are very nice. 
 Gixger Cookies. 
 
 One cup sugar, one cup molasses, one cup shortening, two beaten 
 eggs, one teaspoonful soda dissolved in four tablespoonfuls of but- 
 termilk, one tablespoonful ginger. Stir with a spoon until stiff 
 enough to mold with the hand; roll and bake in a quick oven. 
 Graha:m Cookies. 
 
 Two cups of sugar, one cup of sour cream, one-half teaspoonful 
 of soda; mix quickly, roll and bake. These require less heat and 
 more time in bakinsf than when M'hite flour is used. 
 
COOKIES, JUJilBLES AND SNAPS. 79 
 
 Molasses Cookies. 
 Three cups of New Orleans molasses, one cup of lard, a half cup 
 butter, four teaspoonfuls soda dissolved in ten tablespoonfuls boil- 
 ing water; one tablespoonful ginger, one teaspoonful cinnamon. 
 
 Sugar Cookies. 
 Two cups of sugar, one cup of butter, one-half cup of milk, two 
 eggs, two teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, one teaspoonful soda, a 
 tablespoonful caraway seeds. Mix soft and roll. 
 HicKORY-KUT Cookies. 
 Take two cups of sugar, two eggs, half a cup of melted butter, 
 six tablespoonfuls of milk, or a little more than a third of a cup, 
 one teaspoonful of cream of tartar, half a teaspoonful of soda and 
 one cup of chopped meats stirred into the dough. 
 
 Sand Lasts. 
 Rub together two pounds of sugar, two pounds of flour, one and 
 a quarter pounds of butter beaten with three eggs; mix smooth and 
 roll out and cut into cakes. Place hickory-nut or almond meats 
 over the top. Wet over with the whole of an egg beaten, and- 
 sprinkle with cinnamon and fine sugar. 
 
 Jumbles. 
 
 Three eggs, one and one-fourth cups sugar, one cup butter, three 
 tablespoonfuls sour milk, one-quarter teaspoonful saleratus, flour to . 
 mix hard. After it is kneaded and rolled out, sift sugar over the 
 top. Season if you like. 
 
 Jumbles, No. 2. 
 
 One cup of butter, two cups of sugar, one cup of milk, five eggs, 
 one teaspoonful of cream of tartar, and half a teaspoonful of soda. 
 
 Ginger Snaps. 
 One cup of sugar, one cup of molasses, one cup of butter, one 
 teaspoonful soda, one teaspoonful ginger, one egg. 
 
80 COOKIES, JUMBLES AND SNAPS. 
 
 Ginger Snaps, No. 2. 
 One cup molasses, one-half cup lard, one teaspoonful soda, salt 
 and ginger to taste; mix hard. 
 
 Ginger Snaps, ISTo. 3. 
 One coffeecup New Orleans molasses, one cup butter, one cup 
 sugar; place them on the stove, and let it come to a boil, then take 
 oif immediately, and add a teaspoonful of soda, and a tablespoon- 
 ful of ginger. Roll thin and bake quickly. 
 
 Doughnuts. 
 
 Two beaten eggs, one cup of sugar, four tablespoonfuls melted 
 lard, one cup of sour milk, one teaspoonful of soda, a little salt, 
 seasoning to the taste; flour to make a soft dough to roll out; fry 
 in hot lard. 
 
 Doughnuts Without Eggs. 
 
 Two quarts of flour, one pint of milk, one heaping cup of sugar, 
 and a piece of butter the size of an egg. Scald the milk, and when 
 tepid add the sugar, the butter, a half cup of yeast, and a half tea- 
 spoonful of soda. Pour this all into the center of the flour, using 
 enough of flour to make a sponge. Let it rise all night in a warm 
 place. In the morning sprinkle in whatever spice you want ; then 
 knead in the rest of the flour; let it rise again until light; knead 
 again and roll them. After they are cut out let them stand five 
 minutes. Fry in boiling lard. 
 
 Doughnuts, Raised. 
 Make a sponge, using one quart water and one cake yeast; let it 
 rise until very light, then add one cup of lard, two cups of sugar, 
 three large mashed potatoes, two eggs, season with nutmeg; let rise 
 again until very light. Roll and cut, or pull off bits of dough and 
 shape as you like; lay enough to fry at one time on a floured plate 
 and set in the oven to warm; drop in boiling lard and fry longer 
 than cakes made with baking powder. 
 
COOKIES, JUMBLES AND SNAPS. 81 
 
 Cream Doughnuts. 
 
 Beat one cup each of sour cream and sugar, and two eggs, 
 together; add a level teaspoonful of soda, a little salt, and flour 
 enough to roll. 
 
 Fried Cakes. 
 
 Seven tablespoonfuls of sugar, three tablespoonfuls of melted 
 lard, three tablespoonfuls of melted butter, three eggs, one cup of 
 milk, one teaspoonful of soda, two teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar; 
 flour enough to roll out soft. Roll in pulverized sugar when half 
 cold. 
 
 Snow Balls, White. 
 
 One cup of sugar, six tablespoonfuls of melted butter, two eggs, 
 one cup of sweet milk, two teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, one of 
 soda, a very little nutmeg, one teaspoonful of salt; mix middling 
 soft and roll out, and cut with a small round cutter. Your tea 
 canister top may be just the right size. Fry in hot lard. Have 
 ready a small bowl with a little fine white sugar in it. As you 
 take them from the lard drop them in the sugar and roll around 
 quickly until the surface has a very thin coat of sugar all over it, 
 then lay carefully on a plate. Repeat with each cake separately, 
 adding a little fresh sugar occasionally. 
 
CHAPTER IV., 
 
 CREAMS AND CUSTARDS. 
 
 Apple Sxow. 
 S[||UT twelve tart apples in cold water over a slow fire; when 
 soft skin and core. Mix in a pint of sifted white sugar, beat 
 ^ the whites of twelve eggs to a stiff froth, then add to the 
 apples and sugar. Put in a dessert dish and ornament with myrtle. 
 It will be found much better if frozen. 
 
 Almond Ceeam. 
 
 Take three ounces of sweet and one ounce of bitter almonds, 
 blanch them; put them in a pan over the fire, stirring them con- 
 tinually. As soon as they have acquired a fine yellow color, take 
 them off the fire, and when cold pound them into fine pieces; then 
 add a pint of cream or rich milk, nearly boiling, and three or four 
 heaping tablespoonfuls of sugar, and one-half package of gelatine 
 which has been dissolved in a little water. Put it upon the ice, and 
 when about to thicken stir it until it is very smooth, then stir in 
 lightly a pint of whipped cream and put it into a mold. 
 
 Apple Float. 
 One cup of pulverized sugar, one cup of cream beaten to a stiff 
 froth, five eggs beaten light, one lemon, four large apples grated, 
 three tablespoonfuls of gelatine dissolved in warm water. Fills one 
 quart bowl. 
 
 Bavaroise. 
 
 One pint of milk; add four tablespoonfuls of ground coffee; cook 
 until well mixed, "^nd strain through a jelly-bag; add the beaten 
 
 82 
 
CREAMS AND CUSTARDS. 83 
 
 yollcs of four eggs, a cup of sugar, and cook as for a custard; set in 
 a cold place, and when cool add a pint of whipped cream in which 
 has been stirred one-third of a box of dissolved gelatine, and stand 
 in a cool place until it thickens. 
 
 Blakc Mange. 
 Take four ounces of sweet almonds and one-half ounce of bitter 
 almonds, blanched; pound them in a mortar, moistening them occa- 
 sionally with orange-flower water; mix this with one quart of fresh 
 cream; set the cream and almonds on the fire, stirring constantly; 
 when it comes to a scald pour in one-half box of gelatine which has 
 been previously dissolved by soaking in half a cup of cold water 
 one hour. 
 
 Cream a la Mode. 
 
 Put half a pound of white sugar into a deep glass dish; the juice 
 of one large orange and one lemon; to one ounce of isinglass or 
 gelatine add one pint of water; let it simmer down one-half, and 
 when cool strain it into the glass dish, and by degi*ees add one and 
 one-half pints of whipped cream; stir till cool, and place it on ice to 
 stiffen. 
 
 Coffee Cream. 
 
 Sweeten one pint of rich cream rather liberally; roast two ounces 
 of coffee kernels; when they are lightly browned throw them into 
 the cream at once, and let the dish stand an hour before using; 
 strain, and whip the cream to a stiff froth. A teaspoonf ul of pow- 
 dered gum arable dissolved in a little orange-flower water, may be 
 added to give the cream more firmness, if desired. 
 
 Batariax Cream. 
 Whip one pint of cream to a stiff froth, and set in a colander 
 one minute to allow the un whipped portion to drip away; boil one 
 pint of milk and one-half cup of sugar; flavor with vanilla, and add 
 one-half package of gelatine dissolved in water, remove from 
 the fire, and cool; add the well-beaten wliites of four eggs. When 
 the mixture has become quite cold add the whipped cream gi-adually 
 
84 CREAMS AND CUSTARDS. 
 
 until it is well mixed; put into individual molds a teaspoonful of 
 some bright jelly or jam, then j^our the mixture and place in an 
 ice-chest until wanted. This cream may be flavored in any way 
 desii-ed. 
 
 Chocolate Bavarian Cream 
 Can be made as the preceding by adding two cakes of sweet 
 chocolate, soaked and stirred smooth in two tablespoonfuls of water, 
 to the yolks of the eggs. 
 
 Caledoxia:n' Cream. 
 Two ounces of raspberry jam or jelly, two ounces of red currant 
 jelly, two ounces of sifted loaf sugai', the whites of two eggs put 
 into a bowl and beaten with a spoon for three-quarters of an hour. 
 This makes a very pi*etty cream, and is good and economical. 
 
 Charlotte Russe Elegante. 
 One-half package of gelatine dissolved in a very little water; 
 one quart of whipped cream, flavored and sweetened to taste. 
 Line a mold with sponge or white cake; stir the gelatine into 
 the cream and pour into the prepared mold. The cake may be 
 soaked in a little wine if preferred. 
 
 Charlotte Russe. 
 One pint of cream well whipped; beat five tablespoonfuls of sugar 
 with the yolks of four eggs; simmer together one-half pint of milk 
 and one-half ounce of isinglass or gelatine till the gelatine is dis- 
 solved, then mix Avith the beaten yolks and the sugar, then the 
 whites of the eggs well beaten, then the whipped cream; flavor 
 with one gill of wine and set it aside to cool; pour it into a mold 
 which was previously lined with pieces of sponge cake. When it is 
 stiff and solid turn out into a dish and sift sugar over the toj). 
 
 Charlotte Russe, No. 2. 
 One box of gelatine soaked in milk one-half hour; while it is 
 soaking make a soft custard with the yolks of seven eggs, one pint 
 of milk, and one-half pound of crushed sugar. When the custard 
 
CREAMS AND CUSTARDS. 85 
 
 begins to boil pour in the gelatine and it will dissolve; when dis- 
 solved, strain the custard through a sieve and add one gill of cold 
 cream; then let it cool a little, but not enough to thicken; whip a 
 good quart of thick cream, add vanilla or any flavoring to suit the 
 taste, add this to the custard, set it in the ice chest and stir occa- 
 sionally until it begins to thicken. Then beat the whites of the 
 seven eggs to a froth, adding two tablespoonfuls of powdered 
 sugar, and stir into the custard and cream, stirring occasionally 
 vei-y gently until it is thick enough to turn into the molds which 
 have been lined with sponge fingers or slices. Sat them back in 
 the ice chest. 
 
 Fruit Chaelotte. 
 
 Line a dish with sponge cake; place upon the bottom, in the 
 centre of the dish, grated pine-apple; cover with a whipped cream 
 blanc mange. Keep back a little of. the cream to pour over the top 
 after it is poured out of the mold. 
 
 Genoese Ceea3I. 
 One pint of milk, one tablespoonful of flour, one tablespoonful of 
 sugar. Boil until it thickens; add the yolks of three eggs and a 
 piece of butter the size of an egg; flavor with lemon or vanilla. 
 Cover the bottom of the dish with sponge cake, spreading one side 
 of the cake with currant or other jelly. Pour on the cream and 
 dust the top with sugar. 
 
 Italian Ceeam. 
 Put one ounce of soaked isinglass, six ounces of loaf sugar, and 
 one pint of milk, into a sauce pan ; boil slowly and stir all the time 
 until the isinglass is dissolved; strain the mixture, and, when cool, 
 mix it with a pint of thick cream; flavor with one teaspoonful 
 of extract of bitter almond, and one gill of rose water. Beat 
 thoroughly until it thickens; pour into a large or into indi^ndual 
 molds and put into an ice box until wanted. 
 
86 CREAMS AND CUSTARDS. ' 
 
 Makioca. Cream. 
 Three tablespoonfuls of manioca, one pint of milk, three eggs, 
 vanilla and sugar to taste; soak the manioca in water till soft; boil 
 the milk; while boiling stir in thei manioca and the yolks of the 
 eggs beaten with the sugar; when cooked sufficiently pour into a 
 dish to cool; when cold, add the vanilla; beat the whites of the 
 eggs until stiff, sweeten and flavor them and stir part into the 
 cream, putting the rest on top. 
 
 RussE Cream. 
 One-half box of gelatine soaked in a little water one hour, one 
 quart of milk, one cup of sugar, and four eggs. Mix sugar, milk, 
 yolks of eggs, and gelatine together; put in a pail, set in a kettle 
 of water and boil twenty minutes. Beat the whites of the eggs 
 stiff, and stir into the custard after taking off the fire. Flavor with 
 vanilla and pour into molds. Serve with sugar and cream or with 
 custard. 
 
 Rock Cream. 
 
 Boil rice until quite soft in new mi-Ik, sweeten with powdered 
 loaf sugar. Pile it in a dish and lay on it in different places lumps 
 of currant jelly, or any kind of preserves; beat the whites of five 
 eggs to a stiff froth; add flavoring and a tablespoonful of thick 
 cream; di'op it over the rice forming a rock of ci'eam. 
 
 Spanish Cream. 
 Make a soft custard of one quart of milk, the yolks of six eggn, 
 six tablespoonfuls of sugar. Put one box of gelatine dissolved in 
 one pint of water over the fire; add the custard; flavor with vanilla. 
 Strain into molds and set in a cool place. 
 
 Tapioca Cream. 
 One cup of tapioca soaked for eight hours in milk enough to 
 cover; then take one quart of milk, place on the stove, and when it 
 boils add the beaten yolks of two eggs and the tapioca; let it boil up, 
 
CREAMS AND CUSTARDS. 87 
 
 tlien stir the beaten whites very thorouglily through it. Sweeten 
 and flavor to taste. Eat cold. 
 
 Whipped Cream. 
 To one quart very thick whipped cream, add powdered sugar to 
 taste and a glass of wine. Make just before ready to use. 
 
 Whipped Cream Sauce. 
 
 Mix a plateful of whipped cream (flavored with vanilla), the 
 beaten whites of two eggs and pulverized sugar to taste, all together; 
 pile a bank of this mixture in the center of a platter and form a 
 circle of little fru puddings (steamed in cups) around it, or it is 
 nice for corn starch, blanc manges, etc. 
 
 Single cream is cream that has stood on the milk twelve hours. 
 It is the best for tea and coffee. Double cream stands on its milk 
 twenty-four hours, and cream for butter frequently stands forty- 
 eight hours. Cream that is to be whipped should not be butter 
 cream, lest in whipping it change to butter. 
 
 Almond Custard. 
 
 One pint of new milk, one cup of pulverized sugar, one-quarter 
 pound of almonds (blanched and pounded), two teaspoonfuls rose 
 water, the yolks of four eggs; stir this over a slow fire until it is 
 of the consistency of cream, then remove it quickly and put into a 
 dish. Beat the whites with a little sugar added to the froth, and 
 lay on top. 
 
 Apple Custard. 
 
 One pint of mashed stewed apples, one pint of sweet milk, four 
 eggs, one cup of sugar, and a little nutmeg. Bake slowly. 
 
 Boiled Custaed. 
 Allow five eggs to one quart of milk, a tablespoonful of sugar to 
 each egg, set the milk in a kettle of boiling water until it scalds; 
 then, after dipping a little of the milk on to the eggs and beating 
 up, turn into the scalded milk, and stir until it thickens. Flavor 
 to taste; 
 
88 CREAMS AND CUSTARDS. 
 
 Baked Custard. 
 One quart of milk, five eggs, a pinch of salt, sugar and flavor to 
 taste, boil the milk; when cool, stir in the beaten eggs and sugar, 
 pour into cups, set them in pans of water, and bake; if baked too 
 long, will become watery. 
 
 Chocolate Custard. 
 Make a boiled custard with one quart of milk, the yolks of six 
 eggs, six tablespoonfuls of sugar, and one-half cup of grated vanilla 
 chocolate. Boil until thick enough, stirring all the time. When 
 nearly cold, flavor with Vanilla. Pour into cups, and put the whites 
 of the eggs beaten with some powdered sugar on the top. 
 
 Coffee Custard. 
 One-half pint of rich cream, one-half cup cold coffee, four eggs, 
 sugar to taste. 
 
 CoRX Starch Custard. 
 
 Most persons know how to make a corn starch custard. A rich 
 one can be made as follows: One quart of milk with five beaten 
 eggs in it; sweeten and flavor to choice, adding one-fourth pound 
 of corn starch; place over the fire, stirring quickly to avoid burn- 
 ing to the bottom, until it begins to thicken. Or, can take less egg 
 by using more corn starch, as follows: One quart of milk, two eggs, 
 sugar and flavor to taste, one-half pound of corn starch. If this is 
 too much starch and it becomes too thick, take it ofi' the fire, add a 
 a little milk, stirring till smooth, A custard is best made in a 
 vessel placed in boiling water, as there is no risk of burning. 
 Custards require to be stiffer for filling cream puffs, chocolate eclares, 
 charlotte russes, etc. The above receipts are thick enough for any 
 of the purposes, and, if required for simple custard, less starch 
 will do. 
 
 CocoANUT Custard. 
 
 To one pound of grated cocoanut, allow one pint of scalding 
 milk and six ounces of.sugai'. Beat well the yolks of six eggs and 
 
CREAMS AND CUSTARDS. 89 
 
 stir them alternately into the milk with the cocoanut and sugar. 
 Pour this into a dish lined with paste and bake twenty minutes; or, 
 if preferred, treat the milk, cocoanut, eggs, and sugar as for boiled 
 custard, and serve in cuj^s. 
 
 Cold Cup Custard. 
 One quart of new milk, one pint of cream, one-fourth pound of 
 fine white sugar, three large tablespoonfuls of wine, in which 
 rennet has been soaked. Mix the milk, cream and sugar togetlier, 
 stir the wine into it, pour the mixture into custard cups, and set 
 them away until the milk becomes a curd. Grate nutmeg on top 
 and eat them with cream that has been kept on ice. 
 
 Caramel Custard. 
 
 Put two dessert-spoonfuls of crushed sugar into a tin pan ; let it 
 stand on the stove till it begins to brown, then stir constantly till it 
 is a thick, black syrup. Pour it into a quart of scalding milk; add 
 six ounces of white sugar and the yolks of six eggs. Beat and 
 pour into cups, set in a pan of hot water in the oven and bake 
 twenty minutes. 
 
 Lemon Custard. 
 
 Four eggs (leave out the white of one), one cup of sugar, one cup 
 of cold water, one grated lemon, a small piece of butter, one table- 
 spoonful of corn starch; bake as custard; after it is baked, cover it 
 with the beaten white and pulverized sugar; return to the oven; 
 bake a light brown. 
 
 Moonshine. ^ 
 
 Beat the whites of six eggs into a very stiff froth, then add grad- 
 ually six tablespoonfuls of powdei'ed sugar, beating for not less 
 than fifteen minutes; then beat in one heaping tablespoon ful of 
 preserved peaches cut in tiny bits. In serving, pour in each saucer 
 some rich cream sweetened and flavored with vanilla, and on the 
 cream place a liberal portion of the moonshine. This quantity is 
 enough for seven or eight persons. 
 
90 
 
 CRExUIS AXD CUSTARDS. 
 
 Floating Island. 
 Set a quart of milk to boil, then stir into it the beaten yolks of 
 six eggs; flavor with any extract liked and sweeten to taste; whip 
 whites of eggs to a stiff froth. When the custard is thick, put 
 into a deep dish, and heap the frothed eggs upon it. Place pieces 
 of currant jelly on top and serve cold. 
 
 Floating Island, N"o. 2. 
 Into three-quarters of a pint of cream, put sugar to make it very 
 
 sweet, and the juice and rind of a lemon grated. Beat it for ten 
 
 minutes. Cut French rolls into 
 thin slices, and lay them on a 
 round dish on the top of the 
 cream. On this put a layer of 
 apricot or currant jam, and some 
 more slices of roll. Pile upon 
 this, very high, a whip made of 
 damson jam, and the whites of 
 
 four eggs. It should be rough to imitate a rock. Garnish with 
 
 fruits or sweetmeats. ' 
 
 Irish Moss. 
 
 Soak a scant handful of Irish moss in strong soda water until it 
 swells; then squeeze the moss until it is free from water, and put it 
 in a tin bucket which contains six pints of sweet milk. Set the 
 bucket in a l.arge iron pot which holds several pints of hot water; 
 stir seldom, and let it remain until it will jell slightly by dropping 
 on a cold plate. Strain through a sieve, sweeten and flavor to 
 taste. Rinse a mold or a crock with tepid water; pour in the mix- 
 ture, and set it away to cool. In a few hours it will be palatable. 
 Eat with cream and sugar — some add jelly. 
 
 Qfaktng CtrSTAHD. 
 Three cups of milk; yolks of four eggs, reserving the whites for 
 the meringue ; one-half package gelatine; six tablespoonfuls of 
 sugar; vanilla flavoring; juice of one lemon for meringue. Soak 
 
CREAMS AND CUSTARDS. 91 
 
 the gelatine two hours in a cup of the cold milk. Then add 
 to the rest of the milk, which must be boiling hot, and stir until 
 dissolved. Let it stand a few minutes, and strain through muslin 
 over the beaten yolks and sugar. Put over the fire and stir five 
 minutes, or until you can feel it thickening. Stir up well when 
 nearly cold, flavor, and let it alone until it congeals around the 
 edges of the bowl into which you have poured it; then stir again, 
 and put into a wet mold. Set upon ice, or in cold water until firm. 
 Turn it, when you are ready for it, into a glass bowl. Have a 
 meringue made by whipping the whites stiff with three tablespoon- 
 ^fuls of powdered sugar, and the lemon Juice. 
 
 Orange Snow. 
 Peel sweet oranges, slice and lay them in a glass dish with alter- 
 nate layers of grated cocoanut and powdered loaf sugar, leaving a 
 layer of cocoanut on top. Pour over the whole a glass of orange 
 and lemon juice mixed. Place on ice until ready to serve. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 CONFECTIONERY. 
 
 General Directions. 
 •j^RANULATED sugar is preferable. Candy should not be 
 stirred while boiling. Cream of tartar should not be added 
 until the syrup begins to boil. Butter should be put in when 
 the candy is almost done. Flavors are more delicate when not 
 boiled in the candy. 
 
 Almond Candy. 
 
 Proceed in the same way as for cocoanut candy. Let the almonds 
 be perfectly dry and do not throw them into the sugar until it 
 approaches the candying point. 
 
 Almond Creams. 
 Three cups of sugar, one and one-half cups of water, one-half 
 teaspoonf ul of cream of tartar, flavor with vanilla. Boil until drops 
 will almost keep their shape in water, and add a cup of blanched 
 almonds chopped fine, then pour into a bowl set in cold water; stir 
 steadily with a silver or wooden spoon until cool enough to beai* 
 the hand; then place on a platter and knead to a fine even texture. 
 If too hard, a few drops of warm water may be stirred in. If too 
 •soft, it must be boiled again. When well molded, cut in squares 
 or bars. Almond cream is very nice flavored with chocolate. 
 
 Bon Bons, 
 
 Take some fine fresh candied orange rind or citron, clear off the 
 sugar that adheres to it, cut it into inch squares, stick these singly 
 on the prong of a fork or ozier twigs, and dip them into a solution 
 of sugar boiled to the consistency of candy, and place them on a 
 
CONFECTIONERY. 93 
 
 dish rubbed with the smallest possible quantity of salad oil. When 
 perfectly cold put them into dry tin boxes with paper between each 
 
 layer. 
 
 Butter Scotch. 
 
 One cup of molasses, one cup of sugar, one-half cup of butter. 
 
 Boil until done. 
 
 Boston Caramels. 
 
 One pint bowl of grated chocolate, two bowls of yellow sugar, 
 one bowl of New Orleans molasses, one-half cup of milk, a piece 
 of butter the size of a small egg, and vanilla flavor; boil about 
 twenty-five minutes; this should not be so brittle as other candies. 
 Pour in buttered tins and mark deeply with a knife. 
 
 Cream Cocoanut Candy. 
 One and a half pounds of sugar, one-half cup of milk; boil ten 
 minutes; one grated cocoanut added; boil until thick; put on 
 greased pans quite thick; when partially cold cut in strips. 
 
 Cocoanut Caramels. 
 Two cups of grated cocoanut, one cup of sugar, two tablespoon- 
 fuls of flour, the whites of three eggs beaten stiff; bake on a but- 
 tered paper in a quick oven. 
 
 Cocoanut Candy. 
 Four cups of water, two and a half cups of fine white sugar, four 
 spoonfuls of vinegar, a piece of butter as large as an egg; boil till 
 thick about three-quarters of an hour. Just before removing stir 
 in one cup desiccated cocoanut and lay in small flat cakes on but- 
 tered plates to cool and harden, 
 
 Chocolate Caramels. 
 One cup of sweet milk, one cup of molasses, half a cup of sugar, 
 half a cup of grated chocolate, a piece of butter the size of a walnut; 
 stir constantly, and let it boil until it is thick; then turn it out on 
 to buttered plates, and when it begins to stiffen mark it in squares, 
 80 that it will break readily when cold. 
 
94 CONFECTIONERY. 
 
 Chocolate Cream Drops. 
 
 Mix one-half cup of cream with two of white sugar, boil and stir 
 full live minutes; set the dish into another of cold water and stir 
 until it becomes hard. Then make into small balls about the size 
 of marbles, and with a fork roll each one separately in the choco- 
 late, which has in the meantime been put in a bowl over the 
 boiling tea kettle and melted; put on brown paper to cool; flavor 
 with vanilla if desired. This amount makes about fifty drops. 
 
 Chocolate Kisses. 
 One pound of sugar and two ounces of chocolate pounded together 
 and finely sifted; mix with the whites of eggs well beaten to a 
 froth; drop on buttered paper and bake slowly. 
 
 Fruit Candy. 
 
 One and one-half pounds of granulated sugar, wet with the milk 
 of a cocoanut; put into a sauce-pan and let it heat slowly; boil 
 rapidly five minutes, then add one cocoanut grated very fine, and 
 boil ten minutes longer, stirring constantly. Try a little on a cold 
 plate, and if it forms a firm paste when cool, take from the fire. 
 Pour part of it out on to a lai'ge tin lined with greased paper; then 
 add to the remaining cream one-fourth pound of stoned raisins, 
 one-half pound of blanched almonds, one pint of j^ecans, one-half 
 cup of chopped walnuts. Pour over the other cream, and when 
 cool cut into bars and squares. 
 
 HicKORY-NUT Candy. 
 
 Boil two cups of sugar, one-half cup of water, without stirring, 
 
 until thick enough to spin a thread; flavor; set the dish off into 
 
 cold Avater; stir quickly until white, then stir in one cup of hicko-. 
 
 ry-nut m^ats; turn into a flat tin, and when cool cut into squares. 
 
 HoREnouND Candy. 
 
 Prepare a strong decoction, by boiling two ounces of the dried 
 herb in a pint and a half of \.ater for about half an hour; strain 
 
CONFECTIONERY. 95 
 
 this, and add three and one-half pounds of brown sugar; boil over 
 a hot fire until it reaches the requisite degree of hardness, when it 
 may be poured out in flat tin trays, previously well greased, and 
 marked into sticks or squares with a knife, as it becomes cool 
 enough to retain its shape. 
 
 Lemon-Cream Candy. 
 
 Six pounds best white sugar, strained juice of two lemons, grated 
 peel of one lemon, one teaspoonful of soda, three cups clear water. 
 Steep the grated peel of the lemon in the juice for an hour; strain, 
 squeezing the cloth hard to get out all the strength. Pour the 
 water over the sugar, and,' when nearly dissolved, set it over the 
 fire and bring to a boil. Stew steadily until it hardens in cold 
 water; stir in the lemon; boil one minute; add the dry soda, 
 stirring in well; and, instantly, turn out upon broad, shallow dishes. 
 Pull as soon as you can handle it, into long white ropes, and cut 
 into lengths when brittle. 
 
 Vanilla cream candy is made in the same way, with the substitu- 
 tion of vanilla flavoring for the lemon-juice and peel. 
 
 Lemon and Peppermint Drops. 
 
 Take of dry granulated sugar a convenient quantity; place it in a 
 saucepan having a lip from wliich the contents may be poured or 
 dropped. Add a very little water, just enough to make, Avith the 
 sugar, a stiff paste; two ounces of water to a pound of sugar is 
 about the right proportion. Set it over the fire and allow it to 
 nearly boil, keeping it continually stirred. It must not actually 
 come to a full boil, but must be removed from the fire just as soon 
 as the bubbles, denoting that the boiling point is reached, begin to 
 rise. Allow the syrup to cool a little, stirring all the time; add 
 strong essence of peppermint or lemon to suit the taste, and drop 
 on tins or sheets of smooth white paper. The dropping is per- 
 formed by tilting the vessel slightly, so that the contents will run 
 out, and with a small piece of stiff wire the drops may be stroked 
 off on to the tins or papei*. They should be kept in a warm place 
 
96 CONFECTIONERY. 
 
 for a few hout-s to dry. In the season of fruits, delicious drops 
 may be made by substituting the juice of fresh fruits, as straw- 
 berry, raspberry, lemon, pineaj^ple or banana, or any of these 
 essences may be used. 
 
 Molasses Candy. 
 
 Into a kettle holding at least four times the amount of molasses 
 to be used, pour a convenient quantity of Porto Rico molasses; 
 place over a slow fire and boil for a half hour, stirring all the time 
 to diminish as much as possible the increase of bulk caused by boil- 
 ing, and checking the fire or removing the kettle if there is any 
 danger of the contents running ovei\ Be very careful not to let 
 the candy burn, especially near the close of the boiling. When a 
 little, dropped in cold water, becomes quickly hard and snaps apart 
 like a pipestem, add a teaspoonful of carbonate of soda, free from 
 lumps, to every two quarts; stir quickly to mix, and pour on greased 
 platters to cool. When the candy is sufficiently cool to handle 
 without burning the hands, it is pulled back and forth, the hands 
 being rubbed with a little butter (do not use flour) to prevent the 
 candy from sticking to them. The more the candy is worked, the 
 lighter it will be in color. 
 
 WiiiTK Molasses Candy. 
 
 Take two pounds of refined sugar (termed by grocers " Coffee 
 C "), one pint of pure sugar-house syrup, and one pint best Porto 
 Rico or New Orleans molasses. Boil together until it hardens, as 
 above described, add one teaspoonful of carbonate of soda, and 
 work in the usual manner. 
 
 Peanut Candy. 
 
 One scant pint of molasses, four quarts of peanuts, measured 
 before they are shelled, two tablespoonfuls of vanilla, one teaspoon- 
 ful of soda. Boil the molasses until it hardens in cold water, when 
 dropped from the spoon. Stir in the vanilla, then the soda, dry. 
 Lastly, the shelled peanuts. Turn out into sliallow pans well 
 buttered, and press it down smooth v/ith a wooden spoon. 
 
CONFECTIONERY. 97 
 
 We can heartily recommend the candy made according to this 
 receipt as being unrivaled of its kind. 
 
 The molasses should be good in quality, and the peanuts freshly 
 roasted. 
 
 Pop-Corn Balls. 
 
 Add one ounce of white gum arable to a half pint of water, and 
 let it stand until dissolved. Strain, add one pound of refined sugar 
 and boil until when cooled it becomes very thick, so much so as. 
 to be stirred with difficulty. To ascertain when it has reached this; 
 point, a little may be cooled in a saucer. A convenient quantity of 
 the freshly popped corn having been placed in a milk pan, enough 
 of the warm syrupy candy is poured on and mixed by stirring, to 
 cause the kernels to adhere in a mass, portions of which may be 
 formed into balls by pressing them into the proper shape with the 
 hands. Ordinary molasses, or sugar-house syrup may be used as 
 well, by being boiled to the same degree, no gum being necessary 
 with these materials. Corn cake is prepared in a similar manner. 
 This mass, while warm, is put into tins and pressed by rollers into 
 thin sheets, which are afterwards divided into small, square cakes. 
 
 Taffy. 
 
 Either of the two kinds of molasses candy, if poured from the 
 kettle into tin trays without working, will produce a fine plain 
 taffy. It may be left in one sheet the size of the tray, or, wheiL 
 slightly cold, may be marked off in squares. 
 
 Efferton Taffy, 
 This is a favorite English confection. To make it take three- 
 pounds of the best brown sugar and boil with one and one-half 
 pints of water, until the candy hardens in cold water. Then add 
 one-half pound of sweet-flavored, fresh butter, which will soften 
 the candy. Boil a few minutes until it again hardens and pour it 
 into trays. Flavor with lemon if desired, 
 r 
 
S8 CONFECTIONERY. 
 
 Vinegar Candy. 
 Three cups white sugar; one and one-half cups clear vinegar; stir 
 the sugar into the vinegar until thoroughly dissolved; heat to a 
 gentle boil, and stew uncovered until it ropes from the tip of the 
 spoon. Turn out upon broad dishes, well buttered, and cool, and, 
 as soon as it can be handled, pull. It can be pulled beautifully- 
 white and porous. 
 
 Vinegar Candy, No. 2. 
 
 To one quart of good New Orleans molasses, add one cup of 
 
 ■good cider vinegar; boil until it reaches the point where a little 
 
 dropped into cold water becomes very hard and brittle. Pour into 
 
 shallow platters until cool enough to be handled, and form into a 
 
 large roll, which may be drawn down to any size and cut off in 
 
 ^sticks. 
 
 Walnut Candy. 
 
 The meats of hickory-nuts, English walnuts, or black walnuts 
 may be used according to preference in that regard. After 
 removal from the shells in as large pieces as practicable, they are 
 to be placed on the bottoms of tins, previously greased, to tlie 
 depth of about a half inch. Next, boil two pounds of brown sugar, 
 a half pint of water, and one gill of good molasses until a portion 
 of the mass hardens when cooled. Pour the hot candy on the 
 meats and allow it to remain until hard. 
 
 Meringues. 
 Take one pound of powdered sugar, and add to it the beaten 
 ■whites of eight eggs (slowly), until it forms a stiff froth; fill a 
 tablespoon with the ])aste, and smooth it over with another spoon 
 to the desired shape; sift a little sugar over a sheet of paper, drop 
 the meringues about two inches apart; dust a little sugar over 
 them, and bake in a quick oven with the door left open part way, 
 ,so they can be continually watched; when fawn colored, take 
 them out; remove them from the paper with a thin knife; scrape 
 out of each a little of the soft part. They may be neatly arranged 
 
CONFECTIONERY. 99 
 
 around a dish of whipped cream, or filled with ice cream. If 
 Tsrhipped cream is used, tliey would be improved by the addition of 
 a, little bright jelly inside each meringue. 
 
 Cream Meehstgues. 
 Four eggs (the whites only), whipped stiff, with one pound pow- 
 dered sugar, lemon or vanilla flavoring. When very stiff, heap in 
 the shape of half an egg upon stiff letter-paper lining the bottom of 
 your baking pan. Have them half an inch apart. Do not shut the 
 oven door closely, but leave space through which you can watch 
 them. When they are a light yellow-brown, take them out and 
 ■cool quickly. Slip a thin bladed knife under each; scoop out the 
 soft inside and fill with cream whipped as for charlotte russe. They 
 are very fine. The oven should be very hot. 
 
 Macaroox. 
 Pound in a mortar one pound of blanched sweet almonds and one 
 and one-fourth pounds of lump sugar until they are fine; then add 
 one-half pound of corn starch, one-fourth pound of rice or wheat 
 -flour; mix into a fine smooth batter with the whites of about eight 
 eggs. Drop the mixture in small quantities through a cornucopia 
 on a sheet of paper, dust with sugar, and bake in a steady oven. 
 They should be baked a fawn color. 
 
 Bachelor Buttoxs. 
 Rub two ounces of butter into five ounces of flour; add five 
 ounces of white sugar; add one beaten egg; flavor; roll into small 
 l)alls with the hands; sprinkle with sugar. Bake on tins covered 
 ivith buttered paper. 
 
 Corn Starch Rateffes. 
 One-fourth pound sweet and the same of bitter almonds, one-half 
 pound corn starch, one-fourth pound of rice flour, one and one- 
 fourth pounds of pulverized sugar, the whites of eight eggs. Pro- 
 ceed the same as for macaroons, only drop one-fourth the size. 
 Do not dust with sugar, and bake in a hotter oven. 
 
CHAPTER VL 
 
 CATSUPS. 
 
 ^OOD -home-made catsup is a most valuable addition to the 
 store-room, and a good housekeeper will always look with 
 pride upon it as it stands upon the shelves in closely-corked 
 bottles, neatly labeled, feeling, as she may, that she possesses close 
 at hand the means of imparting a delicious flavor to her sauces and 
 gravies without at the same time placing any deleterious compound 
 before her friends. Though excellent preparations are no doubt 
 sold by respectable dealers, the superiority of catsup when made at 
 home is undisputed, and the comfortable certainty attending its use 
 is so great, that we would earnestly recommend every lady who has 
 the time and opportunity to do so, to superintend personally the 
 manufacture of that which is used in the kitchen. It is not well, 
 however, to make a very large quantity, as it is rarely improved by- 
 being long kept. Catsup should be stored in a cool, dry place; the 
 corks should be covered with resin, and the liquid should be exam- 
 ined frequently, and if there are the slightest signs of fermentation 
 or mold, it should be re-boiled with a few pepper-corns, and put 
 into fresh, dry bottles. Always select perfect fruit, and cook in a 
 porcelain-lined kettle. 
 
 Currant Catsup. 
 
 Boil five pints of ripe currant'^ in one pint of vinegar until soft; 
 strain all through a sieve, then add three pints of sugar, and one 
 tablespoonful each of cinnamon and allspice; boil about one hour. 
 
 100 
 
CATSUPS. ioi 
 
 CucuiLBEii Catsup. 
 Take one-linlf "bushel of full-grown cucumbers, peel and chop 
 them, sprinkle them with salt, and put them in a sieve and let them 
 ?«tand over night; add two dozen onions, cut up small, one-half 
 pound white mustard seed, one-half pound of black mustard seed, 
 two ounces of black pepper, ground. Mix well with the best cider 
 -vinegar, ma*king it the consistency of thick catsup, and fill your 
 jars, tying up closely. It requires no cooking. 
 
 GOOSEEEKRY CaTSUP. 
 
 Ten pounds of gooseberries, six jjounds of sugar, one quart of 
 Tinegar, three tablespoonfuls cinnamon, one tablespoonful each of 
 allspice and cloves. Mash the gooseberries thoroughly; scald and 
 put through the colander; add the sugar and spices, and boil fifteen 
 minutes, then add the vinegar; bottle immediately. Ripe grapes 
 may be prepared in the same manner. 
 
 Plum Catsup. 
 To three pounds of fruit put one and three-fourths pounds of 
 sugar, one tablespoonful of cloves, one tablespoonful of cinnamon, 
 one tablespoonful of pepper, a very little salt; scald the plums and 
 put them through a colander; then add sugar and spices, and boil 
 to the right consistency. 
 
 Tomato Catsup. 
 
 Take sound ripe tomatoes, slice and cook until done enough fo 
 put through a sieve; then to every gallon of the pulp and juice add 
 •one cup of chopped onion, one-half cup of black pepper, four pods 
 of red pepper, cut fine, one-half cup of ground ginger and mustard 
 mixed, one ounce celery seed, one-half cup of allspice, nutmeg and 
 •cinnamon, mixed, one-half teaspoonful cloves, two cups of sugar, 
 and sufficient salt to taste distinctly, one pint strong cider vinegar; 
 ])ut all together and cook two hours, or longer if not thick enough. 
 It must not be thin or watery. Bottle and seal while hot, and 
 in a good cellar it will keep two years. 
 
102 CATSUPS. 
 
 Tomato Catsup, No. 2. 
 One bushel of good ripe tomatoes, one-half gallon of cider vine- 
 gar, one-fourth pound of allspice, two ounces of cloves, three 
 tablespoonfuls of black pepper, six large onions or tAvo heads of 
 garlic, one pint of salt, four large red peppers; cook thoroughly, 
 and strain through a sieve, then boil till it is thick enough, and 
 add the vinegar. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 DESSERTS. 
 
 t Puddings. 
 
 [THOUT pretending to make a skillful cook by book, we 
 believe that any intelligent beginner may compound a good 
 Xi^ pudding by attending to the following simple rules and 
 plain directions: Attention is all that is required, and a little 
 manual dexterity in turning the pudding out of the mold or elotli. 
 Let the several ingredients be each good and fresh of its kind, as. 
 one bad article, particularly eggs, will taint the Avhole composition,. 
 Have the molds and pudding cloths carefully washed when used,, 
 the cloths with wood ashes, and dried in the open air. Lay them 
 aside sweet and thoroughly dry. Pudding ought to be put into 
 plenty of boiling water, which must be kept on a quick boil; or, 
 baked, in general in a sharp but not scorching oven. A pudding in 
 which there is much bread must be tied loosely, to allow room for 
 swelling. A batter pudding should be tied up firmly. Molds 
 should be quite full, well buttered and covered with a fold or two> 
 of paper floured and buttered. Eggs for puddings must be used' 
 in greater quantities when of small size. The yolks and whites, if 
 the pudding is wanted particularly white and nice, should be; 
 strained after being separately well beaten. A little salt is neces- 
 sary for all potato, bean, or pease puddings, and all puddings in 
 which there is suet or meat, as it improves the flavor. The several 
 ingredients, after being well stirred together, should in general 
 have a little time to stand, that the flavors may blend. A frequent 
 fault of boUed puddings, which ai-e often solid bodies, is. being 
 
 103 
 
104 DESSERTS. 
 
 underdone. Baked puddings are as often scorched. Puddings 
 may be steamed with advantage, placing the mold or basin in the 
 :steamer and keeping the water boiling under it. When the pud- 
 ding-cloths are to be used, dip them in hot water, and dredge them 
 with flour; the molds must be buttered. When a pudding begins 
 to set, stir it up in the dish, if it is desired that the fruit, etc., 
 should not settle to the bottom; and, if boiled, turn over the cloth 
 in the pot for the same reason, and also to prevent it sticking to the 
 hottom, on which a plate may be laid as a preventive. The time 
 of boiling must be according to size and solidity. When the pud- 
 ding is taken out of the pot, dip it quickly into cold water. Set it 
 in a basin of its size; it will then more readily separate from the 
 cloth without breaking. Remember that sugar, butter, and suet 
 become liquids in boiling; it is from their excess that puddings 
 often break. Be, therefore, rather sparing of sugar; for if you 
 have much syrup you must have more eggs and flour, which make 
 puddings heavy. It is often the quantity of sugar that makes 
 tapioca and arrowroot, boiled plain, troublesome to keep in shape 
 when molded. Rice or other grain puddings must not be allowed 
 to boil in the oven before setting, or the ingredients will separate 
 and never set; so never put them in a very hot oven. As a rule, 
 we may assume that slich flavoring ingredients as lemon — grate or 
 juice, vanilla and cocoanut, are more admired in modern puddings 
 than cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Care must be taken to mix 
 liatter puddings smoothly. Let the dried flour be gradually mixed 
 with a little of the milk, as in making starch, and afterwards, in 
 nice cookery, strain it through a coarse sieve. Puddings are lighter 
 boiled than baked. Raisins, prunes, and damsons, for puddings 
 jnust be carefully stoned; or. Sultanas may be used in place of 
 other raisins; currants must be picked and plunged in hot water, 
 rubbed in a floured cloth, and plumped and dried before the fire; 
 almonds must be blanched and sliced; and in mixing grated bread, 
 pounded biscuit, etc., with milk, pour the milk on them Avhile hot, 
 and cover the vessel for an hour, which is both better and easier 
 
DESSERTS. 105 
 
 than boiling. Suet must be quite fresh and free from fiber. Mut- 
 ton suet for puddings is lighter than beef; but marrow, when it 
 can be obtained, is richer than either. A baked pudding, for com- 
 pany, has often a paste border, or a garnishing of blanched and 
 sliced almonds about it, but these borders are merely matters of 
 ornament; if molded, puddings may also be garnished in various 
 ways, as with bits of currant jelly. The best seasoning for plain 
 batter puddings are extracts of orange or lemon, or orange-flower 
 w^ater. The sweetness and flavor of pudding must, in most cases, 
 be determined by individual tastes. Sugar can be added at table. 
 
 To TonsTG Housek:eepers. 
 
 All young housekeepers should learn as soon as possible how to 
 prepare dishes for dessert which can be made on very short notice, 
 that they may not be annoyed in the event of unexpected company 
 to dinner. In summer, fruit answers every purpose,'.but at other 
 seasons, and particularly if the first course is not very elaborate, 
 she will need to have something more substantial. A delicious 
 pudding can be made in a few minutes by taking one pint of milk 
 and stirring into it half a cup of cassava, half a cup of cocoanut, two 
 eggs, a little butter, salt and sugar to taste; flavor vrith vanilla. 
 Cook this as you would boiled custard. When cooked and put in 
 the dish in which it is to be served, pour over the top the white of 
 one egg beaten to a stiff froth, with a tablespoonful of pulverized 
 sugar added. Set it in the oven for a short time to brown. This 
 may be eaten warm or cold, with jelly or preserves or without. 
 Another dish which is easily made and which is economical as well 
 as palatable, is to take slices of cake which are a little dry and pour 
 over them while hot some boiled custard; cover the dish quickly, 
 and the hot custard will steam the cake sufficiently. Raisin cake 
 steamed and served with some pudding sauce is good. Velvet 
 cream, to be eaten with cake, is made in this way: Beat the whites 
 of four eggs to a stiff froth; add two tablespoonfuls of sugar, two 
 tablespoonfuls of currant jelly, two tablespoonfuls of raspberry 
 
106 DESSERTS. 
 
 jam; heat all well together; cream may he added or not, as yotc 
 choose. Oranges cut up, with sugar and grated cocoanut sprinkled 
 over them are also nice for cake. 
 
 Arroavroot PuDDi>fa. 
 
 One quart milk, three and one-half tablespoonfuls arrowroot, four 
 eggs, one cup sugar, one teaspoonful each of extract nutmeg and 
 cinnamon. 
 
 Boil the milk, add the arrowroot dissolved in a little water,, 
 and the sugar; let reboil; take from the fire; beat in the eggs,. 
 whipped a little, and the exti'acts; pour in a well-buttered earthen- 
 ware dish, and bake in a quick oven one-half an hour; a few minutes 
 before taking from the oven, sift two tablespoonfuls sugar over it,, 
 and set back to glaze. This pudding is generally eaten cold. 
 
 Almond Pudding. 
 Two iigg muffins, one cup almonds, blanched — pouring boiling 
 water on them till the skin slips easily off — and pounded to a fine 
 paste, one and one-half cups sugar, four eggs, one and one-half 
 pints milk, one teaspoonful each of extract bitter almonds and rose. 
 Cut off the top crust from muffins very thin ; steep them in the 
 milk; beat the yolks of the eggs and sugar with the almonds, then 
 add the steeped muffins squeezed a little dry; dilute with the milk, 
 add the extract, and put it thus prepared into a well-buttered 
 earthenware dish; then stir gently in the whites beaten to a dry- 
 froth, and bake in a moderately quick oven about one-half hour. 
 
 Pie-Plant Charlotte. 
 
 Wash and cut the pie-plant into small pieces, cover the bottom 
 of a pudding dish with a layer of pie-plant and sugar, then a layer 
 of bread crumbs and bits of butter, or thin slices of bread nicely 
 buttered, and so on until the dish is full. Bake three-quarters of 
 an hour in a moderate oven. Allow a pound of sugar to a pound 
 of fruit. If preferred, turn over the charlotte a boiled custard 
 when ready for the table. 
 
DESSERTS. 107 
 
 Croquettes of Rice. 
 Put a quarter of a pound of rice, one pint of milk, three table- 
 spoonfuls of finely-sifted sugar, a piece of butter the size of a small 
 nut and the thin i-ind of a lemon, into a saucepan. Any other 
 flavoring may be used if preferred. Simmer gently until the rice 
 is tender and the milk absorbed. It must be boiled until thick 
 and dry, or it will be difficult to mould into croquettes. Beat it 
 thoroughly for three or four minutes, then turn it out, and when it 
 is cold and still, form it into small balls; dip these in egg, sprinkle 
 a few bread crumbs over 
 them, and fry them in clar- 
 ified fat till they are lightly 
 and equally browned. Put 
 them on a piece of clean 
 blotting paper, to drain the 
 fat from them, and serve 
 them piled high on the dish. If it can be done without breaking 
 them, it is an improvement to introduce a little jam into the middle 
 of each one; or jam maybe served with them. Time, about one 
 hour to boil the rice, ten minutes to fry the croquettes. 
 
 BOMBES AU Riz. 
 Take half a j^int of rice, put in three pints of boiling water, and 
 salt. Let it boil fifteen minutes. At the end of that time drain 
 the rice, pour on milk enough to cover it; put it on the back pai't 
 of the stove, where it will not burn, and let it absorb the milk; piit 
 in enough milk to make the rice soft. While the milk is being 
 absorbed add four tablespoonfuls of sweetening and one teaspoonf ul 
 of flavoring. When the rice is thoroughly tender take it from the 
 fire and add the yolks of three eggs. If the rice is not hot enough 
 to thicken the eggs, put it back on the fire; stir constantly and let 
 it i-emain just long enough to thicken, but don't let it burn. As 
 soon as it thickens put it on a dish and rub with salad oil; then put 
 it where it will get very cold. As soon as cold it is ready to use 
 
108 DESSERTS. 
 
 for rice croquets or bonibes. Take a tablespoonful of rice in 
 your hand and flatten it; put a plum or any sweetmeat in the 
 center, roll the rice round the sweetmeat, roll in cracker dust, dip 
 in egg, then roll in the cracker dust again. Fry in smoking hot 
 lard and, serve hot or cold. 
 
 Gkeen Corn Pudding. 
 A most delicious accompaniment to a meat course. Take one 
 quart of milk, five eggs, two tablespoonfuls melted butter, one 
 tablespoonful white sugar, and a dozen large ears green corn; grate 
 the corn from the cob; beat the whites and the yolks of the eggs 
 separately; put the corn and yolks together, stir hard and add the 
 butter, then the milk gradually, beating all the while, next the 
 sugar, and a little salt, lastly the whites. Bake slow at first, cover- 
 ing the dish for an hour; remove the cover and brown nicely. 
 
 Cottage Pudding. 
 
 One cup milk, two of flour, three teaspoonfuls baking powder, 
 two tablespoonfuls melted butter, one egg, one cup of sugar. Steam 
 three-quarters, or bake one hour. Serve with sauce. 
 
 Cranberry Roll. 
 
 Stew a quart of cranberries in just water enough to keep them 
 from burning. Make very sweet, strain, and cool. Make a paste, 
 and when the cranberry is cold, spread it on the paste about an inch 
 thick. Roll it, tie it close in a flannel cloth, boil two hours and 
 serve with a sweet sauce. Stewed apples or other fruit may be used 
 in the same way. 
 
 Delmonico Pudding. 
 
 One quart scalded milk, three tablespoonfuls corn starch, moist- 
 ened with a little cold milk; stir into the boiling milk the yolks of 
 six eggs well beaten, four tablespoonfuls sugar; stir all together. 
 Take it off the fire, flavor it, and put into a pudding dish. Then 
 beat the whites of the eggs to a stiff froth, spread over the top, and 
 brown in the oven. 
 
DESSERTS. 109 
 
 Eve's Pudding. 
 Take equal quantities of flour, fresh butter, and sugar, six ounces^ 
 of each; beat the butter to a cream, and beat the sugar and flour 
 into it. Separate the yolks from the whites of four eggs, beat them 
 until light, and add the yolks first, then the whites, to the batter, 
 and lastly half a dozen almonds, blanched and pounded, and the 
 grated rind of a lemon. Beat well, and fill small cups to about 
 half; then set before the fire to rise. In five minutes put them into 
 the oven and bake for half an hour. 
 
 Fig Pudding. 
 
 Half a pound figs, half cup suet, half a pound bread crumbs, one 
 tablespoonful sugar, three eggs, one cup milk; chop the suet and 
 figs fine, add some cinnamon and nutmeg, and a glass of wine, if 
 you choose, or leave it out if you prefer. Boil it three hours — 
 sauce. 
 
 Fruit Pudding. 
 
 Take one cup each sweet milk, suet (minced), raisins, currants, 
 and molasses. Stiffen with bread crumbs and a little flour, having 
 added three teaspoonfuls baking powder to the flour and crumbs; 
 boil or steam till done. This pudding is equally as good the second 
 day as the first. 
 
 Baked Farina Pudding. 
 
 Stir into a quart of milk when boiling one-half pound farina, cook 
 it five minutes and set it aside to cool, meanwhile stir four ounces 
 of butter to a cream, grate the rind of a lemon and add the yolk of 
 six eggs, one cup each of sugar, raisins, and currants, and mix all 
 well together with the cooked farina. Beat the whites of the eggs 
 to a froth, stir it into the batter, and bake slowly for an hour. 
 
 Plain Fruit Pudding. 
 Take one and a half cups of flour, one cup of bread crumbs, one 
 cup of raisins, half a cup of currants, two nutmegs, one cup of suet 
 chopped fine, two tablespoonfuls of sugar, four eggs, a wine glass 
 
110 DESSERTS. 
 
 of brandy, a wine glass of syrup, and a little milk if necessary. Mix 
 very thoroughly; tie it in a cloth as tight as possible, and boil fast 
 for five or six hours. Serve with wine sauce. 
 
 Florentine Pudding. 
 Put a quart of milk into your pan, let it come to a boil; mix 
 smoothly three tables})oonfuls of corn starch and a little cold milk; 
 add the yolks of three eggs beaten, half a cup of sugar, flavor w'ith 
 vanilla, lemon, or anything your fancy suggests; stir into the 
 scalding milk, continue stirring till of the consistency of starch (ready 
 for use), then put into the pan or dish you wish to serve it in; beat 
 the whites of the eggs with a cup of pulverized sugar, and spread over 
 the top; place in the oven a few minutes, till the frosting is a pretty 
 brown. Can be eaten with cream, or is good enough without. For 
 a change, you can bake in cujjs. 
 
 Gelatine Pudding. 
 One ounce gelatine, one pint cold milk; set on range, and let 
 • come slowly to a boil, stirring occasionally; separate the yolks and 
 whites of six fresh eggs; beat the yolks well and stir slowly into 
 hot milk; add half a pound of granulated sugar; when quite cold, 
 stir in a quart of whipped cream; flavor with vanilla and lemon 
 extract mixed; have the whites of the eggs beaten very sti£f, and 
 stir in the last thing; pack on ice. 
 
 Ginger Pudding. 
 
 One egg, one cup of molasses, half a cup butter, half a cup of 
 fruit, half a cup of hot water, one tablespoonful of ginger, one 
 teaspoonful of soda. Stir stiff and steam one hour. 
 
 Sauce for Ginger Padding. — One Qgg, one cup sugar, one-third 
 -of a cup of butter, one tablespoonful of flour, one and one-half 
 lablespoonfuls of lemon. Pour boiling water in and make like thin 
 -starch. 
 
 Honey Comb Pudding. 
 
 Three cups flour, one cup beef suet, one cup milk, one cup 
 
DESSERTS. Ill 
 
 molasses, one cup raisins, currants or wliortleberries in the season, 
 one teaspoonful soda, a little salt. Boil or steam three hours — 
 sauce. 
 
 HUCKLEBEKRY PuDDING. 
 
 One cup sugar, one-half cup butter, two of milk, two eggs, two 
 cups of berries, one teaspoonful of soda, two of cream of tartar, salt. 
 Mix stiff as gingerbread. Boil two hours in a tin jDail. Serve with 
 sauce. 
 
 Hen's Nest. 
 
 Make blanc mange, pour in egg shells and set to cool; when cold, 
 break the egg shells, place in glass dish, cut strips of lemon peel 
 and let boil in syrup of sugar and water till tender, and sprinkle on 
 the egg shapes, and make custard and pour over the nest. 
 
 Indian Pudding. 
 Stir a pint of com meal into a quart of boiling milk; melt four 
 •ounces of butter; mix it first with a pint of molasses, and then, 
 very gradually, with the meal. Flavor with nutmeg and grated 
 lemon peel, ol* cinnamon, and as soon as the mixture has cooled, 
 add, stirring briskly, six well-beaten eggs. Butter a dish and bake 
 at once. 
 
 Apple Pudding. 
 A loaf of stale bread, steamed twenty minutes before dinner, 
 sliced, spread with stewed apple, and a little butter, strewn with 
 .sugar and browned lightly in a quick oven, makes as good a pud- 
 •ding as any one would like, with either hard or liquid sauce. 
 
 Apple Batter Pudding. 
 Six or eight fine juicy apples, j^ared and cored, one quart of milk, 
 ten tablespoonfuls of flour, six eggs, beaten very light, one table- 
 spoonful butter — melted, one saltspoonful of salt, one-half tea- 
 spoonful soda, one teaspoonful cream of tartar. Set the apples 
 close together, in the baking dish; put in enough cold Avater to half 
 cover them, and bake, closely covered, until the edges are clear, but 
 
112 DESSERTS. 
 
 not until tlioy begin to break. Drain oflf the water, and let the 
 fruit get cold before pouring over them a batter made of the ingre- 
 dients enumerated above. Bake in a quick oven. Serve in the 
 baking dish, and eat with sauce. 
 
 Apple Float. 
 To one quart of apples partially stewed and well mashed, put the 
 whites of three eggs well beaten, and four heaping tablespoonf uls 
 loaf sugar; beat them together fifteen minutes, and eat with rich 
 milk and nutmeg. 
 
 Apple Slump. 
 
 One quart flour sifted with three teaspoonfuls baking powder; 
 shorten with one teaspoonful butter rubbed into the flour. Mix 
 with cold milk or water, the same as for biscuit. Put two 
 quarts of pared, sliced or quartered apples with one pint of water 
 into the dish in which the slump is to be cooked. Roll the crust 
 about an inch thick, cut into quarters and with it cover the apples 
 in the dish; then cover the whole with a close fitting cover, and 
 boil or steam till done. Take out on a platter and grate nutmeg- 
 over the apple. Serve with a sweet sauce or sugar and cream. 
 
 Baked Apple Dumplings. 
 To one quart flour add two heaping teaspoonfuls baking powder, 
 and the usual quantity of salt. Thoroughly mix while dry and 
 sift. Then take one tablespoonful lard and one tablespoonf ul' but- 
 ter and chop them into the flour prepared as above. Then mix 
 with sweet milk to a thin dough, just stiff enough to handle^ 
 Roll it out half an inch thick and cut into squares. 
 
 Apples Surprised. 
 Peel, core, and slice about five nice cooking apples, sprinkle the 
 slices with a spoonful of flour, one of grated bread, and a little 
 sugar. Have some lard quite hot in a small- stew-pan, put the slices 
 of apple in it, and fry of a light yellow; when all are done, take 
 a piece of butter the size of a walnut, and a good spoonful of grated 
 
DESSERTS. 11^ 
 
 tread, a spoonful of sugar, and a cup of milk; put into the pan, 
 and when they boil up throw in the apple slices, hold the whole 
 over the fire for two minutes, when it will be ready to serve. 
 
 Amber Pudding. 
 Six eggs beaten light, one cup of cream, creamed with one-half 
 cup of butter, juice of a lemon, and half the grated peel, a good 
 pinch of nutmeg, puff paste. Mix sugar, butter, eggs, together- 
 put into a custard kettle, set in hot water, and stir until it thickens.. 
 Stir in lemon and nutmeg, and let it get cold. Put a strip of paste- 
 around the edge of a pie plate; print it prettily; pour in the cold 
 mixture, and bake in a steady, not too hot oven. Eat cold. 
 
 Ambrosia. 
 Eight fine oranges, peeled and sliced, one-half grated cocoanut, 
 one-half cup of powdered sugar. Arrange slices of orange in a 
 glass dish; scatter grated cocoanut thickly over them; sprinkle this 
 lightly with sugar, and cover with another layer of orange. Fill 
 the dish in this order, having a double quantity of cocoanut and 
 sugar at top. Serve soon after it is prepared. 
 
 Apple Omelette. 
 
 Six large pippins or other large tart apples, one tablespoonful of 
 hutter, three eggs, six tablespoonfuls of white sugar, nutmeg to the 
 taste, and one teaspoonful of rosewater; pare, core, and stew the 
 apples, as for sauce; beat them very smooth while hot, adding 
 butter, sugar, and flavoring; when quite cold, add the eggs, beaten 
 separately very light; put in the whites last and pour into a deep 
 bake-dish previously warmed and well buttered. Bake in a mod- 
 erate oven until it is delicately browned. Eat warm — not hot. A. 
 wholesome dish for children. 
 
 Apple Charlotte. 
 
 Butter your pudding dish, line it with bread buttered on both 
 sides; put a thick layer of apples, cut in thin slices, sugar, a little 
 cinnamon and butter on top, then another layer of bread, apples. 
 
114 DESSERTS. 
 
 sugar, cinnamon and butter last. Bake slowly one and a half 
 hours, keeping the pan covered until half an hour before serving; 
 let the apples brown on top. 
 
 Baxcroft Pudding. 
 One tablespoonful melted butter, one cup sugar, one egg. well 
 beaten, one pint flour, two teaspoonf uls cream of tartar, one of soda, 
 ■one cup sweet milk; beat well and bake thirty minutes. 
 
 Bread Pudding. 
 One pint fine bread crumbs to one quart of milk, one cup sugar, 
 yolks of four eggs, well beaten, grated rind of lemon, piece of 
 butter size of an egg. Don't let it bake till watery. Whip the 
 -whites of, the eggs with one cup sugar to a stiff froth, and put into 
 this the juice of the lemon; spread over the pudding a layer of 
 jelly or other sweemeat; then spread the whites of eggs over this, 
 and replace in the oven and bake lightly. 
 
 Banana and Apple Tart. 
 
 Make crust of fine flour and fresh butter. Make little crust, but 
 make it good. Slice apples fine and put in dish with three or four 
 bananas sliced, only adding sugar and perhaps a little syrup, if you 
 have got it. Cover crust over fruit; brush a little melted butter 
 over top, strew white sugar on and bake twenty minutes or more, 
 as required. 
 
 Bird's Nest Pudding. 
 
 Pare, quarter and core nice tart apples; butter a pie tin and slice 
 the apples in it; make a batter of one cup cream (sour and not very 
 rich), one teaspoonful soda, one egg, a little salt, and flour enough 
 to make a stiff batter. Pour this over the apples and bake; when 
 ■done turn bottom side up and spread thickly with good sweet 
 iDutter and sugar. To be eaten warm. 
 
 Bird's Nest Pudding, No. 2. 
 Take eight or ten nice apples, pare whole and core; place in a 
 
DESSEirrs. 115 
 
 pudding dish; fill the cores with sugar and nutmeg. Make a cus- 
 tard of five eggs to one quart of milk, sweeten to taste; pour this 
 •over the apples and bake half an hour. 
 
 Cabinet Pudding. 
 In making it use one pint of milk, six eggs, and a quantity of 
 stale cake — stale bread could be used. The tin must be carefully- 
 greased with butter, and around the inside place bits of fruit. For 
 this, citron, cherries, currants, or any kind of dried fruit, could be 
 used. Over this is put a layer of light colored cake, sponge cake 
 perhaps, and the center is filled to near the top of the dish with 
 Ijroken up pieces. Upon this is poured the custard made of the 
 eggs and milk thoroughly beaten up and flavored to suit the taste. 
 The dish is then placed in a kettle of boiling water, the water 
 coming up within about two-thirds of the way to the top. The pot 
 is covered and boiled until done thoroughly. 
 
 Cream Batter Pudding. 
 
 Take one cup of sour cream and rub with one cup of flour until 
 smooth; then pour in one cup of sweet milk, three eggs — the yolks 
 and whites beaten separately, a little salt and two-thirds of a tea- 
 spoonful of soda. Bake in a quick oven. To be eaten with cream 
 and sugar. 
 
 Cracker Pudding. 
 
 FoUr crackers pounded and sifted, small piece of butter, one and 
 one-half pints milk, scalded and poured on the cracker and butter, 
 four eggs, sugar to sweeten, nutmeg. 
 
 Chooot-atb Pttddttstg. 
 One quart of sweet milk, three ounces grated chocolate. Scald 
 the milk and chocolate together; when cool, add the yolks of five 
 -eggs and one cup sugar. Bake about twenty-five minutes; beat 
 the whites from the top; brown in the oven; eat cold. 
 Charlotte Pudding. 
 ilemove the crust from a loaf of bread, dip in milk, and spread 
 
116 DESSERTS. 
 
 the slices with butter. Pare and cut apples very tliin. Lay the 
 bread in a buttered dish, spread over the aj^ples, sweeten and flavor 
 Avith the juice and grated rind of a lemon. Bake till the apples are 
 tendei". 
 
 Cottage Pudding. 
 
 Warm two and one-half tablespoonfuls butter, stir in a cup of sugar 
 and two eggs well beaten, two teaspoonfuls cream of tartar in one 
 pint flour, one teaspoonful soda dissolved in one cup milk, flavor 
 with nutmeg or lemon. Bake three-quarters of an hour and serve 
 hot with sauce. 
 
 CusTAKD Bread Puddiistg. 
 
 Two cups flne dry crumbs; one quart of milk; five eggs, beaten: 
 light; one tablespoonful corn starch; one teaspoonful of salt, and. 
 one-half teaspoonful of soda, dissolved in milk; flavor to taste_ 
 Soak the crumbs in the milk, and heat in a custard kettle to a boil- 
 Add the corn starch wet with cold milk, cook one minute, turn out 
 and beat hard. When smooth and almost cold, whip in the yolksj, 
 the flavoring, lastly, the whites. Boil in a buttered mold an hour 
 and a half. Eat hot with SAveet sauce. It is excellent. 
 
 CocoAXL'T Pudding. 
 Take suflicient stale bread to make a pudding, the size yon 
 require; pour boiling water over it. After it is soaked well, take a 
 fork and see that no lumps of bread remain; then add half a cup of 
 grated cocoanut, make a custard of one quart of milk, and four 
 eggs, flavor with nutmeg (of course you will sweeten it with white 
 sugar) ; pour over and bake immediately. 
 
 Cream Pudding. 
 One quart of milk; one cup of hot boiled rice well cooked but 
 not broken; one cup of sugar; one heaping tablespoonful of com. 
 starch ; five eggs ; one-fourth teaspoonful of cinnamon and the same 
 of grated lemon peel. Heat the milk, stir in the corn starch wet 
 up with cold milk; then the beaten yolks and sugar. Add to these 
 the heaping cup of boiled rice. Stir until it begins to thicken, add 
 
DESSERTS. 117 
 
 the seasoning, and pour into a buttered bake-disli. Bake until well 
 *'set;" spread with a meringue of the whites and a little sugar, 
 made very stiff. When this has colored lightly, take from the 
 oven. Make on Saturday, and set on ice until Sunday. The colder 
 
 it is the better. 
 
 Crumb Pudding. 
 
 Three egg yolks, one ounce of sugar, one ounce of bread crumbs, 
 lialf a teaspoonf ul of cinnamon. Beat the egg-yolks, sugar, crumbs, 
 and spice in a basin for five minutes. Add the three egg-whites 
 beaten to a white snow (not too firm), bake in a buttered shallow- 
 tin or dish, and when quite cooled turn into a flat dish with the 
 lower side upward, pour over it a glassful of wine boiled with a 
 little sugar and spice, and serve while hot. 
 
 Irish Rock. 
 A sweet for dessert. Wash the salt from half a pound of butter, 
 and beat into it a quarter of a pound of finely powdered sugar; 
 blanch a pound of sweet almonds and an ounce of bitter; pound 
 these in a mortar, reserving enough of the sweet almonds to spike 
 for ornamenting the dish when sent to table; add the butter and 
 sugar, with a quarter of a glass of brandy, and pound until smooth 
 and white; when, after having become firm, it may be molded 
 into a large egg-like shaj^e, and stuck full of almond meats. It 
 should be j^laced high on a glass dish, with a decoration of green 
 sweetmeats and a sprig of myrtle, or garnish with any green fruits 
 
 or sweetmeats. 
 
 Jelly Rice. 
 Mix four ounces of rice flour smoothly and gradually with a quart 
 of cold milk; put them into a sauce pan, with a quarter of an ounce 
 of clarified isinglass, the thin rind of half a lemon, four bitter 
 almonds, blanched and pounded, and four ounces of sugar. Boil 
 and stir briskly until quite thick; take out the lemon rind and pour 
 the mixture into a damp mold. When it is firmly set, turn it on a 
 glass dish, pour melted currant jelly, or any fruit syrup, round it, 
 .and send a dish of cream to table with it. 
 
118 DESSERTS. 
 
 Jelly Custakd. 
 One quart of milk, six eggs — whites and yolks, one cup sugar,, 
 flavoring to taste, some red and yellow jelly, — raspberry is good for 
 one, orange jelly for the other. Make a custard of the eggs, milk 
 and sugar; boil gently until it thickens well; flavor when cold; fill 
 your custard glasses two-thirds full and heap up with the two kinds 
 of jelly — the red upon some, the yellow upon others. 
 
 Jelly Tartlets. 
 Make the paste the same as for pies ; line small patty pans, prick- 
 ing the paste in the bottom to keep it from puffing too high; bake 
 
 in a quick oven and fill with jelly or jam. 
 
 I 
 Kiss Pudding. 
 
 . Beat the yolks of three eggs and half a cup of sugar till light, 
 
 add one and a half tablespoonfuls of corn starch, stir in one pint of 
 
 boiling milk, stir on the stove till thick, pour in a pudding dish;, 
 
 beat the whites of the eggs with half a cup of sugar, spread over 
 
 the top and brown. 
 
 Lemon Pudding. 
 
 One lemon grated, rind and pulp, one cup of sugar, one cup of 
 
 water or sweet milk, four eggs, three tablespoonfuls of melted 
 
 "butter, two tablespoonfuls of flour. Line a deep dish with pastry 
 
 crusts, pour the custard in, bake thirty minutes. Beat the whites. 
 
 of three or four eggs to a stiff froth, sweeten, spread over the top 
 
 of the pudding, and let brown slightly. 
 
 Lemon Trifle. 
 Two lemons — juice of both and grated rind of one, one cup 
 sherry, one large cup of sugar, one pint cream well sweetened and 
 whipped stiff, a little nutmeg. Strain the lemon juice before adding- 
 the wine and nutmeg. Strain again and whip gradually into th& 
 frothed cream. Serve in jelly glasses and send around cake with, 
 it. It should be eaten soon after it is made. 
 
DESSERTS. 119> 
 
 Lemon Pudding. 
 
 Two ejygs, four tablespoonfuls of flour, one-half cup sweet cream,, 
 one cup sweet milk, one tablespoonful butter, one cup sugar, grated 
 rind and juice of one-half lemon. Bake in a moderate over. 
 Meringue Rice Pudding. 
 
 Take a cup of rice to one pint of water; "v^hen the rice is boiled 
 dry add one pint milk, a piece of butter size of an egg, and five 
 eggs. Beat the yolks, and grated rind of a lemon, and mix with 
 the rice. Butter a dish; pour in the mixture, and bake lightly. 
 Beat the whites to a stiff froth; add a cup of sugar and the juice of 
 a lemon. When the pudding is nearly done, spread on this frosting^ 
 and bake in a slow oven till the top is light brown. 
 
 Malagan Pudding, 
 One-third cup rice, one cup sugar, two eggs, one pint milk, half a 
 lemon and salt. Soak the rice over night. Beat the yolks of the 
 eggs with one tablespoonful of the sugar, and grate in the lemon 
 rind; add the rice and milk. Bake one hour. Take the whites of 
 the eggs and beat to a stiff froth with the rest of the sugar, then 
 add the lemon juice. Pour it over the pudding aftei* it is baked,, 
 and brown it in the oven two or thi'ee minutes. To be eaten cold. 
 
 Mitchell Pudding. 
 One cup raisins, one cup chopped suet or butter, one cup molasses 
 — some like one cup sugar with two spoonfuls molasses better — one 
 cup sour milk, one teaspoonful soda, salt, flour to make a stiff 
 batter. Steam three or four hours. Sauce. 
 
 Maud's Pudding. 
 Six eggs, ten tablespoonfuls flour, butter the size of an egg, salt; 
 mix to a light batter with sweet milk and baking powder in flour — 
 it will rise high, bake in ten minutes in a quick oven — put into the 
 oven just as dinner is being served so it will not fall before coming 
 to the table. Serve with cream flavored with lemon or other 
 extract to taste. 
 
120 DESSERTS. 
 
 Orange Pudding, 
 'Soak the crumbs of a French roll in milk, let it drain in a colander 
 ^or half an hour, break it with a spoon in a basin, add two ounces 
 of sugar, grated, one ounce of butter, warmed, the yolks of four 
 •eggs, the juice of four oranges, the grated rind of one, and finally 
 the four egg-whites beaten (not too stiffly) on a plate with a knife, 
 and bake in a buttered dish in a quick oven. The pudding will be 
 -equally good boiled in a mold for an hour and a half, and served 
 with a sweet sauce. 
 
 Christmas Plum Pudding. 
 Shred finely three-quarters of a pound of beef suet, and add to it 
 .a pinch of salt, one pound and a half of bread crumbs, half a pound 
 of flour, three-quarters of a pound of raisins, three-quarters of a 
 pound of currants, ])icked and dried, two ounces of candied lemon 
 and citron together, and half a large nutmeg. Mix these thor- 
 oughly, then add four eggs 
 and milk enough to moisten 
 it, but not too much or the 
 pudding will be heavy. Tie 
 in a pudding cloth, well 
 ^B floured, and boil for five or 
 six hours; or, ^ve think bet- 
 ter when boiled in a mold> 
 which should be well buttered before the mixture is put in. The 
 mold should not be quite full and should be covered with one or 
 two folds of paper, buttered and floured, and then with a floured 
 
 pudding cloth. 
 
 Plum Pudding. 
 
 One pound of raisins, one of currants, one of suet chopped fine, 
 and add three-quarters of a pound of stale bread crumbs, one- 
 quarter ])()und of flour, one-quarter pound of brown sugar, rind of 
 one lemon (chopped fine), one-half nutmeg grated, five eggs, one- 
 half j)ound mixed candied peel, one-half pint of brandy; mix well 
 
DESSERTS. 121 
 
 the dry ingredients; beat the ogga with the brandy; pour this over 
 the other things and thoroughly mix; to be boiled in a basin or 
 mold for six hours at the time of making, and six hours when 
 wanted for use. 
 
 English Plum Pudding, 
 
 One pound beef suet, three-quarters pound bread crumbs (not 
 flour), three-quarters pound raisins, three-quarters pound currants, 
 two ounces sweet almonds, with two or three bitter ones, eiarht 
 eggs, Avell beaten, one quarter pound citron, a glass of brandy and 
 one of sherry wine; grate in one-half of a nutmeg, and sweeten to 
 y^our taste; mix all these ingredients well; boil six hours in a bowl 
 or cloth. When turned out and ready for the table, pour over 
 brandy, set on fire and carry to table surrounded by blue flame. 
 This quantity will be dessert for six persons. Two or three times 
 the quantity may be made, boiled five hours, and set away for use 
 New Year's, Easter, or any intervening birthday. It will be good 
 at the end of twelve months. When wanted to use, boil two hours 
 longer. 
 
 Plum Pudding. 
 
 One coffeecup of molasses, one coffeecup of milk, one coffeecup 
 of chopped suet, one coffeecup of chopped raisins, four coffeecups 
 of flour, one teaspoonful of salt, three teaspoonf uls of baking pow- 
 der, and one egg. Boil or steam three hours. Flavor with wine, 
 or extract of orange, on sauce. 
 
 Rich Plum Pudding, 
 
 Beat up eight eggs, yolks and whites separately, and strain; mix 
 them with a pint of thick cream; stir in half a pound of flour and 
 half a pound of bread crumbs rubbed through the colander; when 
 well mixed beat in one pound of beef suet, chopped very fine, one 
 pound of currants, one pound of finely chopped raisins, one pound 
 of powdered sugar, two ounces of candied lemon, and two of citron, 
 and a nutmeg grated; mix up all with half a pint of brandy or of 
 wine; boil in a cloth for six or seven hours. Any of these Christ- 
 
122 DESSERTS. 
 
 mas 2)uddings may be kept for a month after boiling, if the cloth in 
 which they are made be replaced by a clean one, and the puddings 
 be hung to the ceiling of a kitchen or any warm store-room; they 
 will then be ready for use, and will require only one hour's boiling 
 to heat them thoroughly. 
 
 Baked Plum Pltdding. 
 
 One and a half cups of suet, chopped fine, one cup of raisins, stoned, 
 one-half cup of milk, one cup of currants, one teaspoonful of 
 saleratus, one-half cup of citron, chopped, one-half teaspoonful each 
 of spice and salt, one-half cup sugar,' one-half cup of molasses, two 
 eggs, flour enough for a stiff batter. , Bake two hours and serve 
 with sauce. 
 
 Poor Man's Pudding. 
 
 Take one quart of milk, six eggs, six tablespoonfuls of flour, and 
 a little salt. Bake half an hour. Use butter and sugar dip. 
 
 Raisin Puffs. 
 Two eggs, one-half cup butter, three teaspoonfuls baking powder, 
 two tablespoonfuls sugar, two cups of flour, one of milk, one of 
 raisins, chopped very fine. Steam one-half hour in small cups. 
 
 RoLY Poly Pudding. 
 The pastry for this favorite pudding may be made in several 
 different ways, according to the degree of richness required. For 
 a superior pudding, mix a pound of flour with half a pound of very 
 finely shred suet, freed from skin and fibre; add a good pinch of 
 salt, an egg, and nearly half a pint of milk; roll it out to a long thin 
 form, a quarter of an inch thick, and of a width to suit the size of 
 the saucepan in which it is to be boiled; spread over it a layer of 
 any kind of jam, berries, or fruit, and be careful that the sauce 
 does not reach the edges of the pastry. Begin at one end and roll 
 it up, to fasten the fruit inside, moisten the edges and press them 
 securely together; dip a cloth in boiling Avater, flour it w*ell, and 
 tie the pudding tightly in it; put it into a saucepan of boiling- 
 
DESSERTS. 12a 
 
 ■water, at the bottom of which a plate has been laid to keep the 
 pudding from burning, and boil quickly until done. If it is neces- 
 sary to add more water, let it be boiling when put in, or the pud- 
 ding may be steamed. Marmalade, sliced lemon or orange and 
 sugar, chopped apples, or currants, may be used for filling. If 
 boiled, it will require from an hour and a half to two hours to 
 boil. 
 
 Rice Puddin^g. 
 
 One quart of milk, one cup of rice (boiled), three eggs, two 
 tablespoonfuls of sugar, and one teaspoonful of extract of lemon, 
 vanilla, or orange. 
 
 Sago Pudding, 
 
 One quart rich, sweet milk, four tablesjaoonfuls of sago, four 
 eggs, one -cup sugar, and flavoring; soak sago over night in water; 
 then beat yolks of eggs, sugar, and sago together; add milk and 
 flavoring; set a basin in the steamer, pour in the mixture and 
 steam one hour; beat whites with one tablespoonful of sugar to a 
 stiff froth; spread over pudding and brown in oven five minutes; 
 stir while steaming or the sago will settle to the bottom. 
 
 Suet Pudding, 
 One small cup of suet cut fine, one cup of molasses, one cup 
 chopped raisins, one cup sour milk, half a teaspoonful each of 
 cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg, and one teaspoonful of soda. Stir 
 thick with flour, and put in pudding bag, leaving room to rise, and 
 boil three hours. 
 
 Steamed Pudding, 
 One cup of sugar, one-half cup of butter, three eggs, one cup of 
 milk, three heaping teaspoonf uls of baking powder, and three cups 
 of flour; steam one hour, 
 
 Snow^ Pudding, 
 Pour one pint of boiling water on half a box of gelatine; add 
 juice of one lemon and two cups sugar; when nearly cold, strain it, 
 add the whites of three eggs beaten to a stiff froth, then beat all 
 
124 DESSERTS. 
 
 ^ell together again, put it into a mold to shape it, and let it cool. 
 Take the yolks of these eggs, one pint milk, and one teaspoonful 
 •corn starch, flavor with vanilla; cook this like any soft custard, put 
 the hard part of the pudding into a dish, when you want to serve it, 
 with the custard round it. 
 
 Steamed Pudding. 
 One cup sweet milk, two-thirds cup butter, one cup molasses, one 
 ■cup chopped raisins, three cups flour, two-thirds teaspoonful soda. 
 Put into a covered pail and steam three hours. 
 
 Steawberky Shoet Cake. 
 
 Rub into one quart of flour five ounces of lard, a pinch of salt, 
 and three tablespoonfuls of baking powder; add gradually enough 
 milk to make a soft dough; divide into four parts; roll one part 
 out lightly; cover a straight-sided Vienna cake tin with it. Roll 
 out another part and lay it on top of the first. Proceed in the same 
 way with the other two parts, using another baking tin. Bake 
 quickly, and when done, while hot, lift the upper part from each 
 pan, butter the inner surfaces, and place between the two crusts a 
 layer, an inch thick, of fresh berries, mashed and sweetened. Serve 
 immediately, with cream. A raspberry shortcake may be made 
 with the same pastry. 
 
 Custard to pour over Strawberry Shortcake. — One cup sugar, one 
 tablespoonful corn starch, one egg, and one pint of milk. Flavor 
 and cook as custard. 
 
 S'TRA'^TSEEUT Shortcake, No. 2. 
 Mix a saltspoonful of salt with a pound of flour; chop in three 
 tablespoonfuls of butter; dissolve a teaspoonful of soda in a little 
 hot water, and add with a well-beaten egg to a large cup of sour 
 <;ream or rich " lobbered " milk, and a tablespoonful of sugar. Put 
 all together, handling as little as possible, and mix as soft as can be 
 rolled. Roll lightly and quickly into two sheets, and bake in round 
 tins, well greased, laying one sheet on the other. When done, 
 
DESSERTS. 125 
 
 separate, they will part where they were joined. Lay on the 
 lower sheet a thick layer of strawberries, and dust with })0-wdered 
 sugar. If desired, strawberries can be placed on top and sugared 
 as before. Serve with sweet cream. If the strawberries are just 
 lieated a little and crushed lightly with a spoon and then put 
 between the crusts, it is much improved. 
 
 Tapioca Pudding. 
 Put a cup of tapioca and a teaspoonful of salt into a pint and a- 
 ialf of water and let it stand a couple of hours where it will be 
 quite warm and not cook. Peel six tart apples, take out their cores 
 and fill them with sugar in which is grated a little nutmeg and 
 lemon peel, and put them in a pudding dish. Over these pour the 
 tapioca, first mixing with it a tablespoonful of melted butter and a- 
 little cold milk. Bake one hour. Eat with sauce. 
 
 Tapioca Pudding, No. 2. 
 One cup tapioca, soaked in water an hour, one quart milk, three 
 eggs, one cup sugar. Bake. 
 
 To Cook Rice. 
 
 To cook rice so that the grains will be whole and tender, wash it 
 in cold water until the water looks clear, then cook it rapidly iiL 
 "boiling water for. fifteen minutes, after which drain and place the 
 covered saucepan on the back of the stove to steam until the grains 
 crack open and are tender, which will be about fifteen minutes. 
 longer. 
 
 Vegetable Pudding. 
 
 Half a pound of carrots, half a pound of cold, mashed potatoes,, 
 the same of flour, suet, sugar, four ounces candied lemon peel, one- 
 quarter of a pound of currants. Boil slowly for two hours. 
 
 Whipped Syllabubs. 
 One pint of cream, rich and sweet, one-half cup sugar, powdered,, 
 one glass of wine, vanilla, or other extract one large teaspoonful. 
 
126 DESSERTS. 
 
 Sweeten the cream, and, when tlio sngar is thoroughly dissolved, 
 stir in the wine carefully with the flavoring extract, and churn to a 
 strong froth. Heap in glasses and eat with cake. 
 
 Yaxkee Pudding. 
 
 One cup of molasses, one cup of sour milk or buttei-miik, one-half 
 cup sugar, two teaspoonf uls of butter, two teaspoonf uls of saleratus, 
 one teaspoonf ul of ginger, same of cinnamon, five of flour, one egg; 
 bake in a shallow pan. 
 
 Sauce. — One pint of milk or cream, half cup sugar, white of one 
 ^gg, beaten lightly, one teaspoonf ul of corn starch; flavor with 
 nutmeg. Boil one minute. 
 
 PuDDixG Sauce. 
 A nice and easily made sauce for plum and all kinds of rich pud- 
 dings may be made as follows: Beat the yolks of two eggs, and 
 add four ounces of powdered sugar and half a pint of Madeira, and 
 set it upon a slow fire and stir until it becomes smooth, and 
 thickens. Serve in a sauce-tureen. 
 
 Sweet Sauce. 
 Sweeten a little good, melted butter, and flavor it with grated 
 lemon rind, nutmeg, or powdered cinnamon, strew a little of the 
 grate over the top, and serve in a tureen. A little wine or brandy 
 may be added- at pleasure. This sauce is suitable for almost all 
 ■ordinary boiled puddings. 
 
 Fruit Sauce. 
 Boil fruit (almost any kind may be used) with a little water until 
 it is quite soft; rub it through a fine sieve; sweeten to taste; make 
 it hot, and pour over boiled or steamed puddings. 
 
 Fkuit Pudding Sauce. 
 One-half cup butter, two and one-half cups sugar, one dessert- 
 spoonful corn starch wet in a littl ' cold milk, one lemon — juice and 
 balf the grated peel, one glass of wine, one cup boiling water. 
 
DESSERTS. 127 
 
 'Cream the butter and sugar well; pour the corn starch into the 
 boilmg water, and stir over a clear fire until it is well thickened; 
 put all together in a bowl and beat five minutes before returning to 
 the saucepan. Heat once, almost to the boiling point, add the 
 wine, and serve. 
 
 Akrowroot Sauce, 
 
 Mix a tablespoonfiil of arrowroot smoothly with a little cold 
 water; add a third of a pint of water, a glass of wine, the juice of 
 a lemon, and sugar and flavoring; stir the sauce over the fire till 
 it boils. This sauce may be varied by omitting the wine, and using 
 milk with the arrowroot. The juice of almost any fruit, too, may 
 be boiled with the arrowroot. 
 
 Germa^st Custard Sauce. 
 
 Four yolks eggs, two ounces powdered sugar, grated rind of a 
 lemon, a glass of sherry, and a little salt. Beat it sharply over a 
 :slow fire, until it assumes the appearance of a light, frothy custard. 
 It is a good sauce. 
 
 Pudding Sauce. 
 
 Two eggs, two cups sugar, and one cup butter, one glass of wine; 
 
 beat all well together till creamy, and set over the fire a few 
 
 minutes to scald through once, or set it in the tea kettle top to heat 
 
 through. 
 
 Puff Paste. 
 
 Use for each pound of butter one pound of flour. First the 
 l»utter should be worked or kneaded with the hand until all the 
 buttermilk or water which may be in it is squeezed out. Wet the 
 land and the molding board with cold water. The butter must 
 not be put in with the cracks in it, which you will see on breaking 
 it, for these make the pastry full of flakes. By working with the 
 liand a smooth even paste can be made without melting the butter. 
 J^fter working, wrap in a towel dusted with flour and put in a cool 
 place. Mix one pound of flour, the yolk of one egg, one teasjjoon- 
 f ul of butter, the juice of a lemon, and a saltspoonful of salt, with 
 
128 DESSERTS. 
 
 cold water enough to make a paste as soft as bread dough. The 
 lemon juice is for making the dough tender, and the egg is used 
 simjily to give a yellowish appearance to the crust. This is the 
 French method of prej^aring paste. The pastry is worked to mix 
 the gluten with the water to make, first, a slightly tough dough tO' 
 hold the butter; the lemon juice afterward makes it tender. It 
 should be kneaded about five minutes. You can always tell when it 
 is kneaded enough, because it will then pull away from the hand 
 and not stick. Roll it out about the size of a large dinner plate,, 
 lay in it the butter, fold the sides over, turn it over and roll into a- 
 strip three times as long as it is wide, square at the corners, and 
 one-quarter of an inch thick. Fold one-third over the middle and 
 the other third over that, making three layers; roll again into a 
 strip three times as long as it is wide. Fold a second time and roll 
 out again in the same way. Fold again and wrap in a cloth, place 
 it in a pan and set where it will get very cold. This is called 
 giving the pastry " one turn." When it is made by fine confec- 
 tioners it usually has six " turns." 
 
 Pie Ceust. 
 
 Into one quart sifted flour, thoroughly mix two heaping tea- 
 spoonfuls baking powder, and sift again. Weigh out three-quar- 
 ters of a pound good butter. Take half of it and chop into the 
 flour until it is very fine. Then add enough cold water (ice water 
 is the best) to make a stiff dough. Roll out into a thin sheet and 
 baste with one-third the remaining butter, the« roll it up closely 
 into a long roll, flatten and re-roll, then baste again. Repeat this, 
 operation until the butter is gone. Then make out your crust. Do 
 it all as quickly as possible. The quantity of butter may be 
 increased or decreased to suit the taste, following the other direc- 
 tions as stated. 
 
 Good ai^d Cheap Pie Crust. 
 
 One quart sifted flour, one teaspoonful salt, two heaping tea- 
 spoonfuls baking powder; mix thoroughly together while dry, and. 
 
DESSERTS. 129 
 
 sift. Then add cold sweet milk enough to make a stifiE dough, and 
 roll out as usual. Use the " Pie Crust Glaze " on both the bottom. 
 and top crusts, as per following recipe. Some prefer less of the 
 baking powder in the pie crust. A trial will determine what quan- 
 tity best suits your taste. 
 
 Pie Crust Glaze. 
 
 To prevent the juice soaking through into the crust and making- 
 it soggy, wet the crust with a beaten egg just before you put m liic: 
 pie mixture. If the top of the pie is wet with the egg it gives it a, 
 beautiful brown. 
 
 Pie Crust for Four Small Pies. 
 
 One and « half cups lard, one cup cold water, three and a half 
 cups flour, mix lard and flour together; add water last. 
 
 Tart Crust. 
 
 One cup of lard, one-half teaspoonful of salt, the white of an egg, 
 one-quarter teaspoonful of cream of tartar, one tablespoonful of 
 sugar, one-eighth teaspoonful of saleratus, three tablespoonfuls of 
 ice water; flour to roll; mix lard with one cup of flour; add salt, 
 sugar, and cream of tartar; beat egg; mix with water and saleratus, 
 all together; keep the dough cold; add flour to roll, one-quarter of 
 an inch thick. The above makes eighteen tarts. 
 
 Icing Pastry. 
 
 When flearly baked enough, take the pastry out of the oven and 
 sift fine powdered sugar over it. Replace it in the oven, and hold 
 over it a hot salamander or shovel till the sugar is melted. The- 
 above method is preferred for pastry to be eaten hot; for cold, 
 beat up the whites of two eggs well, wash over the tops of the pies 
 with a brush, and sift over this a good coating of sugar; cause it 
 to adhere to the egg and pie crust; trundle over it a clean brush, 
 dipped in water, till the sugar is all moistened. Bake again for 
 about ten minutes. 
 
 9 
 
130 DESSERTS. 
 
 Puff Paste with Beef Suet. 
 When you cannot obtain good butter for making paste, the fol- 
 lowing is an excellent substitute: Skin and chop one pound of 
 kidney beef suet very fine, put it into a mortar and pound it well, 
 moistening with a little oil, till it become as it were one piece, 
 About the consistency of butter. 
 
 Apricot Pie. 
 Pare, stone, and half the apricots; place them in a pie dish, piling 
 them high in the center, strew over them a little sifted sugar, and 
 a few of the kernels, blanched and chopped fine. Cover them with 
 a good, light crust and bake in a moderate oven. 
 
 Apple Pie. 
 Fill the pie crust with sour, juicy apples, pared and sliced thin, 
 put on the upper crust and bake until the apples are soft, then 
 remove the upper crust, adding sugar to taste, a small piece of 
 "butter, and a little grated nutmeg; stir this well through the apple 
 and replace the crust. 
 
 Apple Custard Pie. 
 
 Peel sour apples and stew until soft and not much water left in 
 them, then rub them through a colander, beat three eggs for each 
 pie to be baked, and put in at the rate of one cup of butter and one 
 of sugar for three pies. Line the \ne tins with paste, put in the 
 apples first, spread the beaten eggs, butter and sugar, flavored with 
 nutmeg over it. Bake as pumpkin pie. • 
 
 Boiled Cider Pie. 
 
 A boiled cider pie may be a novelty to some one. Take four 
 
 tablespoonfuls of boiled cider, three tablespoonfuls each of sugar 
 
 SLnd water, two tablespoonfuls of flour, and one egg; beat all 
 
 together. Bake in a deep plate and with upper and under crusts. 
 
 Banana Pie. 
 Slice raw bananas, add butter, sugar, allspice, and vinegar, or 
 toiled cider or diluted jelly. Bake with two crusts. 
 
DESSERTS. 131 
 
 Cracker Pie. 
 
 Soak ten crackers in one and one-half cuprf of boiling water, add 
 one cup of molasses, one cup sugar, one cup butter, one cup raisins, 
 ■two-thirds cup of vinegar, one-half nutmeg, one-half teaspoonful 
 ground cloves, one teaspoonful cinnamon. Bake with two crusts. 
 
 Chocolate Pie. 
 One coffeecup milk, two tablespoonfuls grated chocolate, three- 
 fourths cup sugar, yolks of three eggs. Heat chocolate and milk 
 together; add the sugar and yolks together, beaten to cream. 
 Flavor with vanilla. Bake with under crust. Spread meringue of 
 the whites over the top. 
 
 CocoANUT Pie. 
 
 Open the eyes of a cocoanut with a pointed knife or gimlet, and 
 pour out the milk into a cup; then break the shell and take out the 
 meat and grate it fine. Take the same weight of sugar and the 
 grated nut and stir together; beat four eggs, the whites and yolks 
 separately, to a stiff foam; mix one cup of cream and the milk of 
 the cocoanut with the sugar and nut, then add the eggs and a few 
 drops of orange or lemon extract. Line deep pie-tins with a nice 
 crust, fill them with the custard, and bake carefully one-half an 
 tour. 
 
 Jelly Custard. 
 
 To one cup of any sort of jelly, add one egg and beat well 
 together with three teaspoonfuls cream or milk. After mixing 
 thoroughly, bake in a good crust. 
 
 Custard Pie. 
 Line a deep plate with pie crust and fill with a custard made of 
 one pint of milk, three eggs, three tablespoonfuls of white sugar 
 and a pinch of salt; flavor with nutmeg; bake until firm in the 
 •center; this you can tell by inserting the handle of a teaspoon; do 
 not let the oven get hot enough to boil it. 
 
132 , DESSERTS. 
 
 Ceeam Pib. 
 Pour a pint of cream upon a cup and a half of powdered sugar; 
 let it stand till the whites of three eggs have been beaten to a stiff 
 froth; add this to the cream, and beat up thoroughly, grate a little 
 nutmeg over the mixture and bake as custard pies. 
 
 Cream Pie, No. 2. 
 Three eggs, one cup sugar, one and one-fourth cups flour, juice 
 and grated rind of lemon, half teaspoonful soda dissolved, and one 
 tablespoonful cold water, stirred in the last thing. Bake in round 
 sheets. 
 
 Custard for Cream Pie. 
 
 A little more than half pint milk, half cup flour, one cup sugar, 
 two eggs. Boil, when cold, spread on the cakes and lay them, 
 together. This receipt makes two pies. 
 
 Delicate Pie. 
 
 To stewed apples sufiicient for four pies, one-half pound of 
 
 butter, six eggs, beaten separately, one pound of sugar; flavor with 
 
 lemon, the apples being quite cold before adding the eggs. Bake 
 
 as a tart pie. 
 
 Lemok Pie. 
 
 One cup of hot water, one tablespoonful of corn starch, one cup of 
 white sugar, one tablespoonful of butter, the juice and grated rind 
 of one lemon. Cook for a few minutes, add one egg, and bake 
 with a top and bottom crust. 
 
 Fruit Pia 
 Line a soup plate with a rich paste, and spread with a layer of 
 strawberry or raspberry preserves; over which sprinkle two table- 
 spoonfuls of finely-chopped almonds (blanched of course), and one- 
 half ounce of candied lemon peel cut into shreds. Then mix the 
 following ingredients: One-half pound white sugar, one-quarter 
 pound butter, melted, four yolks and two whites of eggs, and a few 
 drops of almond essence. Beat well together and pour the mixture 
 
DESSERTS. - 133 
 
 into the soup plate over the preserves, etc. Bake in a moderately 
 ■warm oven. When cold, sprinkle or sift a little powdered sugar 
 over the top. A little cream eaten with it is a great addition. 
 
 Lemon Pie, No. 2. 
 I'he juice and grated rind of one lemon, one cup of white sugar, 
 "the yolks of two eggs, three tablespoonfuls of sifted flour, and suf- 
 "ficient njilk to fill a plate. Make with undercrust, but not the 
 uppercrust. Bake till nearly done and then add a frosting made of 
 the beaten whites of two eggs, and two tablespoonfuls of powdered, 
 sugar, and set back in the oven and brown slightly. 
 
 Mince Meat. 
 One pint of chopped meat, two pints of chopped apples, one jjint 
 each of molasses and vinegar, two pints of sugar, one tablespoonf uL 
 each of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, a cup of chopped suet or 
 hutter, a little salt, and a little brandy if liked. Add raisins when 
 the pies are baked. 
 
 Mince Meat. 
 
 Two pounds of lean beef boiled; when cold chop fine; one pound 
 
 of suet minced to a powder, five pounds of juicy apples, pared and 
 
 chopped, two pounds of raisins, seeded, two pounds of sultanas or 
 
 seedless raisins, two pounds of currants, one-half pound of citron, 
 
 chopped, three tablespoonfuls of cinnamon, two tablespoonfuls of 
 
 mace, one tablespoonful of allspice, one tablespoonful of fine salt, 
 
 one grated nutmeg, three pounds of brown sugar, one-half gallon 
 
 of sweet cider. Mince meat made by this recipe will keep till 
 
 spring. 
 
 Mince Pie. 
 
 It is supposed you have your meat ready for the paste. Make 
 the paste by rubbing into a quart of your best flour one-third 
 of a pound of sweet lard; chop it in with a broad knife, if you have 
 time; wet up with ice water; roll out very thin and cover with 
 dabs of butter, also of the best; fold into a tight roll; flatten with 
 a few strokes of the rolling-pin, and roll out into a sheet as thin as 
 
lo4 DESSERTS. 
 
 the first; baste again with the butter; roll up and out into a third 
 sheet hardly thicker than drawing paper; a third time dot with, 
 butter and fold up closely. Having used as much butter for this 
 purpose as you have lard, set aside your roll for an hour on ice, or 
 in a very cold place; then roll out, line your pie plates with the 
 paste, fill with mince meat, put strips across them in squares or 
 triangles and bake in a steady and not dull heat. 
 
 Mince Pie, No. 2. 
 Boil a piece of beef weighing six pounds, and a beef's tongue 
 weighing six pounds, six hours. Then skin the tongue, chop it and 
 the beef fine; add five pounds beef suet chopped fine, five pounds 
 raisins stoned, three pounds dried currants, one and one-half pound 
 citron, four pounds brown sugar, one pint good molasses, one quart 
 brandy, one quart wine, or, omit these, and add in their place 
 boiled cider; half a cup each of salt, cinnamon, allspice and cloves,, 
 three nutmegs and a tablespoonf ul of mace. Mix all well together, 
 and let it stand over night. Mix apples stewed when you make 
 the pies, as the meat keeps better without apple. Keep it in a- 
 stone jar. You should have about a third as much apple as you 
 have of the mince meat for a batch of pies. 
 
 Mince Meat Without Meat. 
 Take nine lemons, squeeze out the juice, boil the rinds and pulp 
 (remove seed) in three or four waters till bitterness is out and 
 rinds quite tender; beat them to a pulp; two and one-half pounds 
 beef suet after it is picked from the skins, two pounds currant* 
 after they are picked and washed, one and one-half pounds raisins 
 after they are stoned, two ounces almonds, two pounds sugar, one- 
 half pound citron, a glass of brandy, and one of any kind of sweet 
 wine; mix all these ingredients well together with the juice from 
 the lemons, and as many sweetmeats as you please. 
 
 Marlborough Pie. 
 Grate six apples, one cup sugar, three tablespoonfuls melted 
 
DEiSSERTS. 135 
 
 "butter, four eggs, juice and grated rind of a lemon, two tablespoon- 
 fuls brandy or wine, if you choose; if not, omit it. Bake in aa 
 under, but without top crust. 
 
 Orange Pie. 
 
 Take four good-sized' oranges, peel, seed, and cut in very small 
 pieces. Add a cup of sugar, and let stand. Into a quart of nearly 
 boiling milk stir two tablespoonfuls of corn starch mixed with a 
 little water, and the yolks of three eggs. When this is done, 
 let it cool, then mix with the oranges. Put it in simply a lower 
 crust. Make a frosting of the whites of the eggs and one-half cup 
 sugar. Spread it over top of pies, and place for a few seconds in 
 the oven to brown. 
 
 Cream Peach Pie. 
 
 Pare ripe peaches and remove the stones; have your pie dishes 
 ready lined with a good paste, fill with the peaches; stew these 
 with sugar; lay the upper crust on lightly, slightly buttering the 
 lower at the point of contact. When the pie is done, lift the cover 
 and pour in a cream made thus: One cup (small) of rich milk,, 
 heated; whites of two eggs, whipped and stirred into the milk; 
 one tablespoonful of sugar; one-half teaspoonful of corn starch wet 
 up in milk. Boil three minutes. The cream must be cold when it 
 goes into the hot pie. Replace the crust, and set by to cool. Eat 
 fresh. 
 
 Pine-Apple Pie. 
 
 One granted pine-apple, its weight in sugar, half its weight in 
 butter, five eggs, the whites beaten to a stiff froth, one cup of 
 cream; cream the butter and beat it with the sugar and yolks until 
 veiy light; add the cream, the pine-apple and the whites of the 
 eggs. Bake with an under crust. To be eaten cold. 
 
 Pttmpkik Pie. 
 Pare the pumpkin and take out the seeds without scraping the- 
 inside; stew and strain through a sieve. To every quart of milk 
 add five eggs, and stir the pumpkin into the milk and eggs until 
 
136 DESSERTS. 
 
 the proper consistency; sweeten with sugar or the best syrup; 
 molasses makes it too strong. Add some salt, powdered cinnamon, 
 powdered ginger and the grated peel of lemon. Bake in either deep 
 kOV shallow dishes in a hot oven. 
 
 Potato Pie. 
 One pound mashed potato, rubbed through a colander; one-fourth 
 pound of butter, creamed with the sugar; six eggs, whites and 
 yolks beaten separately; one lemon, squeezed into the potato while 
 hot; one teaspoonful of nutmeg and the same of mace; two cups 
 of white sugar. Cream the butter and sugar; add the yolks, the 
 «pice, and beat in the potato gradually until it is very light. At 
 last, whip in the whites. Bake in open shells of paste. Eat cold. 
 
 Sweet Potato Pie. 
 
 A plate deeper than the common pie plate is necessary. Bake 
 "medium-sized potatoes, not quite done. Yams are best. Line the 
 plate with good paste; slice the potatoes; place a layer upon the 
 bottom of the plate; over this sprinkle thickly a layer of good 
 brown sugar; over this place thin slices of butter and sprinkle with 
 flour, seasoning with spices to the taste. A heaped tablespoonful 
 of butter and a heaped teaspoonful of flour will be sufficient for one 
 pie. Put on another layer of potatoes, piled a little in the middle. 
 Mix together equal quantities lemon juice and water, or vinegar 
 and water and pour in enough to half fill the pie; sprinkle over the 
 potato a little flour and place on the upper crust, pinching the 
 (edges carefully together. Cut a slit in the center and bake slowly 
 a,n hour. 
 
 Sweet Potato Pie, No. 2. 
 
 Boil potatoes until tender, pare and put through a colander or 
 fsieve. To one pint of potato add one pint of milk, three eggs, and 
 from one to two cups sugar, to suit taste; flavor with ginger or 
 lemon. 
 
DESSERTS. 137 
 
 Apple or Peach Meringue Pie. 
 Stew the apples or peaches and sweeten to taste. Mash smooth 
 and season with nutmeg. Fill the crusts and bake until just done. 
 Put on no top crusts. Take the whites of three eggs for each pie 
 and whip to a stiff froth, and sweeten with three tablespoonfuls 
 powdered sugar. Flavor with rose water or vanilla. Beat until it 
 will stand alone, then spread it on the pie one-half to one inch 
 thick, and set back into the oven until the meringue is well " set." 
 Eat cold. 
 
 Peach Pie. 
 
 Peel, stone and slice the peaches; line a pie plate with crust and 
 lay in your fruit, sprinkling sugar liberally over them in proportion 
 to their sweetness. Allow three peach kernels chopped fine to each 
 pie; pour in a very little water and bake with an upper crust, or 
 "wdth cross-bars of paste across the top. 
 
 Quince Pie. 
 Pare, slice, and stew six quinces till soft; press them through a 
 sieve; add to them one pint milk and four well-beaten eggs. 
 Sweeten to taste, and bake in a bottom crust three-fourths of an 
 hour in a moderate oven. 
 
 Cream Raspberry Pie. 
 Line a pie-dish with puff paste, and fill with raspberries, sweet- 
 ened bountifully. Cover with a paste crust, but do not pinch this 
 down at the edges. Also rub the edge of the lower crust with 
 butter to prevent adhesion. Bake in a good oven. While it is 
 cooking, heat a small cup of rich milk, putting in a pinch of soda; 
 stir into it half a teaspoonful of corn starch, wet in cold milk, one 
 tablespoonf ul of white sugar, and cook three minutes. Take it off, 
 and beat in the frothed whites of two eggs. Whip to a cream, and 
 let it get cold. When the pie comes out of the oven, lift the top 
 crust and pour in the mixture; replace the crust and set aside to 
 -cool; sift sugar upon the top before serving. 
 
Iiii3 DESSKliTS. 
 
 Raisin Pie. 
 
 One lemon — juice and yellow rind, one cup of raisins, one cup of 
 water, one cup of rolled crackers; stone the raisins, and boil la 
 water to soften them. 
 
 Rhubarb Pik. 
 
 One and one-half bunches rhubard, one and one-quarter cups, 
 sugar. Cut the fruit in small pieces after stripping off the skin, 
 .and cook it very fast in a shallow stewpan, with sugar. Line a pie 
 plate with the paste; wet the rim; add the rhubarb, cold; lay 
 three bars of paste across, fastening the ends; lay three more 
 across, forming diamond-shaped spaces; lay round a rim, wash 
 over with egg, and bake in a quick oven fifteen minutes. 
 
 Rice Pie. 
 For two pies, take two tablespoonfuls of rice; wash and put it 
 into a farina boiler wnth a quart of milk; cook until perfectly soft. 
 Let it cool; add three eggs, well beaten, with three tablespoonfuls 
 of sugar and one of butter, a little salt, cinnamon and a few stoned 
 raisins. Bake with undercrust. 
 
 Squash Pie. 
 
 Pare the squash and remove the seeds; stew until soft and dry; 
 then pulp it through a colander; stir into the pulp enough sweet 
 milk to make it thick as batter; spice with ginger, cinnamon, nut- 
 meg, or other seasoning to taste; sweeten with sugar and add four 
 beaten eggs for each quart of milk. Fill a pie plate lined with 
 crust and bake one hour. 
 
 Vinegar Pies. 
 
 One and one-half cups good vinegar, one cup of water, lump of 
 butter size of an egg, sugar enough to sweeten to the taste; flavor 
 with lemon; put in stewpan on stove; take five eggs, beat the yolks 
 with one cup of water and two heaping teaspoonfuls of flour; 
 when the vinegar comes to a boil, put in the eggs and flour, stirring- 
 till well cooked; have ready crust for four pies, put in the fiUing^ 
 
DESSERTS. 139 
 
 and bake. Beat the whites with two teaspoonf uls of white sugar 
 to a froth, spread on the pies when done, and color in the oven. 
 These are excellent. 
 
 Taets. 
 Use the best of puff paste; roll it out a little thicker than the pie 
 crust, and cut with a large biscuit-cutter twice as many as you 
 intend to have of tarts; then cut out of half of them a small round, 
 in the center, which will leave a circular rim of crust; lift this up 
 carefully, and lay on the large pieces. Bake in pans, and fill with 
 any kind of preserves, jam, or jelly. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 DRINKS, 
 
 Coffee. 
 
 JNCE Pasquet Rossee opened the first coffee-house in Europe 
 in Newman's Court, Cornhill, London, in 1652, its popularity 
 has constantly increased until to-day those who use it embrace 
 the whole world, and its annual consumption is measured by 
 millions of pounds. But as common as is its use, it has not been 
 a common occurrence in our experience to have set before us a 
 really good cup of coffee. This fact convinces us that there is 
 still much need of information on this subject. 
 
 The following, by H. K. & F. B. Thurber & Co., is so appropriate 
 that we quote it in full : 
 
 " Nothing is more generally desired or appreciated, nothing 
 harder to find than a uniformly good cup of coffee. Its production 
 is usually considered an easy matter, but it involves the observance 
 of a considerable number of conditions by a considerable number of 
 persons, and a volume might be written about these and still leave 
 much to be said. We will, however, briefly state the most import- 
 ant requisites. 
 
 " The wholesale dealer must exercise care and judgment in his 
 selections, as there is almost as much difference in the flavor of 
 coffee as there is of tea; this is especially true of Mocha, Java, 
 Maracaibo, and other fancy coffees, of which frequently the bright- 
 est and handsomest looking lots are greatly lacking in the flavor 
 and aroma Avhich constitute the chief value of coffee, and which 
 can be ascertained only by testing carefully each invoice purchased. 
 It should be roasted by a professional roaster, as this is a very 
 
 140 
 
DRINKS. 141 
 
 .important part of the programme, and requires skill, experience and 
 constant practice. Expert roasters are usually experienced men and 
 command high salaries. A bad coffee roaster is dear at any price^ 
 as the coffee may be ruined or its value greatly injured by an error 
 in judgment or an instant's inattention. Owing to these circum- 
 stances, in addition to the fact that in order to do good work it i». 
 necessary to roast a considerable quantity at a time, none of the 
 small hand machines produce uniformly good results, and they are 
 only to be tolerated where distance makes it impossible for the 
 retail merchants to obtain regular and (when not in air-tight pack- 
 ages) frequent supplies of the roasted article. How much it should 
 be roasted is also an important part of the question. For making 
 " black " or " French " coffee it should be roasted higher than usual 
 (the French, also, often add a little chicory), and some sections are 
 accustomed to a higher roast than others, but as a whole the cus- 
 tomary New York standard will best suit the average American 
 palate. Retail dealers should buy their roasted coffee of a reliable 
 house that has a reputation to sustain, and that cannot be induced 
 to cut down prices below what they can afford to furnish an article 
 that will do them credit. Do not buy much at a time (unless in 
 air-tight packages), a week or ten day's supply is enough, and if 
 you are situated so you can buy it twice a week, so much the 
 better. Keep it in a dry place and, if possible, in a tin can which 
 shuts tightly, never in a pine box or bin, for the smell of the wood 
 is quickly absorbed by the coffee. Get your customers in the habit 
 of buying it in the berry, or, if they have no mill at home and want 
 you to grind it for them (every grocer should have a mill), grind it. 
 pretty fine, so that when used the strength is readily extracted, but 
 do not sell them much at a time, as it is a necessity to have it 
 freshly ground. 
 
 " Consumers should adopt the above suggestions to retail dealers 
 — ^buy of a reliable dealer who will* not represent an inferior article 
 as 'Java;' buy in small quantities and buy often; keep it dry in a 
 tightly closed tin can or in a glass or earthen jar. Have a small 
 
142 DKINKS. 
 
 hand coffee mill and grind only when ready to use it, and if, during 
 rainy weather, the kernels become damp and tough warm them up 
 in a clean pot or skillet but do not scorch them; this drives off the 
 moisture, restores the flavor and makes it grind better. The 
 grinding is an important feature; if ground too coarse you lose 
 much of the strength and aroma of the coffee; if too fine it is hard 
 t© make it clear, but of the two the latter is the least objectionable; 
 both the strength and the flavor of the coffee, however, is a neces- 
 sity, and if a little of the finely powdered coffee flows out with the 
 liquid extract it is clean and will hurt nobody. It is better, how- 
 ever, to grind it just right, which is that the largest pieces will be 
 no larger than pin heads." 
 
 We now come to the important part of making coffee. For this 
 there are many receipts and formulas, including a large number of 
 new and so-called improved coffee-pots, but we have never seen any 
 of the new methods which, in the long run, gave as satisfactory 
 •results as the following old-fashioned receipt: 
 
 Grind moderately fine a large cup of coffee; break into it one 
 egg with shell; mix well, adding just enough cold water to thor- 
 oughly wet the grounds; upon this pour one pint boiling water; 
 let it boil slowly for ten to fifteen minutes, and then stand three 
 minutes to settle; pour through a fine wire sieve into coffee-pot, 
 "which should be first rinsed with hot water; this will make enough 
 for four persons. Coffee should be served as soon as made. At 
 table, first rinse the cup with hot water, put in the sugar, then fill 
 half full of hot milk, add your coffee, and you have a delicious 
 beverage that will be a revelation to many poor mortals who have 
 an indistinct remembrance of and an intense longing for an ideal 
 •cup of coffee. If you have cream so much the better; and in that 
 case boiling water can be added either in the pot or cup to make up 
 for the space occupied by milk, as above; or condensed milk will 
 be found a good substitute for cream. 
 
 General Hetnarks.—W e have thus briefly indicated the points 
 neceesary to be observed in obtaining uniformly good coffee. 
 
DRINKS. 143 
 
 whether made from Rio, or Java, and other mild flavored coffees. 
 In the Eastern and Middle States, Mocha, Java, Maracaibo, Ceylon, 
 etc., are most highly esteemed and generally used; but at the west 
 and south more Rio coffee is consumed. The coffee par excellence, 
 however, is a mixture of Mocha and Java together, and thus 
 thoroughly blended. Mocha alone , is too rough and acrid, but, 
 "blended as above, it is certainly delicious. In all varieties, how- 
 ever, there is a considerable range as to quality and flavor, and, as 
 before stated, the best guide for the consumer is to buy of a reli- 
 able dealer and throw upon his shoulders the responsibility of fur- 
 nishing a satisfactory article. 
 
 Hotels and restaurants that desire good coffee, should make in 
 small quantities and more frequently. It is impossible for coffee to 
 be good when it is kept simmering for hours after it is made. 
 
 Coffee Substitutes. 
 
 French cooks, who are celebrated for making good co^ee, mix 
 three or four different kinds, and recommend as a good proportion, 
 to add to one pound of Java about four ounces of Mocha and four 
 •ounces of one or two other kinds. It is said that from three parts 
 of Rio, with two parts of Old Government Java, a coffee can be 
 made quite as good, if not superior, to that made of Java alone. 
 
 Wbeat coffee, made of a mixture of eight quarts of wheat to one 
 pound of real coffee, is said to afford a beverage quite as agreeable 
 as the unadulterated Rio, besides being much more wholesome. It 
 is probably known to many that a very large per cent, of the 
 ground coffee sold at the stores is common field pease, roasted and 
 ground with genuine coffee. There are hundreds of thousands of 
 bushels of peas annually used for that purpose. Those who are in 
 the habit of purchasing ground coffee can do better to buy their 
 own pease, burn and grind them, and mix to suit themselves. 
 Novel Mode of Making Coffee. 
 
 Put two ounces of ground coffee into a stewpan, which set upon 
 the fire, stirring the powder around with a spoon until quite hot. 
 
144 DRINKS. 
 
 when pour over a pint of boiling water; cover over closely for 
 five minutes, when strain it through a cloth, rinse out the stewpan, 
 pour the coffee, which will be quite clear, back into it, place it on 
 the fire, and when near boiling, serve with hot milk. 
 
 Tea. 
 
 "We find the following eminently sensible lines in Household 
 Hints : 
 
 One of the most surprising things one constantly meets is to find 
 that the people who have the same duties to perform, day after 
 day, or year after year, do not improve in their method or evea 
 once blunder into the right way of doing them. Nothing is more 
 easily made than good tea, and yet how seldom, away from home^ 
 does one enjoy delicately fragrant tea which Hawthorne calls " an= 
 angel's gift " and which Miss Mitf ord said she could be awake all 
 night drinking. The first thing needed is a clean tea-pot; it is- 
 useless to try to make good tea in a rusty pot, or one in which the: 
 leaves Bave been allowed to remain all night. The water should, 
 be boiling but the tea itself should never boil. I wish these words- 
 could be painted on the wall of every hotel and restaurant kitchea 
 in the United States. After the boiling water has been poured 
 over the tea set the tea-pot on an extra griddle on the back of the 
 stove. All that is good in the tea will be gradually extracted from 
 it; then when brought to the table one may well echo De Quin- 
 cey's wish for an " eternal tea-pot," though not inclined to follow 
 his example of drinking it from eight o'clock in the evening until 
 four o'clock in the morning. 
 
 The most satisfactory steeper I ever used is an old-fashioned 
 brown earthern tea-pot. This may be kept perfectly clean with 
 almost no trouble. Whatever may be said of the hurtfulness of 
 tea, when immoderately used, a cup of the afternoon tea so fre- 
 quently mentioned in novels and essays is an unpurchasable luxury. 
 Hamerton says in " The Intellectual Life : " " If tea is a safe stimu- 
 lant it is certainly an agreeable one; there seems to be no valid 
 reason why brain workers should refuse themselves this solace." 
 
DRINKS. 145 
 
 Iced Tea. 
 
 The tea should be made in the morning, very strong, and not 
 allowed to steep long. Keep in the ice-box till the meal is ready 
 and then put in a small quantity of cracked ice. Very few under- 
 stand the art of making iced tea, but pour the scalding hot tea on a 
 goblet of ice lumped in, and as the ice melts the tea is weak, insipid^ 
 and a libel on its name. Iced coffee is very nice made in the same 
 way. Too much ice is detrimental to health and often causes 
 gastric fever; so beware of it when in a heated state, or do not 
 drink of it in large quantities. 
 
 A Good Summer Drikk. 
 Two pounds Catawba grapes, three tablespoonfuls loaf sugar, 
 one cup of cold water. Squeeze the grapes hard in a coarse cloth, ' 
 when you have picked them from the stems. Wring out every 
 drop of juice; add the sugar, and when it is dissolved, the watei-, 
 surround with ice until very cold; put a lump of ice into a pitcher, 
 pour out the mixture upon it, and drink at once. You can add 
 more sugar if you like, or if the grapes are not quite ripe. 
 
 Cottage Beer. 
 Take a peck of good wheat bran and put it into ten gallons of 
 water with three handfuls of good hops, and boil the whole 
 together until the bran and hops sink to the bottom. Then strain 
 it through a hair sieve or a thin cloth into a cooler, and when it is 
 about lukewarm add two quarts of molasses. As soon as the 
 molasses is melted, pour the whole into a ten-gallon cask, with two 
 tablespoonfuls of yeast. When the fermentation has subsided, 
 bung up the cask, and in four days it will be fit to use. 
 
 Ginger Beer. 
 Boil six ounces of bruised ginger in three quarts of water, for 
 half an hour; then add five pounds of loaf sugar, a gill of lemon 
 juice, quarter pound of honey, and seventeen quarts more of water, 
 
 10 
 
146 DRlNKri. 
 
 and strain it througli a cloth. When it is cold put in the whole of 
 an egg, and two drachms of essence of lemon. After standing 
 three or four days, it may be bottled. 
 
 Spruce Beer. 
 
 Take four ounces of hops, boil half an hour in one gallon of 
 water; strain it; add sixteen gallons of warm water, two gallons 
 of molasses, eight ounces of essence of spruce dissolved in one quart 
 of water; put it in a clean cask, shake it well together, add half 
 pint of yeast, let it stand and work one week; if warm weather, 
 less time will do. When drawn off, add one teaspoonful of molasses 
 iio each bottle. 
 
 Iced Buttermilk. 
 
 There is no healthier drink than buttermilk, but it must be the 
 'Creamy, rich buttermilk to be good. It should stand on the ice to 
 cool, though if very rich and thick a little ice in it is an improve- 
 ment. 
 
 Claket Cup. 
 
 Put into a bowl three bottles of soda water, and one bottle of 
 claret. Pare a lemon very thin and grate a nutmeg; add to these, 
 in a jug, one pound of loaf sugar, and pour over them one pint of 
 boiling wat^-; when cold, strain and mix with the wine and soda 
 water; a little lemon juice may be added. 
 
 Fruit Cup. 
 Pare the yellow rind very thinly from twelve lemons; squeeze 
 the juice over it in an earthern bowl, and let it stand over night if 
 possible. Pare and slice thinly a very ripe pine-apple, and let it lay 
 over night in half a pound of powdered sugar. Crush one quart of 
 berries, and let them lay over night in half a pound of powdered 
 sugar. If all these ingredient cannot be prepared the day before 
 they are used, they must be done very early in the morning, 
 because the juices of the fruit need to be incorporated with the 
 .sugar at least twelve hours before the beverage is used. After all 
 
DRINKS. 147 
 
 the ingredients have been properly prepared, as above, strain off 
 the juice, carefully pressing all of it out of the fruit; mix it with 
 two pounds of powdered sugar and three quarts of ice water, and 
 stir it until all the sugar is dissolved. Then strain it again through 
 a muslin or bolting-cloth sieve, and put it on the ice or in a very 
 cool place until it is M^anted for use. 
 
 Cream of Tartar Drink. 
 Two teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, the grated rind of a lemon, 
 half a cup of loaf sugar, and one pint of boiling water. This is a 
 good summer drink for invalids, and is cleansing to the blood. 
 
 Jelly DRrsTKS. 
 A little jelly or fruit syrup dissolved in a goblet of water wath a 
 little sugar is a refreshing di-ink. Lime juice squeezed into lemon- 
 ade gives it a tart but pleasing flavor. A little orange juice is also 
 an improvement in nearly all summer drinks. 
 
 Simon Pure Lemonade. 
 Take thin-skinned lemons; I'oll them on the table until very soft; 
 slice very thin with a sharp knife into a large pitcher, averaging 
 one lemon to a person, thus allowing them two glasses apiece. Put 
 in the pitcher with the sliced lemon a cup of white sugar to live 
 lemons (or more if you want it sweeter) and pound all well together 
 with a potato masher; put in a lump of ice; let it stand a few 
 minutes and fill the pitcher with ice water. This makes lemonade 
 that is lemonade, and the peel in the pitcher is delicious. 
 
 Jelly Lemonade. 
 Pare the yellow rind thinly from two oranges and six lemons 
 and steep it four hours in a quart of hot water. Boil a pound and 
 a half of loaf sugar in three pints of water, skimming it until it is 
 clear. Pour these two mixtures together. Add to them the juice 
 of six oranges and twelve lemons, mix and strain through a jelly- 
 bag until clear; keep cool until wanted for use. If the beverage is 
 
148 DRINKS. 
 
 to be kept several days, it should be put into clean glass bottles and 
 corked tightly. If for a small party, half of the quantity will be 
 sufficient. 
 
 ^ Ginger Lemonade. 
 
 Take a half cup of vinegar, one cup of sugar, two teaspoonfuls- 
 ginger; stir well together, put in a quart pitcher and fill with ice 
 water. If one wants it sweeter or sourer than these quantities will 
 make it, more of the needed ingredients may be put in. It is a 
 cooling drink and almost as good as lemonade, some preferring it.. 
 
 Beery Sherbet. 
 Crush one pound of berries, add them to one quart of water, one- 
 lemon sliced, and one teaspoonful of orange flavor, if you have it. 
 Let these ingredients stand in an earthen bowl for three hours; then 
 strain, squeezing all the juice out of the fruit. Dissolve one pound 
 of powdered sugar in it, strain again, and put on the ice until ready- 
 to serve. . ' 
 
 Excellent Mead. 
 Three pounds brown sugar, one pint of molasses, one-fourth 
 pound tartaric acid; mix, pour over them two quarts boiling water^ 
 stir till dissolved. When cold, add half ounce essence sassafras 
 and bottle. When you wish to drink it, put three tablespoonfuls 
 of it in a tumbler, fill half full with ice water, add a little more 
 than one-fourth teaspoonful soda. An excellent summer beverage. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 EGGS AND OMELETTES. 
 
 ^IFGGS of various kinds are largely used as food for man, and it 
 't is scarcely jDossible to exaggei'ate their value in this capacity, 
 ^'"^ so simple and convenient are they in their form and so mani- 
 
 fold may be their transformations. They are exceedingly delicious, 
 liio-hly nutritious and easy of digestion, and when the shell is 
 included they may be said to contain in themselves all that is 
 required for the construction of the body. It has been claimed for 
 them that they may be served in about six hundred ways, although 
 it is generally found that the more simply they are j^repared the 
 more they are approved. Although other eggs besides birds' eggs 
 are eaten it is generally agreed that the eggs of the common fowl 
 and of the plover possess the sweetest and richest flavor. The 
 eggs of ducks and geese are frequently used in cookery, but they 
 are of too coarse a nature to be eaten alone. The eggs of the 
 turkey and of the peahen are highly esteemed for some purposes* 
 The weight of an ordinary new-laid hen's egg is from one and a 
 half to two and a half ounces avoirdupois, and the quantity of solid 
 matter contained in it amounts to two hundred grains. In one 
 hundred parts about ten parts consist o£. shell, sixty of white and 
 thirty of yolk. The white of the egg contains more water than the 
 yolk. It contains no fatty matter but consists chiefly of albumen 
 in a dissolved state. All the fatty matter of the egg is accumulated 
 in the yolk, which contains relatively a smaller proportion of nitro- 
 genous matter and a larger proportion of solid matter than the 
 ^hite. Therefore, in an alimentary point of view the white and 
 
 149 
 
150 EGGS AND OMELETTES. 
 
 the yolk differ considerably from each other, the former being, 
 mainly a simple solution of albumen, the latter being a solution of 
 a modified form of albumen together with a quantity of fat. 
 
 Raw and lightly boiled eggs are easy of digestion. It is said 
 that raw eggs are more easily digested than cooked ones; but this 
 may be doubted if the egg is not over-cooked. A hard-boiled e(rg 
 presents a decided resistance to gastric solution, and has constipa- 
 tory action on the bowels. 
 
 Bkeaded Eggs. 
 Boil hard and cut in round, thick slices; pepper and salt and dip 
 each in beaten raw egg, then in fine bread crumbs or powdered 
 cracker crumbs and fry in butter, hissing hot. Drain off every 
 drop of grease and serve hot. 
 
 Egg a la Mode. 
 Remove the skin from a dozen tomatoes, medium size, cut them 
 up in a saucepan, add a little buttei*, pepper and salt; when suffi- 
 ciently boiled, beat up five or six eggs, and just before you serve, 
 turn them into the saucepan with the tomato, and stir one way for 
 two minutes, allowing them time to be well done. 
 
 How TO Bake Eggs. 
 
 Butter a clean, smooth saucepan, break as many eggs as will be 
 needed into a saucer, one by one. If found good, slip it into the 
 dish. No broken yolk allowed, nor must they crowd so as to risk 
 breaking the yolk after being put in. Put a small piece of butter on 
 each, and sprinkle with pepper and salt. Set into a well-heated 
 oven, and bake till the whites are set. If the oven is rightly heated, 
 it will take but a few minutes, and is far more delicate than fried 
 eggs. 
 
 Egg Baskets. 
 
 Boil quite hard as many eggs as will be needed. Put into cold 
 water till cold, then cut neatly into halves with a thin, sharp knife; 
 remove the yolk and rub to a paste with some melted butter, 
 
EGGS AND OMELETTES. 151 
 
 adding pepper and salt. Cover np this paste and set aside till the 
 filling is ready. Take cold roast duck, chicken, or turkey which 
 may be on hand, chop fine and pound smooth, and while pounding 
 mix in the paste prepared from the yolks. As you pound moisten 
 with melted butter and some gravy which may have been left over 
 from the fowls; set this paste when done over hot water till well 
 heated. Cut off a small slice from the end of the empty halves of 
 the whites so they will stand firm, then fill them with this paste; 
 place them close together on a flat, round dish, and pour over the 
 rest of the gravy, if any remains, or make a little fresh. A few 
 spoonfuls of cream or rich milk improves this dressing. 
 
 To Pickle Eggs. 
 
 Sixteen eggs, one quart of vinegar, one-half oimce of black 
 pepper, one-half ounce Jamaica pepper, one-half ounce of ginger; 
 boil the eggs twelve minutes; dip in cold water and take off the 
 shell; put the vinegar with the pepper and ginger into a stew pan 
 and simmer ten minutes; place the eggs in a jar, pour over the 
 seasoned vinegar boiling hot, and when cold tie them down with a 
 bladder to exclude the air; ready for use in a month. 
 
 Scrambled Eggs. 
 Heat the spider and put in a little butter; have the eggs broken 
 into a dish, salt and pepper them; add a small piece of butter; 
 beat up just enough to break the eggs, then pour into the buttered 
 spider; scrape them up from the bottom with a thin knife to 
 prevent their cooking fast. Do not cook too dry. 
 
 To Poach Eggs. 
 Have the water well salted, and do not let it boil hard. Break the 
 eggs separately into a saucer, and slip gently into the water; when 
 nicely done, remove with a skimmer, trim neatly, and lay each egg 
 upon a small thin square of buttered toast, then sprinkle with salt 
 and pepper. Some persons prefer them poached, rather than fried,, 
 with ham; in which case substitute the ham for toast. 
 
152 EGGS AXD OMELETTES. 
 
 Stuffed Eggs. 
 
 Boil the eggs hard, remove the shells, and then cut in two either 
 way, as preferred. Remove the yolks, and mix with them pepper, 
 salt, and a little dry mustcrd — some like cold chicken, ham, or 
 tongue chopped very fine — and then stuff the cavities, smooth them, 
 and put the halves together again. For picnics they can simply be 
 wrapped in tissrte pajjer to keep them together. If for home use, 
 they can be egged, and bread-crumbed, and browned in boiling 
 lard; drain and garnish with parsley. 
 
 Omelette, 
 
 First have fresh eggs, not omelette eggs (in restaurants all eggs 
 that will not in any way do to boil, are put aside for omelettes), 
 break the eggs in a bowl and to every egg add a tablespoonful of 
 milk and whip the whole as thoroughly as you would for sponge 
 cake. The omelette pan must be so hot that butter will melt almost 
 brown in it but not quite. Then run the whipped egg and milk 
 into the pan and put it directly over the fire. Take a thin-bladed 
 knife and run it carefully under the bottom of the omelette so as to 
 let that which is cooked get above. If the fire is right the whole 
 mass will swell and puff and cook in just about one minute. Watch 
 carefully that it does not burn. It is not necessary to wait till the 
 whole mass is solid as its own heat will cook it after it has left the 
 pan, but begin at one side and carefully roll the edge over and over 
 till it is all rolled up, then let it stand a moment to brown. Turn 
 out on a hot jjlate and serve immediately. 
 
 Omelette, No. 2. 
 
 'Six eggs, one tablespoonful of flour, one cup of milk, a pinch of 
 salt; beat the whites and yolks separately; mix the flour, milk and 
 ealt, add the yolks, then add beaten whites. Have a buttered 
 spider very hot; put in. Bake in a quick oven five minutes. 
 
EGGS AND OMELETTES. 153 
 
 Applb Omelette. 
 
 Eight large apples, four eggs, one cup of sugar, one tablespoon- 
 iul of butter, nutmeg or cinnamon to taste. Stew the apples and 
 anash fine; add butter and sugar; when cold, add the eggs, well 
 beaten. Bake until brown, and eat while warm. 
 
 Baked Omelette. 
 
 Set one-half pint of milk on the fire and stir in one-half cup of 
 flour mixed with a little cold milk and salt; when scalding hot, beat 
 the yolks of six eggs and add them; stir in whites and set imme- 
 diately in the oven. Bake twenty minutes and serve as soon as 
 -done. 
 
 Oyster Omelette. 
 
 Allow for every six large oysters or twelve small ones, one egg; 
 remove the hard part and mince the rest very fine; take the yolks 
 of eight eggs and whites of four, beat till very light; then mix in 
 the oysters, season and beat all up thoroughly; put into a skillet a 
 ^ill of butter, let it melt; when the butter boils, skim it and turn 
 in the omelette; stir until it stiffens, fry light brown; when the 
 under side is brown, turn on to a hot platter. If wanted the upper 
 side brown, hold a red-hot shovel over it. 
 
 Omelette Souffle. 
 
 Stir five tablespoonfuls of sifted flour into three pints of milk, 
 strain through a sieve; add the yolks of eight eggs, beaten very 
 light; and, just as it goes into the oven, the whites beaten stiff. 
 Bake quickly. 
 
 French Omelette. 
 
 One quart of milk, one pint of bread crumbs, five eggs, one table- 
 spoonful of flour, one onion chopped fine, chopped parsley, season 
 with pepper and salt. Have butter melted in a spider; when the 
 omelette is brown, turn it over. Double when served. 
 
ir>4 
 
 EGGS AND OMELETTES. 
 
 Omelette with Ham. 
 Make a plain omelette, and just before turning one-half over the 
 other, sprinkle over it some finely chopped ham. Garnish with 
 small slices of ham. Jelly or marmalade may be added in the same 
 manner. 
 
 EG(iS A LA Bonne Femme. 
 Take six large eggs, boil them ten minutes; when cool, remove the 
 shells carefully; divide them equally in halves, take out the yolks, and 
 
 cut off from each the pointed 
 tip of the white, that they 
 may stand flatly. Make tiny 
 dice of some cold chicken,, 
 ham, boiled beet root, and 
 the eggs. Fill the hollows 
 with these up to the brim, 
 and pile the dice high in the center — ^two of ham and chicken, two 
 of boiled beetroot, and two with the hard yolks. Arrange some 
 neatly cut lettuce on a dish and place the eggs amongst it. 
 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 FRESH FRUITS. 
 
 ^^ Pine Apples. 
 
 ^^LICE on a slaw cutter, ox- very thin with a knife; mix with 
 
 ^^ finely-powdered sugar. Set on ice till ready to serve. 
 
 A Nice Way to Prepare Apples. 
 Pare a dozen tart apples, take out the core, place sugar, with a 
 small lump of butter, in the center of each apple, put them in a pan 
 with half a pint of water, bake until tender, basting occasionally 
 with the syrup while baking; when done, serve with cream. 
 
 To Stew Apples. 
 One pound sugar boiled in one quart of spring water and 
 skimmed, one pound of the largest pippins, cut in quarters and the 
 cores taken out. Have the syrup boiling; when you put them in 
 let them stew till they are quite tender, then add the juice of two 
 large lemons, and the peel cut small; give them a few more boils 
 after the lemons are put in. If you want them to keep all the year, 
 the syrup must be well boiled after the apples are taken out. As 
 you peel the apples fling them into cold water. 
 
 Bananas and Cream. 
 Peel, slice, and heap up in a glass dessert-dish, and serve raw, 
 with fine sugar and cream. 
 
 To Crystallize Fruit. 
 Pick out the finest of any kind of fruit^leave in the stones; 
 beat the whites of three eggs to a stiff froth; lay the fruit in the 
 
 155 
 
156 FRESH FRUITS. 
 
 beaten egg, with the stems upward; drain them and beat the part 
 that drips ojff again; select them out, one by one, and dip them into 
 i, cup of finely-powdered sugar; cover a pan with a sheet of fine 
 paper, place the fruit on it, and set it in a cool oven; when the 
 icing on the fruit becomes firm, pile them on a dish, and set them 
 in a cold place. 
 
 To Keep Grapes. 
 
 Select nice fresh clusters, and cut the end of the stem smooth 
 and dip it into melted sealing wax; then put it in cotton batting; 
 pack them away in wooden boxes; keep them in a dry cool place. 
 In this way they will keep fresh all winter. Another way — Take 
 full bunches, ripe and perfect; seal the end that is cut from the 
 vine so that no air can get in, or the juice of the stem run out, and 
 let them stand one day after sealed, so as to be perfectly sure they 
 are sealed (if not they will shrivel up) ; then pack in boxes of dry 
 sawdust and keep in a cool place; they will keep nicely all winter 
 without losing their flavor; in packing, do not crowd the bunches; 
 : sprinkle the sawdust oyer the bottom of the box, then lay the 
 grapes carefully, a bunch at a time, all over the box, then sawdust 
 and grapes alternately until the box is full. 
 
 Melons. 
 Melons are much nicer if kept on ice until time for serving. Cut 
 off a slice at each end of the water-melon, then cut through the 
 center; stand on end on platter. Cantaloupe melons should have 
 the seeds removed before sending to the table. Eat with a spoon- 
 ful of strained honey in each half of melon. 
 
 Oranges. 
 
 Slice, mix with powdered sugar, and strew grated cocoa-nut over 
 
 the top. Are also nice served whole, the skins quartered and 
 
 turned down. Form in a pyramid with bananas and white grapes. 
 
 Candied Cherries. 
 
 Two quarts large, ripe, red cherries, stoned carefully; two pounds 
 
 loaf sugar, one cup water. Make a syrup of the sugar and water 
 
FRESH FRUITS. 157' 
 
 and boil until it is thick enough to " pull," as for candy. Remove 
 to the side of the range, and stir until it shows signs of granula- 
 tion. It is well to stir frequently while it is cooking, to secure this 
 end. When there are grains or crystals on the spoon, drop in the 
 cherries, a few at a time. Let each supply \ie in the boiling syrup 
 two minutes, when remove to a sieve set over a dish. Shake gently 
 but long, then turn the cherries out upon a cool, broad dish, and, 
 dry in a sunny window. 
 
 Stewed Peaks. 
 Peel pears. Place them in a little water, with sugar, cloves,, 
 cinnamon and lemon peel. Stew gently, and add one glass of cider. 
 Dish up cold. 
 
 Glace Cherries. 
 
 Make as above, but do not let the syrup granulate. It should 
 not be stirred at all, but when it " ropes " pour it over the cherries, 
 which should be spread out upon a large flat dish. When the 
 syrup is almost cold, take these out, one by one, with a teaspoon, 
 and spread upon a dish to dry in the open air. If nicely managed, 
 these are nearly as good as those put up by professional confec- 
 tioners. Keep in a dry, cool place. ^ 
 
 Candied Lemon-Peel. 
 
 Twelve fresh, thick-skinned lemons, four pounds loaf sugar, a 
 little powdered alum, three cups clear water. Cut the peel from 
 the lemons in long, thin strips^ and lay in strong salt and water all 
 night. Wash them in three waters next morning, and boil them 
 until tender in soft water. They should be almost translucent, but 
 not so soft as to break. Dissolve a little alum — about half a tea- 
 spoonful, when powdered — in enough cold water to cover the peel, 
 and let it lie in it for two hours. By this time the syrup should be 
 ready. Stir the sugar into three cups of water, add the strained 
 juice of three lemons and boil it until it " ropes " from the end of 
 the spoon. Put the lemon-peels into this, simmer gently half aaa 
 
158 FRESH FRUITS. 
 
 hour; take them out and spread upon a sieve. Shake, not hard, 
 but often, tossing up the peels now and then, until they are almost 
 dry. Sift granulated sugar over them and lay out upon a table 
 spread with a clean cloth. Admit the air freely, and, when per- 
 fectly dry, pack in a glass jar. 
 
CHAPTER XL 
 
 CANNING FRUIT. 
 
 'OR the benefit of those thrifty housewives who have fruit of 
 their own which they wish to save, or who think that any 
 preparation of food made outside of the home kitchen, and 
 l)randed " factory make," should be considered " common and 
 unclean," we append a few recipes which will be found in every 
 way satisfactory. 
 
 The canning industry has grown within the few years of its 
 existence to such enormous dimensions and includes so great a 
 variety of articles, and competition is so sharp among the different 
 ^rras who make it a specialty, that in point of expense it is cheaper 
 to buy on the market than to purchase the fruit and be to the 
 trouble and further expense of canning it at home. 
 
 There is, probably, no one thing which has done more to drive 
 stern winter beyond the threshold than this simple but late-discov- 
 ered process of keeping fruit fresh by excluding the air, and there 
 is genuine satisfaction in contemplating the rows of cans filled with 
 the different kinds of fruit, showing clear and distinct through the 
 glass, and we are conservative enough to hope that the time will 
 not come when the business of canning fruit shall be relegated, 
 entirely, into the hands of the mercenary factory owner with his 
 tin can with its overdrawn label. 
 
 General Directions. 
 First. See that the cans and elastics are perfect and that the 
 screw fits properly. Second. Have fruit boiling hot when sealed. 
 
 159 
 
160 
 
 CANNING FRUIT. 
 
 Have pan on stove in which each empty can is set to be filled after 
 it is rolled in hot water. Fill can to overflowing, put on the top 
 quickly, screw tightly; as contents cool, screw again and again, to 
 keep tight. Third. Use glass cans, and keep in a cool, dark, but 
 dry place. Light spoils them. 
 
 Table foe Canning Fruit. 
 
 Time for 
 boiling 
 fruit. 
 
 Apricots 10 min. 
 
 Sour Apples 10 
 
 Crab Apples 25 
 
 Blackberries 6 
 
 Gooseberries 8 
 
 Raspberries 6 
 
 Huckleberries 5 
 
 Strawberries 8 
 
 Cherries 5 
 
 Currants 6 
 
 Wild Grapes 10 
 
 Sour Pears, whole 30 
 
 Bartlett Pears 20 
 
 Peaches, in halves 8 
 
 Plums 10 
 
 Peaches, whole 15 
 
 Pine-apple, sliced 15 
 
 Tomatoes 30 
 
 Quinces 30 
 
 Rhubarb 10 
 
 Quantity 
 of sugar 
 per qt. 
 
 8 OZ. 
 6 " 
 
 
 10 
 10 
 
 Apple Sauce. 
 Ready for table use or for pies may be kept till apples are out of 
 the market by putting it into hot jars and sealing at once. 
 
 Canned Pine- apple. 
 Pare the fruit and be very particular to cut out the eyes; chop 
 fine and weigh it; add to it the same weight of sugar; mix thor- 
 oughly in a large crock; let it stand twenty-four hours, then put 
 
CANNING FRUIT. 161 
 
 into cans, filling them full, and seal tight. After leaving them 
 about two weeks it is well to see if there are any signs of working; 
 if so, pour into a kettle and heat through and replace in the cans. 
 
 Canned Pine-apple, No. 2. 
 
 Three-fourths pound of sugar to one pound of fruit, allowing one 
 cup of water to a pound of sugar. Piek the pine-apple to pieces 
 with a silver fork; scald and can hot. 
 
 Canned Berries. 
 Heat slowly to boiling in a porcelain kettle; when they begin ta 
 boil, add sugar according to table above. Before doing this, how- 
 ever, if there is much juice in the kettle, dip out the surplus and 
 save for jelly; it will only increase the number of cans. Leave the 
 berries almost dry before putting in the sugar, this will make syrup 
 enough. Boil all together and can. 
 
 Canned Pears. 
 Prepare a syrup, allowing a pint of water and one-fourth pound 
 of sugar to one quart of fruit. While this is heating peel the pears, 
 dropping each as it is pared into a pan of clear water. When the 
 syrup has come to a fast boil, put in the pears carefully and boil 
 until they look clear and can be easily pierced by a fork. Have the 
 cans ready rolled in hot water; pack with the pears and fill to over- 
 flowing with the scalding syrup, which must be kept on the fire all 
 the while, and seal. The tougher and more common pears must be 
 boiled in water until tender, and thrown while warm into the hot 
 syrup, then allowed to boil ten minutes before they are canned. 
 
 Canned Peaches. 
 Pare, cut in half and stone, taking care not to break the fruit; 
 drop each piece in cold Avater as soon as it is pared. Allow ^ 
 heaping tablespoonful of sugar to each quart of fruit, scattering it 
 between the layers. Fill your kettle and heat slowly to a boil. 
 Boil three minutes, until every piece of fruit is heated through. 
 
162 CANNING FRUIT. 
 
 Can and seal. Put a cup of water in the bottom of the kettle 
 before packing it with fruit, lest the lower layer should burn. 
 
 Dried Peaches. 
 Peaches, as usually dried, are a very good fruit; but can be made 
 vastly better if treated the right way. Last season, the recipe 
 which had quite a circulation in the papers, of drying the fruit by 
 a stove after halving it, and sprinkling a little sugar into the cavity 
 left by the extracted pits, was tried in our family. The fruit was 
 found to be most excellent; better to the taste of nine out of ten 
 persons, than any other peach preserves, by far. The peaches, 
 however, were good ones before drying; for it is doubtful whether 
 poor fruit can be made good by that process or any other. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 ICES AND ICE-CREAMS. 
 
 j.SE only the best materials for making and flavoring if good 
 ice-cream is desired, and avoid using milk thickened with 
 arrow-root, corn starch or any other farinaceous substance. 
 Pure cream, ripe natural fruits, or the extracts of the same, and 
 sugar or the purest quality, combine to make a perfect ice-cream. 
 In the first place secure a good ice-cream freezer. Of these several 
 are made. Without recommending any particular make, we would 
 suggest one be secured working with a crank and revolving dashers. 
 Next secure an ice tub not less than eight inches greater in diame- 
 ter than the freezer. See that it has a hole in the side near the 
 bottom, with a plug, which can be drawn at pleasure, to let off 
 water accumulating from melting ice. Get a spatula of hard wood 
 — not metal — with a blade about twelve inches long and four or 
 ■five inches wide and oval shaped at the end. This is used to scrape 
 off cream which may adhere to the sides of the freezer in the process 
 of freezing, also for woi'kiug fruits and flavorings into the cream. 
 A smaller spade is also necessary for mixing ice and salt together, 
 and for depositing this mixture in the intervening space between 
 can and ice tub. Ice must be pounded fine in a coarse, strong bag. 
 To freeze the cream after it has been flavored, first pound up ice 
 and mix with it a quantity of coarse salt, in the proportion of one- 
 third the quantity of salt to the amount of ice used. Put freezing 
 can in center of tub, taking care that the lid is securely fastened on, 
 and pile the mixed ice and salt around it on inside of tub to within 
 three inches of top. First turn the crank slowly, and as the cream 
 
 163 
 
164 ICES AND ICE-CKEAMS. 
 
 hardens increase the speed until tlie mixture is thoroughly con- 
 gealed and the revolving dashers are frozen in. Remove the lid, 
 take out the dashers, cut away the cream which has adhered to the 
 sides and proceed to work the mixture with the spatula until it is 
 smooth and soft to the tongue. Re-insert the dashers, cover the 
 can again, and work the crank until the entire contents are hard 
 and well set. It is now ready to be served. 
 
 Beery Cream. 
 Any kind of berries may be used for this, strawberries being the 
 nicest. Mash with a potato masher in an earthen bowl, one quart 
 of berries with one pound of sugar; rub it through the colander; 
 add one quart sweet cream and freeze. Very rijDC peaches or 
 mashed apples may be used instead of the berries. 
 
 Burnt Sugar Ice-Cream. 
 Take one-half poimd of sugar, burn half of it in a sauce-pan or 
 skillet; stir in sufficient water to bring to a liquid state; add the 
 other sugar with one pint of milk containing four eggs well beaten. 
 Flavor strongly with lemon, proceed as with other ices. 
 
 Chocolate Ice-Cream. 
 Use three or four ounces of the common unsweetened chocolate 
 to a gallon of cream, or boiled custard. Boil the chocolate in some 
 milk and sweeten to taste; strain it into the cream and flavor with 
 vanilla. Beat the ice-cream to make it bright and rich colored. 
 Melted chocolate cannot be mixed at once in cold cream as it sets 
 and makes trouble. It must be considerably diluted first. 
 
 Coffee Ice-Cream, 
 
 To three quarts of pure, sweet cream add one pint of a decoction 
 
 of very strong clear coffee. Sugar as usual — eight ounces to the 
 
 quart. 
 
 Lemon Ice-Cream. 
 
 This is made with the same proportion of cream and sugar and 
 one lemon; grate the lemon rind into the sugar; this extracts the 
 
ICES AND ICE-CREAMS. " 165 
 
 oil; then add the juice and the I'aw cream; strain and freeze imme- 
 diately. Lemon cream sours piore quickly than any other. 
 
 Peach Ice-Ckeam. 
 Take one quart of milk, two eggs, sugar to taste, one quart of 
 peaches pared and stoned — mash and add to the austard. Proceed 
 as usual. 
 
 Pine-Apple Ice-Ceeam. 
 Take two cans of pine-apples, two pounds of sugar, two quarts 
 of cream (the cream must be nearly frozen, else the pine-apple pulp 
 or syrup, upon being added, will immediately curdle it). Beat all 
 thoroughly and finish freezing, 
 
 Oeaxge Ice-Ceeam. 
 Make a custard same as for vanilla; add orange pulp, or simply 
 flavor with orange, if preferred. 
 
 Steawbeeey and Raspbeeet Ice-Ceeam. 
 
 Bruise a pint of strawberries or raspberries with two large 
 spoonfuls of fine sugar; add a quart of cream and strain through a 
 sieve and freeze it. If you have no cream, boil a teaspoonful of 
 arrowroot in a quart of milk, and if you like, beat up one egg and 
 stir into it. 
 
 ' Vanilla Ice-Ceeam. 
 
 One quart of cream, half a pound of sugar, granulated, half a 
 vanilla bean. Boil half the cream with the sugar and bean, then 
 add the rest of the cream; cool and strain it. If extract of vanilla, 
 or any other extract is used, do not boil it, but put it in the cream 
 ivith the sugar and freeze. Make it strong with the flavoring, as it 
 loses strength with freezing. 
 
 CocoANiJT Ice-Ceeam. 
 
 Same as vanilla, omitting vanilla flavoring, and adding chopped 
 •cocoanut. 
 
166 ICES AND ICE-CREAMS. 
 
 Fkozen Tapioca Custard. 
 Soak six or seven ounces of tapioca in one quart of milk; when 
 soft, boil two quarts of milk sweetened with one and one-fourth 
 pounds of sugar; then add the tapioca and let it cook fifteen min- 
 utes; then stir in two ounces of butter and eight beaten eggs and 
 take the custard immediately off the fire; cool and flavor with 
 vunilla or lemon and freeze like ice-cream; when nearly finished, 
 aiia one cup of whipped cream and beat well. 
 
 Frozen Rice Custard. 
 Wash six ounces of rice in several waters and cook it in milk; 
 then proceed as in tapioca custard, using cinnamon or any other 
 flavoring desired. 
 
 Frozen Sago Custard. 
 Soak the sago in cold milk first, it will then cook in a few 
 minutes; then proceed as in tapioca custard. 
 
 Water-Ices. 
 These are made with the juices of ripe fruits, sweetened and 
 frozen like ice-cream; but it must be remembered that if the juices 
 are sweetened excessively they will not freeze. It is therefore 
 generally necessary to test them with an instrument called a 
 saccharometer. This applies equally to ice-creams and all drinks 
 to be frozen; and for water-ices clarified sugar should be used, 
 which may be prepared in the following manner: To a quart of 
 water add three pounds of sugar and half of the white of an egg^ 
 well beaten up. This should be boiled ten minutes and skimmed. 
 
 Cherry Water-Ice with Nut Cream. 
 Two freezers will loe required. For the cherry ice take two 
 quarts of sweet cherries, one quart of water, one and one-half 
 pounds of sugar. Pound the raw fruit in a mortar so as to break 
 the stones and strain the juice through a fine strainer into the 
 freezer. Boil the cherry pulp with some of the sugar and water to 
 
ICES AND ICE-CREAMS. 167 
 
 extract the flavor from the kernels, and mash that also through the 
 strainer; add to the remainder of water and sugar and freeze. No 
 eggs are needed and only beat the ice enough to make it even and 
 smooth. 
 
 For the nut cream, use one pound of either pecan or hickory-nut 
 meats, three-fourths of a pound of sugar, one quart of rich milk 
 or cream, one tablespoonf ul of burnt sugar for coloring. Pick over 
 the kernels carefully, that there be no fragments of shells to make 
 the cream gritty, then pound them in a mortar with part of the 
 sugar and a few spoonfuls of milk. Only a few can be pounded 
 effectually at a time. Mix the milk with the pulp thus obtained, 
 the rest of the sugar and caramel coloring, enough to make it like 
 coffee and cream, and run it through a strainer into a freezer. 
 Freeze it as usual and beat smooth with a spatula, then pack down 
 with more ice to freeze firm. Line the moulds with cherry ice and 
 fill the middle with the cream, or dish the ice as a border in shallow 
 glasses with the cream piled in the c6nter. 
 
 Straavberry "Water-Ice. 
 To a pound of ripe strawberries and half a pound of currants add 
 a pint of clarified sugar. If desired, a little coloring may be used.. 
 The whole must then be strained through a hair sieve and frozen^ 
 
 Raspberry Water-Ice. 
 This may be made the same as strawberry water-ice by merely 
 substituting raspberries for strawberries. 
 
 Bfrstt Almond Ice Cream and Orange-Ice. 
 First make the almond candy as follows: Take one pound of 
 sugar, three-fourths pound of sweet almonds, two ounces of bitter 
 almonds. Blanch the almonds, split them and put them in a slow 
 oven to dry and acquire a light yellow color; put the sugar in a 
 kettle on the fire, without any water, and stir it until it is all melted 
 and of the color of golden syrup; then put in the hot almonds, stir 
 gently to mix and pour the candy on a platter. When cold, pound 
 the candy quite fine, put it into three pints of rich milk, set it on 
 
1G8 ICES AND ICE-CKEAMS. 
 
 the fire, and when it boils add tlie beaten yolks of ten eggs. Strain 
 the burnt almond custard thus made into a freezer, and freeze as 
 usual and beat well. 
 
 For the orange ice: Take three pints of water, one pound of 
 sugar, five or six oranges, according to size, juice of one lemon, if 
 the oranges are sweet, whites of four eggs. Make a thick syrup of 
 the sugar and a very little water. Peel half the oranges, divide 
 them by their natural divisions and drop the pieces of oranges into 
 the boiling syrup. Grate the yellow peel of the other three oranges 
 into a bowl and squeeze in the juice, then pour the syrup from the 
 scalded orange slices also into the bowl through a strainer and keep 
 the slices on ice to be mixed in at the last. Add the water and 
 lemon juice to the orange syrup in the bowl, strain and freeze. 
 Beat in the whipped whites as usual, and when finished stir in the 
 suo-ared fruit. Use the burnt almond cream and fill with the 
 orange ice. 
 
 Biscuit Glaces. 
 
 To half a pound of powdered sugar add the yolks of four eggs; 
 flavor with vanilla; beat well, then take two quarts of whipped 
 cream and mix with the sugar and yolks; color some of it red and 
 spread on the bottom of paper capsules and fill up with fresh cream. 
 Then put them in* a tin box with cover and pack well up on all sides 
 with pounded ice and salt and let stand for two hours; it is then 
 ready for use. 
 
 Rateffe Biscuit Cream. 
 
 Make the same as vanilla; when nearly frozen add one-half pound 
 of rateffe biscuit and finish freezing. 
 
 TuTTi Frutti. 
 
 ^hen a rich vanilla cream is partly frozen, candied cherries, 
 <3hopped raisins, chopped citron or any other candied fruit chopped 
 rather fine are added; add about half the quantity of fruit that 
 "there is of ice-cream; mold and imbed in ice and salt; or make also 
 Iwo quarts of orange ice in another freezer, add the white of eggs 
 
ICES AND ICE-CREAMS. ^ 169 
 
 • in the usual manner and beat it up white and smooth, then spread 
 it evenly over the insides of two or three melon molds to coat them. 
 Imbed the molds in the freezing mixture, and when the coating of 
 orange ice is frozen firm fill up with the tutti frutti. Spread the 
 orange ice also on top, put on the lids, secure with a number of 
 rubber bands, close all spaces secui-ely with butter and place the 
 molds in the freezing mixture to remain two or three hours. When 
 to be served wash the outsides with a cloth dipped in tepid water, 
 carefully turn out the tutti frutti on to a folded napkin on a dish, 
 lay a decoration of gelatine paste upon the white surface and serve. 
 
 Gelatine Paste for Ornamenting Ices. 
 Make clear jelly in the usual manner, then reduce it by slow 
 boiling to little more than half, color it as desired, filter again, 
 flavor, and cool it on large platters. Stamp out leaves, fern leaves, 
 flower shapes, etc., and have them ready to place on the molded 
 ices as soon as they are turned out. 
 
 Pine-Apple Sherbet. 
 
 Take two cans of pine-apples or the same amount of ripe pine- 
 apples, two pounds of sugar, two quarts of water, whites of six 
 eggs. Strain the juice from the cans into the freezer. Make a 
 boiling syrup of the sugar and one quart of water. Chop the pine- 
 apples small, scald it in the boiling syrup, then rub it through a 
 colander with the syrup and the remaining quart of water into the 
 freezer. Freeze and add the whites of four eggs, and beat it per- 
 :fectly white. 
 
 To Color Ice Cream or Water Ices. 
 
 For Green, use juice of spinach or beet leaves. Vegetable green, 
 already prepared, can be bought at the druggists. 
 
 For Yellow, saffron soaked in warm water. 
 
 For Red, take cochineal, which can be had at any druggists, or 
 made as follows: One-quarter ounce cochineal, pound finely and add 
 one-half pint boiling water, one-half ounce cream of tartar, one-quar- 
 
170 ICES AND ICE-CREAMS. 
 
 ter ounce alum, and one-quarter ounce salt of tartar. Let it stand 
 until the color is extracted, then strain and bottle. 
 
 For Purple, mix a small quantity of cochineal and ultramarine 
 blue. 
 
 For Brown, use powdered chocolate. 
 
 Other colors can be used, but these are all good, showy and quite 
 harmless. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 ICINGS. 
 
 'or icing cakes use only fresh eggs and sift your pulverized 
 sugar. 
 
 Almond Icing. 
 
 Whites of three eggs, whisked to a standing froth, three-quarters 
 pound of powdered sugar, one-half pound of sweet almonds, 
 blanched and pounded to a paste. When beaten fine and smooth, 
 work gradually into the icing; flavor with lemon juice and rose 
 water. This frosting is delicious. Dry in the open air when this 
 is practicable. 
 
 Boiled Icing. 
 
 One and one-half cups of sugar; put to this two tablespoonfuls 
 of water; let it boil on the back of the stove until it is waxy, or 
 stringy; then add whites of two eggs. 
 
 Boiled Icing, No. 2. 
 
 Whites of four eggs, beaten stiff; one pint of sugar, melted in 
 water and then boiled; add to it the eggs, and beat until cold. 
 
 Chocolate Icing. 
 
 Take the whites of two eggs, one and one-half cups powdered 
 sugar, and six large tablespoonfuls of chocolate. 
 
 Chocolate Icing, No. 2. 
 
 One-half cake of chocolate grated fine, two-thirds of a cup of 
 sugar, one-half cup of milk or cream; boiled and stirred to a paste. 
 
 171 
 
172 ICINGS. 
 
 Chocolate Icing, No. 3. 
 One-half cake chocolate; warm in the oven ten minutes; add one 
 heapino; cup of sugar, one teaspoonful cinnamon, one-half teaspoon- 
 ful cloves, the same of ginger, two teaspoonfuls of vanilla; pour a 
 little water on the sugar, put it on the chocolate, heat on the stove, 
 melt it to a smooth paste, stir in the spices. 
 
 Clear Icing, fob Cake. 
 Put one cup sugar into a bowl with a tablespoonful lemon juice 
 and whites of two eggs. Just mix together smooth and pour over 
 the cake; if the cake is not hot enough to dry it, place it in the 
 mouth of a moderately warm oven. 
 
 Icing for Cakes. 
 Whites of four eggs, one pound of pulverized sugar, flavor with 
 lemon; break the whites into a broad, cool, clean dish; throw a 
 small handful of sugar upon them and begin to whip it in with 
 long, even strokes of the beater. A few minutes later throw in 
 more si;gar and keep adding it at intervals until it is all used up. 
 Beat until the icing is of a smooth, fine and firm texture; if not 
 stiff enough, put in more sugar; use at least a quarter of a pound 
 of sugar for each egg. To spread it, use a broad-bladed knife 
 dipped in cold water. 
 
 TuTTi Frtjtti Frosting. 
 One-half cup of water, three cups of sugar, whites of two eggs; 
 boil sugar and water until very thick and waxy; beat the whites of 
 eggs to a stiff froth, and pour the syrap over them, beating all till 
 cool; then add one-half pound of almonds, chopped fine; one small 
 half cup of large white raisins, and a little citron, sliced thin. 
 Very nice for sponge cake. 
 
 Lemon Icing. 
 Whites of two eggs, two cups of sugar, juice and a part of the 
 -rind of two lemons. 
 
ICINGS. 173 
 
 Ornamental Icing. 
 Fill a paper cone with the icing, and work upon the cake, by 
 slightly pressing the cone, any design you may choose. 
 
 Yellow Icing. 
 
 Yolk of one egg to nine heaping teaspoonfuls of pulverized sugar 
 and flavor with vanilla, or lemon. 
 
 Rose Coloring. 
 Mix together one-fourth ounce each of powdered alum and cream 
 of tartar, one ounce cochineal, four ounces loaf sugar, a saltspoon- 
 ful of soda. Boil ten minutes in a pint of clear, soft water; when 
 cool, bottle and cork for use. This is used for jellies, cakes, ice- 
 cream, etc. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 JAMS AND JELLIES. 
 
 •N making jam, the first thing to be looked after is the fruit. As 
 a general rule, this should be fully ripe, fresh, sound, and 
 scrupulously clean and dry. It should be gathered in the 
 morning of a sunny day, as it will then possess its finest flavor. 
 The best sugar is the cheapest; indeed, there is no economy in 
 stinting the sugar either as to quality or necessary quantity, for 
 inferior sugar is wasted in scum, and the jam will not keep unless a 
 sufticient proportion of sugar is boiled with the fruit. At the same 
 time too large a proportion of sugar will destroy the natural flavor 
 of the fruit, and in all probability make the jam candy. The sugar 
 should be dried and broken up into small pieces before it is mixed 
 with the fruit. If it is left in large lumps it will be a long time in 
 dissolving, and if it is crushed to powder it will make the jam look 
 thick instead of clear and bright. The quantity to be used must 
 depend in every instance on the nature of the fruit. Fruit is gen- 
 erally boiled in a brass or copper kettle uncovered, and this should 
 be kept perfectly bright and clean. Great care should be taken 
 not to place the kettle flat upon the fire, as this will be likely to 
 make the jam burn to the bottom. Glass jars or cans are much the 
 best for jams, as through them the condition of the fruit can be 
 observed. Whatever jars are used, however, the jam should be 
 examined every three weeks for the first two months, and if there 
 are any signs of niold or fermentation it should be boiled over 
 again. If you do not use the patent glass jar, the best way to cover 
 jam is to lay a piece of paper the size of the jar upon the jam, to 
 
 174 
 
JAMS AND, JELLIES. 175 
 
 stretch over the top a piece of writing paper or tissue j^aper which 
 has been dipped in white of egg, and to press the sides closely 
 down. When dry, this paper will be stiff and tight like a drum. 
 The strict economist may use gum Arabic dissolved in water instead 
 of white of egg. The object aimed at is to exclude the air entirely. 
 Jam should be stored in a cool, dry place, but not in one into 
 ^vhich fresh air never enters. Damp has a tendency to make the 
 fruit mold, and heat to make it ferment. Some cooks cover the 
 jam as soon as possible after it is poured out, but the generally- 
 approved plan is to let the fruit grow cool before covering it. In 
 making jam continual watchfulness is required, as the result of five 
 minutes' inattention may be loss and disappointment. 
 
 Apricot Jam. 
 
 Pare three pounds of fresh, sound apricots, halve them, and take 
 out the stones. They should be ripe enough to halve with the 
 fingers. Place them in a deep dish, and strew over them one pound 
 of finely sifted sugar. Let them remain for eight hours. Then 
 place them with the syrup that will have oozed from them in a 
 preserving-pan; add a few of the kei-nels blanched and sliced, and 
 another pound and a half of sugar. Let them boil very gently, 
 and, when done, put them into glasses or jars and cover closely with 
 gummed paper. 
 
 Marmalades and Jams. 
 In making marmalades, jams, etc. — If put up in small quantities 
 and for immediate use, three-quarters of a pound of sugar to one 
 pound of fruit is sufficient; but if desirable to keep them longer, a 
 pound of sugar to a pound of fruit is a better proportion. As in 
 preserves, the best sugar should be used. 
 
 Apple Jam. 
 Peel and core the apples, cut in thin slices and put them in a 
 preserving kettle with three-quarters of a pound of white sugar to 
 every pound of fruit; add (tied up in a piece of muslin) a few 
 
176 JAMS AND JELLIES. 
 
 cloves, a small piece of ginger and a thin rind of lemon; stir with a. 
 wooden spoon on a quick fire for half an hour. 
 
 Blackberry, Raspberry, Currant or Strawberry Jam, 
 May be made by putting into a preserving kettle and boiling 
 fifteen or twenty minutes, stirring often and skimming off any 
 scum that may rise; then add sugar in the proportion of three- 
 fourths pound of sugar to one pound of fruit. Boil thirty minutes 
 longer stirring continually; when done pour into small jars or jelly 
 glasses. A good way is to mix raspberries and currants in the pro- 
 portion of two-thirds of the former to one-third of the latter. 
 
 Grape, Gooseberry, or Plum Jam. 
 
 Stew the berries in a little water, press through a coarse sieve or 
 colander; then return to the kettle and add three-fourths pound of 
 sugar to one pound of the pulped fruit. Boil three-fourths of an 
 hour, stirring constantly. Pour in jars or bowls and cover as 
 directed for other jams. 
 
 Apple Marmalade. 
 
 Peel and slice the apples; weigh and put into a kettle and stew 
 until tender; wash fine and add sugar in proportion of pound to 
 pound; let them cook slowly, stirring very frequently; be careful 
 not to allow it to scorch; when the mass has a jellied appearance it 
 is done. About half an hour will generally be found sufiicient for 
 making the marmalades after adding the sugar. 
 
 Orange Marmalade. 
 
 Eighteen sweet, ripe oranges, six pounds best white sugar. Grate 
 the peel from four oranges, and reserve it for the marmalade. The 
 rinds of the rest will not be needed. Pare the fruit carefully, 
 removing the inner white skin as well as the yellow; slice the 
 orange; remove the seeds; put the fruit and grated peel in a por- 
 celain or enamel saucepan and boil steadily until the pulp is reduced 
 to a smooth mass; take from the fire and rub quickly through a. 
 
JAMS AND JELLIES. 177 
 
 clean, bright colander, as the color is easily injured. Stir in the 
 sugar, return to the fire, and boil fast, stirring constantly half an 
 hour, or until thick. Put while warm into small jars, but do not 
 cover until cold. This is a handsome and delicious sweetmeat. 
 
 Pine-Apple Marmalade. 
 
 Pare, slice, core, and weigh the pine-apple; then cut into small 
 bits; make a syrup of a cup of water to two pounds of sugar; melt 
 and heat to a boil; heat the chopped pine-apple in a vessel set 
 within one of boiling water, covering it closely to keep in the 
 flavor; Avlien it is smoking hot all through, and begins to look 
 clear, add to the syrup; boil together half an hour, stirring all the 
 while, or until it is a clear, bright paste. 
 
 Peach Maemalade. 
 
 Pare, stone, and weigh the fruit; heat slowly to draw out the 
 juice, stirring up often from the bottom with a wooden spoon ; after 
 it is hot, boil quickly, still stirring, three-quarters of an hour; add, 
 then, the sugai', allowing three-quarters of a pound to each pound 
 of the fruit; boil up well for five minutes, taking off every particle 
 of scum; add the juiTie of a lemon for every three pounds of fruit, 
 and the water in which one-fourth of the kernels have been boiled 
 and steeped; stew all together ten minutes, stirring to a smooth 
 paste, and take from the fire; put up hot in aii'-tight cans, or, when 
 cold, in small stone or glass jars, with brandied tissue-paper fitted 
 neatly to the surface of the marmalade. A large ripe pine-apple, 
 pared and cut up fine, and stirred with the peaches, is a fine addi- 
 tion to the flavor. 
 
 Quince Marmalade. 
 
 Such quinces as are too knotty and defective to make good pre- 
 serves may be pared and cored, cut into small pieces and put into 
 the kettle with three-quarters of a pound of sugar to each pound of 
 fruit; put a small cup of cold water in first to j)revent burning. 
 When the quince begins to soften, take a potato masher and mash it 
 
 12 
 
178 JELLIES. 
 
 to a pulp, without taking it from the fire; let it boil gently from 
 fifteen to twenty minutes, not longer than twenty. Take from the 
 fire and put into jars. 
 
 Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and grapes all make nice 
 marmalades. 
 
 Plum Marmalade. 
 
 Choose plums that are fully ripe; scald them till the skins peel 
 off, and take out the stones. Allow a pound and a half of sugar to 
 a pound of fruit; let them lie in the sugar a few hours, then boil to 
 a smooth mass. 
 
 Pumpkin Marmalade. 
 
 Take ripe, yellow pumpkins, pare and cut them into large pieces, 
 scraping out the seeds with an iron spoon; weigh the pieces, and to 
 every pound allow one pound of white sugar, and a small orange or 
 lemon; grate pieces of pumpkin on a coarse grater, and put, 
 together with the sugar, into a preserving pan, the yellow rind of 
 the orange, grated, and the juice, strained. Let all boil slowly, 
 stirring it frequently and skimming it well till it is a smooth, thick 
 marmalade; put it warm into small glass jars or tumblers and lay a 
 double round of tissue pa^jer with a bladder or .waxed pajDer. 
 
 JELLIES. 
 
 Apple Jelly. 
 
 Slice the apples, skins, cores and all; put them in a stone jar with 
 a small quantity of water to keep them from sticking ; then place 
 the jar in water and let them remain boiling until perfectly soft; 
 then strain and to one pint of the liquor add three-quarters of a 
 pound of loaf sugar; boil and clear with the whites of two or three 
 eggs beaten to a froth. When it jellies pour into the glasses to 
 cool and seal them. 
 
JELLIES. 179 
 
 Blackberry Jelly, 
 
 Take blackberi'ies before they are ripe, when they are turned red, 
 put them into a porcelain kettle and cook until reduced to a pulp; 
 then strain them, and to a pint of juice add one pound of sugar. 
 Boil to a jelly. 
 
 Ckanberey Jelly. 
 
 Stew the cranberries until they are tender, then pour into a jelly- 
 bag and let drip over night; take one pound of sugar to each pint 
 of juice; let the juice boil five minutes, then pour in the sugar and 
 stir until thoroughly dissolved. 
 
 Crab-Apple Jelly. 
 Boil the fruit whole in water enough to cover it until perfectly 
 soft, then pour into a coarse linen bag and let it drip until it ceases, 
 then press it a little. Allow one pound of sugar to each pint of 
 juice. If you choose add the juice of a lemon to each quart of 
 syrup. Boil the juice first, then skim it; heat the sugar in a dish 
 in the oven and add it as the juice boils up. Boil gently twenty 
 minutes and pour in tumblers or molds. 
 
 Currant Jelly. 
 From the Home Messenger we copy the following: This recipe 
 is the only one which we will warrant to make good jelly against 
 odds. We have made jelly by it on the fifth of July and on the 
 fifteenth, and each time it was a perfect success. While we recom- 
 mend all persons to make their jelly from fresh fruit, early in the 
 season, we can still assure those who are behindhand that they need 
 not despair of jelly that will set firm and hard later in the season. 
 Run the currants through your hand picking out the leaves and 
 any stray thing that may adhere to them but leaving the currants 
 on their stems. Weigh the fruit, being accurate in remembering the 
 number of pounds. Put a pint of water into your preserving kettle 
 and add a bowl or two of currants, mashing and pressing them till 
 you have sufficient juice to cover the bottom of the kettle; thea 
 
180 JELLIES. 
 
 add the remainder of the currants; let them come to a boil and boil 
 at least twenty minutes, of course stirring and pressing them from 
 time to time that they may not burn. Have a three-col-nered 
 bag of thin but strong unbleached cotton that has been well 
 scalded and wrung till almost dry; hang it up and pour the boiled 
 currants into it. Let it drij) into a stone crock all night, but by no- 
 means squeeze it, the currants will drain perfectly dry. In the 
 morning pour the strained juice into the preserving kettle without 
 measuring; let it come to a boil and boil thorougly for three or 
 four minutes, then pour in half as many pounds of sugar as you 
 had pounds of currants. For instance, a peck of currants will 
 probably weigh twelve pounds; therefore use six pounds of sugar. 
 The moment the sugar is entirely dissolved the jelly is done. To 
 make sure of the sugar being entirely dissolved see that it begins 
 to jelly on the ladle. It Avill look thick and drop thick and a little 
 stringy, but if let heat beyond this point it will loose its thickness 
 and not jelly nearly so well and always disappoint you if you lose 
 faith in your instructions and insist upon ' letting it come to a boil.* 
 All the boiling is done before you put in the sugar. 
 
 Currant Jelly. 
 
 One pound of granulated sugar to each pint of juice. Squeeze 
 the currants and boil twenty minutes, then add the sugar, which 
 should be heating while the juice boils; stir well together until the 
 sugar is well dissolved. 
 
 Grape Jelly. 
 
 Put the grapes into a preserving kettle and heat, bruising them, 
 meantime with a potato masher, until the juice runs freely, then 
 strain through a sieve or thin cloth and measure one pint of juice 
 for one pound of sugar. Boil the juice fifteen or twenty minutes 
 before putting in the sugar; after adding the sugar let it boil from 
 three to five minutes. All fruit will form more readily into a jelly 
 if not quite ripe. 
 
JELLIES. 181 
 
 Pkach Jelly. 
 Crack one-third of the kernels and put them into the jar with the 
 jpeaches, which have been wiped, stoned and sliced. Heat in a pot 
 of boiling water, stirring occasionally until the fruit is well broken; 
 strain, and to every pint of peach juice add the juice of a lemon; 
 measure again and to every pint of juice allow one pound of sugar. 
 Heat the sugar very hot and add when the juice has boiled twenty 
 minutes. Let it come to a boil and take instantly from the lire. 
 
 Pie-Plant Jellt. 
 Stew the stalks until tender in a preserving kettle; strain through 
 :a jelly-bag; flavor with extract of lemon. To each pint of juice 
 add a pound of sugar; boil until it jellies on the skimmer; remove 
 it from the fire and put into jars. 
 
 , Quince Jelly. 
 
 Peel, cut up and core some fine, ripe quinces; put them in suffi- 
 cient cold water to cover them and stew gently till soft, but not 
 red; strain the juice without pressure, weigh, and to every pound 
 of juice allow one pound of crushed sugar; boil the juice twenty 
 minutes, add the sugar and boil again until it jellies — about a quar- 
 ter of an hour; stir and skim well all the time; strain through thin 
 cloth into your jelly glasses, and when cold, cover it. The 
 remainder of the fruit can be made into marmalade with three- 
 quarters of a pound of sugar and a quarter of a pound of juicy 
 apples to every pound of quinces, or it can be made into compotes 
 or tarts. 
 
 Quince Jelly, No, 2. 
 
 Take the cores and parings of the quinces, put them in enough 
 cold water to cover them, and boil until they are soft; squeeze, and 
 add the juice to the water, and any syrup which may be left from 
 the quince preserve, and strain it; to each pint of juice allow a 
 pound of sugar; spread the sugar in pans, put it in the oven to 
 lieat, it must be watched and stirred to prevent burning. Let the 
 
182 GELATINE JELLIES. 
 
 juice boil for five minutes, then pour in the hot sugar, stirring until 
 it is uuiireiy dissolved, and skimming any scum that may rise. 
 There will be very little. Let it come to a boil, then take from the 
 fire and put in jars or glasses; the jelly will be clear, of a good 
 color and keep well. All kinds of jellies can be made in this way, 
 and it saves much labor in the time of boiling the juices and the 
 trouble of skimming. 
 
 GELATINE JELLIES. 
 
 Coffee Jelly. 
 
 One box gelatine soaked for an hour in just water enough to 
 cover; take one quart of strong coffee, made as for table use; 
 sweeten it to taste; have the coffee hot and add the dissolved gela- 
 tine; stir well and strain into a mold that has just been rinsed in 
 cold water. Set on ice or in a cool place, and when cold, 'serve 
 with whipped cream. 
 
 Lemon Snow Jellt. 
 
 Dissolve one box of gelatine in nearly a quart of boiling water, 
 then add the juice of five lemons and enough of sugar to sweeten 
 to taste; strain and set aside until nearly cool. Beat the whites of 
 five eggs and whip into the jelly; turn into a dish and let it set 
 until cool. After it becomes solid, decorate wdth pieces of red 
 jelly. 
 
 Lemon Jelly. 
 
 One ounce of gelatine, red is the best, one pound of sugar, one 
 quart of boiling water, and four lemons; cut the lemons into slices 
 and bmise them, then add the sugar and gelatine, and pour upon 
 the whole boiling water; set the vessel containing them upon the 
 stove and stir until the gelatine is thoroughly dissolved; then pour 
 into molds and set to cool. 
 
GELATINE JELLIES. 183 
 
 Orange Jellt. 
 
 Take two ounces of gelatine and pour on hot water enough to 
 cover it, and let soak until it is dissolved; boil together one quart 
 of water and one-half pound of sugar, and add the dissolved gela- 
 tine; add the juice of five oranges and one lemon and the whites of 
 two eggs, well beaten. Boil a few minutes and strain through a 
 jelly-bag; turn into molds and set to cool. 
 
 Any jellies may be colored by using fruit coloring, which may be 
 obtained at the bakeries. 
 
 Wine Jelly. 
 
 One box of gelatine dissolved in just water enough to cover it, 
 one pint of wine, one pint of boiling water, one pint of granulated 
 sugar, and juice of three lemons. 
 
 MOULDINESS. 
 
 Fruit jellies may be preserved from mouldiness by covering the 
 surface one-fourth of an inch deep with finely pulverized loaf sugar, 
 rhus protected, they will keep in good condition for years. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 MUSHROOMS, 
 
 peastints of a great portion of Europe eat mushrooms raw 
 itli salt and dry bread, and wholesome and good they are. 
 he true flavor of mushrooms, nevertheless, is greatly height- 
 ened by cooking; and cook 
 them how you may — a broil, a 
 stew, or a fry, with the simple 
 addition of butter, salt, and 
 pepper, and they are excellent. 
 There is one rule that should 
 always be observed in what- 
 ever mode they are cooked, 
 and that is that they should be 
 served up quickly and hot. 
 The following modes of cook- 
 ing mushrooms may j^rove use- 
 ful: 
 
 Mushrooms au Gratii!^. 
 Take twelve large mushrooms about two inches in diameter, pare 
 the stalks, wash, and drain the mushrooms on a cloth; cut off and 
 chop the stalks. Put in a quart stewpan an ounce of butter and 
 Tialf an ounce of flour; stir over the fire for two minutes; then add 
 one pint of broth; stir till reduced to half the quantity. Drain the 
 chopped stalks of the mushrooms thoroughly in a cloth ; put them 
 in the sauce with three tablespoonfuls of chopped and washed 
 
 184 
 
MUSHROOMS. 185 
 
 parsley, one tablespoonful of chopped and washed shalot, tw^o 
 pinches of salt, a small pinch of pepper; reduce on a brisk fire for 
 eight minutes, put two tablespoonfuls of oil in a saute pan; set the 
 mushrooms in, the hollow part upwards; till them with the fine 
 lierbs, and sprinkle over them lightly a tablespoonful of raspings; 
 put in a brisk oven for ten minutes and serve. 
 
 Mushrooms a la Provencale. 
 Take mushrooms of good size; remove the stems and soak them 
 in olive oil; cut up the stems with a clove of garlic and some pars- 
 ley; add meat of sausages, and two yolks of eggs to unite them; 
 dish the mushrooms, and garnish them with the forcemeat; sprinkle 
 them with fine oil, and dress them in an oven, or in a four de 
 
 campacjne. 
 
 Mushrooms a la Creme, 
 
 Trim and rub half a pint of button mushrooms, dissolve two 
 ounces of butter rolled in flour in a stewpan, tken jjut in the mush- 
 rooms, a bunch of parsley, a teaspoonf ul of salt, half a teaspoonf ul 
 €ach of white pepper and of powdered sugar, shake the pan round 
 for ten minutes, then beat up the yolks of two eggs, with two 
 tablespoonfuls of cream, and add by degrees to the mushrooms; in 
 two or three minutes you can serve them in the sauce. 
 
 Baked Mushrooms. 
 
 Peel the tops of twenty mushrooms; cut off a portion of the 
 
 stalks, and wipe them carefully with a piece of flannel, dipped in 
 
 salt; lay the mushi-ooms in a tin dish, put a small piece of butter 
 
 on the top of each, and season theln with pepper and salt. Set the 
 
 dish in the oven, and bake from twenty minutes to half an hour. 
 
 When done, arrange them high in the centre of a very hot dish, 
 
 pour the sauce round them and serve quickly and as hot as you 
 
 possibly can. 
 
 Breakfast Mushrooms. 
 
 Clean a dozen or so of medium size; place two or three ounces of 
 nice, clean beef -dripping in the frying pan, and with it a table- 
 
186 MUSHROOMS. 
 
 spoonful or more of nice beef gravy. Set the pan on a gentle fire, 
 and as the dripping melts place in the mushrooms, adding salt and 
 pepper to taste. In a few minutes they will be cooked, and being 
 soaked in the gravy and served upon a hot plate, will form a capital 
 dish. In the absence of gravy, a soupcon of " extractum carnis " 
 may be substituted. 
 
 CuREiED Mushrooms. 
 Peel and remove the stems from a dish of full-grown mushrooms, 
 sprinkle with salt, and add a very little butter; stew them gently 
 in a little good gravy or stock. Add four tablespoonfuls of cream, 
 and one teaspoonful of curry powder, previously well mixed with 
 two teaspoonfuls of wheat flour; mix carefully, and serve on a hot 
 dish, with hot toast and hot plates attendant. Mind the "curry 
 stuff " is good, says an Indian friend, and not too much of it. The 
 word " curry," by itself, it seems, being merely the Tamul word for 
 "meat." The large horse mushroom, when half or three parts 
 grown, and curried fn this fashion, will be found to be delicious. 
 
 Mushrooms en Caisse. 
 Peel the mushrooms lightly, and cut them into pieces. Put them 
 into cases of buttered paper, with a bit of butter, parsley, green 
 onions, and shalots chopped up, salt and pepper. Dress them on 
 the gridiron over a gentle fire, and serve in the cases. 
 
 Mushroom Catsup. 
 Mushroom catsup is more highly esteemed and more generally 
 useful than any other. It is best when made of large mushroom 
 flaps, fully ripe, fresh, and perfectly dry — that is, gathered during 
 dry weather. If this point is not attended to the catsup will not 
 keep. Do not wash nor skin the mushrooms, but carefully remove 
 any decayed, dirty, or worm-eaten portions; cut off about half an 
 inch from the end of the stalks, then break the rest into small 
 pieces, put them into an earthen jar, and strew three-fourths of a 
 pound of salt amongst two gallons of mushrooms, scattering the 
 larger portions on top. Let them remain all night, and the next 
 
MUSHROOMS. 187 
 
 day stir them gently with a wooden spoon, and repeat this three 
 times a day for two days. At the end of that time put the jar into 
 a cool oven for half an hour, then strain the liquid which flows froiu 
 them through a coarse cloth, and let it boil for a quarter of an hour. 
 Do not squeeze the mushrooms. To every quart of the liquid put 
 a quarter of an ounce each of Jamaica ginger and black pepper, and 
 a drachm of mace. Boil again till the quantity is reduced one- 
 half. Pour it out, and let it stand until cool, then put it into per- 
 fectly dry bottles, being careful to leave the sediment, which will 
 have settled to the bottom, undisturbed. Seal the corks and keep 
 in a cool, dry place. 
 
 Mushrooms en Ragout. 
 Put into a stew-pan a little stock, a small quantity of vinegar,, 
 parsley, and green onions chopped up, salt and spices. When this 
 is about to boil, the mushrooms being cleaned, put them in. When. 
 done, remove them from the fire, and thicken with yolks of eggs. 
 
 Mushrooms with Bacon. 
 Take some full-grown mushrooms, and having cleaned them, 
 procure a few rashers of nice streaky bacon, and fry it in the usual 
 manner. When nearly done, add a dozen or so of mushrooms, and 
 fry them slowly until they are cooked. In this process they will 
 absorb all the fat of the bacon, and with the addition of a little salt 
 and pepper, will form a most appetizing .breakfast relish. 
 
 Mushroom Stems. 
 If young and fresh, make a capital dish when the supply of 
 mushrooms is limited. Rub them quite clean, and after washing 
 them in salt and water, slice them to the thickness of a shilling, 
 then place them in a sauce-pan with sufficient milk to stew them 
 tender; throw in a piece of butter and some flour for thickening, 
 and salt and pepper to taste. Serve upon a toast of bread, in a hot 
 dish, and add sippets of toasted bread. This makes a light and 
 very delicate supper dish, and is not bad sauce to a boiled fowl. „ 
 
188 MUSHROOMS. 
 
 To Stew Mushrooms. 
 Trim and rub clean a half pint large button mushrooms; put into 
 a stew-pan two ounces of butter; shake over the lire until thor- 
 oughly melted; put in the mushrooms, a teaspoonful of salt, half as 
 much pepper, and a small piece of mace pounded; stew till the 
 mushrooms are tender, then serve them on a hot dish. They are 
 usually sent in as a breakfast dish, thus prepared in butter. 
 
 To Pot Mushrooms. 
 
 The small open mushrooms suit best for potting. Trim and rub 
 them; put into a stew-pan a quart of mushrooms, three ounces of 
 l)utter, two teaspoonfuls of salt, and half a teaspoonful of Cayenne 
 and mace mixed, and stew for ten or fifteen minutes, or till the 
 mushrooms are tender; take them carefully out and drain them 
 perfectly on a sloping dish, and when cold press them into small 
 pots, and pour clarified butter over them, in which state they will 
 teep for a week or two. If required to be longer preserved, put 
 ■writing paper over the butter, and over that melted suet, which 
 will effectually preserve them for many weeks, if kept in a dry, cool 
 3)lace. 
 
 Mushrooms a>t) Toast. 
 
 Peel the mushrooms, and take out the stems. Fry them over a 
 quick fire. When the butter is melted take off the pan. Squeeze 
 the juice of a lemon into it. Let the mushrooms fry again for some 
 minutes. Add salt, pepper, spices, and a spoonful of water, in 
 which a clove of garlic, having been cut into pieces, has soaked for 
 half an hour; let it stew. When the mushrooms are done make a 
 thickening of yolks of eggs. Pour the mushrooms on bread fried 
 in butter, and laid in a dish ready for them. 
 
 Mushrooms ox Toast. 
 Put a pint of mushrooms into a stew-pan, with two ounces of 
 butter rolled in flour; add a teaspoonf.ul of salt, half a teaspoonful 
 •of white pepper, a blade of mace powdered, and half a teaspoonful 
 
MUSHROOMS. ISa^ 
 
 grated lemon; stew till the butter is all absorbed, then add as much 
 white roux as Avill moisten the mushrooms; fry a slice of bread in 
 butter, to iit the dish, and as soon as the mushrooms are tender 
 serve them on the toast. 
 
 To Pickle Mushrooms. 
 Select a number of small, sound, pasture mushrooms, as nearly as 
 possible alike in size; throw them for a few minutes into cold 
 water; then drain them; cut off the stalks, and gently rub off the 
 outer skin with a moist flannel dipped in salt ; then boil the vin- 
 egar, adding to each quart two ounces of salt, half a nutmeg sliced, 
 a drachm of mace, and an ounce of white pepper-corns; put the 
 mushrooms into the vinegar for ten minutes over the fire; then 
 pour the whole into small jars, taking care that the spices are 
 equally divided; let them stand a day, then cover them. 
 
 ANOTHER Method. 
 In pickling mushrooms, take the buttons only, and while they are 
 quite close, cut the stem off even with the gills, and rub them quite 
 clean. Lay them in salt and water for forty-eight hours, and then 
 add pepper and vinegar, in which black pepper and a little mace 
 have been boiled. Th'^ vinegar must be applied cold. So pickled 
 they will keep for years. 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 PICKLES. 
 
 ^r 
 
 piCKLES are made of fruit or vegetables preserved in vinegar, 
 and may be used as accompaniments to cold meat, to garnish 
 ^ dishes, and to flavor hashes and sauces. It is generally 
 understood that they can be bought cheaper than they can be made. 
 Nevertheless, there is always a certain amount of satisfaction in 
 using home-made preparations, as by this means the quality of the 
 article can be assured beyond all question, and many ladies take 
 great pride in their store of home-made pickles. A great outcry 
 was raised some years ago about the unwholesomeness of pickles, 
 and attention was called to the fact that most of those ordinarily 
 sold were positively pernicious, because the vinegar used in making 
 them was boiled in copper vessels. This evil has now been, to a 
 great extent, remedied; and it may be reasonably assumed that 
 pickles which are sold by respectable dealers have been properly 
 prepared. At the same time, for safety's sake, the rule should be 
 laid down that all pickles which are beautiful and brilliant in color 
 and appearance should be avoided, as this is a certain sign that the 
 vinegar used has been boiled in a metal pan. In making pickles, 
 care must be taken that the vegetables and fruit used for the pur- 
 pose are procured at the right season, that they are perfectly sound, 
 not overripe, and have been gathered on a dry day. They should 
 be trimmed and wiped before they are used, and not washed, unless 
 they are afterwards to be partially boiled or soaked. The vinegar 
 must be of the best quality. White wine vinegar is generally 
 recommended, for the sake of the appearance, but it is not as 
 
 190 
 
PICKLES. 191 
 
 wholesome as the best cider vinegar. Metal utensils should never 
 be used in making pickles, as the vinegar acting upon the metal 
 produces a poison. Enameled or stone vessels and woodefo spoons 
 should therefore be used; and the best method that can be adopted 
 is to put the vinegar into a stone jar, and heat it on a stone or hot 
 hearth. Pickles should be kept in glass bottles, or unglazed earthen 
 jars, and should be closely corked, and the corks sealed down, 
 or covered with wet bladder. They should be stored in a dry 
 place. As the vinegar becomes absorbed more should be added, as 
 it is important that the vegetables should be covered at least two 
 inches above the surface with vinegar. If any of the vinegar is 
 left after the pickle is used, it should be boiled up with fresh spices, 
 and bottled for flavoring sauces, etc. It should be remembered 
 that to boil vinegar is to decrease its strength. If it is wished to 
 hasten the preparation of the pickles, partially boil the vegetables 
 in brine and let them cool and get quite dry before the vinegar is 
 poured over them. 
 
 Pickled Artichokes. 
 
 Boil your artichokes in strong salt and water for two or three 
 minutes; lay on a hair sieve to drain; when cold, lay in narrow- 
 topped jars. Take as much white wine vinegar as will cover the 
 artichokes, and boil it with a blade or two of mace, some root 
 ginger, and a nutmeg grated fine. Pour it on hot, seal and put 
 away for use. 
 
 Pickled Butternuts and Walnuts. 
 
 Gather them when soft enough to be pierced by a pin; lay them 
 in brine five days, changing this twice in the meantime; drain, and 
 "wipe them with a coarse cloth; pierce each by running a large 
 needle through it, and lay in cold water for six hours. To each 
 gallon of vinegar allow a cup of sugar, three dozen each of cloves 
 and black peppers, half as much allspice, and a dozen blades of 
 mace. Boil five minutes; pack the nuts in small jars and pour over 
 them scalding hot. Repeat this twice within a week; tie up and 
 set away. They will be good to eat in a month. 
 
192 PICKLES. 
 
 Pickled Beans. 
 The beans should be gathered young. Place them in a strong- 
 brine of salt and water; when turning yellow, which will be in a, 
 day or two, remove them and wipe them dry. Boil the vinegar 
 with a little mace, whole pepper, and ginger (two ounces of j)epper 
 and one ounce each of ginger and mace to each quart of vinegar); 
 pour this over the beans. A small bit of alum, or a teaspoonful of 
 soda will bring back the color. Cover them to keep in the steam 
 and reboil the vinegar the next day; throw over hot as before. 
 Cover, but do not tie down till cold. 
 
 Pickled Beets. 
 
 Take the beets, cleanse and boil two hours. When cold peel 
 
 and slice, put into a jar and cover with vinegar prepared in the 
 
 following manner: Boil half an ounce each of cloves, pepper-corns, 
 
 mace and ginger in a pint of vinegar, when cold add another ^int. 
 
 Pickled Brocoll 
 
 Choose the finest, whitest and closest vegetables before they are 
 quite ripe. Pare off all green leaves and the outsides of the stalks. 
 Parboil them in well-salted water. When drained and dry pull off 
 the branches in convenient sized pieces and put them into a jar of 
 pickle prepared as for onions. Time to parboil, four or five 
 minutes. 
 
 Bottled Pickles. 
 
 Wash and wipe small cucumbers; put into a stone jar and cover 
 with salt — allowing a pint of salt to a half bushel of cucumbers — 
 and pour over them boiling water enough to cover. Place a gallon 
 at a time on the stove, cover with vinegar, and add a lump of alum 
 about the size of a hickory nut. Put on the stove in another kettle 
 a gallon of the very best cider vinegar, to which add half a pint of 
 brown sugar; have bottles cleansed and placed to heat on stove in 
 a vessel of cold water; also have a cup of heated sealing-wax. 
 Have spices prepared in separate dishes as follows: Green and red 
 
PICKLES. 193 
 
 peppers sliced in rings; horse-radish roots washed, scraped and cut 
 in small pieces; black and yellow mustard seed if liked, each pre- 
 pared by sprinkling with salt and pouring on some boiling water, 
 which let stand for fifteen minutes and then draw off; stick of 
 cinnamon broken into pieces and a few cloves. When pickles come 
 to boiling point, take out and pack in bottles, mixing with them the 
 spices. Put in a layer of pickles, then a layer of spices, shaking 
 the bottles occasionally so as to pack tightly. When full, cover 
 with the boiling hot vinegar from the other kettle (using a bright 
 funnel and tin cup), going over them a second time and filling up, 
 in order to supply shrinkage, for the pickles must be entii-ely 
 covered with vinegar. Put in the corks, which should fit very 
 snugly; lift each bottle and dip the corked end in the hot sealing- 
 wax; proceed in this manner with each bottle, dipping each a 
 second time into the wax so that they may be perfectly secure. 
 Glass cans, the covers of which have become defective, can be used 
 by supplying corks. Pickles prepared in this way are superior to 
 imported pickles. 
 
 Mary's Pickled Blackberries. 
 Three quarts blackberries, one quart vinegar, one quart 'sugar. 
 No spice is required; put all together at the same time into your 
 kettle and boil ten or fifteen minutes. After standing a few weeks 
 they ai*e very nice. 
 
 To Put up Cucumbers in Brine. 
 Leave at least an inch of stem to the cucumbers, and wash well in 
 cold water. Make a brine of salt and water strong enough to bear 
 an egg; put your cucumbers in this as you gather them each day 
 from the vines. Cut a board so as to fit inside of your barrel; bore 
 holes here and there through it, and put this board on the cucum- 
 bers with a weight sufficient to keep it down. Each day take off 
 the scum that rises. When wanted for use, take out what is 
 necessary and soak them two or three davs, or until the salt is out 
 
 13 
 
194 PICKLES. 
 
 of them, and then pour boiling spiced vinegar over them. A red 
 pepper or two is an improvement if one likes hot pickles. 
 
 Pickled Cabbage. 
 
 Select solid heads, slice very fine, put in a jar, then cover with 
 Iboiling water; when cold, drain off the water, and season with 
 grated horse radish, salt, equal parts of black and red pepper, cinna- 
 mon and whole cloves. 
 
 Pickled Cauliflower. 
 
 Choose such as are firm, yet of their full size; cut away all the 
 leaves and pare the stalks; pull away the flowers in bunches, steep 
 in brine two days, then drain them, wipe them dry, and put them 
 in hot pickle, or merely infuse for three days three ounces of curry 
 powder in every quart of vinegar. 
 
 Pickled Cauliflower, No. 2, 
 
 These should be sliced and salted for two or three days, then 
 drained, and spread upon a dry cloth before the fire for twenty- 
 four hours; after which they are put into a jar, and covered with 
 spiced vinegar. 
 
 ^ Picked Cabbage, No. 2. 
 
 Slice red cabbage very thin; put on it a little coarse salt, and let 
 it rest twenty-four hours to drain; add sliced onions, if you like 
 them. Boil four spoonfuls pepper, and four of allspice in a quart 
 of vinegar, and pour it over. 
 
 Pickled Cucumbers. 
 Wash with care your cucumbers, and place in jars. Make a 
 -weak brine (a handful of salt to a gallon and a half of water). 
 When scalding hot, turn over the cucumbers and cover; repeat this 
 process three mornings in succession, taking care to skim thor- 
 oughly. On the fourth day have ready a porcelain kettle of 
 Tinegar, to which has been added a piece of alum the size of a 
 walnut. When scalding hot, put in as many cucumbers as may be 
 covered with the vinegar; do not let them boil, but skim out as 
 
PICKLES. 195 
 
 soon as scalded through, and replace with others, adding each time 
 a small piece of alum. When this process is through, throw out 
 the vinegar, and replace with good cider or white wine vinegar; add 
 spices, mustard seed and red pepper. Sort the pickles and place 
 them in stone or glass jars, turn over the hot spiced vinegar; seal 
 and put away the jars not wanted for immediate use. Pickles thus 
 prepared are fine and crisp at the expiration of a year. Those that 
 are kept in open mouth jars may be covered with a cloth, which 
 will need to be taken off and rinsed occasionally. 
 
 Chow-Ciiow. 
 
 Two quarts of tomatoes, two white onions, half-dozen green pep- 
 pers, one dozen cucumbers, two heads of cabbage, all chopped fine; 
 let this stand over night; sprinkle a cup of salt in it. In the morn- 
 ing drain off the brine, and season with one tablespoonful of celery 
 seed, one ounce of turmeric, half teaspoonful of cayenne pepper, 
 one cup of brown sugar, one ounce of cinnamon, one ounce of all- 
 spice, one ounce of black pepper, one-quarter ounce cloves, vinegar 
 enough to cover, and boil two hours. 
 
 Chow-Chow, No. 2. 
 
 Two heads of cabbage, two heads of cauliflower, one dozen 
 cucumbers, six roots of celery, six peppers, one quart of small white 
 onions, two quarts of green tomatoes ; cut into small pieces and boil 
 each vegetable separately until tender, then strain them. Two 
 gallons of vinegar, one-fourth pound of mustard, one-fourth pound 
 of mustard seed, one pot of French mustard, one ounce of cloves, 
 two ounces of turmeric; put the vinegar and spices into a kettle 
 and let them come to a boil ; mix the vegetables and pour over the 
 dressing. 
 
 Pickled Cherries. 
 
 Take the largest and ripest red cherries, remove the stems, have 
 ready a large glass jar, fill it tAvo-thirds full with cherries, and fill 
 up to the top with best vinegar; keep it well covered and no boil- 
 
106 PICKLES. 
 
 ing or spice is necessary, as the cherry flavor will be retained, and 
 the cherries will not shrivel. 
 
 French Pickles. 
 One peck of green tomatoes, sliced, six large onions, sliced;, 
 sprinkle over them one cup of salt; let them stand over night; in 
 the morning drain and boil for fifteen minutes in two parts water 
 and one part vinegar; drain again; take two quarts vinegar, one 
 pound sugar, one tablespoonful each of cloves, cinnamon and all- 
 spice; boil together for fifteen minutes and pour over the pickles. 
 
 Pickled Grapes. 
 Fill a Jar with alternate layers of sugar and bunches of nice 
 grapes, not too ripe; fill one-third full of good, cold vinegar and 
 cover tightly. 
 
 Pickled Grapes, No. 2. 
 When grapes are not quite ripe, but dark colored, pick from the 
 stem and wash; put in bottles; in a dish put sugar and vinegai', 
 and boil a few minutes; add spices to taste; boil a few minutes^ 
 pour over the grapes and seal up the bottles. 
 
 To Harden Pickles. 
 After they are taken out of the brine take a lump of alum and a 
 horse-radish cut in strips; put this in the vinegar, and it will make 
 them hard and crisp. When you wish to make a few cucumber 
 pickles quick, take good cider vinegar; heat it boiling hot and pour 
 it over them. When cool, they are ready for use. 
 
 Lemon Pickles. 
 Wipe six lemons, cut each into eight pieces; put on them a pound 
 of salt, six large cloves of garlic, two ounces of horse-radish, sliced 
 thin, likewise of cloves, mace, nutmeg, and Cayenne, a quarter of an 
 ounce each, and two ounces of flour of mustard; to these put twa 
 quarts of vinegar. Boil a quarter of an hour in a well-tinned sauce- 
 pan; or, which is better, do it in a strong jar, in a kettle of boiling 
 
PICKLES. 197 
 
 "water; or set the jar on the hot hearth till done. Set the jar by, 
 
 and stir it daily for six weeks; keep the jar close covered. Put it 
 
 into small bottles. 
 
 Mangoes of Melons. 
 
 Take green melons and make a brine strong enough to bear up 
 an egg ; then pour it boiling hot on the melons, keeping them under 
 the brine; let them stand five or six days, slit them down on one 
 side, take out all the seeds, scrape them well in the inside, and wash 
 them clean; then take cloves, garlic, ginger, nutmeg and pepper; 
 put all these proportionately into the melons, filling them up with 
 mustard seed; then lay them into an earthern pot, and take one 
 part of mustard seed and two parts of vinegar, enough to cover 
 them, pouring it on scalding hot. Keep them closely covered. 
 
 iMiTATioisr Pickled Mangoes. 
 
 Large cucumbers, or small melons, are split so that a marrow- 
 
 .spoon may be introduced, and the seeds scooped out; they are then 
 
 parboiled in brine strong enough to float an egg, dried on a cloth 
 
 before the fire, filled with mustard seed and a clove of garlic, and 
 
 then covered with spiced vinegar. Real mangoes are pickled in the 
 
 ^ame way. 
 
 Pickled Nasturtiums. 
 
 Soak for three days in strong salt and water; then strain and 
 pour boiling vinegar over them, omitting the spice. Vinegar for 
 any pickle should never be allowed to boil over one minute. 
 
 Pickled Onions. 
 
 Small silver-skinned onions; remove outer skin so that each one 
 
 is white and clean; put them into brine that will float an egg for 
 
 three days; bring vinegar to a boiling point, add a little mace and 
 
 whole red peppers and pour hot over the onions^ well drained from 
 
 the brine. 
 
 Pickled Onions, No. 2. 
 
 Peel the onions and let them lie in strong salt and water nine 
 •days, changing the water each day; then put them into jars and 
 
198 PICKLEB. 
 
 pour fresh salt and water on them, this time boiling hot; when it is 
 cold, take them out and put them on a hair sieve to drain, after 
 which put them in wide-mouthed bottles and pour over them, 
 vinegar prepared in the following manner: Take white wine 
 vinegar and boil it with a blade of mace, some salt and ginger in it; 
 when cool, pour over the onions. 
 
 Pickles, 
 An excellent way to make pickles that will keep a year or more 
 is to drop them into boiling hot water, but not boil them; let them 
 stay ten minutes, wipe them dry, and di-op them into cold, spiced 
 vinegar, and they will not need to be put in salt and water. 
 
 Stuffed Peppers. 
 Chop a large cabbage finely, add one large spoonful grated horse- 
 radish root and one ounce of white mustard seed; mix all this well; 
 cut pieces out of the stem ends of large green peppers, large as a 
 silver dollar; fill with the filling and sew the piece in again with 
 cotton thread; then take vinegar enough to cover; spice with 
 cloves, mace and allspice, whole; boil, and when nearly cold, pour 
 over the peppers; no salt is to be used. Mangoes are pickled and 
 stuffed in the same manner. 
 
 Mixed Pickles. 
 One quart raw cabbage chopped fine; one quart boiled beets 
 chopped fine; two cups of sugar, tablespoonful of salt, one tea- 
 spoonful red pepper, one cup of grated horse-radish; cover with 
 cold vinegar and keep from the air. 
 
 Mixed Pickles, No. 2. 
 Three hundred vsmall cucumbers, four green peppers sliced fine,' 
 two large or three small heads cauliflowei-, three heads of white 
 cabbage sliced fine, nine large onions sliced, one large horse-radish, 
 one quart green beans cut one inch long, one quart green tomatoes 
 sliced; put this mixture in a pretty strong brine twenty-four hours; 
 drain three hours; then sprinkle in one-fourth pound black and 
 
PICKLES. 199 
 
 one-fourth pound of white mustard seed; also one tablespoonful 
 black ground pepper; let it come to a good boil in just vinegar 
 enough to cover it, adding a little alum; drain again and when 
 cold put in one-half pint ground mustard; cover the whole with 
 good cider vinegar; add turmeric enough to color if you like. 
 
 India Pickles. 
 Take three quarts of vinegar, quarter pound mustard, half 
 ounce of black pepper, one ounce cloves, one ounce allspice, one 
 ounce turmeric, one ounce ginger, one ounce Cayenne pepper, hand- 
 ful of salt and the same of sugar; boil for twenty minutes. When 
 cold put in the vegetables, cucumbers, onions, cauliflower cut up 
 small, and cover closely. If the liquid should seem thin, boil again 
 and add more mustard in three weeks after making. 
 
 Pyper Pickles. 
 Salt pickles down dry for ten days, soak in fresh water one day; 
 pour off water, place in porcelain kettle, cover with water and 
 vinegar and add one teaspoonful pulverized alum; set over night 
 on a stove which had fire in it during the day; wash and put in a 
 jar with cloves, allspice, pepper, horse-radish, onions or garlic; boil 
 fresh vinegar and pour over all. Ready for use in two weeks. 
 
 Ragan Pickles. 
 Two gallons of cabbage, sliced fine, one gallon of chopped green 
 tomatoes, twelve onions, also chopped, one gallon best vinegar, 
 one pound of brown sugar, one tablespoonful of black pepper, half 
 an ounce of turmeric powder, one ounce celery seed, one table- 
 spoonful of ground allspice, one tablespoonful of ground cloves, 
 one-quarter pound white mustard, and one gill of salt. Boil 
 all together, stirring well, for two hours; take from the fire and 
 add the spices, then put in air-tight jars; set in a cool, dry place, 
 and this delicious pickle will keep all winter. 
 
 Sweet Pickles. 
 To every seven pounds of fruit allow three and one-half pounds. 
 
200 PICKLES. 
 
 of sugar and one pint of cider vinegar, two ounces whole cloves, 
 two of stick cinnamon. This is for peaches, pears, apples or musk 
 melons. Peaches, pears, and apples should be pared only, not 
 divided. Then in each stick two whole cloves. The cinnamon 
 should be boiled in the vinegar. Put the prepared fruit into a jar 
 and pour the vinegar, scalding hot, over it. Repeat this for three 
 mornings. These sweet pickles will be found delicious, and will 
 keep any length of time. The melons should be cut in strips as if 
 to serve fresh on the table, and should not be too ripe. Simmer 
 them thirty minutes slowly in the prepared vinegar, and they will 
 need no further attention except to keep them closely covered, and 
 they will keep good a year. 
 
 Sweet Apple Pickle. 
 
 Pickled sweet apples can be made by taking three pounds of 
 sugar, two quarts of vinegar, one-half ounce of cinnamon, one-half 
 ounce of cloves; pare the apples, leaving them whole; boil them in 
 part of the vinegar and sugar until you can put a fork through 
 them; take them out; heat the remainder of the vinegar and sugar 
 and pour over them. Be careful not to boil them too long or they 
 will break. 
 
 Sweet Tomato Pickle. 
 
 Seven pounds of ripe tomatoes, peeled and sliced, three and a 
 half pounds of sugar, one pound of mace and cinnamon mixed, one 
 ounce of cloves, one quart of vinegar. Mix all together and stew 
 an hour. 
 
 Geeen Tomato Pickles. 
 
 Slice one peck of tomatoes into a jar and sprinkle a little salt 
 over each layer; let them stand twenty-four hours, drain off the 
 liquor; put the tomatoes into a kettle with a teaspoonful of each 
 of the following spices: Ground ginger, allspice, cloves, mace, 
 ■cinnamon, a teaspoonful of scraped horse-radish, twelve small or 
 three large red peppers, three onions, a cup of brown sugar; cover 
 :all with vinegar; boil slowly for three houi'S, 
 
PICKLES. 201 
 
 PiCALILLI. 
 
 One peck green tomatoes, one large cabbage, one dozen onions; 
 add half pint salt; after the above have been chopped tine let it 
 stand over night; in the morning drain off the brine and scald in 
 weak vinegar; drain this off and stir in ground spices to suit the 
 taste; add six red peppers and a little horse-radish root; pack in a 
 ^I'ock and cover with strong vinegar; a few small cucumbers put 
 in whole are quite an addition. 
 
 PiCKLETTE. 
 
 Four large crisp cabbages chopped fine, one quart of onions 
 chopped fine, two quarts of vinegar, or enough to cover the cabbage, 
 two tablespoonf uls each of ground mustard, black pepper, cinnamon, 
 turmeric, celery seed, and one of allspice, pulverized alum and mace. 
 Pack the onions and cabbage in alternate layers with a little salt 
 between them. Let them stand until next day. Then scald the 
 vinegar, sugar and spices together and pour over the cabbage and 
 onions. Do this three mornings in succession. On the fourth put 
 4ill together over the fire and heat to a boil; let them boil five 
 minutes. When cold pack in small jars. It is fit for use as soon as 
 cold and will keep well. 
 
 Spiced Vit^ecar for Pickles Generally. 
 
 xiruise m a mortar two ounces black pepper, one ounce ginger, 
 one-half ounce allspice, and one ounce salt. If a hotter pickle is 
 desired, add one-half drachm Cayenne, or a few capsicums. For 
 walnuts add also one ounce shallots. Put these in a stone jar, with 
 a quart of vinegar, and cover them with a bladder wetted with the 
 pickle, and over this a piece of leather. Set the jar near the fire 
 for three days, shaking it three time a day; then pour it on the 
 "walnuts or other vegetables. For walnuts it is used hot; for 
 cabbage, etc., cold. 
 
 Pickled Peaches. 
 
 To fourteen pounds of peaches peeled, put three pounds of brown 
 
202 PICKLES. 
 
 sugar, three tablespoonfuls of cinnamon, same of powdered cloves, 
 to one quart of strong cider vinegar. Let the vinegar, sugar, 
 and spices boil a very little while; then put in your peaches and let 
 them scald enough to stick a straw through them with ease. Take 
 them out and put them in an earthen jar, seeing that the vinegar 
 covers them well, which must be poured over the packed peaches. 
 Put a cover over them lightly the first day; the second pour off the 
 vinegar, heat and pour it boiling hot over the fruit. Repeat till 
 the fruit is ready for use. Four or five times heating will generally 
 cure them. Watch closely and if any fermentation occurs pour off 
 the vinegar and scald it, skimming off any scum that arises. 
 
 Pickled Peaches that will Keep. 
 Four pounds sugar, one pint vinegar, to twelve pounds of fruit; 
 put sugar and vinegar together and boil; then add the fruit and let 
 it come to a boil; the next day drain off the liquor and boil again; 
 do this three times and your pickles are delicious; add cinnamon to 
 the liquor and stick two or three cloves in each peach. 
 
 To Pickle Plums. 
 For eight pounds of fruit take four pounds of sugar, two quarts 
 of vinegar, one ounce cinnamon, and one ounce cloves; boil the 
 vinegar, sugar, and spices together; skim, and pour scalding hot 
 over your fruit; let it set three days, pour off the syrup, scald and 
 skim and pour over again, and continue this process every three 
 days till you have scalded it three times, after which it will be fit 
 for use. Plums prepared in this way we think superior to the old 
 method of preserving with sugar alone. 
 
 Green Tomato Soy. 
 Two gallons of green tomatoes sliced without peeling; slice also 
 twelve good sized onions; two quarts of vinegar, one quart of sugar, 
 two tablespoonfuls each of salt, ground mustard, and ground black 
 pepper, one tablespoonful of cloves and allspice. Mix all together 
 and stew until tender, stirring often lest they should scorch. Put 
 up in small glass jars. A good sauce for all kinds of meat or fish. 
 
PICKLES. 20S 
 
 To Keep Tomatoes Whole. 
 Fill a large stone jar with ripe tomatoes, then add a few whole 
 cloves and a little sugar; cover them well with one-half cold 
 vinegar and half water; place a piece of flannel over the jar well 
 down in the vinegar, then tie down with paper. In this way toma- 
 toes can be kept a year. Should mildew collect on the flannel it 
 will not hurt them in the least. 
 
 Pickled Tomatoes. 
 Let the tomatoes be thoroughly ripe and let them lie in strong 
 salt and water for three or four days; then put them down in 
 layers in jars, mixing with them small onions and pieces of horse- 
 radish; then pour on vinegar, cold, after having spiced it. Use 
 plenty of spice, cover carefully, and let stand for a month before 
 using. 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 PRESERVES. 
 
 Preserved Apples for Tea. 
 AKE a nice syrup of sugar and water, and jjut in some small 
 pieces of ginger root or the yellow of orange peel; have 
 some good firm apples pared and halved — pippins are best — 
 and when the syrup has boiled up three or four times and been 
 skimmed, drop in the apples and cook until transparent, but they 
 must not go to pieces. Let them be quite cold before eaten, and 
 good cream greatly improves it. 
 
 Apple Preserves. 
 Take three-fourths pound of sugar to each pound of apples; make 
 a syrup of the sugar and water, and a little lemon juice or sliced 
 lemon; skim off all scum and put a few apples at a time into the 
 syrup and boil until they are transparent; skim out and put in a 
 jar. When all are done, boil the syrup down thick; pour boiling 
 hot over the apples and cover closely. Well-flavored fruit not 
 easily broken should be selected. 
 
 Apricot Preserves. 
 Proceed the same as for preserving peaches, save that apricots, 
 having a smooth, thin skin, do not require paring. 
 
 Citron Preserves, 
 Pare and take out the seeds and cut them in pieces one inch thick 
 and two inches in length; weigh them and put into a preserving 
 kettle and cook them until they are clear, or steam them, then 
 
 204 
 
PRESERVES. 205' 
 
 make a syrup of their weight in sugar with water and add two 
 sliced lemons for each pound of fruit; put the citron into the syrup, a 
 pai't at a time, and boil about fifteen mmutes; skim out and put into 
 a jar. When all has been thus cooked, boil the syrup down thick, 
 and pour over it. Cover closely with paper which the air cannot 
 penetrate, or use air-tight Jars. 
 
 CiTEoisr Preserves, No. 2. 
 First, peel and cut the citron in pieces an inch square; then boil 
 in water until soft; drain off the water and add one pound of sugar 
 to each pound of citron; to every five pounds of the preserve add 
 one pound of raisins, one lemon sliced, half an ounce of white 
 cloves, one ounce of stick cinnamon; dissolve the sugar, and when 
 hot, add the fruit and simmer slowly for two hours. 
 
 Currant Preserves. 
 Take ten pounds of currants and seven pounds of sugar; pick the 
 stems from seven pounds of the currants and press the juice from 
 the other three pounds; when the juice and sugar are made into a 
 hot syrup, put in the currants and boil until thick and rich, 
 
 Beandied Cherries or Berries. 
 Make a syrup of a pound of sugar and a half gill of water for 
 every two pounds of fruit. Heat to boiling, stirring to prevent 
 burning, and pour over the fruit while warm — not hot. Let them 
 stand together an hour; put all into a preserving kettle, and heat 
 slowly; boil five minutes, take out the fruit with a perforated skim- 
 mer, and boil the syrup twenty minutes. Add a pint of brandy for 
 every five pounds of fruit; pour over the berries hot, and seal. 
 
 Lemon Preserves. 
 One pound of pounded loaf sugar, quarter pound of butter, six 
 eggs and the whites of four, well beaten, the rind of two lemons, 
 grated, and the juice of three. Mix together and let it simmer till 
 of the consistency of honey. Be careful to stir all the time or it 
 will burn. 
 
206 PRESERVES. 
 
 Preserved Oranges. 
 Take any number of oranges, with rather more than their weight 
 in white sugar. Slightly grate the oranges and score them round 
 and round with a knife, but do not cut very deep. Put them in 
 cold water for three days, changing the water two or three times a 
 day. Tie them up in a cloth, boil them until they are soft enough 
 for the head of a pin to penetrate the skin. While they are boiling 
 place the sugar on the fire, with rather more than half a pint of 
 water to each pound ; let it boil for a minute or two, then strain it 
 through muslin. Put the oranges into the syrup till it jellies and 
 is a yellow color. Try the syrup by putting some to cool. It must 
 not be too stiff. The syrup need not cover the oranges, but they 
 must be turned, so that each part gets thoroughly done. 
 
 Preserved Pine-Apple. 
 
 Pare, cut into slices, take out the core of each one, and weigh, 
 allowing pound for pound of sugar and fruit. Put in alternate 
 layers in the kettle and pour in water, allowing a cup to each pound 
 of sugar. Heat to a boil; take out the pine-apple and spread upon 
 dishes in the sun. Boil and skim the syrup half an hour. Return 
 the pine-apple to the kettle and boil fifteen minutes. Take it out, 
 pack in wide-mouth jars, pour on the scalding syrup; cover to keep 
 in the heat, and, when cold, tie up, first putting brandied tissue 
 paper upon the top. 
 
 To Preserve Plums or Cherries. 
 
 Make a syrujD of clean, brown sugar, and clarify it; when per- 
 fectly clear and boiling hot, pour it over the plums, having picked 
 out all the unsound ones and stems. Let them remain in the syrup 
 two days, then drain it off; make it boiling hot, skim it, and pour 
 it over again; let them remain another day or two, then put them 
 into a preserving kettle over the fire, and simmer gently until the 
 syrup is reduced, and thick or rich. One pound of sugar to each 
 l^ound of plums. Small damsons are very fine preserved, as are 
 
PRESERVES. 207 
 
 cherries, or any other ripe fruit. Clarify the syrup, and when 
 boiling hot, put in the plums; let them boil very gently until they 
 are cooked, and the syrup rich. Put them in pots or jars the next 
 day; secure as directed. 
 
 Purple Plums Preserved. 
 Take an equal weight of fruit and nice sugar. Take a clean 
 stone jar and fill it with the fruit and sugar in layers. Cover them 
 and set the jar in a kettle of water over the fire. Let them stand 
 in the boiling water all day, filling up the kettle as the water boils 
 away. If at any time they seem likely to ferment, repeat this pro- 
 cess. It is a simple and excellent way of preserving plums. 
 
 To Preserve Pears. 
 Pare them very thin, and simmer in a thin syrup; let them lie a 
 day or two. Make the syrup richer and simmer again. Repeat 
 this till they are clear; then drain and dry them in the sun or a cool 
 oven a little time; or they may be kept in the syrup and dried as 
 wanted, which makes them richer. 
 
 Brandy Peaches. 
 Drop the peaches in hot water, let them remain till the skin can 
 be ripped off; make a thin syrup, and let it cover the fruit; boil 
 the fruit till they can be pierced with a straw; take it out, make a 
 very rich syrup, and add, after it is taken from the fire, and while 
 It' is still hot, an equal quantity of brandy. Pour this, while it is 
 still warm, over the peaches in the jar. They must be covered 
 with it. 
 
 Peach Preserves. 
 
 Take any nice peaches that will not cook to pieces, pare them 
 and take out the pits; take their weight in sugar, or, if they are 
 to be canned, three-fourths pound of sugar to each pound of fruit, and 
 a coffee-cup of water to each pound of sugar. Boil part of the pits in 
 the water until the flavor is extracted, then remove the pits; add 
 about as much water as has evaporated, then add the sugar; skim 
 
208 PRESERVES. 
 
 thoroughly, then add a small quantity of fruit at a time, cook slowly 
 for about ten minutes, skim out into a jar, then add more. When 
 all are done, pour the boiling syrup over them. The next day 
 drain off the syrup and boil again and pour back; do the same for 
 two or three days, then make them air-tight with paper as directed 
 for jellies; or, if to be sealed in cans, the first boiling is sufficient. 
 Cling stone peaches are preserved the same way, whole, except that 
 they must be cooked longer. 
 
 Quince Preserves. 
 Pare and core the quinces, and cut into halves or quarters, as suits 
 the size of your jars; let them stand over night in enough cold 
 water to cover them; in the morning put them in the kettle with 
 the same water and let them cook gently until you can just stick-" a 
 fork in them; take the fruit out with a skimmer, weigh it and to each 
 pound of fruit allow a pound of sugar; put the fruit and sugar inta 
 the kettle, with enough of the water to make a good syrup, and let 
 them boil gently until they are clear; take out carefully with the 
 skimmer and put into the jars; fill the jars to the top with the 
 syrup. If there is a large quantity of fruit, and the kettle is not 
 large, it is best to put the fruit in the syrup a little at a time. 
 
 Preservhstg Strawt?erries. 
 Select the largest and finest strawberries. Hull them, weigh and 
 allow to each pound one pound of the best double refined loaf sugar 
 finely powdered. Divide the sugar into two equal portions. Put a 
 layer of strawberries into the bottom of a preserving kettle and cover 
 them with a layer of sugar, until half the sugar is in; next set the 
 kettle over a moderate fire and let it boil till the sugar is melted; 
 then put in, gradually, the remainder of the sugar, and, after it is all 
 in, let it boil hard for five minutes, taking off the scum with a silver 
 spoon ; but there will be little or no scum if the sugar is of the very 
 best quality. Afterwards remove the kettle from the fire and take 
 out the strawberries very carefully in a spoon. Spread out the 
 strawberries on large, flat dishes, so as not to touch each other, and 
 
PRESERVES. 209 
 
 set them immediately in a cold place or on ice. Hang the kettle 
 again on the fire, and give the syrup one boil up, skimming it if 
 necessary. Place a fine strainer over the top of a mug or pitcher, 
 and pour the syrup through it. Then put the strawberries into 
 glass jars or tumblers; pour into each an equal portion of the syrup. 
 Lay at the top a round piece of white paper dipped in brandy. 
 Seal the jars tightly. 
 
 Raspberries may be preserved as above; also large ripe goose- 
 berries. To each pound of gooseberries allow one and a half pounds 
 sugar. Bury them in a box of sand, or keep in a dark, cool place. 
 
 Green Tomato Preserves. 
 
 Eight poimds small, green tomatoes; pierce each with a fork; 
 
 seven pounds sugar, juice of four lemons, one ounce of ginger and 
 
 mace mixed; heat all together slowly and boil until the fruit is 
 
 clear; remove from kettle with skimmer and spread upon dishes to 
 
 cool; boil the syrup thick; put the fruit in jars and cover with hot 
 
 syrup. 
 
 Ripe Tomato Preserves. 
 
 Seven pounds round yellow or egg tomatoes, peeled, seven 
 pounds sugar, juice of three lemons; let them stand together over 
 night, drain off the syrup and boil it, skimming well; put in the 
 tomatoes, and boil gently twenty minutes; take out the fruit with 
 a perforated skimmer and spread upon dishes; boil the syrup down 
 until it thickens, adding, just before taking it up, the juice of three 
 lemons; put the fruit into the jars and fill up with hot syrup. 
 When cold, seal up. 
 
 Spiced Currants. 
 
 Four quarts ripe currants, three pounds brown sugar, one pint 
 cider vinegar, one tablespoonful each of allspice and cloves, and a 
 •jittle nutmeg and cinnamon. Boil one hour, stirring occasionally. 
 
 Spiced Gooseberries. 
 Six quarts of gooseberries, ripe or green, nine pounds of sugar, 
 one pint of vinegar (not too strong), one tablespoonful each of 
 
 14 
 
210 PRESERVES. 
 
 ■cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Put the berries in the kettle with 
 half the sugar and a little water; boil an hour and a half. When 
 nearly done, add the rest of the sugar; set it off the fire and add 
 the spices and vinegar. 
 
 Spiced Grapes. 
 Five pounds of grapes, three of sugar, two teaspoonfuls of cin- 
 namon and allspice, half teaspoonful of cloves; pulp grapes; boil 
 until tender; cook pulps and strain through a sieve; add to it the 
 spices, put in sugar, spices and vinegar to taste; boil thoroughly 
 and cool. 
 
 Spiced Nutmeg Melon. 
 
 Select melons not quite ripe; open, scrape out the pulp, peel and 
 slice; put the fruit in a stone jar, and, for five pounds of fruit take 
 a quart of vinegar and two and a half pounds of sugar; scald vin- 
 egar and sugar together, and pour over the fruit; scald the syrup 
 and pour over the fruit for eight successive days. On the ninth, 
 add one ounce of stick cinnamon, one of whole cloves, and one of 
 allspice; scald fruit, vinegar and spices together, and seal up in 
 jars. This pickle should stand two or three months before using. 
 Blue plums are very nice prepared in this way. 
 
 Spiced Peaches. 
 Five pounds peaches, two of brown sugar, one quart vinegar, one 
 ounce each of cinnamon, cloves, and mace. Wipe the peaches and 
 boil until done in the vinegar and sugar, then take out, put in spices, 
 boil well and pour over. 
 
 Spiced Plums. 
 
 Spiced plums are delicious with cold meat. Cook the plums in a 
 little water until they are soft; then, so far as possible, remove the 
 stones, sweeten and spice to your taste, and boil until thick; put in 
 large-mouthed bottles and seal, or can in the usual way. 
 
PRESERVES. 211 
 
 Spiced Plums, No. 2. 
 Nine pounds blue plums, six pounds sugar, two quarts vinegar, 
 one ounce cinnamon; boil vinegar, sugar and spice together, pour 
 over plums, draw off next morning and boil; pour back on plums; 
 repeat the boiling five mornings, the last time boiling the fruit about 
 twenty minutes. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 VEGETABLES. 
 
 if HE following excellent remarks on the cooking of vegetables; 
 are from the pen of Miss Corson: 
 
 Spinach is an excellent dish when well cooked; take twa 
 quarts, wash, boil for two minutes in salted boiling water, drain,, 
 chop and heat in a frying-pan for two minutes with an ounce each, 
 of butter and flour; half a pint of meat broth is added, the com- 
 pound is stirred and heated for five minutes, and served with, 
 small pieces of fried bread. Second only to spinach are beet 
 sprouts; we all know them boiled, but after they are boiled they gain 
 in flavor by being fried for two or three minutes in butter. New 
 cabbage scalded for five minutes in fast boiling water, coarsely 
 chopped, sprinkled with flour, salt and pepper, and gently stewed 
 for five minutes with milk or cream enough to cover it, is good. 
 So, too, is red cabbage sliced, thrown for fifteen minutes into 
 scalding salted water and vinegar, then drained and fried five 
 minutes with butter, and served with a little hot meat gravy. Let- 
 tuce, which seems devoted to "salad days," is excellent stuffed; it 
 is well washed in salted cold water, the roots trimmed off, twa 
 tablespoonfuls of cooked force-meat of any kind, or chopped cold 
 meat highly seasoned, inclosed within the leaves, which are bound 
 together with tape or strips of cloth; several heads thus prepared 
 are placed in a saucepan, covered with broth or cold gravy well 
 seasoned, and set over the fire to simmer about five minutes; the 
 tapes are then removed and the lettuce heads and sauce are served 
 liot. A link between cabbage and lettuce are Brussels sprouts^ 
 
 212 
 
VEGETABLES. 213; 
 
 those tender, baby cabbages, which, stewed in cream, or quickly 
 fried in butter, almost incline one's thoughts to vegetarianism. 
 
 Beets are familiar enough boiled and sliced, either served hot 
 with butter, pepper and salt, or pickled, but a novelty is a beet 
 pudding, made by mixing a pint of cooked sugar beets, chopped, 
 with four eggs, a quart of milk, a little salt and pepper, a table- 
 spoonful of butter, and baking them about half an hour. Cold boiled 
 beets sliced and fried with butter are palatable; to cook them so 
 that none of their color shall be lost, carefully wash them without 
 breaking the skin or cutting off the roots or stalks, and boil them 
 until tender, about an hour, in boiling salted water. 
 
 Turnips, either white or yellow, stewed in gravy, are excellent. 
 Choose a quart of small, even size; peel them; boil fifteen minutes in 
 well salted boiling water; di-ain them; put them into a frying-pan 
 with sufficient butter to prevent burning; brown them; stir in a 
 tablespoonful of flour; cover them with hot water; add a palatable 
 seasoning of salt and pepper, and stew them gently until tender. 
 Or peel and cut them in small regular pieces; bi'own them over the 
 fire with a little butter and a slight sprinkling of sugar; add salt 
 and pepper and boiling water enough to cover them, and gently stew 
 them until tender; serve them hot. 
 
 Parsnips are not sufficiently appreciated, perhaps because of their 
 too sweet taste; but this can be overcome to a palatable extent by 
 judicious cookery; they are excellent when sliced, after boiling, and 
 warmed in a sauce made by mixing flour, butter and milk, over the 
 fire, and seasoning it with salt and pepper; as soon as warm they 
 are served with a little chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon 
 juice. For parsnips fried brown in an old-fashioned iron pot with 
 slices of salt pork and a seasoning of salt and popper, several good 
 words might be said. 
 
 Carrots boiled and mashed and warmed with butter, pepper and 
 salt deserve to be known; or sliced and quickly browned in butter; 
 or tossed for five minutes over the fire with chopped onion, parsley, 
 butter, seasonings and sufficient gravy to moisten them; or boiled. 
 
214 VEGETABLES. 
 
 quartered, heated with cream, seasoned, and, at the moment of 
 serving, thickened with the yolk of eggs. 
 
 Onions are capital when sliced and quickly fried in plenty of 
 smoking hot fat, or roasted whole until tender, and served with 
 butter, pepper and salt; or chosen while still small, carefully peeled 
 without breaking, browned in butter, and then simmered tender with 
 just boiling water enough to cover them; or boiled tender in broth 
 and then heated live minutes in nicely seasoned cream. 
 
 Oyster plant, scraped under cold water, boiled tender in salted 
 water containing a trace of vinegar, and then heated with a little 
 highly seasoned melted butter, is excellent; the tender leaves which it 
 often bears make a nice salad. Somewhat like oyster plant are 
 Jerusalem art'ichokes, which are good and cheap in this market- 
 Like oyster plant, they must be peeled under water, boiled tender, 
 and then served with melted butter, or quickly browned in butter, 
 either plain or with chopped herbs, or served with an acid sauce of 
 any kind. 
 
 Celery we know best in its uncooked state, but it is very good 
 stewed in any brown or white gravy or sauce, or rolled in fritter 
 batter and fried brown. 
 
 Squash and pumpkin are very good either boiled, sliced, and 
 broiled or fried, or made into fritters like oyster plant. 
 
 Potatoes, most important of all hardy vegetables. Lives there 
 a cook with soul so dead as not to be willing to expend all the: 
 powers of fire, water and salt to produce mealy potatoes ? If so,, 
 the writing of her epitaph would be a cheerful task. And if 
 cold ones are left they can rehabilitate themselves in favor by 
 appearing chopped, moistened with white sauce or cream, and 
 either fried in butter or baked quickly, with a covering of 
 bread crumbs. Steam-fried, that is sliced raw, put into a covered 
 pan over the fire, with butter and seasoning, and kept covered 
 until tender, with only enough stirring to prevent burning, they are 
 capital. To fry them Lyonnaise style they are cooled in their 
 jackets to keep them whole, sliced about a quarter of an inch 
 
VEGETABLES. 215 
 
 thick, browned in butter with a little sliced onion, sprinkled with 
 chopped parsley, pepper and salt, and served hot. Larded, they 
 have bits of fat ham or bacon inserted in them, and are baked 
 tender. Note well that the more expeditiously a baked potato is 
 cooked and eaten the better it will be. 
 
 Boiling is the ordinary mode of cooking vegetables. The rule is 
 to throw them (whether the roots, flowers, foliage, or unripe seeds) 
 into cold water, after trimming or other preparation; to let them 
 lie there, if shriveled or drooping, until they have recovered their 
 natural crispness; then to throw them into soft water, or, if hard 
 water, made soft by the addition of a small pinch of carbonate of 
 soda; to keep them boiling without the lid (with roots this is imma- 
 terial, though it is one means of keeping greens a good color) ; to 
 remove all scum as it rises; to cook them enough; and to take them 
 up as soon as they are done through, instead of leaving them to 
 seethe, and lose their natural juices in the water. 
 
 To this there are exceptions. Peas and beans may be thrown 
 into cold water when they are dried, but when green are best not 
 thrown into cold water; and the former should be boiled in the 
 least quantity of water possible. Potatoes require different treat- 
 ment, according to their kind and the soil in which they grew. 
 Very mealy or large potatoes, if thrown into boiling water, will fall 
 to pieces outside, while still raw in the center; while small, firm, or 
 waxy varieties are best thrown into boiling salt water. If you buy 
 of the grower, he will often tell you what treatment suits them. 
 At any rate, an experiment both ways will soon settle the difficulty. 
 But the qualities of potatoes vary, not only with soil and kind, 
 but also with the period in the season. We have known potatoes, 
 waxy and watery when first dug up, become light and floury in 
 February and March, after the eyes have sprouted three or four 
 inches. The reason is plain: Superabundant moisture had been 
 drawn off, and the starch, which forms one of its component ele- 
 ments, had had time to mature itself. 
 
216 VEGETABLES. 
 
 How TO Cook Potatoes. 
 It is well known that a good potato may be spoiled by bad cook- 
 ing; and by good management a bad one may be rendered com- 
 paratively good. In fact, no vegetable depends more on the cooking 
 than a potato. In the first place, if the skin is taken off them 
 before boiling, it should not be peeled, but scraped, for the follow- 
 ing reasons: If peeled, it is reduced in size considerably; besides, 
 the outside removed is the very best part of the root. An iron 
 saucepan is preferable to a tin one for cooking them, as it prevents 
 their boiling so fast; but the best way is, first to wash them very 
 clean, then to put them on the fire with just cold water enough to 
 cover them; when it has begun to boil, throw in a handful of salt, 
 and add a pint of cold watei", which checks their boiling and gives 
 them time to be done through, without allowing them to crack. 
 As soon as done, rather under than over, which may be ascertained 
 with a fork, pour the water off from them, and replace the pan on 
 the fire for a short time, until the remaining moisture is evaporated. 
 If not immediately wanted, do not place the lid upon them, or the 
 steam will be confined, but cover them with a cloth. New potatoes 
 require great caution not to over-boil them, or they will be tasteless 
 
 and watery. 
 
 Artichokes (Jerusaxem), Fried, 
 
 Pare and cut the artichokes into slices about an eighth of an inch 
 in thickness, and fry them in sufficient boiling oil or lard for them 
 to swim in until they are a rich brown. Strew a little salt over 
 them, pile high on a dish, and send to the table hot. 
 
 They may also be peeled and cut pear-shaped and stewed in a 
 little salt water, to which a little butter has been added, and used 
 as a garnish for a dish of mashed potatoes. 
 
 Asparagus, Boiled. 
 Choose bunches of asparagus which have been cut fresh and the 
 heads straight. If the cut end is brown and dry, and the heads 
 bent on one side, the asparagus is stale. It may be kept a day or 
 
VEGETABLES. 217 
 
 two with the stalks in cold water, but is much bettei* fresh. Scrape 
 off the white skin from the lower end, and cut the stalks of equal 
 length; let them lie in cold water until it is time to cook them; put 
 -a handful of salt into a gallon of water, and let it boil; tie the 
 asparagus into bundles and put them into it; toast a slice of bread 
 brown on each side, dip it in the water, and lay it on a dish. When 
 the asparagus is sufficiently cooked, dish it on the toast, leaving the 
 white ends outward each way. Serve with melted butter. 
 
 Asparagus, Fricasseed. ' 
 
 Wash twenty-five heads of asparagus, cut off the tender portion 
 and lay them into cold water until they are required. Drain them 
 and chop them with a young head of lettuce, half a head of endive 
 and a small onion. Put a piece of butter the size of an egg into a 
 saucepan, melt it, then mix with it smoothly a dessert-spoonful of 
 £our, and half a pint of stock. Add the chopped vegetables, with 
 pepper and salt, and let all stew gently until the sauce is thick and 
 good. Serve hot. Time to stew, half an hour. 
 
 Egg Broccoli. 
 
 Take half a dozen heads of broccoli, cut off the small shoots or 
 blossoriis and lay them aside for frying; trim the stalks short and 
 pare off the rough rind up to the head; wash them well, and lay 
 them in salt water for an hour; then put them into plenty of boil- 
 ing water (salted) and let them boil fast till quite tender. Put two 
 ounces of butter into a saucepan, and stir it over a slow fire till it is 
 melted; then add gradually six or eight well-beaten eggs, and stir 
 the mixture until it is thick and smooth. Lay the broccoli in the 
 center of a large dish, pour the egg around it, and having fried the 
 broccoli blossoms, arrange them in a circle near the edge of the 
 dish. 
 
 Beets and Potatoes. 
 
 One of the most delicious ways to serve these early vegetables is 
 this: Take new potatoes and young beets, boil until done in sepa- 
 xate kettles, then slice into the dish in which they are to be put on 
 
218 VEGETABLES. 
 
 the table; first put a layer of potatoes, sprinkled with pepper and 
 salt and little lumps of butter, then a layer of beets, treated in the 
 same way, and so on until the dish is full, then pour over all a very 
 little sweet cream or milk. 
 
 Lima Beans. 
 Shell, wash, and put into boiling water with a little salt; when 
 boiled tender, drain and season them, and either dress with cream 
 or large lump of butter, and let simmer for a few moments. 
 
 String Beans. 
 
 Choose fine young beans, and be careful they are the right sort. 
 The best kind is the case-knife, because they have no strings and 
 need only to be broken in two and not cut. Should these not be 
 obtainable take the youngest that can be procured; remove the 
 thread or string that runs along the pod, then cut them in a slanting 
 direction lengthwise in very thin slices, throw them into boiling 
 water well salted, and to preserve their color boil without the lid of 
 the saucepan. When tender, drain in a colander, put in a small piece 
 of butter and a dash of pepper, and give the whole a shake. This 
 dish may be varied in a great many ways and with great success. 
 Cold beans, with oil and vinegar, make an excellent and refreshing 
 salad. They may also, when cooked and drained, be mixed with 
 some good brown gravy, and served alone as a course after the 
 meat. 
 
 Brussels Sprouts. 
 
 Pick, trim, and wash a number of sprouts. Put them into plenty 
 of fast boiling water; add a tablespoonful of salt, keep the sauce- 
 pan uncovered and boil very fast for fifteen minutes. Drain as 
 soon as done and serve with melted butter. 
 
 Stewed Carrots. 
 Scrape and boil whole forty-five minutes. Drain and cut into 
 round slices a quarter of an inch thick. Put on a cup of weak 
 broth — a little soup if you have it — and cook half an hour. Then 
 
VEGETABLES. 219 
 
 add three or four tablespoonfuls of milk, a lump of butter rolled in 
 flour, with seasoning to taste. Boil up and dish. 
 
 Celery. 
 
 Wash, trim, and scrape the stalks, selecting those that are white 
 and tender. Crisp by leaving in ice cold water until they are 
 wanted for the table. Arrange neatly in a celery glass. Pass 
 between the oysters and the meat. 
 
 Fried Celery. 
 Boil the celery entire until tender; drain it, divide into small 
 pieces^and fry in dripping until lightly browned. 
 
 Stewed Celery. 
 Clean the heads thoroughly. Take off the coarse, green, outer 
 leaves. Cut in small pieces, and stew in a little broth. When 
 tender, add some rich cream, a little flour, and butter enough to 
 thicken the cream. Season with pepper, salt, and a little nutmeg 
 if that is agreeable. 
 
 Cream Cabbage. 
 
 Beat together the yolks of two eggs, one-half cup of sugar, one- 
 half cup of vinegar, butter size of an egg, salt and a little Cayenne 
 pepper. Put the mixture into a saucepan and stir until it boils; 
 then stir in one cup of cream; let it boil, and pour over the cabbage 
 while hot. 
 
 Cabbage a la Cauliflower. 
 
 Cut the cabbage fine as for slaw; put it into a stewpan, cover 
 with water and keep closely covered; when tender, drain off the 
 water; put in a small piece of butter with a piece of salt, one-half 
 a cup of cream, or one cup of milk. Leave on the stove a few 
 minutes before serving. 
 
 Boiled Cabbage. 
 
 Cut off the stalk, remove the faded and outer leaves, and halve, 
 or, if large, quarter the cabbages; wash them thoroughly and lay 
 
:22() VEGETABLES. 
 
 them for a few minutes in water, to which a tablespoonful of vin- 
 egar has been added, to draw out any insects that may be lodging 
 under the leaves. Drain them in a colander; have ready a large 
 pan of boiling hot water, with a tablespoonful of salt and a small 
 piece of soda in it, and let the cabbage boil quickly until tender, 
 leaving the saucepan uncovered. Take them up as soon as they are 
 done, drain them thoroughly and serve. Time to boil : young sum- 
 mer cabbages, from ten to fifteen minutes; large cabbages, half an 
 
 hour or more. 
 
 Baked Cabbage, 
 
 Cook as for boiled cabbage, after which drain and set aside until 
 
 cold. Chop fine, add two beaten eggs, a tablespoonful of butter, 
 
 pepper, salt, three tablespoonfuls rich cream; stir well and bake in 
 
 a buttered dish until brown. Eat hot. 
 
 Hot Slaw. 
 One small, firm head of cabbage, shred fine, one cup of vinegar, 
 one tablespoonful of butter, one tablespoonful of sugar, two table- 
 spoonfuls of sour cream, one-half teaspoonful of made mustard, one 
 saltspoonf ul of pepper, and the same of salt. Put the vinegar and 
 all the other ingredients for the dressing, except the cream, in a 
 saucepan and heat to a boil; pour scalding hot over the cabbage; 
 return to the saucepan, and stir and toss until all is smoking again; 
 take from the fire, stir in the cream, turn into a covered dish and 
 set in hot water ten minutes before you send to the table. 
 
 Cauliflower. 
 Tliis favorite vegetable should be cut early, while the dew is still 
 iipon it; choose those that are close and white, and of medium size. 
 Whiteness is a sign of quality and freshness. Great care should be 
 taken that there are no caterpillars about the stalk, and to insure 
 this, lay the vegetable with its head downward in cold salt and 
 water for an hour before boiling it; or, better still, in cold vinegar 
 and water. Trim away the outer leaves, and cut the stalks quite 
 close. Cauliflowers are in season from the middle of June till the 
 middle of November. 
 
VEGETABLES. * 221 
 
 Cauliflower a la Fbancaish. 
 After preparing as above, exit the cauliflower into quarters and 
 put into a stewpan and boil until tender; drain and arrange it 
 neatly on a dish. Pour over it melted butter. 
 
 Cauliflower with Stuffing. 
 
 Take a saucepan the exact size of the dish intended to be used. 
 Cleanse a large, iirm, white cauliflower and cut it into sprigs; throw 
 those into boiling salt water for tAVO minutes; then take them out, 
 drain, and pack them tightly with the heads downwards, in the 
 saucepan, the bottom of which must have been previously covered 
 with thin slices of bacon; fill up the vacant spaces with a stufting 
 made of three tablespoonfuls of finely minced veal, the same of 
 beef suet, four tablespoonfuls of bread crumbs, a little pepper and 
 salt, a teaspoonful of chopped parsley, a teaspoonful of minced 
 chives, and a dozen small mushrooms, chopped fine. Strew these 
 ingredients over the cauliflowers in alternate layers, and pour over 
 them three well-beaten eggs. When these are well soaked, add 
 suflScient nicely-flavored stock to cover the whole; simmer gently 
 till the cauliflowers are tender, and the sauce very much reduced;, 
 then turn the contents of the saucepan upside down on a hot dish,, 
 and the cauliflowers will be found standing in a savory mixture. 
 Cauliflower with Sauce. 
 
 Boil a large cauliflower — tied in netting — in hot salted water, 
 from twenty-five to thirty minutes; drain, serve in a deep dish 
 with the flower upwards and pour over it a cup of drawn butter in 
 which has been stirred the juice of a lemon and a half teaspoonful 
 of French mustard, mixed up well with the sauce. 
 Corn, for "Wn!rrER Use. 
 
 Cut the corn from the cob (raw) before it gets too hard; to each 
 gallon of cut corn add two scant cups of salt, pack tightly in a jar 
 (don't be afraid of getting the jar too large), cover with a white 
 cloth, put a heavy weight to keep tho corn under the brine which 
 
222 # VEGETABLES. 
 
 soon forms; now the most important part is to wash the cloth every 
 morning for two weeks, or the corn will taste queerly. If the corn 
 is too salty, freshen before cooking. This is as good as canned 
 corn, and is much easier put up. Put tomatoes in jugs and seal 
 with good corks and sealing wax; get a large funnel, and you can 
 put up as fast and as much as you please. 
 
 Baked Corn. 
 Grate one dozen eai-s sweet corn; one cup milk, small piece but- 
 ter; salt, and bake in pudding dish one hour. 
 
 Green Corn on the Cob. 
 Take off the outside leaves and the silk, letting the innermost 
 leaves remain on until after the corn is boiled, which renders the 
 corn much sweeter. Boil for half an hour in plenty of water, drain, 
 and, after removing the leaves, serve. 
 
 Corn Oysters. 
 Eight ears of sweet corn, grated; two cups of milk, three eggs, 
 salt and pepper; flour enough to make a batter. Put a tablespoon- 
 ful of butter into a frying pan and drop the mixture into the hot 
 butter — a spoonful in a place; brown on both sides. Serve hot for 
 "breakfast or as a side dish for dinner. 
 
 Stewed Corn. 
 Stew one quart of canned corn in its own liquor, setting the 
 vessel containing it in an outer one of hot water; should the corn 
 be dry, add a little cold water; when tender, pour in enough milk 
 to cover the corn, bring to a boil, and put in a tablespoonful of 
 butter rolled in flour, and salt to taste. Stew gently, stirring well, 
 three or four minutes and turn into a deep dish. Keep the vessel 
 ■containing the corn closely covered while it is cooking; the steam 
 facilitates the process and preserves the color of the corn. 
 
 Stewed Cucumbers. 
 Cut the cucumbers fully half an inch thick right through; put 
 
VEGETABLES. 223 
 
 them in a saucepan, just covering them with hot water, and let them 
 
 boil slowly for a quarter of an hour, or until tender, but not so as 
 
 to break them; then drain them; you want now a pint of good cream, 
 
 and put your cream, with a teaspoonful of butter, in a saucepan, 
 
 and when it is warm put in the cucumbers; season with a little salt 
 
 and white pepper, cook five minutes, shaking the saucepan all the 
 
 time, and serve hot. It is just as delicate as asparagus, and a very 
 
 nice dish indeed. 
 
 Celery, 
 
 This vegetable imparts an agreeable and peculiar flavor to soups, 
 sauces, etc. It is generally eaten raw, the brittle stalks with salt; 
 but there are many ways in which it may be nicely prepared, and 
 when cooked it is more digestible and equally palatable. When 
 the roots are not to be had, the pounded seed is an excellent sub- 
 stitute for flavoring. It is in season from October to February, and 
 is better when it has been touched by the frost. 
 
 Fried Celery, 
 Cold boiled celery will answer for this purpose. Split the heads 
 and dip them into clarified butter, or dip them into a batter, and 
 fry a light brown. Garnish the dish prettily with parsley. 
 
 Carrots. • 
 This vegetable should be served with boiled beef. When the 
 carrots are young they should be washed and rubbed, not scraped, 
 before cooking, then rubbed with a clean, coarse cloth after boiling. 
 Young carrots need to be cooked about half an hour, and full grown 
 ones from one hour and a half to two hours. They are excellent 
 for flavoring, and contain a great amount of nourishment. 
 
 Carrots Boiled. 
 Wash and prepare the carrots. Throw them into plenty of 
 I)oiling water with salt. Keep them boiling till tender, and serve 
 with melted butter; or they may be boiled with beef and a few 
 placed rormd the dish to garnish, and the rest sent to table in a 
 tureen. 
 
224 VEGETABLES. 
 
 Dandelions. * 
 
 Cut off the leaves, pick over carefully, wash thoroughly, put int* 
 boiling water and boil a half hour; drain well and put into salted, 
 boiling water and boil till tender. When done drain in a colander^ 
 season with butter, salt and pepper; or they may be boiled with 
 salt pork or corned beef, omitting the butter. They are good from, 
 early spring until they blossom. 
 
 Endive Stewed. 
 
 Strip off the outer green leaves from the heads of endive. Wash 
 thoroughly, soak in salted water to dislodge the insects; then draia 
 and boil for twenty-five minutes in water salted slightly. Have 
 ready a stewpan with an ounce of butter, drain the endive and put 
 it into the pan, and add a saltspoonful of salt, pepper, and a gill of 
 cream. Serve hot. 
 
 Egg Plant. 
 
 Pare and cut in slices half an inch thick; sprinkle with salt; cover 
 and let stand for an hour. Rinse in clear cold water; wipe each 
 slice dry; dip first in beaten Ggg, then in rolled cracker or bread 
 crumbs. Season with pepper and salt, and fry brown in butter. 
 
 Egg Plant, No. 2. 
 
 Boil until quite tender, then mash and add bread crumbs, pepper,, 
 salt, onions and butter or lard; put in a pan and bake until brown. 
 You can put in all these things to your own taste, then you can 
 boil and mash as before; season with salt and pepper, and add a 
 little flour or meal as you like best. Make into little cakes and fry. 
 These are nice. They should be picked when full grown, but 
 before they are ripe. 
 
 Fricasseed Egg Plant. 
 
 Having peeled and sliced the egg plants, boil them in water witli 
 a saltspoonful of salt, until they are thoroughly cooked. Drain off 
 the water, pour in sufficient milk to cover the slices, and add a few 
 
VEGETABLES. 225 
 
 bits of butter rolled in flour; let it simmer gently, shaking the pan 
 over the fire till the sauce is thick, and stir in the beaten yolks of 
 two or three eggs just before it is served. 
 
 Stuffed Egg Plants. 
 Halve and parboil. When soft enough to stick with a fork 
 remove from the water and let cool. Then cut out the inside, being 
 careful not to break the skin. Next take bread that has been 
 previously soaked in water. Squeeze as dry as possible and mix 
 with the pulp of the vegetable. Add to thdt a good sized tomato, 
 the juice of an onion, a little parsley and two or three eggs, season 
 with pepper and salt, and the filling is ready for use. Before 
 putting into the stove sprinkle with toasted bread crumbs. An- 
 other and quicker way to make the stuffing is to mix the pulp with 
 the juice of an onion, a tomato and a couple of eggs. Thicken with 
 boiled rice and season to taste. 
 
 Garlic. 
 Garlic requires to be used most judiciously, or it will spoil what- 
 ever is cooked with it. If used carefully, however, it will impart a 
 most delicious flavor to salads and sauces; but it is so strong that, 
 for many dishes, all that is necessary is to rub the dish which is to 
 be sent to table sharply round with a slice of it; or, better still, to 
 rub it on a crust of bread, and put the bread into the soup, etc., for 
 a few minutes. A very general prejudice exists against garlic, 
 probably on account of its being used in the same way as an onion. 
 If it is desired to diminish the strength of the flavor, this may be 
 done by boiling the garlic in two or three waters. 
 
 Greens, Stewed. 
 Take a bunch of fresh greens, wash in several waters; drain them 
 well and throw them into plenty of fast boiling water, salted and 
 skimmed, and boil them for ten minutes. Take them up, press the 
 water from them, and throw them into cold water for half an hour; 
 drain them, cover with stock, and add a bunch of herbs, an onion, 
 
 15 
 
226 VEGETABLES. 
 
 one clove, a slice of fat bacon, and a little pepper and salt. Stew 
 very gently until tender. Serve with mutton, lamb, or veal. 
 
 Horse-radish as Garnish. 
 Wash and scrub the horse-radish thoroughly; let it lie for an hour 
 in cold water; then scrape it very finely with a sharp knife; arrange 
 it in little bunches around the dish, or, if there is gravy with the 
 meat, put it in a small glass dish near the carver. 
 
 Lettuce. 
 There are two sorts of lettuces, the cabbage and the cos. They 
 are chiefly used for salad, but may be also boiled or stewed, and 
 served as a vegetable. They may be had all the year, but are in 
 full season from April to September. 
 
 Lettuce, Stuefed. 
 
 Wash four or five large heads of lettuce; boil them in plenty of 
 T^alt and water for fifteen minutes; throw them at once into cold 
 water, and afterwards let them drain. Open them, fill them with 
 good veal forcemeat, tie the ends securely, and put them into a 
 stewpan with as much good gravy as will cover them, a teaspoonf ul 
 of salt, half a teaspoonf ul of pepper, and a teaspoonf ul of vinegar. 
 Simmer gently for another fifteen minutes, remove the strings, 
 place them on a hot dish, and pour the gravy around them. 
 
 Macaroni. 
 Three long sticks of macaroni, broken in small pieces; soak in a 
 pint of milk two hours ; grate bread and dried cheese. Put a layer 
 of macaroni in a pudding dish; add pepper, salt and butter; then 
 sprinkle the bread and cheese crumbs over it, and so continue until 
 the dish is filled. Bake until brown. 
 
 Macaroni as a Vegetable. 
 Simmer one-half pound of macaroni in plenty of water till tender, 
 l)ut not broken; strain off the water. Take the yolks of five and 
 the whites of two eggs, one-half pint of cream, white meat and ham 
 
VEGETABLES. 227 
 
 chopped very fine, three spoonfuls of grated cheese; season with 
 salt and pepper; heat all together, stirring constantly. Mix with 
 the macaroni; put into a buttered mold and steam one hour. 
 Macaroni with Oysters. 
 Boil macaroni in saltwater, after which draw through a colander; 
 take a deep earthen dish or tin; put in alternate layers of macaroni 
 and oysters; sprinkle the layers of macaroni with grated* cheese; 
 
 take until brown. 
 
 Macaroni with Tomatoes. 
 
 Boil one-half pound of macaroni till tender, pour off all the 
 water, then add one-half cup sweet cream, one-third of a cup of 
 butter, pepper and salt; let simmer for a short time, but be careful 
 that it does not become much broken; turn into vegetable dish; 
 have ready one pint stewed tomatoes, season with butter, salt and 
 pepper, pour over the macaroni. 
 
 Stewed Macaroni. 
 Boil two ounces of macaroni in water, and di-ain well; put into a 
 saucepan one ounce of butter, mix with one tablespoonful of flour, 
 moisten with four tablespoonfuls of veal or beef stock, one gill of 
 cream, salt and white pepper to taste; put in the macaroni, let it 
 boil up, and serve while hot. 
 
 Boiled Onions. 
 
 Skin them thoroughly. Put them to boil; when they have boiled 
 a few minutes, pour off the water and add clean cold water, and set 
 them to boil again. Pour this away, and add more cold water, 
 when they may boil till done. This will make them white and 
 clear, and very mild in flavor. After they are done, pour off all the 
 water, and dress with a little cream; salt and pepper to taste. 
 
 Boil in two waters, drain, and if they are large, cut into quarters 
 and pour over them a cup of scalding milk in which a pinch of soda 
 has been stirred ; set over the fire, add a tablespoonful of butter, 
 half teaspoonful corn starch wet with milk, a little minced parsley, 
 with pepper and salt. Simmer and pour out. 
 
228 VEGETABLES. 
 
 Boiled Okra. 
 Put the young and tender pods of long, white okra into salted 
 boiling water in a porcelain or tin-lined saucepan (as iron discolors 
 it), boil fifteen minutes, take off stems, and serve with butter, 
 pepper, salt and vinegar if preferred; or, after boiling, slice in 
 rings, season with butter, dip in batter and fry; season and serve; 
 or stew an equal quantity of tomatoes and tender sliced okra, and 
 one or two sliced green peppers; stew in porcelain kettle fifteen 
 or twenty minutes, season with butter, pepper and salt and serve. 
 
 Okion Ormoloo. 
 Peel ten or twelve large white onions, steep them an hour in cold 
 water, then boil them soft. Mash them with an equal quantity of 
 boiled white potatoes, adding half a pint of milk and two or three 
 well-beaten eggs. Stir the mixture very hard, season it with, 
 nutmeg, pepper and salt, and bake it in a quick oven; when half 
 done pour a little melted butter or gravy over the top. 
 
 Scalloped Onions. 
 
 Boil till tender six large onions; afterward separate them with a. 
 large spoon; then place a layer of onion and a layer of grated bread 
 crumbs alternately in a pudding dish; season with pepper and salt 
 to taste; moisten with milk; put into the oven to brown. 
 
 Wash but do not peel the onions; boil one hour in boiling water 
 slightly salt, changing the water twice in the time; when tender,^ 
 drain on a cloth, and roll each in buttered tissue paper, twisted at 
 the top, and bake an hour in a slow oven. Peel and brown them;, 
 ^erve with melted butter. 
 
 Vegetable Oyster. 
 One bunch of oysters; boil and mash. One pint sour milk, half 
 a teaspoonful soda; flour to make a batter; add two eggs, beaten, 
 and the oysters. Fry in hot lard — drop in spoonfuls. 
 
VEGETABLES. 229> 
 
 Mock Stewed Oysters. 
 One bunch oyster plant, eight teaspoonfuls butter, a little flour 
 or corn starch, vinegar and water for boiling, pepper and salt, one- 
 half c«p milk. Wash and scrajje the oyster plant very carefully; drop 
 into weak vinegar and water, bring quickly to a boil, and cook ten 
 minutes; turn off the vinegar water; rinse the salsify in boiling 
 water; throw this out and cover with more from the tea-kettle; stew 
 gently ten minutes longer; add pepper and salt and two tablespoon- 
 fuls of butter; stew in this until tender. Meanwhile heat in a. 
 farina kettle the milk, thicken, add the remaining butter, and keep 
 dry until the salsify is done, then transfer it to this sauce; pepper 
 and salt; let all lie together in the inner kettle, the water in the 
 outer at a slow boil, for five minutes; pour into a covered dish. 
 
 Parsley. 
 The foliage of parsley is of use in flavoring soups, etc.; it is 
 nutritious and stimulating. 
 
 Ckisp Parsley. 
 
 This is used for garnishing dishes. Pick and wash young parsley, 
 shake it in a cloth to dry it thoroughly, and spread it on a sheet of 
 clean paper and put in the oven. Turn the bunches frequently 
 until they are quite crisp. Parsley is much more easily crisped 
 than fried. 
 
 Parsley, Fried. 
 
 Wash and dry the parsley thoroughly; put it into hot fat and let 
 
 it remain until it is crisp; take it out immediately and drain it in a 
 
 colander. If the parsley is allowed to remain in the fat one moment 
 
 after it is crisp it will be sjioiled. Parsley is best fried in a frying 
 
 basket. 
 
 Parsnips. 
 
 Parsnips may be dressed in the same way as carrots, which they 
 very much resemble. When boiled, they are generally served witli 
 l)oiled meat, or boiled salt fish; when fried, with roast mutton. If 
 
230 VEGETABLES. 
 
 young, thoy require only to be washed and scraped before they are 
 
 boiled. If old and large, the skin must be pared off, and the roots 
 
 cut into quarters. Carrots and parsnips are often sent to the 'table 
 
 together. It should be remembered that parsnips are more quickly 
 
 boiled than carrots. 
 
 Fried Parsnips. 
 
 Boil until tender in hot water slightly salted; let them get almost 
 cold, scrape off the skin, and cut in thick, long slices; dredge with 
 flour and fry in hot dripping, turning as they brown; drain very dry 
 in a hot colander; pepper and salt to serve. 
 
 Parsnip Stew. 
 Three slices of salt pork, boil one hour and a half; scrape five 
 large parsnips, cut in quartei-s lengthwise, add to the pork and let 
 boil one-half hour, then add a few potatoes, and let all boil together 
 until the potatoes are soft; the fluid in the kettle should be about 
 a cupful when ready to take off. 
 
 Canned Pease. 
 Open a can of pease an hour before cooking them, that there may 
 be no musty, airless taste about them, and turn into a bowl. When 
 ready for them, put on a farina-kettle — or one saucepan within 
 another — of hot water. If dry, add cold water to cover them, and 
 stew about twenty-five minutes; drain, stir in a generous lump of 
 butter; pepper and salt. 
 
 French Way of Cooking Pease. 
 Put your pease in a nice dish, where they will not turn black in 
 cooking. Cut up fine one small head of lettuce; put in a few sprigs 
 of parsley, tied up; salt and pepper; enough of water to cover the 
 pease. Cook gently until tender, one and three-quarters of an hour, 
 then drain off most of the water; dissolve one full teaspoonful of 
 flour in water and stir in; add one-half tablespoonful of butter, 
 one-half cup of sweet milk and one lump of sugar; cook about ten 
 minutes; just before serving stir in one yolk of an egg, previously 
 beaten with a little water. 
 
VEGETABLES. 231 
 
 No, 2. — Put some thin slices of bacon in a skillet and brown a. 
 little on both sides; then put in your pease, with one large onion cut 
 in four, one head of lettuce, and a few sprigs of parsley, tied up,, 
 water enough to cover them; salt and pepper (not much salt, as the 
 bacon salts them); cook one hour. Ten minutes before serving 
 sprinkle a little flour to thicken the gravy. Remove the bunch of 
 lettuce and parsley. 
 
 Green Pease. 
 
 Boil a quart of young, freshly-gathered pease in slightly salted 
 water until they are tender; then drain them in a colander. Melt 
 two ounces of fresh butter over the fire, mix smoothly with a dessert- 
 spoonful of flour, and add very gradually a cup of thick cream, 
 or, failing this, use new milk. When the sauce boils, put in the 
 pease, stir them until they are quite hot, and serve immediately. 
 
 Potato Balls. 
 Bake the potatoes, mash them very nicely, make them into balls,, 
 rub them over with the yolk of an egg, and put them in the oven 
 or before the fire to brown. These balls may be varied by the^ 
 introduction of a third portion of grated ham or tongue. 
 
 Browned Potatoes. 
 While the meat is roasting, and an hour before it is served, boil 
 the potatoes and take off their skins; flour them well, and put them 
 under the meat, taking care to dry them from the drippings before 
 they are sent to the table. Kidney potatoes are best dressed in 
 this way. The flouring is very essential. They should always be 
 boiled a little before being put into stews, as the first water in 
 which they are cooked is thought to be of a poisonous quality. 
 Potatoes when boiled, if old, should be peeled and put whole upon 
 the gridiron until nicely browned. 
 
 English Potato Balls. 
 Boil some potatoes very dry; mash them as smoothly as possible; 
 season well with salt and pepper; warm them, with an ounce of 
 
232 VEGETABLES. 
 
 butter to every pound of potatoes, and a few spoonfuls of good 
 
 cream; let them cool a little, roll them into balls; sprinkle over 
 
 them some crushed vermicelli or macaroni, and fry them a light 
 
 brown. 
 
 Southern Baked Potatoes. 
 
 Parboil, or take the cold ones left over from dinner; place in a 
 
 deep pie pan; between each layer sprinkle sugar; over the top drop 
 
 small drops of butter and more sugar, about one small cup of sugar 
 
 and one spoonful of butter to a plate of potatoes. Then pour over 
 
 all one-half cup of butter and set in oven to bake. The common 
 
 pumjjkin is delicious jDrepared in the same way, using, instead of 
 
 sugar, syrup or molasses. The pumpkin must be thoroughly 
 
 steamed before baking, and requires two hours' baking. Some 
 
 cooks add spice. 
 
 Cream Potatoes. 
 
 Pare and cut the potatoes into small squares or rounds, cook 
 
 twenty minutes in boiling water and a little salt. Turn this off, 
 
 add a cup of milk, and when this bubbles up a tablespoonful of 
 
 butter, with a teaspoonful of water, wet up with cold milk; also a 
 
 little chopped parsley; simmer five minutes and pour out. 
 
 Potato Croquettes. 
 Take six boiled potatoes, pass them through a sieve ; add to them 
 three tablespoonf uls of ham grated or minced finely, a little grated 
 nutmeg, pepper and salt to taste, and some chopped parsley; work 
 into this mixture the yolks of three or four eggs, then fashion it 
 into the shape of balls, roll them in bread crumbs, and fry in hot 
 lard, and serve with fried parsley. 
 
 Potato Cake. 
 Take potatoes, mashed ones are best, but boiled ones can be 
 mashed, immediately after dinner, before getting too cold; add 
 about an equal amount of flour and a small piece of butter or lard; 
 rub thoroughly together, roll out and cut as for biscuit — not too 
 thick — and bake in a rather quick oven. When done to a light 
 l>rown, cut open, butter and eat warm. 
 
VEGETABLES. 233 
 
 Fried Potatoes. 
 Take cold boiled potatoes, grate them, make them into flat cakes, 
 and fry them in butter. You may vary these cakes by dipping 
 them in the beaten yolk of an egg and rolling them in bread crumbs, 
 frying them in boiling lard. 
 
 Fried Potatoes, No. 2. 
 
 Raw potatoes, peel, cut in rings the thickness of a shilling, or 
 cut in one continuous shaving; throw them into cold water until 
 you have sufficient; drain on a cloth; fry quickly in plenty of hot 
 fat, and with as little color as possible; dry them well from the 
 grease, and sprinkle with salt. When nicely done, and piled up 
 properly, they make a fine side dish, which is always eaten with 
 great relish. 
 
 Or cut a potato lengthwise the size and shape of the divisions of 
 an orange, trim them neatly and fry them; they are an excellent 
 garnish for meat. Cold potatoes may be cut in slices somewhat 
 less than an inch thick, and fried in like manner. They can also be 
 fried with onions, as an accompaniment to pork chops, sliced cod, 
 red herring, or with a rasher of bacon. 
 
 Another nice way is to boil them and let them become cold, then 
 cut them into rather thin slices. Put a lump of fresh butter into a 
 stewpan, add a little flour, about a teaspoonf ul for a moderate-sized 
 dish; when the flour has boiled a short time in the butter add a 
 cup of water and a little cream; boil all together; then put in the 
 potatoes covered with chopped parsley, pepper and salt; stew them 
 for a few minutes, and then take them from the fire and send to the 
 table. 
 
 Mashed Potatoes. 
 
 Steam or boil potatoes until soft, in salted water; pour off the 
 "water and let them drain perfectly dry; sprinkle with salt and 
 mash ; have ready some hot milk or cream in which has been melted 
 a piece of butter; pour this on to the potatoes, and stir until white 
 and very light. 
 
234 VEGETABLES. 
 
 Potato Surprise. 
 Scoop out the inside of a sound potato, leaving the skin attached 
 at one side of the hole, as a lid. Mince finely the lean of a juicy- 
 mutton chop with a little salt and pepper; put it in the potato, 
 fasten down the lid, and bake or roast. Before serving (in its skin) 
 add a little hot gravy if the mince seems too dry. 
 
 Potato Puff. 
 Take two cups of cold mashed potato, and stir into it two table- 
 spoonfuls of melted butter, beating to a white cream before adding 
 anything else. Then put with this two eggs whipped very light 
 and a cup of cream or milk, salting to taste. Beat all well, pour 
 into a deep dish, and bake in a quick oven until it is nicely browned. 
 
 Potato Pie. 
 Butter a shallow pie dish rather thickly. Line the edges with a 
 good crust, and then fill the pie 
 with mashed potatoes, seasoned 
 with pepper, salt, and grated nut- 
 meg. Lay over them some marrow, 
 together with' small lumps of but- 
 ter, hard-boiled eggs, blanched almonds, sliced dates, sliced lemon and 
 candied peel. Cover the dish with pastry, and bake the pie in a 
 well-heated oven for half an hour or more, according to the size of 
 the pie. 
 
 Puree of Potatoes. 
 
 Mash them and mix while quite hot with some fine white grayy 
 drawn from veal, together with butter and cream. The puree 
 should be rather thin and seasoned with salt and pepper. 
 
 Potato Loaves. 
 
 These are very nice when eaten with roast beef, and are made of 
 
 mashed potatoes prepared without milk, by mixing them with a 
 
 quantity of very finely-minced raw onions, pow(iered with pepper 
 
 and salt; then beating up the whole with a little butter to bind it. 
 
VEGETABLES. 235 
 
 and dividing it into small loaves of a conical form, and placing 
 them under the meat to brown ; that is, when it is so nearly done as 
 to impart some of the gravy along with the fat. 
 
 Saratoga Potatoes. 
 
 Pare and cut into very thin slices four large potatoes (new pota- 
 toes are best) ; let stand for a few minutes in cold salt water, then 
 take a handful of the potatoes, squeeze the water from them, dry 
 in a napkin, and separating the slices, drop into a skillet of boiling 
 lard, taking care that they do not stick together; stir till they are 
 of a light brown color, take out with a wire spoon, drain well and 
 serve immediately. 
 
 Lyonnaise Potatoes. 
 
 Boil the potatoes with their jackets on and allow them to cool in 
 order to have them solid. Peel and cut into slices about a quai'ter 
 of an inch thick; slice an ordinary sized onion for half a dozen 
 potatoes. As soon as a tablespoonf ul of butter has melted in the 
 pan, and the onion begun to color, put in the slices of potatoes. 
 Stir them a little; season with salt and pepper; fry the potatoes 
 until they are a golden brown, and then chop up a tablespoonful of 
 parsley and sprinkle it over them just before taking them out. 
 
 Old Potatoes. 
 These can be made to look like young ones in this way: Wash 
 some large ones and cut them into as many small slices as will fill a 
 dish; boil them in two or three waters about three minutes each 
 time, the water being put to them cold; then let them steam until 
 tender; pour a white sauce over them. Potatoes prepared in this, 
 way have been mistaken for young ones. 
 
 Tossed Potatoes. 
 Boil some potatoes in their skins; peel them and cut into small 
 pieces; toss them over the fire in a mixture of cream, butter rolled 
 in flour, pepper and salt, till they are hot and well covered with the' 
 sauce. 
 
236 VEGETABLES. 
 
 Sweet Potatoes. 
 
 Sweet potatoes require more time to cook than common potatoes. 
 
 To Boil. — Take large, fine potatoes, wash clean, boil with the 
 skins on in plenty of water, but without salt. They will take at 
 least one hour. Drain off the water and set them for a few minutes 
 in a tin pan before the fire, or in the stove, that they may be well 
 dried. ■ Peel them before sending them to the table. 
 
 To Fry. — Choose large potatoes, half boil them, and then, hav- 
 ing taken off the skins, cut the potatoes into slices and fry in butter 
 or in nice drippings. 
 
 To Bake. — Bake as the common potato, except give them a 
 longer time. 
 
 Baked Sweet Potatoes. 
 
 Select those which are nearly of a size, not too large; steam them 
 
 until nearly done, and then bake them until they are soft at the 
 
 heart. 
 
 A Farmer's Dainty Dish. 
 
 Peel and slice thin potatoes and onions (five potatoes to one small 
 onion) ; take half a pound of sweet salt pork (in thin slices) to a 
 pound of beef, mutton or veal; cut the meat in small pieces; take 
 some nice bread dough and shorten a little; line the bottom of the 
 stewpan with slices of pork, then a layer of meat, potatoes and 
 onions, dust over a little pepper and cover with a layer of crust; 
 repeat this until the stewpot is full. The size of the pot will 
 depend on the number in the family. Pour in sufiicient water to 
 oover, and finish with crust. Let it simmer until meat, vegetables, 
 etc., are done, but do not let it boil hard. Serve hot. This we are 
 assured by one who knows is a dish fit to set before a king. 
 
 Rice as a Vegetable. 
 
 It should first be picked over, washed, and dried. Then put in 
 
 Trolling water, and salt and boil twelve minutes. There should be 
 
 plenty of water. At the end of ten or twelve minutes, pour oft" the 
 
 water, cover up the rice, and set on the back of the stove on a 
 
VEGETABLES. 237 
 
 brick; let it steam there for fifteen minutes; if it has been in a. 
 sufficiently hot place to steam it will now be done, and every grain 
 will be distinct; pour off the water, and, for every cup of rice, add 
 half a cup of milk and stir. The milk is better warmed before add- 
 ing it to the rice. 
 
 Succotash. 
 
 Ten ears green corn, one pint Lima beans; cut the corn from the 
 cob, and stew gently with the beans until tender. Use as little 
 water as possible. Season with butter, salt and pepper — milk, if 
 you choose. 
 
 Spinach. 
 
 When cooking spinach, substitute a little piece of bacon for the 
 salt poi'k usually cooked with it to season it. The nicest way to 
 serve it is to put a bit of the bacon in each dish. Hard-boiled 
 eggs, sliced when cold, are also liked with the greens. 
 
 Ckeam of Spinach, 
 
 Take the leaves of spinach — no stalks — wash thoroughly; put 
 them into enough salt boiling water to cover them. When boiled 
 tender, take them out and put them into cold water to fix the fresh 
 green color. Let them remain until cold and then rub them, 
 through a colander with a potato-masher. The spinach is then 
 ready for table use. 
 
 Winter Squash. 
 
 Pare, cut up and cook soft in boiling water and a little salt. 
 Drain, mash smooth, pressing out all the water; work in butter, 
 pepper and salt, and mound in a deep dish. 
 
 Stuffed Squash. 
 Pare a small squash and cut off a slice from the top; extract the 
 seeds and lay one hour in salt water; then fill with a good stuffing 
 of crumbs, chopped salt pork, parsley, etc., wet with gravy; put on 
 the top slice; set the squash in a pudding dish; put a few spoonfuls 
 of melted butter and twice as much hot water in the bottom; cover 
 
238 VEGETABLES. 
 
 tlie dish very closely and set in the oven two hours or until tender; 
 lay within a deep dish and pour the gravy over it. 
 
 Turnips. 
 Pare and cut into pieces; put them into boiling water well salted, 
 and boil until tender; drain thoroughly, and then mash and add a 
 piece of butter, pepper and salt to taste, and a small teaspoonful of 
 sugar. Stir until they are thoroughly mixed, and serve hot. 
 
 Mashed Turnips. 
 Pare, quarter and cook tenderly in boiling water; a little salt. 
 Mash and press in a heated colander; work in butter, pepper and 
 salt; heap smoothly in a deep dish and put pepper on top. 
 
 Tomatoes a la Cream. 
 
 Pare and slice ripe tomatoes — one quart of fresh ones or a pound 
 can; stew until perfectly smooth, season with salt and pepper, and 
 add a piece of butter the size of an egg; just before taking from 
 the fire, stir in one cup of cream, with a tablespoonful of flour 
 stirred smooth in a part of it; do not let it boil after the flour is 
 put in. Have ready in a dish pieces of toast; pour the tomatoes 
 over this and serve. 
 
 Browned Tomatoes. 
 
 Take large round tomatoes and halve them, place them, the skin 
 side down, in a frying-pan in which a very small quantity of butter 
 and lard have been previously melted, sprinkle them with salt and 
 pepper, and dredge well with flour. Place the pan on a hot part 
 of the fire, and let them brown thoroughly; then stir, and let them 
 brown again, and so on until they are quite done. They lose their 
 acidity, and their flavor is superior to stewed tomatoes. 
 
 Baked Tomatoes. 
 One can of tomatoes, stale bread crumbed fine, one tablespoonful 
 of butter, pepper, salt, a little chopped parsley, and white sugar. 
 Drain off two-thirds of the liquor from the tomatoes (the rest can 
 
VEGETABLES. 239 
 
 he saved for to-morrow's soup). Cover the bottom of a bake-dish 
 with crumbs; Lay the tomatoes evenly upon this bed; season with 
 pepper, salt, sugar, and parsley, with bits of butter here and there. 
 Strew bread crumbs over all, a thicker layer than at the bottom; put 
 tiny pieces of butter upon this and bake, covered, about thirty-live 
 minutes. Take off the cover and brown upon the upper shelf of the 
 oven. Do not let it stay there long enough to get dry. 
 
 Baked Tomatoes, No, 2. 
 Cut in slices good fresh tomatoes (not too ripe) ; put a layer of 
 them in a dish suitable for baking; then a layer of bread crumbs 
 over them, salt, pepper, and plenty of butter, another layer of 
 tomatoes, and so on until the dish is full. Bake one hour. 
 
 Broiled Tomatoes. 
 Cut large tomatoes in two, crosswise ; put on gridiron, cut surface 
 •down; when well seared, turn, and put butter, salt and pepper on, 
 and cook with skin-side down until done. 
 
 Fried Tomatoes. 
 
 Cut the tomatoes in slices without skinning; pepper and salt 
 
 them; then sprinkle a little flour over them and fry in butter until 
 
 brown. Put them on a hot platter and pour milk or cream into 
 
 the butter and juice. When boiling hot, pour over the tomatoes 
 
 Scalloped Tomatoes. 
 Butter an earthen dish, then put in a layer of fresh tomatoes, 
 sliced and peeled, and a few rinds of onion (one large onion for the 
 whole dish), then cover with a layer of bread crumbs, with a little 
 butter, salt and pepper. Repeat this process until the dish is full. 
 Bake for an hour in a pretty hot oven. 
 
 Stuffed Tomatoes. 
 Choose a dozen large, round tomatoes; cut them off smooth at 
 the stem end; take out the seeds and pulp; take a pound of lean 
 steak and two slices of bacon; chop them fine, with the inside of 
 
240 VEGETABLES. 
 
 the tomatoes; season with a finely-chopped onion, fried, a dessert- 
 spoonful of salt, half a teaspoonful of white peppei", as much 
 Cayenne pepper as you can take on tlie end of a knife and a table- 
 spoonful of finely-chopped parsley; add four rolled crackers, and if 
 too stiff, thin with stock, water or cold gravy; fill the tomatoes with 
 this forcemeat, packing tight; sift cracker crumbs over the top^ 
 and bake for an hour in a moderate oven. 
 
 French Batter for Frying Vegetables. 
 Moisten a little flour with water, and add to it a small quantity 
 of salt, a tablespoonful of olive oil, and a spoonful and a half of 
 Fi-ench brandy. Beat up the mixture thoroughly, and, when you 
 are ready to use it, beat into it the white of an egg previously 
 beaten to a strong froth. This batter may be used for frying 
 sweet entre')nets, in which case sugar must be used instead of salt. 
 
 Rules for Cooking Them. 
 Green vegetables should be thoroughly washed in cold water and 
 then dropped into water that has been salted and is beginning to 
 boil. There should be a tablespoonful of salt to each two quarts of 
 water. If the water boils long before the vegetables are put in, it 
 has lost all its gases, and the mineral ingredients are deposited on 
 the bottom and sides of the kettle, so that the water is flat and 
 tasteless, then the vegetables will not look well or have a fine flavor. 
 The time for boiling green vegetables depends much upon the age 
 and time they have been gathered. The younger and more freshly 
 gathered the more quickly they are cooked. Below is a very good 
 time-table for cooking vegetables; 
 
 Potatoes boiled, thirty minutes. 
 
 Potatoes baked, forty-five minutes. 
 
 Sweet potatoes boiled, fifty minutes. 
 
 Sweet potatoes baked, sixty minutes. 
 
 Squash boiled, twenty-five minutes. 
 
 Green pease boiled, twenty to forty minutes. 
 
 Shelled beans boiled, sixty minutes. 
 
VEGETABLES. 241 
 
 String beans boiled, one to two hours. 
 
 Green corn, thirty to sixty minutes. 
 
 Asparagus, fifteen to thirty minutes. 
 
 Spinach, one to two hours. 
 
 Tomatoes, fresh, one hour. 
 
 Tomatoes, canned, thirty minutes. 
 
 Cabbage, forty-five minutes to two hours. 
 
 Cauliflower, one or two hours. 
 , Dandelions, two or three hours. 
 
 Beet greens, one hour. 
 
 Onions, one or two hours. 
 
 Beets, one to five hours. 
 
 Turnips, white, forty-five to sixty minutes. 
 
 Turnips, yellow, one and a half to two hours. 
 Parsnips, one or two hours. 
 Carrots, one or two hours. 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 FISH. 
 
 ^ji^ISH, when considered with reference to the nourishment which 
 ,f^(P) they contain, appear to rank between animals and vegetables. 
 ^^ When fish is consumed as the principal article of food, larger 
 quantities are required than when meat is used, owing to the smaller 
 amount of nourishment that it contains. From this cause, and, also, 
 because fish is so much more easily digested than meat, food is 
 required much sooner after a meal of fish than when animal food is 
 taken. Owing to its greater digestibility than meat, fish is better 
 adapted to invalids, more especially as it does no% produce feverish- 
 ness like meat diet. 
 
 The most digestible kinds of fish are those with white flesh, such 
 as the cod, turbot, sole, whiting, haddock and flounder, the flesh of 
 all these presenting a whitish appearance. Of the fish just men- 
 tioned, the whiting, haddock and flounder are easiest of digestion. 
 
 The flesh of fish when in good condition is always fleshy and 
 opaque; when it is of a bluish color, or appears slightly transparent 
 after being boiled, it proves either that the fish is out of season, or 
 of inferior quality. 
 
 Sometimes fish have been found to exert a poisonous action on 
 the system, producing headache, giddiness, and an eruption on the 
 skin resembling that produced by being stung with nettles. In 
 some cases, even death has been caused by this means. Although 
 it may be true in some cases, that the ill effects produced by fish 
 may be due to the bad condition of health in which the patient 
 Lappens to be at the time, yet in most cases it can only be attrib- 
 
 242 
 
FISH. 243 
 
 uted to some poisonous principle developed in the fish. This may 
 1)6 due to their being eaten in a season when the fish is out of health, 
 and, thereforej unfit for food, or it may be produced by the poison- 
 ous nature of the food on which the fishes lived. 
 
 Oysters, when fresh and in season, are very nutritious; when, 
 however, they have a bluish appearance, they are liable to produce 
 affections of the bowels. Salmon contains much nourishment, which 
 is due to the oily matter which its flesh contains ; and for this reason 
 this fish is less suited for invalids than the white kind. 
 
 Most kinds of fish lose their flavor soon after being taken from 
 the water. The cod and one or two others are exceptions to this 
 general rule. Fish are fresh when the eye's are clear, the fins stiff, 
 the gills red, and without bad odor. Fresh shad have gills of quite 
 a crimson red, bright scales and a firm body; and shad are unfit to 
 €at when the gills are a whitish blue and the eyes are sunken. In 
 a good salmon, when cut, the flesh should appear quite red, solid 
 and flaky. The Dutch and French bleed the cod, which accounts 
 for the better quality and whiteness of their codfish. All large 
 iish, in fact, should be bled as soon as caught. 
 
 Almost every kind of fish is either boiled, broiled or fried. Any 
 small fish of the size of a smelt, or smaller, is better fried than pre- 
 pared in any other way. Fish like salmon trout are best when 
 "baked and some fine sauce poured over them. A cup of diluted 
 cream, in which is stirred two tablespoonfuls of melted butter and 
 a, little chopped parsley, makes an excellent sauce for salmon trout. 
 
 Bass weighing from one-half pound to a pound are best fried; 
 those weighing from one to three pounds are best broiled, and 
 larger sizes are best when boiled. Very large bass are dry eating. 
 
 They should be thoroughly cleansed, washed, and sprinkled with 
 salt. 
 
 Before broiling fish, rub the gridiron with a piece of fat, to pre- 
 vent its sticking. Lay the skin side down first. 
 
 The earthy taste often found in fresh-water fish can be removed 
 l)y soaking in salt and water. 
 
24.4: . FISH 
 
 Most kinds of salt fish should be soaked in cold water for twenty^ 
 four liours — the fleshy side turned down in the water. 
 
 Baked Fish. 
 Stuff it with plain dressing; put in a pan with a little water; salt,, 
 pepper, and butter. Baste while baking. A fish weighing four 
 pounds will cook in an hour. Garnish with hard-boiled eggs and 
 parsley, and serve with drawn butter or egg sauce. 
 
 To Boil Fish. 
 
 Sew them in a cloth, and put in cold water, with plenty of salt. 
 Most fish will boil in thiity minutes. 
 
 Boiled Fish. 
 
 For four or five pounds of fish, nearly cover with water, and add 
 two heaping tablespoonfuls of salt. Boil thirty minutes and serve 
 with draAvn butter. 
 
 Baked Black Fish. 
 
 Rxib a handful of salt over the surface, to remove the slime pecu- 
 liar to the fish. For the stufiing, two oimces of beef drippings, two 
 tablespoonfuls of chopped parsjey, and one ounce of salt pork; put 
 in a saucepan and fry brown; then add a teaspoonful of chopped 
 capers, half a saltspoonful of white pepper, one-half teaspoonful of 
 salt, five ounces of bread, and one gill of broth; then stir until 
 scalding hot; place inside the fish; cut a quarter of a pound of 
 pork in thin slices and lay on either side of the fish, holding in 
 place by twine around it — a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper 
 completing it for the baking pan. Bake in a hot oven one-half 
 hoixr, and serve on slices of fried bread with a sauce made of stock 
 seasoned with one tablespoonf ul each of walnut and Worcestershire 
 sauce, one tablespoonful of chopped capers, and one tablespoonful 
 of parsley. 
 
 Beook Trout. 
 
 If small, fry them with salt pork; if large, boil, and serve with. 
 dra-wTi butter. 
 
FISH. 245 * 
 
 Flounders. 
 These may be boiled or stewed; but we hold that they never do 
 themselves so much credit as when making their appearance really 
 ^well fried. 
 
 Halibut. 
 
 Of all flat fish, a halibut is the largest, measuring sometimes 
 about seven feet in length, and weighing from thi*ee hundred to 
 four hundred pounds. In its proportions, the halibut is rather 
 longer than other flat fish. The flesh has not much flavor, but is 
 light and wholesome. To boil halibut plain, after scaling the skin 
 on both sides, salt it for six hours, and (unless the piece is very 
 large) plunge it in boiling water. The time of boiling, of course, 
 will depend on the size. Serve, accompanied by white sauce made 
 wdth milk instead of water, liberally dosed with butter and slightly 
 seasoned with salt and a small pinch of scraped horse-radish. 
 tShrimp or anchovy sauce goes well with it. Where there are the 
 means and skill of frying well, halibut, cut into steaks of the proper 
 thickness, and so prepared, is both sightly and palatable garnished 
 with fried parsley. Some well-buttered sauce is desirable, to 
 obviate its natural dr}Tiess. Slices from the middle of a halibut 
 may be divided and trussed into convenient sized cutlets, by cutting 
 them into equal halves directly through the vertebra. The same 
 plan may be adopted with slices- from the thick part of other large 
 fish (cod, over-sized pike, and salmon), which it is customary to 
 -dress as steaks. We have never heard or read of halibut being in 
 any way served whole. 
 
 Pekch, Eels and Small Pike 
 
 Are excellent fried. 
 
 Potted Eels. 
 
 After cleaning your eels and cutting off their heads, cut them 
 into pieces about two inches long. Put them into a bi-own earthen 
 pot, to which, if there is not an earthen cover, have a tin one. 
 Season them with salt, pepper, allspice, and a few sprigs of parsley 
 
246 FISH. 
 
 and thyme. Pour over the eels a little more vinegar and water 
 than will cover them; put on the lid and set the pot into a slow 
 oven. They should not be too much done. As soon as the flesh 
 will come away from the bones they are done enough. Herrings 
 may be potted in the same way. 
 
 Collared Eels. 
 These, though a little more trouble than potted eels, make a very- 
 good and handsome dish. For this, the larger the eels the better; 
 quite small eels can hardly be collared. Clean the eel, cut off the 
 head, open it on the under side the whole of its length, wash it, 
 take out the backbone, tearing the flesh as little as possible. Dry 
 it by pressing it with a coarse cloth. You will then have a flat 
 strip of eel flesh, broad at one end and narrow at the other. Season 
 the inner surface of eel by dusting it with salt, pepper, and allspice. 
 Then roll it tightly upon itself, as you would a ribbon, beginning 
 at the broad end, until you have rolled it into a lump something 
 like a short, thick sausage, blunt at both ends; tie it with broad 
 tape (not with string, which would cut into the flesh when cooked) 
 to keep it from imrolling, and then cook in an earthen pot with a 
 lid exactly as you do potted eels. 
 
 Sturgeon. 
 There are few people so poor that they will consent to eat stur- 
 geon, yet this fish, if properly cooked, affords, it is said, a luxurious 
 meal. Get a few slices, moderately thick, put them in a pot or pan 
 of water, and parboil them to get rid of the oil ; then roll in crumbs 
 of cracker and egg, just as you would a veal cutlet, and fry. This 
 makes a veal cutlet that beats the original by far, and you are sure 
 that it is "full six weeks old," as the butcher always certifies in 
 regard to the veal. 
 
 Cods' Head. 
 
 In some places, fishmongers take the heads off their codfish before 
 they cut up the rest of the fish to retail it by the pound. In that 
 case the heads are sold cheap; and when they can be thus had they 
 
FISH. 247 
 
 are well worth the buying. We have enjoyed many a cheap fish 
 treat with a dish of cods' heads, which contain several of the tit- 
 bits prized by epicures, namely, the tongue, the cheek-pieces, and 
 the nape of the neck. After taking out the eyes, wash the heads, 
 drain them, and, if you can let them lie all night with a little salt 
 sprinkled over them, they will be none the worse for it. Put 
 them into a kettle of boiling water and boil from fifteen to twenty 
 minutes, according to size. Dish them on a strainer, if you can, 
 and help with a spoon. 
 
 For sauce, drawn butter is good. 
 
 For sharp sauce, take a few tablespoonfuls of the cods' heads 
 boilings; put them in a saucepan with a lump of butter or dripping 
 and a tablespoonful of vinegar; thicken with a little flour and keep 
 stirring in one direction till they are all raised smooth and come to 
 a boil. Both these sauces go well with any boiled fish. To these 
 we will add a third which will be found equally simple and good. 
 
 For brown sauce, put a good lump of butter or dripping into a 
 saucepan. Set it on a brisk fire, shake it around now and then, and 
 keep it there, until it is browned, not burnt. Take it off the fire- 
 and stir into it a good tablespoonful of vinegar. When they are 
 well mixed, pour into your sauce-boat an^ serve. The mixing of 
 the vinegar with the hot fat had better be done out of doors, on: 
 account of the quantity of vapor that arises when they are put 
 together. 
 
 Any meat remaining on the cods' heads after a meal should be 
 separated from the skin and bone before it gets cold. This rule 
 applies to all other fish. Arrange it neatly on a plate and dust a 
 little pepper and drop a little vinegar over it. It will furnish a 
 nice little delicacy when cold, or you may warm it up with mashed 
 potatoes, adding any sauce that may be left; or, after putting on it 
 the cold sauce left, or a little butter, you may cover with mashed 
 potatoes and sprinkle over it bread crumbs; pour over it beaten 
 egg and brown in the oven. 
 
248 FISH. 
 
 Fkesh Codfish. 
 Cut it in slices and fry or broil; if fried, roll it first in flour. 
 
 Salt Codfish. 
 
 Pick the fish up fine and let it soak for two hours, then rinse, and 
 if fresh enough, cook in a little milk thickened with flour; add two 
 tablespoonfuls of butter, and eggs to taste. The eggs may be 
 beaten and stirred in, or dropped into boiling water, and then put 
 into the codfish gravy whole, or laid on a platter and have the fish 
 poured over them. It may also be boiled and served with a gravy 
 made of melted butter and flour. 
 
 Scalloped Codfish. 
 One quart of pickled codfish, one pint of bread crumbs, or rolled 
 crackers, one-half pint of cream, four ounces of butter, one tea- 
 spoonful of pepper; wash and freshen the fish. When ready, put 
 it into a baking dish with the crumbs in alternate layers, with a 
 little butter and pepper; have the top layer of crumbs and cover 
 with beaten egg, then pour the cream over all and bake half an 
 hour. 
 
 Codfish Balls. 
 
 Pick the fish fine, and freshen. Boil potatoes and mash them; 
 mix fish and potatoes together while potatoes are hot, taking two- 
 thirds potatoes and one-third fish. Put in plenty of butter; make 
 into balls, and fry in hot lard. 
 
 Salt Mackerel. 
 I'Soak for a day or two, after taking out of the brine, in cold 
 -water, or buttermilk; lay in a pan with the flesh side down, and 
 change the water occasionally. Just before cooking, lay it into a 
 .shallow dish and cover with hot milk, which removes the strong 
 itaste. Take it out of the milk and wipe dry with a napkin. Then 
 lay on a gridiron and broil the same as fresh fish and serve with 
 ,sauce with lemon juice. 
 
FISH. 249 
 
 Baked Cod. 
 
 AVhen purchasing a four-pound cod ask your fishdealer to send 
 you three or four codfish heads. Rub a little salt on the fish, chop 
 the heads into six pieces each, and sprinkle a little salt over them. 
 Place them in the center of the baking-pan (to be used as supports 
 for the fish), with two ounces of butter, one carrot, a turnip, a 
 potato, and one onion cut into slices, two blades of mace, a tea- 
 spoonful of white pepper, one tablespoonful of celery seed, six 
 cloves, and a cup of red wine. Set the pan in the oven while you 
 prepare the cod. Soak in cold water until soft a sufficiency of 
 bread to fill the fish; drain off the water and pound the bread to a 
 paste; mix with it two tablespoonfuls of melted butter, two raw 
 eggs, a tablespoonful of Worcestershire sauce, with salt and pepper 
 to taste. Put this stuffing inside the fish and sew it up; place the 
 cod in the pan with two or three pieces of butter on the top, and 
 baste it frequently; when it is cooked lay the fish on a hot platter, 
 and garnish with fried oysters if convenient. Add two tablespoon- 
 fuls of prepared flour to the pan, a wineglass of sherry; mix and 
 strain the gravy into a sauce-boat. 
 
 Boiled Pike. 
 
 If the fish is sent home split through the underside sew it up. 
 Then run a thread through the fish so as to draw it into the shape 
 of a letter S. Tie it fast, and then tie it up in a cloth. Not having 
 any fish kettle, lower it into the pot of boiling water if it is 
 small or a small piece, if a large fish put it into cold water. If a 
 large fish is put into hot water the outside cooks first, but in cold 
 water it cooks evenly through. While boiling add a tablespoonful 
 of salt, a slice of lemon or a half cup of vinegar and a few cloves. 
 When done lift the fish from the pot upon a platter, untie the cloth, 
 and by gently scraping the skin down the sides, from the top of the 
 back, you can take the whole fish from the shell and place upon a 
 'dish for the table. 
 
250 FISH. 
 
 TURBOT. 
 
 Take a fine large whitefish, steam until tender; take out the bones 
 and sprinkle with pepper and salt. For the dressing heat one quart 
 of milk and thicken with a half or two-thirds of a cup of flour. 
 When cool add two eggs and a quarter of a pound of butter; put 
 in the baking-dish a layer of fish, then a layer of sauce, until full. 
 Season with garlic, parsley and thyme. Cover the top with bread 
 crumbs and bake three-fourths of an hour. 
 
 To Fry White Fish. 
 One of the best ways to fry white fish, or any other fish, is to 
 first fry some slices of salt pork, then roll the pieces of fish in fine 
 Indian meal, and fry in the pork gravy. About three slices of pork 
 for a medium-sized fish. White fish needs less fat than almost any 
 other. Fish needs to be cooked a long time and very slowly to 
 make it flaky and white. 
 
 SALMOIir. 
 
 A delicious way to cook salmon is to boil it and serve with a 
 gravy made of butter, flour, pepper, salt, and plenty of oysters. 
 Cook the oysters in a very little water, then stir into the sauce. 
 You may prepare canned salmon in this way. 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 
 SHELL FISH. 
 
 Clams. 
 10 judge whether clams and oysters are fresh insert a knife, and 
 if the shell instantly closes firmly on the knife the oysters 
 are fresh. If it «huts slowly and faintly or not at all they 
 are dying or dead. When the shells of raw oysters are found 
 gaping open they are not good. 
 
 Cla.m Bake. 
 
 Lay the clams on a rock, edge downward, forming a circle; cover 
 them with fine brush, cover the brush with dry sage, cover the 
 sage with larger brush; set the whole on fire, and when the brush 
 and sage are a little more than half burnt look at the clams by 
 pulling some out, and if done enough brush the fire, cinders, etc., 
 off; mix some tomato or cauliflower sauce or catsup with the clams 
 after being taken out of their shells; add butter and spices to taste 
 and serve. . 
 
 Clam Chowder. 
 
 Put in a pot some small slices of fat salt pork, enough to line 
 the bottom of it; on that a layer of potatoes cut in small pieces; 
 on the potatoes a layer of chopped onions; on the onions a layer of 
 tomatoes in slices, or canned tomatoes ; on thesfe a layer of clams, 
 whole or chopped (they are generally chopped), then a layer of 
 crackers. Season with salt and pepper, and other spices if desired. 
 Then repeat this process, layer after layer, in above order, seasoning 
 each, until the pot is full. When the whole is in, cover with water, 
 
 251 
 
252 SHELL FISH. 
 
 set on a slow fire, and when nearly done stir gently, finish, cooking 
 and serve. 
 
 When done, if found too thin, boil a little longer; if found too 
 thick, add a little water, give one boil and serve. Fish Chowder 
 is made exactly like clam chowder, except that fish are used instead 
 of clams. 
 
 Clam Fritters. 
 
 Twelve clams, minced fine, one pint of milk, three eggs; add- the 
 liquor from the clams to the milk; beat up the eggs and add to this, 
 with salt and pepper and flour enough for a thin batter; lastly add 
 the chopped clams. Fry in hot lard, trying a little first to see if 
 fat and batter are right. A tablespoonful makes a fritter of 
 moderate size. Fry quickly and serve hot* 
 
 Fried Clams. 
 Take large soft-shell clams, dry them in a napkin, and dip them 
 first in beaten egg and then powdered cracker or bread crumbs, and 
 fry in sweet lard or butter or both miied. 
 
 Clam Pie. 
 
 Take a quantity of clams, if large chop them, put in a saucepan 
 and cook in their own liquor, or, if necessary, add a little water; 
 toil three or four medium-sized potatoes until done, then cut in 
 slices; line a pudding-dish half way up its sides; turn a small teacup 
 Ibottom up in the middle of the dish to keep up the top crust, put 
 in first a layer of clams and then a few potatoes, season with bits 
 of butter and a little salt and pepper and dredge with flour; add 
 another layer of clams, and so on till the dish is filled; add the 
 liquor in which the clams were cooked and a little water if neces- 
 sary. There should be as much liquid as for chicken or other meat 
 pie. Cover with top crust, cut places for steam to escape and bake 
 three-fourths of an hour. 
 
 Clam Stew. 
 
 Put the clams in a stewpan with about the same quantity of 
 water as the juice of the clams. Boil twenty-five or thirty minutes; 
 
SHELL FISH. 25a 
 
 remove all the scum that rises, and season with butter, salt and 
 pepper. 
 
 Clam Soup. 
 Take the required number of clams, chop them fine, then cook in 
 a little water with butter, pepper and salt; when almost done put 
 in milk or cream, and in soup enough for four persons put one cup 
 of rolled crackers. Serve hot. 
 
 Crabs. 
 
 To fit them for the table, living crabs require to be boiled in salt 
 water; they are either placed in cold water which is then made 
 hot or put at once into boiling water; crabs cooked by the latter 
 method are found to have the finest flavor. The male crab is the 
 most valuable for the table, and may be distinguished by possessing^ 
 larger claws. In purchasing crabs in the living state preference 
 should be given to those which have a rough shell and claws. 
 When selecting a crab which has been cooked it should be held by 
 its claws and well shaken from side to side. If it is found to rattle, 
 or feels as if it contained water, it is a proof that the crab is of 
 inferior quality. The crab may be kept alive, out of water, two or 
 three days. 
 
 Soft Crabs. 
 
 Many will not eat hard-shell crabs, considering them indigestible, 
 and not suflSciently palatable to compensate for the risk they run in 
 eating them. And it must be owned that they are, at their best, 
 but an indifferent substitute for the more aristocratic lobster. But 
 in the morning of life, for him so often renewed, his crabship is a 
 different creature, and greatly affected by epicures. 
 
 Do not keep the crabs over night, as the shells harden in twenty- 
 four hours. Pull off the spongy substance from the sides, and the 
 sand-bags. These are the only portions uneatable. Wash well and 
 wipe dry. Have ready a pan of seething hot lard or butter and fry 
 them to a fine broTVTi. Put a little salt into the lard; the butter 
 will need none. Send up hot, garnished with parsley. 
 
254 SHELL FISH. 
 
 Scalloped Crab. 
 Pick out all the meat of the crab and mix thoroughly; add to it 
 one-third its quantity of bread crumbs, a good lump of butter, 
 divided into little bits; season with salt and pepper, a dust of 
 grated nutmeg and a dessertspoonful of vinegar or lemon juice 
 sprinkled over the mass. Mix all equally together. Clean out the 
 bottom shell of your crab, and fill it with the mixture; what is left 
 you may put into scallop-shells or tins. Set them into a moderately 
 hot oven. When hot through and slightly browned on the surface 
 they are fit to serve on a dish covered with a napkin, the crab-shell 
 in the middle and the scallop-shells around it, garnished with sprigs 
 of parsley. 
 
 Frogs. 
 
 Scald the hind quarters in boiling water, rub them with lemon 
 juice and boil for three minutes, wipe them, dip them first in 
 cracker dust, then in a mixture of two beaten eggs in half a cup of 
 milk seasoned with pepper and salt, then again in cracker crumbs. 
 When they are well covered with crumbs fry in a mixture of hot 
 lard and butter. 
 
 Lobster Croquettes. 
 
 Chop the lobster very fine; mix with pepper, salt, bread crumbs 
 and a little parsley; moisten with cream and a small jjiece of butter; 
 shape with your hands; dip in egg, roll in bread crumbs and fry. 
 
 Lobster Cutlets. 
 
 Mince the flesh of lobsters fine; season with salt, pepper and 
 spice; melt a piece of butter in a saucepan; mix with it one table- 
 spoonful of flour; add lobster and finely-chopped parsley; mix with 
 some good stock; remove from the fire, and stir into it the yolks of 
 two eggs; spread out the mixture, and, when cold, cut into cutlets, 
 dip carefully into beaten egg, then into fine baked bread crumbs; 
 let them stand an hour, and repeat, and irj a rich brown. Serve 
 with fried parsley. 
 
SHELL FISH. 255 
 
 Fried Lobster. 
 If, when making a salad, you liave more lobster than you wish to 
 use for that, keep it in a cool place and fry in butter and bread 
 crumbs for breakfast. 
 
 Lobster Patties. 
 
 Make some puff-paste and spi'ead it on very deep patty pans. 
 
 Bake it empty. Having boiled well two or three fine lobsters, 
 
 extract all the meat and mince it very small, mixing it with the 
 
 coral smoothly mashed, and some yolk of hard-boiled egg, grated. 
 
 Season it with a little salt, some Cayenne, and some powdered mace 
 
 or nutmeg, adding a little yellow lemon rind, grated. Moisten the 
 
 mixture well with cream, fresh butter, or salad oil. Put it into a 
 
 stewpan, add a very little water, and let it steam till it just comes to 
 
 a boil. Take it off the fire, and the patties being baked, remove them 
 
 from the tin pans, place them on a large dish, and fill them up to 
 
 the top with the mixture. Similar patties may be made of prawns 
 
 or crabs. 
 
 Lobster Rissoles. 
 
 Extract the meat of a boiled lobster; mince it as fine as possible; 
 mix it with the coral pounded smooth, and some yolks of hard- 
 boiled eggs, pounded also. Season it with Cayenne pepj^er, pow- 
 dered mace, and a very little salt. Make a batter of beaten egg, 
 milk and flour. To each egg allow two large tablespoonfuls of 
 milk, and a large teaspoonful of flour. Beat the batter well, and 
 then mix the lobster with it gradually, till it is stiff enough to make 
 into oval balls about the size of a large plum. Fry them in the 
 best salad oil, and serve them up either warm or cold. Similar 
 rissoles may be made of raw oysters minced fine, or of boiled clams. 
 
 These should be fried in lard. 
 
 « 
 
 Lobster Salad. 
 Pick the meat from the shell, cut into nice square pieces, cut up 
 some lettuce and mix. Make a dressing of four tablespoonfuls of 
 oil, two of vinegar, one of mustard, the yolks of two eggs and pep- 
 
256 SHELL FISH. 
 
 per and salt to taste; rub smooth together, forming a creamy look- 
 ing sauce, and cover the lobster with it. Garnish with sliced 
 cucumber pickles, egg-rings, parsley and cold beet cut in fancy 
 shapes. 
 
 Broiled Lobster. 
 
 Cut the tail part of a lobster in two, rub a little sweet oil over 
 the meat and broil. When done, brush a little butter over it with 
 the juice of half a lemon and a very little Cayenne. Place the meat 
 back into the shell and send to the table with a dish of broiled 
 tomatoes and a fresh baked potato. 
 
 Lobsters en Brochette. 
 
 Cut up the tail of a lobster in square pieces; take a few thin 
 slices of bacon and cut into lengths to match the lobster; place 
 them on a skewer alternately and broil; baste as in broiled lobster 
 and send to the table on a bed of water-cresses. 
 
 Roasted Lobsters. 
 
 When lobsters are half cooked, remove from the water and rub 
 
 thoroughly with butter; lay before the fire; continue basting with 
 
 butter until it has a fine froth and the shell becomes a dark brown. 
 
 Place on a dish and serve with plain melted butter in a sauce-boat. 
 
 Gratin of Lobster. 
 
 Take out all the meat from a large lobster, then wash the body, 
 tail, and shells, if the lobster is first cut in halves down the back, 
 then dry and butter them and sprinkle with bread crumbs; chop 
 the meat fine, with a little parsley and shallot, a few drops of 
 essence of anchovies, a spoonful of vinegar, Cayenne pepper and salt,, 
 a little bechamel sauce, and boil all well together, add a yolk of 
 egg, put it to cool, then fill your shells or paper cases, cover with 
 bread crumbs and some pieces of butter; brown them in the oven,^ 
 and dish on a napkin. 
 
 Broiled Oysters. 
 
 Drain select oysters in a colander; dip them one by one into 
 
SHELL FISH. 257 
 
 melted butter, to prevent sticking to the gridiron, and place them 
 on a wire gridiron. Broil over a clear fire. When nicely browned 
 on both sides, season with salt, pepper, and plenty of butter, and 
 lay them on hot buttered toast, moistened with sf little hot water. 
 Serve very hot, or they will not be nice. Oysters cooked in this 
 way and served on broiled beefsteak are nice. 
 
 Oyster Chowder. 
 
 Fry out three rashers of pickled pork in the pot you make the 
 chowder; add to it three potatoes and two onions, both sliced; boil 
 until they are nearly cooked; soak two or tlu'ee dozen crackers in 
 cold water a few minutes, then put into the pot half a can of oys- 
 tei-s, one quart of milk and the soaked crackers. Boil all together 
 a few minutes; season with salt, pepper and butter. Fish chowder 
 can be made the same way by using fresh fish instead of oysters. 
 
 Oyster Croquettes, 
 Take the hard end of the oyster, leaving the other end in nice 
 shape for a soup or stew; scald them, then chop fine and add an 
 equal weight of potatoes rubbed through a colander; to one pound 
 of this add two ounces of butter, one teaspoonful of salt, half a 
 teaspoonful of pepper, half a teaspoonful of mace, and one-half gill 
 of cream; make in small rolls, dip in egg and grated bread, fry in 
 deep lard. 
 
 Fricasseed Oysters, 
 Drain the liquor from a qu^rt of oysters, strain half a pint and 
 put in a porcelain kettle, and when it boils put in the oysters. 
 Have a tablespoonful of flour rubbed well into two tablespoonfuls 
 of butter. When the oysters begin to swell, stir in the butter and 
 flour, cook until the oysters are white and plump; then add a gill 
 of cream and pepper and sal^. 
 
 Fried Oysters. 
 Take large oysters, wash and drain. Dip them into flour; put in 
 a hot frying pan with plenty of lard and butter; season with salt 
 
 Vi 
 
2o6 SHELL FISH. 
 
 and pepper; fry brown on both sides. Fried in this way, tliey are 
 similar to broiled oysters. 
 
 Fried Oysters, No, 2. 
 
 Drain, remove all bits of shell, and sprinkle with pepper and salt, 
 and set in a cool place for ten minutes. Then, if the oysters are 
 small, pour them into a pan of crackers, rolled fine; add liquor, mix 
 well and let stand five minutes; add a little salt and pepper, mold 
 into small cakes, with two or three oysters in each, roll in dry 
 <;rackers and fry in lard and butter. Serve hot in a covered dish. 
 
 Chicken and Oyster Pie. 
 
 Parboil a chicken; cut up and place in a pic dish; cover with 
 •oysters and season to taste; add two hard-boiled eggs cut into 
 slices, with a piece of butter, size of an egg, in the center; dust the 
 whole with flour, and pour on one-half pint of milk; put on a puff- 
 23aste crust and bake about three-quarters of an hour in a moderate 
 oven. 
 
 Scalloped Oysters. 
 
 Prepare stale bread-crumbs, season to taste with pepper and salt; 
 butter a deep dish; cover the bottom with the crumbs; add a layer 
 of large-tized oysters, with butter; fill the dish alternately with 
 oysters, crumbs and butter. Bake in a hot oven until cooked 
 entirely thi'ough; if they become too brown on the top, cover with 
 paper. If preferred, scallop the oysters separately and serve in the 
 shells, observing that the shells are well cleaned. Instead of crumbs 
 use slices of well-buttered bread, if you like, or bake with a crust 
 of puff-paste. 
 
 Park Row Oyster Stew. 
 
 Put the oysters into a stewpan with a little liquor to cover them; 
 add a little butter, pepper and salt; stir every now and then while 
 on the fire, and when poured into the dish, put in about a table- 
 spoonful of milk to every ten oysters. 
 
 Oyster soup is made iu the same way, except that more liquor is 
 
SHELL FISH. 259 
 
 added, and a tablespoonful of pounded butter 'crackers; add plenty 
 of milk the last thing when the oysters are cooked, and let it boil 
 up once. 
 
 Maryland Stewed Oysters. 
 
 Put the juice into a saucepan and let it simmer, skimming it care- 
 fully; then mxb the yolks of three hard-boiled eggs and one large 
 spoonful of flour well together, and stir into the juice. Cut in 
 small pieces a quarter of a pound of butter, half a teaspoonf ul of 
 whole allspice, a little salt, a little Cayenne, and the juice of a fresh 
 lemon; let all simmer ten minutes^ and just before dishing, add the 
 oysters. This is for two quarts of oysters. 
 
 Plain Stew. 
 
 One quart of oysters with liquor, pint and a half of milk, piece 
 of butter size of egg, pepper and salt; boil all together until done. 
 
 Oyster Sauce. 
 
 Set the oysters in their liquor over the fire for a few minutes; 
 then remove them from the liquor and stir into it some flour and 
 butter well rubbed together, add salt and pepper, and when it 
 lias boiled well for five minutes put in the oysters and serve 
 immediately. 
 
 Oyster Pie. 
 
 Make a rich puff paste; roll out twice as thick as for a fruit pie, 
 for the top crust — about the ordinary thickness for the lower. Line 
 a pudding dish with the thinner, and fill with crusts of dry bread 
 or light crackers. Some use a folded towel to fill the interior of the 
 pie, but the above expedient is preferabJe. Butter the edges of 
 the dish, that you may be able to lift the upper crust without 
 breaking. Cover the mock pie with the thick crust, ornamented 
 heavily at the edge, that it may lie the more quietly, and bake. 
 Cook the oysters as for a stew, only beating into them at the last, 
 two eggs, and thickening with a spoonful of fine cracker crumbs or 
 rice flour. They should stew but five minutes, and time them so 
 
260 SHELL FISH. 
 
 that the paste will be baked just in season to receive them. Lift 
 the top crust, pour in the smoking hot oysters, and send up hot. 
 
 Many consider it unnecessary to prepare the oysters and crust 
 separately; but experience and observation go to prove that if the 
 precaution be omitted, the oysters are apt to be wofully overdone.. 
 The rnaker can try both methods and take her choice. 
 
 Pickled Oysters. 
 One ounce each of allspice, mace, cinnamon and cloves, one quart, 
 vinegar; scald all together, then put in the oysters, waiting until it- 
 is cool; next day scald all together. 
 
 Oyster Patties. 
 Line small patty-pans with puff paste; into each pan put six. 
 oysters, bits of butter, pepper and salt; sprinkle over a little flour 
 and hard-boiled eggs, chopped (allowing about two eggs for six 
 patties), cover with an upper crust, notch the edges and bake; serve 
 either in the pans or remove them to a larger platter. 
 
 Oyster Pot-Pie. v. 
 
 Have ready nice light-raised biscuit dough, cut into small squares. 
 Season the oysters well with butter, pepper and salt, and thicken 
 them with a little flour; drop in the pieces of dough and boil till 
 done. This may be baked in the oven in a pudding-dish, allowing 
 the dough to brown on the top. 
 
 "Roasted Oysters. 
 Take oysters in the shell, wash the shells clean, and lay them on 
 hot coals; when they are done they will begin to open. Remove 
 the upper shell, and serve the oysters in the lower shell, with a little 
 melted butter poured over, each. 
 
 Oysters, Fancy Roast. 
 Toast a few slices of bread, and butter them; lay them in a 
 shallow dish; put on the liquor of the oysters to heat; add salt and 
 pepper, and just before it boils add the oysters; let them boil up 
 once, and pour over the bread. 
 
SHELL FISH. 261 
 
 Oyster a la Poulette. 
 
 Scald a dozen oysters in their own liquor; salt and remove the 
 oysters; add a tablespoonful of butter, the juice of half a lemon, a 
 gill of cream, and a teaspoonful of flour. Beat up the yolk of one 
 egg while the sauce is simmering; add the egg and simmer the 
 whole until it thickens. Place the oysters on a hot dish, pour the 
 sauce over them, sprinkle a little chopped parsley on the top and 
 serve. 
 
 Raw Oysters. 
 
 For a party, serve on a handsome block of ice in which a cavity 
 has been made with a hot flat-iron. Set the ice on a platter and 
 garnish the edges with slices of lemon. Have pepper, salt and 
 vinegar on hand; also serve with lemon juice. 
 
 Oysters with Toast. 
 Broil or fry as many oysters as you wish, and lay them on but- 
 tered toast; salt and pepper; pour over them a cup of hot, rich, 
 cream; keep them perfectly hot until eaten. 
 
 Oyster Flavor. 
 A German cook has discovered a way to have oyster flavor all the 
 year round. Take fresh, large, plump oysters, beard them and 
 place them in a vessel over the fire for a few moments in order to 
 extract the juice, then put them to cool, and chop them very fine 
 with powdered biscuit, mace, and finely minced lemon peel; pound 
 them until they become a paste ; make them up into thin cakes, 
 place them on a sheet of paper in a slow oven and let them bake 
 until they become quite hard; pound them directly into powder, 
 and place the powder in a dry tin box, well covered; keep in a dry 
 place, and it will be very much appreciated when the true oyster 
 flavor is imparted to fish, sauces and dishes. This makes a delicious 
 sauce for fresh cod. 
 
 New Way of Preparing Oysters. 
 The ways of preparing oysters are not many. This method. 
 
262 SHELL FISH, 
 
 however, is not widely known: Take two dozen oysters and throw 
 them in a large deep dish; then take a small bunch of parsley 
 chopped fine, a little lemon rind grated, half a nutmeg grated, and 
 the crumbs of a stale French roll, also grated; let the latter be well 
 incorporated, adding some Cayenne. Have in readiness the yolks 
 of three fresh eggs beaten up into a foam; dip each oyster sepa- 
 rately into the eggs and roll them into the bread crumbs until they 
 are all covered with a good coat. Put a quarter of a pound of 
 butter in the oven till it is melted while arranging the oysters in. 
 the pan, then turn them continually until they assume a perfect 
 brown and crusty appearance. When fully cooked serve them with 
 some celery, salt and thin slices of Graham bread and butter. 
 
 Scallops. 
 The heart is the only part used. If you buy them in the shell, 
 boil and take out the hearts. Those sold in our markets are gen- 
 erally ready for frying or stewing. Dip them in beaten egg, then 
 in cracker crumbs, and fry in hot lard. Or, you may stew them.' 
 like oysters. The fried scallops are generally preferred. 
 
 Terrapins, or Water Turtles. 
 Land terrapins, it is hardly necessary to say, are uneatable, but 
 the large turtle that frequents our mill-ponds and rivers can be 
 converted into a relishable article of food. Plunge the turtle into 
 a pot of boiling water, and let him lie there five minutes. You can 
 then skin the under part easily, and pull off the horny parts of the 
 feet. Lay him for ten minutes in cold salt and water; then put 
 into more hot water salted, but not too much. Boil until tender. 
 The time will depend upon the size and age. Take him out, drain 
 and wipe dry; loosen the shell carefully, not to break the flesh; cut 
 open also with care, lest you touch the gall-bag with the knife. 
 Remove this with the entrails and sand-bag. Cut up all the rest of 
 the Animal into small bits; season with pepper, salt, a chopped 
 onion, sweet herbs, and a teaspoonful of some spiced sauce, or a 
 tablespoonful of catsup — walnut or mushroom. Save the juice that 
 
SHELL FISH. 263 
 
 runs from the meat, and put all together into a saucepan with a 
 closely-fitting top. Stew gently fifteen minutes, stirring occasion- 
 ally, and add a great spoonful of butter, or a teaspoonful browned 
 flour wet in cold water, a glass of brown sherry, and lastly, the 
 beaten yolk of an egg, mixed'with a little of the hot liquor, that it 
 may not curdle. Boil up once and turn into a covered dish. Send 
 around green pickles and delicate slices of toast with it. 
 
CHAPTER- XXI. 
 
 GAME. 
 
 To Select Game. 
 |HEASANTS. — A young cock pheasant will have short and 
 blunt spurs, while an old one will have them long and sharp. 
 A hen pheasant may be known by its plumage, and its flavor 
 is preferred by many, though not by all, except when almost ready 
 to lay. 
 
 Grouse. — These are judged of the same as pheasants. 
 
 'Woodcock. — When these are fat they will feel thick and firm, 
 and a streak of fat will appear on the side of the breast. Fresh 
 birds will have supple feet, and the head and throat clear; whereas, 
 when stale, the feet are stiff, and the head and throat nasty. 
 
 Pigeons. — Tame pigeons, when fresh and in good order, are 
 plump, and have their feet pliable and of a dusky white. Wild 
 pigeons are not reckoned so good as tame, but they improve with 
 keeping. They are not so fat but are to be chosen by the same 
 rules as the others. 
 
 JIares. — An old hare does very well for soup, but for ordinary 
 purposes it is by no means desirable. It will be distinguished by 
 its dry, tough ears, its blunted claws and its widely-parted lips. A 
 young hare has soft and tender ears, sharpish claws, and the parting 
 of the lip close. 
 
 Rabh'it. — An old rabbit will have long, rough claws, and fur 
 often inclining to grey. When fresh, the body will be rather stiff 
 and the flesh dry and pale; but if stale, it will be limper and the 
 flesh dark colored. 
 
 1364 
 
GAME. 265 
 
 Ve7iison. — Choose the dark-colored meat, not the black, but the 
 rich reddisli-brown, with .fine grain, and well coated with fat. 
 Keep it hung up in a cool, dark cellar, covered with a cloth, and 
 use as soon as you can conveniently. 
 
 To Pot Birds. 
 
 Prepare them as for roasting; fill each with a dressing made as 
 follows: Allow for each bird the size of a pigeon one-half of a 
 hard-boiled egg, chopped fine, a tablespoonful of bread crumbs, a 
 teaspoonful of chopped pork; season the birds with pepper and 
 salt; stuff them and lay them in a kettle that has a tight cover. 
 Place over the birds a few slices of pork, add a pint of water, 
 dredge over them a little flour, cover, and put them in a hot oven. 
 Let them cook until tender, then add a little cream and butter. If 
 the sauce is too thin, thicken with flour. One pint of water is suf- 
 ficient for twelve birds. 
 
 Reed Birds. 
 
 " These delicious lumps of sweetness, as they are appropriately 
 called, are always acceptable, but to thoroughly appreciate a reed 
 bird dinner one must mingle with the gunners on the Delaware 
 river as guest or member of one of the many clubs whose houses 
 are situated within a few hundred yards of the hunting grounds. 
 After the judge's decision as to who has high boat, the birds are 
 plucked (and at some of the club houses drawn), arranged neatly in 
 a dripping-pan with bits of fresh country butter between them. 
 They are allowed to cook on one side a few minutes, and with a 
 long-handled spoon are turned over to brown on the other side. A 
 little salt is added and they are then placed on a hot platter en 
 pyramide and the gravy poured over them; they are then sent to 
 the table with fried chipped potatoes." 
 
 Reed Birds a la Lindenthorpe. 
 On " ladies' day " the members of this club are more particular 
 than on " member's day." They prepare the birds by drawing the 
 trail and removing the head; they then take large sweet or Irish 
 
266 ^ GAME. 
 
 potatoes, cut them in two, scoop out the insides, and put an oyster 
 or small piece of bacon inside of each bird and put the birds inside 
 the potatoes, tie them up with twine and bake until the potatoes are 
 done. The common twine is then removed and the potatoes are 
 tied with a narrow piece of white or colored tape in a neat bow- 
 knot and sent to the table on a napkin. 
 
 Roast Prairie Chicken. 
 
 The bird being a little strong, and its flesh, when cooked, a little 
 dry, it should be either larded or wide strips of bacon or pork 
 placed over its breast. A mild-seasoned stuffing will improve the 
 flavor of old birds. Dust a little flower over them, baste occasion- 
 ally and serve. 
 
 Pheasants may be managed in the same way. 
 
 Prairie Chickek. 
 
 Clean nicely, using a little soda in the water in which they are 
 washed; rinse them and drain, and fill with dressing, sewing them 
 up nicely, and binding down the legs and wings with cord. Put 
 them in a steamer and let them cook ten minutes; then put them in 
 a pan with a little butter, set them in an oven and baste frequently 
 until of a nice brown. They should brown in about thirty-five 
 minutes. Serve them in a platter with sprigs of parsley alternated 
 with currant jelly. 
 
 Partridges and quails may be cooked in the same manner. 
 
 To Roast Parteidges, Pheasants or Quails. 
 Pluck, singe, draw and truss them, season with salt and pepper; 
 roast for about half an hour in a brisk oven, basting often with 
 butter. When done, place on a dish together with bread crumbs 
 fried brown and arranged in small heaps. Gravy should be served 
 in a tureen apart. 
 
 Quail on Toast. 
 Pick and clean, cut in the middle of back, fry in butter to a nice 
 brown, salt and pepper; now put in an earthern or porcelain-lined 
 
GAME. 267 
 
 dish, one tablespoonful of nice butter and the same of flour; stir on 
 a slow fire until butter is dissolved; then pour in slowly two-thirds 
 glass of water and the same quantity of wine; salt and pepper; put 
 in your birds that are nicely fried, simmer slowly one-quarter of an 
 hour; toast some thin slices of bread (one toast to each bird); put 
 in the dish you wish to serve, laying the birds on top; pour the 
 gravy over all; serve very hot. 
 
 To Broil Quail or Woodcock. 
 After dresssing, split down the back, sprinkle with salt and pep- 
 per, and lay them on a gridiron, the inside down. Broil slowly at 
 first. Serve with cream gravy. 
 
 Pigeon Pie. 
 
 Dress and wash clean, split down the back, and then proceed as 
 for chicken pie. 
 
 Roast Pigeons. 
 
 When cleaned and ready for roasting, fill the bird with a stuffing 
 of bread crumbs, a spoonful of butter, a little salt and nutmeg, and 
 three oysters to each bird (some prefer chopped apple). They must 
 be well basted with melted butter, and require thirty minutes of 
 careful cooking. They are best in the autumn, and should be full 
 grown. 
 
 To Roast Pigeons. 
 
 They should be dressed while fresh. If young, they will be 
 ready for roasting in twelve hours. Dress carefully, and after 
 making clean, wipe dry and put into each bird a small piece of 
 butter dipped in Cayenne. Truss the wings over the back and roast 
 in a quick oven, keeping them constantly basted with butter. 
 Serve with brown gravy. Dish them with young water-cresses. 
 
 Pigeon Compote. 
 Truss six pigeons as for boiling. Grate the crumbs of a small 
 loaf of bread, scrape one pound of fat bacon, chop thyme, parsley, 
 an onion and lemon — peel fine — and season with salt and pepper; 
 
268 GAME. 
 
 mix it lip with two eggs; put this forcemeat into the craws of the 
 pigeons, lard the breasts and fry brown; place them in a stewpan 
 with some beef stock and stew them three-quarters of an hour, 
 thicken with a piece of butter rolled in flour. Serve with force- 
 meat balls around the dish and strain the gravy on to the pigeon. 
 
 Wild Duck or Mallard. 
 , This is one of the best of wild fowl. Truss it as you would a tame 
 duck, but it is not usual to stuff it. As soon as you have plucked 
 and emptied it, boil down the giblets with a little bit of beef, to 
 make savory brown gravy, flavored with lemon juice and wine. 
 Wild duck is better served a little more under-done than tame 
 duck. Some carvers slice the breast, and dose it with Cayenne, 
 lemon juice and its own roast gravy — a mode of dressing admissible 
 only when everybody likes high seasoning. The bones of the wild 
 duck are smaller than those of the tame. The teal, the jewel of 
 water fowl, if fat, should be laid each on its slice of toast, roasted 
 before the fire; turn it over now and then, and serve on the toast. 
 The coot, on account of its black and very downy skin, is best 
 flayed, cut into joints, and stewed with wine as a matelote. It 
 then becomes excellent eating. 
 
 Wild Goose, 
 
 When to be had, is a treat for lovers of wild fowl; and yet, 
 strange to say, there is a prejudice against it, as fishy. Some few 
 species of geese may indeed graze on seaweed, and perhaps even 
 swallow a few shell-fish when they happen to alight on the shore, 
 hard pressed by hunger; but, as a rule, there is no cleaner feeding 
 bird than the goose, feeding upon herbs or grain, but preferring the 
 former as the staple of its diet. We know of no wild goose which 
 is not excellent to eat, when obtained at the proper age and in good 
 condition. 
 
 Wild geese are roasted and served in the same way as wild ducks. 
 
 A satisfactory combination is made by taking a little bone, some 
 ■cartilage or tendon for the sake of its gelatine, sufficient fat — to be 
 
GAME. 269 
 
 supplied, if the meat has none, from white bacon or fresh pork — 
 and plenty of the flesh of whatever constitutes the pate. Pack 
 these closely together, filling the interstices with minced fresh pork 
 or veal, season well, but not in excess; flavor A^^ith bay-leaf, chopped 
 shallot or onion, and lemon peel; with bits of truffle (when possible), 
 hard egg, and button mushrooms intei'spersed here and there 
 through it» substance, and half a tumbler of wine, with a little 
 catsup poured in to prevent too much drying up. Bake this in a 
 gentle oven, and let it stand at least twenty-four houi's before 
 cutting it up. It will keep some time, especially if untouched, and 
 will be found improved and ripened at the end of three or four days. 
 
 Roast Haee. 
 Broil the hare slightly over the coals, to give firmness to the 
 flesh, then cover it with slices of fat pork from the neck to the legs. 
 Then roast it for an houi*, and serve it with sanoe piquante Tpre^paved. 
 with the crushed liver. 
 
 A Nice Wat to Prepare Cold Hare. 
 Remove the flesh from the roast hare, and cut it in strips. After- 
 ward break the bones and cook with them some butter and flour, 
 onions, parsley, thyme, chives, salt, pepper, red wine, and stock 
 broth; boil them down to one-fourth, and having strained the gravy, 
 put the slices of hare into it and serve it up without again boiling it. 
 
 Roast Rabbit. 
 Rabbits are roasted in the same manner as directed for hare. 
 
 Rabbit with Herbs. 
 Cut a rabbit in pieces and place it in a stewpan with butter, 
 parsley, chives, mushrooms, bay-leaves, and thyme, chopped fine. 
 When done add a spoonful of flour to thicken it. 
 
 Venison Chops. 
 Broiled and served with currant jelly are not to be despised. 
 Trim the ends as you would a French lamb chop. 
 
270 GAME. 
 
 Venison Epicurean. 
 
 Cut a steak from the leg or a chop from the loin of venison about 
 an inch and a half thick. Put a walnut of butter, salt, and pepper, 
 into a chafing-dish; light the spirit-lamp under it, and when the 
 butter melts put in the chop or steak; let it cook on one side a few 
 minutes, then turn it over, and add a wineglassf ul of sherry or port 
 and a tablespoonful of currant jelly. Simmer gently about seven 
 minutes if it is to be eaten rare, and allow twelve minutes' cooking 
 if required well done. 
 
 Venison Patties. 
 
 Make a nicely-flavored mince of the remains of cold roast venison; 
 moisten it with a little sherry or gravy, and warm it in a saucepan; 
 fill the patty-shells with the meat and serve, as oyster patties. 
 
CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 MARKETING. 
 
 4|JEF0RE going to market it is a very good rule to determine 
 >y|l' what shall be purchased and in what quantity. This is 
 ^Ci^ especially needful when the butcher is to be visited. An- 
 other rule is to deal at shops where good articles only are sold, and, 
 if possible, to take your money with you, because a ready-money 
 customer will, as a rule, be the best served. It is not always safe 
 to let the butcher, poultei*er, fishmonger, or other provision dealer, 
 choose for you, because he may be over anxious to s-ell what is not 
 in the best condition, or what is from some other cause hardly 
 salable. Experienced persons will not fail to observe careful}y 
 the quality of what they buy, and they will reflect upon the quan- 
 tity of bone, gristle or other waste in it. They will also consider 
 the requirements of the family and the uses to which they can put 
 what is not consumed as soon as cooked. At the butcher's see the 
 meat cut and weighed and placed ready to be sent home; you will 
 then know what you have bought. Always buy good meat rather 
 than inferior, and if possible from the best parts of the animal. To 
 aid the inexperienced we will now enter somewhat into detail. 
 
 JSeef. — Young and well-fed ox beef is the best. It may be known 
 by the lean being of a fine, smooth or open grain, and the fat of a 
 yellowish white. "When the fat is either a mottled yellow or white, 
 the meat is doubtful. The suet, however, must be very white. 
 Cow beef is inferior, its fat is whiter, the lean closer in the grain 
 and not of so bright a red. Bull beef has white and shining fat, 
 
 271 
 
272 
 
 MARKETING. 
 
 close-grained lean of a dark red, and a stronger smell than other 
 beef. 
 
 The principal parts are as follows: 
 
 1. Cheek. 
 
 2. Neck or Sticking Piece. 
 
 3. Clod. 
 
 4. Shin. 
 
 5. Shoulder or Leg of Mutton Piece 
 
 6. Chuck Ribs. 
 
 7. Middle Ribs. 
 
 8. Fore Ribs. 
 
 9. Brisket. 
 
 SECTION OP BULLOCK. 
 
 10. Surloin. 
 
 11. Thin Flank. 
 
 12. Rump. 
 
 13. Aitch-bone. 
 
 14. Round or Buttock. 
 
 15. Mouse Bullock. 
 
 16. Veiny Piece. 
 
 17. Thick Flank. 
 
 18. Leg. 
 
 Besides the above there are the kidneys, heart, tripe, sweet- 
 breads, tongue, and palate. 
 
 Good beef is more elastic to the touch than that which is old 
 or in bad condition, so that when pressed with the finger the 
 impression will not be permanent. In poor meat, the lean is usually 
 dark, the fat skinny, and the sinewy portions distinctly shown, 
 especially a horny texture in the ribs. Beef should be perfectly 
 sound, sweet and fresh, as taint rapidly spreads, and if frosted it 
 will not cook properly. It is, perhaps, scarcely needful to say, that 
 several of the joints which are enumerated above, are readily and 
 commonly divided by the butcher and sold in portions for the 
 convenience of small families and slender purses. If, at any time, 
 more is bought than is wanted for present use, care should be taken 
 to let it be from such parts as may be cut into two, the one for 
 
MARKETING. 
 
 273 
 
 roasting and the other for salting and boiling; or let it be such as 
 may be easily warmed a-fresh, or otherwise presented hot again at 
 
 A. 
 
 "Rump. 
 
 I. 
 
 Chuck Rib. 
 
 B. 
 
 IVlouse Buttock. 
 
 J. 
 
 Neck, Clod, or Sticking Piece. 
 
 C. 
 
 Leg or Hock. 
 
 K. 
 
 Shin. 
 
 D. 
 
 Buttock or Round. 
 
 L. 
 
 Shoulder or Leg of Mutton Piece. 
 
 E. 
 
 Aitch-bone or Top. 
 
 M. 
 
 Brisket. 
 
 F. 
 
 Surloin. 
 
 N. 
 
 Thin Flank. 
 
 G. 
 
 Fore Ribs. 
 
 0. 
 
 Thick Flank. 
 
 H. 
 
 Middle Ribs. 
 
 P. 
 
 Veiny Piece. 
 
 table, which Avill be the case with such parts as are stewed, and 
 such cheap portions as the heart, and cold roasted ox-heart cut into 
 slices and wai'med in gravy is as good as when first cooked. 
 
 
 SECTIONS OF SHEKP, OR LAMB. 
 
 1. 
 
 Leg. 5. Best end of loin. 
 
 2. 
 
 Shoulder. 6. Best end of neck. 
 
 3. 
 
 Breast. 7. Chump end of loin 
 
 4. 
 
 Scrag end of neck. 8. Head. 
 
 18 
 
274 MARKETING. 
 
 Mutton. — Good mutton, of whatever breed, is known at a glance; 
 the ham, dark, bright, crimson red; the fat, white and firm, and 
 never too deficient in quantity according to the joint. Bad mutton 
 is of an unsightly brownish color, and has a bad smell with a little 
 fat, and that flabby and yellowish, often, but not always, the car- 
 cass looks as if the beast had been devoured by consumptive lean- 
 ness. If you can get a sight of the liver, its state will sometimes 
 tell you tales of the creature's healthfulness or the reverse. 
 
 Pork. — Pork, more than any other meat, requires to be chosen 
 with the greatest care. The pig, from his gluttonous habits, is 
 particularly liable to disease, and if it is killed and its flesh eaten 
 when in an unhealthy condition, those who partake of it will prob- 
 ably have to pay dearly for their indulgence. It is generally 
 understood that dairy-fed pork is the best. Where it is possible, 
 therefore, it is always safest to obtain pork direct from some farm 
 where it has been fed and killed. When this cannot be done, it 
 should either be purchased from a thoroughly respectable and 
 reliable person or dispensed with altogether. Pork is best in cold 
 weather. It is in season from November to March, It should be 
 avoided during the summer months. The fat should be white and 
 firm, the lean finely grained, and the skin thin and cool. If any 
 kernels are to be seen in the fat, the pig was diseased at the time 
 it was killed. Pork should not be allowed to hang more than a day 
 or two before it is cooked, as it will not keep unless it be salted. 
 If cooked quite fresh, however, it will be hard. The head, heart, 
 liver, etc., should be cooked as soon as possible. Care should be 
 taken that the pork be thoroughly cooked. 
 
 Veal is best when the animal is from two to three months old. 
 Teal, like all young meat, has a tendency to turn very quickly. It 
 is both unpalatable and most unwholesome when it is at all tainted, 
 and it cannot be recovered, as brown meats sometimes can, by the 
 use of charcoal. Therefore it ought not to be kept more than two 
 days in summer and four in winter. If eaten c[uite fresh it is apt 
 to be a little tough. 
 
MARKETING. 
 
 275 
 
 If there is any danger of the veal becoming tainted, wash it, and 
 put it into boiling water for ten minutes. Plunge it into cold water 
 till cool, wipe it dry, and put it into the coolest place that can be 
 found. No meat is more generally useful for making soups and 
 gravies than veal. 
 
 
 •*A 
 
 SECTIONS OF CALF. 
 
 , 
 
 1. 
 
 Loin, chump end. 
 
 7. 
 
 Fore knuckle. 
 
 2. 
 
 Loin, best end. 
 
 8. 
 
 Breast, brisket end. 
 
 3. 
 
 Neck, best end. 
 
 9. 
 
 Breast, best end. 
 
 4. 
 
 Neck, scrag end. 
 
 10. 
 
 Blade-bone. 
 
 5. 
 
 Fillet. 
 
 11. 
 
 Head. 
 
 6. 
 
 Hind knuckle. 
 
 
 
 Turheys. — A young cock-turkey is the best, and may be known 
 "by its smooth, black legs and short spurs. The spurs must be 
 closely looked into, because it is an old trick of the dealers to cut 
 and scrape them in order to get rid of old birds as young ones. If 
 in good condition the eyes will be bright and full and the feet soft 
 and pliable; whereas where stale the eyes will be dim and sunken 
 and the feet stiff and dry. The beak of a young turkey is some- 
 what soft, but hard and rigid in an old one. The legs of an old 
 hen-turkey are red and rough. In other respects a hen-turkey may 
 be judged of as a cock-turkey, spurs excepted. 
 
 Fowls. — A young cock will have short spurs, which will require 
 the same inspection as turkeys. A fine bird will have a smooth 
 comb, a full fat breast, and a large rump. The skin should be 
 delicate and transparent. Pullets are best when about to lay, at 
 which time they have partially formed eggs inside. Fowls with 
 black legs are best roasted. Game birds should, also, be roasted. 
 
276 MARKETING. 
 
 Young Dorking, Spanish and Cochin should be provided for boil- 
 ing. For broth, an old hen will do, if well cooked. 
 
 Geese. — A young goose will have its beak and feet yellow with a 
 very few bristles about them; but an old bird will have the feet 
 and bill red and bristly. When fresh, the feet are pliable, but 
 stiff and dry M'hen stale. The fat of a young bird is whiter and 
 softer than that of an old bird, and the breast is plump, as is the 
 case with all poultry in good condition; knowing which the dealers 
 have a trick of breaking the breast bones to deceive their custom- 
 ers, and foist upon them old birds for young ones. 
 
 Ducks. — The feet and legs of a fresh killed duck are pliable and 
 soft, but thoge of a stale one are stiff and dry. Freshness of the 
 eye is an indication of a fresh bird. A wild duck has rather small, 
 reddish feet, Avhile those of a tame duck are a dusky yellow, and 
 somewhat large. An old duck should be kept hanging a few days 
 before it is cooked; it will generally be lean and thin as compared 
 with a plump young bird. 
 
CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 MEATS. 
 
 Beef, Aitchbone of, to Caeve. 
 
 ■N carving an aitchbone of beef it is necessary that it should be 
 cut across the grain. In order to do this the knife should 
 follow the line A to B in the illustration. The meat should be 
 cut of a moderate thickness, and 
 very evenly. Cut the lean and the 
 fat in one slice, and if more fat is 
 wanted it should be taken horizon- 
 tally from the side. Before proceed- ' 
 ing to serve, a slice of about a quarter of an inch in thickness should 
 be cut from the top, so that the juicy part of the meat may be 
 obtaine«d at otfce. 
 
 Brisket of Beef Stewed. 
 
 Take six pounds of beef, and, before dressing it, rub it over with 
 vinegar and salt; place it in a stewpanwith stock or water sufficient 
 to cover it. Allow it to simmer for an hour, skimming it well all 
 the time. Put in six each of carrots, turnips, and small onions ; and 
 allow all to simmer until the meat is quite tender, which Avill 
 require about two hours more. As soon as it is ready the bones 
 should be removed. Boil for a few minutes as much of the gravy 
 as will be required with flour and a little butter, and season it with 
 catsup, allspice and mace. Pour a little of it over the brisket, and 
 send the remainder to the table in a separate dish. 
 
 Making Tough Steak Tender. 
 Take one teaspoonful of salad oil, two teaspoonfuls of vinegar 
 
 277 
 
278 MEATS. 
 
 and a very little Cayenne pepper. Lay the steak upon it and let it 
 remain one hour; then turn it over and let it lie an hour. Then fry 
 or broil as usual. The vinegar softens the fibre and the oil keeps it 
 soft. Steak may stand over night this way if turned about ten 
 o'clock. Pounding steak is a great mistake; it breaks up the fibre, 
 but drives out the juice and destroys much of its nutriment. 
 
 Beef, Brisket of, to Carve. 
 The accompanying engraving represents the appearance of a 
 
 brisket of beef ready for the table. There is no difficulty in 
 
 carving it. The only thing to 
 observe is that it should be cut 
 cleanly along the bones, in the 
 direction indicated by the dot- 
 ted line, with a firm hand, in 
 moderately thick slices. Cut 
 
 it close down to the bones, so that they may not have a rough and 
 
 jagged appearance when removed. 
 
 Broiled Steak. 
 Never put salt on a steak until after it is cooked. After trim- 
 ming on each side equally, dress to taste with sweet fresh butter, 
 pepper and salt, and add, if preferred, a teaspoonful of lemon-juice. 
 
 Broiled Beefsteak. 
 To cook a good, juicy beefsteak, never pound it, but slash it 
 several times across each way; have a nice bright fire and broil as 
 quickly as possible, without burning; if the coals blaze from the 
 drippings, sprinkle on a little salt, which will instantly extinguish 
 the flames. Steak should be turned constantly while broiling, and 
 to be rare should not cook over three minutes; butter and salt after 
 taking up. This should be served very hot. 
 
 Rnkfp Steak with Oyster Sauce. 
 Let your oysters give a turn or two with plenty of butter in a 
 frying-pan, then add peppgr and salt, a little flour, and the juice of 
 
MEATS. 279 
 
 half a lemon, with enough water to make up the quantity of sauce 
 you want, stir till the oysters are done, and serve with the steak 
 broiled in the usual way. 
 
 To Fry Steak, or Cook in Frying Pan. 
 If you have not a bi'oiler, steak may be cooked nearly as well by 
 heating the frying pan very hot and just greasing it with a little 
 butter, or a little of the chopped suet, and lay in the steak and keep 
 turning until sufficiently cooked; then transfer to a hot platter and 
 season with salt and pepper, and cover with butter and serve. , 
 
 German Way of Frying Beefsteak. 
 Pound the cut steak a little, salt it and fry quickly with hot lard on 
 both sides; pour off the lard and place the steak on the dish; put 
 into the pan some fresh butter and fry with it some finely cut 
 onions and pour this over the steak. 
 
 Beefsteak Smothered with Onions. 
 Melt a lump of butter in a frying pan; cover the bottom of the 
 pan with onions sliced very thin; then lay the steak over them. 
 When the onions are fried until they are tender, put the beef on 
 the bottom of the pan and cover it with the onions; add butter or 
 lard as you need it. Liver cooked in this way is nice also. When, 
 it is done, lay it on a platter and heap the onions on the meat. A 
 very little gravy made in the pan in which you have cooked the 
 meat and onions is an addition, but make only a little and turn over 
 the meat, seasoning it well with salt and pepper. 
 
 Beefsteak Pie. 
 Cut the steak into pieces an inch long, and stew with the bone 
 (cracked) in just enough water to cover the meat until it is half 
 done. Line a pudding dish with a good paste. Put in a layer 
 of the beef, with salt and pepper, and a very little chopped onion; 
 then one of sliced boiled potatoes, Avith a little butter scattered 
 upon them, and so on until the dish is full. Pour over all the 
 
280 
 
 MEATS. 
 
 gravy in which the meat is stewed, having first thrown away 
 the bone and thickened with flour. Cover with a crust thicker than 
 the lower, leaving a slit in the middle. 
 
 Ribs of Beef, to Carve. 
 The rib should be cut in thin and even slices from the thick end 
 
 towards the thin. This can 
 be more readily and cleanly 
 done, if the carving-knife is 
 first run along between the 
 meat and the end and rib 
 bones. 
 
 To Roast Ribs of Beef. 
 The best piece to roast is 
 the fore-rib, and it should be 
 hung for two or three days 
 before it is cooked. The ends of the ribs should be sawn off, the 
 outside fat fastened with skewers, and the strong sinew and chime 
 bones removed. The joint should first be placed near the fire, and 
 after a short time it should be drawn back and roasted steadily. 
 Baste freely with clarified drippings at first, as there Avill not be 
 sufficient gravy when first put down; keep basting at intervals of 
 ten minutes until done. Care must be taken not to allow it to 
 burn, as it is easily spoiled. Serve with horse-radish sauce. 
 
 To Roast Sirloin of Beef. 
 Take out the suet and lay it thickly over the fillet. Tie the flap 
 ■under the fillet ard make all firm before it is put into the oven. 
 Should che oven be very hot place a paper over the meat while yet 
 raw, in which case it will need very little basting; or turn the rib 
 side up toward the fire for the first tAventy minutes. The time it 
 will take in cooking depends entirely upon the thickness of the 
 joint and the length of time it has been killed. Skim the fat from 
 the gravy and add a tablespoonful of prepared brown flour and a 
 glass of sherry to the remainder. 
 
JIEATS. 281 
 
 Sirloi:n" of Beef, to Carve. 
 A sirloin should be cut with one good, firm stroke from end to 
 «nd of the joint, at the upper portion, making the cut very clean 
 from A, B to C. Then disengage it from the bone by a horizontal 
 cut exactly to the bone, B to D, using the tip of the knife. Bad 
 carving bears the hand away to the rind of the beef, eventually, 
 after many cuts, peeling it 
 back to the other side, leav- 
 ing a portion of the best of 
 the meat adhering to the 
 bone. Every slice should be ^^ 
 clean and even, and the sirloin 
 should cut fairly to the very 
 end. Many persons cut the 
 under side whilst hot, not reckoning it so good cold; but this is a 
 matter of taste, and so is the mode of carving it. The best way is 
 first of all to remove the fat, E, which chops up well to make pud- 
 dings, if not eaten at table. Then the under part can be cut as 
 already described, from end to end, F to G, or downwards as shown 
 by the marks at H. 
 
 Beef Balls. 
 
 Mince very fine a piece of tender beef, fat and lean; mince an 
 onion, with some boiled parsley; add grated bread crumbs, and 
 season with pepper, salt, grated nutmeg and lemon peel; mix all 
 together and moisten it with an egg beaten; roll it into balls, flour 
 and fry them in boiling fresh dripping. Serve them with. fried 
 bread crumbs. 
 
 Fillet of Beef. 
 
 This is to be larded and dressed with a brown mushroom sauce. 
 Trim the fat off a tenderloin of beef, and if you are going to dress 
 it for dinner trim off the corners somewhat. It wants to be the 
 shape of a fillet whole. A whole fillet is usually too large for a 
 family dinner. Trim down the loin so it is smaller at each end. 
 
282 MEATS. 
 
 Save the pieces of meat trimmed off, cnt up in bits an inch square 
 and make a stew with a few mushrooms or potatoes. Never by 
 any means throw them away. After the fillet is trimmed lard it by 
 inserting little strips of fat salt pork over the upper surface with a 
 larding needle. After larding lay on a baking-pan with thin slices 
 of salt pork under it, and put buttered paper over it to prevent 
 burning the pork. Bake or roast it. It is usually served rare; then 
 it should roast fifteen minutes to a pound. If it is to be well done 
 it should roast twenty minutes for each pound. Season when 
 brown, not before, with pepper and salt. 
 
 A Good and Cheap Wat to Cook Beef. 
 
 A cheap dish can be made of a brisket or flank of beef. Cut a 
 slice eight inches long and an inch thick, season highly, spread a 
 stuffing of soaked bread highly seasoned over it, tie it up and lay 
 in water enough to cover, and cook slowly a long time. This 
 makes a very nice dish and should be served with red cabbage. 
 Cut up the cabbage as for cold slaw. Put in a saucepan one table- 
 spoonful of sugar, one of butter, half a cup of vinegar, half a 
 dozen pepper corns, and half a dozen cloves; then put in the cab- 
 bage, cover tight and set on the back of the stove and let it steam 
 an hour, when it will be tender. The beef may also be 
 served with red beets, boiled till tender without breaking, 
 peeled and laid around the dish of meat. A nice way to 
 bake beef is to put in the pan under it a bed of vegetables and 
 scraps of pork, a tablespoonful of carrot, turnip, sprigs of parsley, 
 a half dozen cloves and a half dozen pepper corns; add a bay-leaf, 
 if you- wish, and a teaspoonful of onion. You will find that all 
 these will give a nice flavor not only to the meat but also to the 
 gravy made from the drippings. 
 
 Beep a la Mode. 
 Take a round of beef, remove the bone from the middle, also all 
 the gristle and tough parts about the edges. Have ready half a 
 pound of fat salt pork, cut into strips as thick and long as your 
 
MEATS. 283 
 
 finger. Prepare a nice dressing the same as for stuffing a turkey. 
 
 With a thin sharp knife make perpendicular incisions in the meat 
 
 about half an inch apart, thrust into them the pork, and work in 
 
 with them some of the dressing. Proceed thus until the meat is 
 
 thoroughly plugged. Put it into a baking pan with a little water 
 
 at the bottom; cover tightly and bake slowly four hours; then 
 
 uncover, and spread the rest of the dressing over the top, and bake 
 
 until a nice brown. After taking up, thicken the gravy and pour 
 
 over the beef. It should be sliced horizontally. Is good either hot 
 
 or cold. 
 
 Pounded Beef. 
 
 Boil a shin of twelve pounds of meat until it falls readily from 
 
 the bone; pick it to pieces; mash gristle and all very fine; pick out 
 
 all the hard bits. Set the liquor away; when cool, take off all the 
 
 fat; boil the liquor down to a pint and a half. Then return the 
 
 meat to it while hot; add pepper and salt and any spice you choose. 
 
 Let it boil a few times, stirring all the while. Put into a mold 
 
 or deep dish to cool. Use cold and cut in thin slices for tea, or 
 
 warm it for breakfast. 
 
 Beef Coquettes. 
 
 Use cold roast beef; chop it fine; season with pepper and salt; 
 add one-third the quantity of bread crumbs, and moisten with a 
 little milk. Have your hands floured; rub the meat into balls, dip 
 it into beaten egg, then into fine pulverized cracker, and fry in but- 
 ter; garnish with parsley. 
 
 Deviled Beef. 
 
 Take slices of cold roast beef, lay them on hot coals, and broil; 
 season with pepper and salt, and serve while hot, with a small lump 
 of butter on each piece. 
 
 Beef Sausages. 
 
 To three pounds of beef, very lean, put one and one-half pounds 
 of suet, and chop very fine; season with sage in powder, allspice, 
 pepper and salt; have skins thoroughly cleaned, and force the meat 
 into them. 
 
284 MEATS. 
 
 Beef au Gratin. 
 Take cold beef, either boiled or roasted, and cut it in thin slices. 
 Grease a tin pan with butter, dust with bread crumbs, put in a little 
 chopped parsley, and lay on the slices of beef. Put salt, pepper, 
 and parsley on top, dust with bread crumbs, drop on lemon- juice, 
 and a little broth, just to cover the bottom of the pan, and place it 
 in the oven. 
 
 Beef Heakt, 
 
 Wash it carefully and stuff it nicely with dressing as for turkey; 
 roast it about one and a half hours, and serve with the gravy, 
 which should be thickened with some of the stuffing. It is very 
 nice hashed. 
 
 Dried Beef in Cream. 
 
 Shave your beef very fine; pour over it boiling water; let it 
 stand for a few minutes; pour this off and pour on good rich cream; 
 let it come to a boil. If you have not cream, use milk and butter, 
 and thicken with a very little flour; season with pepper, and serve 
 on toast or not, as you like. 
 
 Beef Omelette. 
 Three pounds of beefsteak, three-fourths of a pound of %uet, 
 chopped fine, salt, pepper, and a little sage, three eggs, six Boston 
 crackers, rolled; make into roll and bake. 
 
 Broiled Beef Tongue. 
 Put a fresh tongue on the fire with just cold water enough to 
 cover it, and with it a carrot, an onion, a bay-leaf, a couple of slices 
 of lemon, some black pepper, salt and a little garlic. Let it simmer 
 gently for about two hours till quite tender. Skin and trim it. 
 Either serve it whole or cut it in slices, and arrange in a ring with 
 the following thick sauce in the center: Strain the liquor in which 
 the tongue was cooked (this should be reduced by simmering to a 
 mere gravy) ; brown a large tablespoonf ul of flour in a good sized 
 piece of butter; braize two or three cloves of garlic, and let them 
 
MEATS. 285 
 
 steam a little while in the browning; then add the strained gravy 
 by degrees, stirring it quite smooth. Add a little lemon-juice or 
 vinegar; and whether it be served whole or sliced, dish the sauce 
 with the tongue. If garlic is objected to, make a sauce of grated 
 horse-radish, a carrot bruised fine, capers and a little wine. Gar- 
 nish with lemon slices and parsley. 
 
 To Boil Beef. 
 Put fresh beef into boiling water (unless you wish to make soup, 
 then it should be put into cold water) and bring quickly to a boil,^ 
 then set on back part of the stove and simmer gently till done. 
 Corned beef, if very salt, should be soaked over night, then put 
 into lukewarm, not boiling, water. Simmer from the time of boil- 
 ing till it is served up. Skim the pot thorouglily and turn the 
 meat twice during the simmering. The meat will be much better 
 if allowed to cool in the liquor in which it is cooked. 
 
 Tongue Roasted. 
 Parboil a tongue that has been salted about ten days; roast, 
 baste with red wine, and cover it at last with butter. Serve with 
 a rich gravy and sweet sauce. 
 
 Tripe. 
 This may be served in a tureen, stewed tender with milk and 
 onions, or fried in bits dipped in butter. In both the above ways 
 serve melted butter for sauce. Or cut the thin parts in oblong bits 
 and stew in gravy; thicken with butter rolled in a very little flour, 
 and add a spoonful of mushroom catsup. Or boil it tender in milk, 
 and serve in milk-white sauce. 
 
 Teipe a la Lyonnaise with Tomatoes. 
 This economical dish, which is in reach of every family, is also 
 very fine. Take two pounds of dressed and boiled tripe, cut into 
 small strips two inches long and put into a saucepan. Parboil and 
 drain off the first water; chop a small onion fine, and let all stew 
 twenty minutes; add half a cup of thickening and then stir in half 
 
286 MEATS. 
 
 a can of tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. This dish has 
 become very popular in all the hotels throughout the country. 
 
 Bullock's Heart, Roasted. 
 Wash the heart in several waters, clean the blood carefully from 
 the pipes, and put it to soak in vinegar and water for two hours or 
 more. Drain it and fill it either with ham forcemeat or sage and 
 onion stuffing. Fasten it securely, tie it in a cloth, put into a pan 
 of boiling water, and let it simmer gently for two hours. Take off 
 the cloth and roast the heart while hot, basting it plentifully with 
 good dripping for two hours longer. Serve with good brown 
 gravy and currant jelly. The stewing may be omitted- and the 
 heart simply roasted for three or four hours, but the flesh will not 
 then be so tender. 
 
 Calf's Heakt, Roasted. 
 
 Wash the heart very clean, soak it in vinegar and water, fill it 
 with a forcemeat made of four ounces of bread crumbs, two ounces 
 of butter, two tablespoonfuls of chopped parsley, half a teaspooaful 
 of finely-minced lemon rind, and a little salt and Cayenne. Fasten 
 the heart securely and bake for two hours. Serve it with good 
 melted butter, mixed with a tablespoonful of lemon-juice or vin- 
 egar. A calf's heart is improved by partially boiling before it is 
 roasted. 
 
 Calf's Heart, Fried. 
 
 Wash and soak the heart, cut it into slices about a quarter of an 
 inch thick and fry these in a little hot dripping or^ butter. About 
 five minutes before they are done, put a slice of bacon into the pan 
 for each slice of heart and when they are sufficiently cooked, serve 
 on a hot dish and cover each piece of heart with a slice of bacon. 
 Boil two or three tablespoonfuls of thin flour and water in the pan 
 in which the meat was fried. Season it with pepper and salt; add 
 one tablespoonful of red currant jelly and serve as hot as possible. 
 The slices of heart will fry in fifteen minutes. 
 
MEATS. 287 
 
 Sheep's Heart. Baked. 
 Wash two or three sheeps' hearts in lukewarm water, fill them 
 with Veal forcemeat, and skewer them securely. Fasten a rasher 
 of fat bacon around each, place them iu a deep dish, and with them 
 a little good stock, and an onion stuck with two cloves. Bake in a 
 moderate oven for two hours; draw off the gravy; thicken with a 
 little flour and butter, and season it with salt and pepper and a 
 tablespoonful of mushroom or walnut catsup. Put the hearts on a 
 hot dish, pour the gravy over them, and send red currant jelly 
 with them to the table. 
 
 Sweetbreads. 
 
 Sweetbreads should be chosen as fresh as possible, as they very 
 quickly spoil. There are two sorts — heart sweetbreads and throat 
 sweetbreads. The heart sweetbreads are the best. In whatever 
 way sweetbreads are dressed, they should first be soaked in luke- 
 warm water for a couple of hours. They should then be put into 
 boiling water and simmer gently for five or ten minutes, according 
 to size, and then taken up and laid in cold water. Sweetbreads are 
 quite as frequently employed as ingredients in sundry made dishes 
 as served alone, and as they do not possess a very decided natural 
 flavor, they need to be accompanied by a highly seasoned sauce, or 
 they will taste rather insipid. They are in full season from May 
 to August. 
 
 Sweetbreads Fried. 
 
 Prepare them as usual. Cut them in slices, iegg and bread-crumb 
 them, dip them in clarified butter, bread them again, and fry in 
 plenty of hot fat till they are brightly browned on both sides. 
 Drain them, and then dish on toast. Serve with cucumber sauce. 
 
 Sweetbreads Baked. 
 After preparing the sweetbreads as above, brush them over in 
 every part with beaten egg, roll them in bread crumbs, sprinkle 
 clarified butter over them, and bread-crumb them again. Put them 
 
2SS MEATS. 
 
 in a bakiiig-tin with about two ounces of butter, and bake in a well- 
 heated oven; baste them till they are done enough and brightly 
 browned. Take as many slices of hot toast as there are sweetbreads, 
 put them in a dish, lay the sweetbreads upon them, pour brown 
 gravy round, but not over them, and serve immediately. 
 
 Sweetbreads Broiled. 
 Take moderate-sized sweetbreads and prepare them in the usual 
 way. Stew them in good stock till they are done enough. Then 
 drain them and press them between two dishes till they are cold. 
 Split them in halves and trim them neatly; brush them over with 
 butter, and broil them over a clear but very gentle fire. Have a 
 plate with clarified butter on it near the gridiron and keep dipping 
 the sweetbreads in it, turning them frequently. When they are 
 brightly browned all over they are done enough. Dish the slices 
 in a circle, and send brown sauce, flavored with lemon-juice, to 
 table in a tureen. 
 
 Sweetbreads and Cauliflowers. 
 Take four large sweetbreads and two cauliflowers. Split open 
 the sweetbreads and remove the gristle. Soak them awhile in luke- 
 warm water; put them into a saucepan of boiling water, and set 
 them to boil ten minutes. Afterwards lay them in a pan of cold 
 water to make them firm. The parboiling is to whiten them. 
 Wash, drain and quarter the cauliflowers. Put them in a broad 
 stewpan with the sweetbreads on them; season with a little Cayenne 
 and a little nutmeg and add water to cover them. Put on the lid 
 of the pan and stew one hour. Take a quarter of a pound of fresh 
 butter and roll it in two tablespoonf uls of flour; add this with a 
 cup of milk to the stew, and give it one boil up and no more. Serve 
 hot, in a deep dish. This stew will be found delicious. 
 
 Tomato Sweetbreads. 
 Cut up a quarter of a peck of fine ripe tomatoes; set them over 
 the fire, and let them stew in nothing but their own juice till they 
 
MEATS. 289 
 
 go to pieces — then strain them through a sieve; have ready four or 
 five sweetbreads that have been trimmed nicely and soaked in warm 
 water. Put them into a stewpan with the tomato juice, and a little 
 salt and Cayenne; add two or three tablespoonf uls of butter rolled in 
 flour. Set the saucepan over the fire, and stew the sweetbreads till 
 done. A few minutes before you take them up, stir in two beaten 
 yolks of eggs. Serve the sweetbreads in a deep dish, with the 
 tomato poured over them. 
 
 Kidneys, Broiled or Roasted. 
 
 Split the kidneys in two without separating the halves; peel off 
 the thin outer skin. Season them with salt and pepper; broil them, 
 laying the flat sides first on the gridiron, to keep the gravy in; or, 
 fry them the same. Or place them with the flat side upwards in a 
 baking dish and put them in the oven. When done, serve in the 
 same dish in which they were baked. Immediately before serving, 
 put on each half-kidney a piece of butter and a little finely-chopped 
 parsley. 
 
 Stewed Kidneys. 
 
 Split the kidneys and peel off the outer skin as before; slice them 
 thin on a plate; dust them with flour, pepper and salt; brown some 
 flour in butter in a stewpan; dilute with a little water; mix smooth 
 and in it cook the sliced kidneys. Let them simmer, but not boil. 
 They will cook in a very short time. Butter some slices of toast 
 and lay on a hot dish and pour over it the stewed kidneys, gravy 
 and all. 
 
 Fried Liver. 
 
 Cut one pound of liver into slices one-fourth inch in thickness, 
 and dredge some flour over them. Take an equal number of slices 
 of bacon; fry the bacon first, and when it is done enough remove 
 from the fat and place them on a hot dish. Fry the slices of liver 
 in the same fat, and when lightly browned on both sides, dish bacon 
 and liver in a circle, a slice of each alternately. Pour the fat from, 
 the pan and dredge a little flour into it; add a quarter of a pint of 
 
 19 
 
290 
 
 MEATS. 
 
 broth, a little salt and pepper and a tablespoonful of naushroom 
 catsup. Stir smoothly together until the sauce boils, and pour into 
 the dish with the liver. Garnish with sliced lemon. If liked, a 
 tablespoonful of fiuely-minced gherkins or pickled walnuts may be 
 added to the sauce. 
 
 Fried Liver, No. 2. 
 Take one egg to one pound of liver; cut the liver thin, scald with 
 hot water and wipe dry; beat up the egg, dip the slices of liver 
 into the egg, then into powdered cracker, and fry brown. 
 
 Roast Quarter of Lamb. 
 Trim the joint and skewer three or four slices of bacon securely 
 to the outer side, brush three ounces of clarified butter over the 
 inner part and strew upon it a thick covering of finely-grated bread 
 
 crumbs seasoned with pepper, 
 salt and a little finely-minced 
 parsley. Put in the oven, and 
 when nearly done remove the 
 bacon and baste the meat with 
 •the beaten yolk of egg mixed 
 ^% with the gravy, throw some 
 more bread crumbs over it and 
 let it remain until nicely browned. If liked, squeeze the juice of a 
 lemon over it and serve with mint sauce. 
 
 Lamb Chops, Fried. 
 Cut a loin or neck of lamb into chops from half to three-quarters 
 of an inch in thickness. Dip each one into beaten egg and after- 
 wards into bread crumbs, flavored as follows: Mix three ounces of 
 finely-grated bread crumbs with a saltspoonful of salt, half a salt- 
 spoonful of pepper, a tablespoonful of finely-chopped parsley and a 
 quarter of a teaspoonful of finely-mixed lemon rind. Fry the chops 
 in good drippings until lightly browned on both sides. Serve on a 
 hot dish and garnish with slices of lemon or crisped parsley. 
 
MEATS. 291 
 
 Lamb Chops, Broiled. 
 Cut the chops about half an inch thick, trim them neatly, remov- 
 ing the superfluous fat, place them on a hot gridiron over a clear 
 fire and brown them nicely on both sides. Season them with salt 
 and pepper, and serve as hot as possible. Garnish with parsley. 
 Mashed potatoes, asparagus, green pease, or spinach, are usually 
 served with lamb chops. 
 
 Stewed Lamb with Geeen Pease. 
 Take two pounds of lamb, put it into a stewpan and cover with 
 cold water; after removing the scum add a little pepper and salt^ 
 then let the meat stew for an hour and a half or nearly two hours; 
 now add some boiling water (to make gravy); add your green 
 pease (half a peck before shelling); let these cook about twenty 
 minutes; stir up a tablespoonful of flour into half a cup of milk 
 and mix with the stew. Let this cook two minutes. 
 
 Lamb Cutlets. 
 Trim the slices free from fat, beat up the yolk of an egg with 
 rasped bread or crackers, seasons with pepper and salt, dip in the 
 cutlets and fry in butter gently, until thoroughly dona 
 
 Boiled Breast of Mutton. 
 Take out the bones, gristle, and some of the fat; flatten it on the 
 kneading-board, and cover the surface thinly with a forcemeat 
 made of bread crumbs, minced savory herbs, a little chopped 
 parsley, pepper, salt and an egg. The forcemeat should not be 
 spread too near the edge, and when rolled, the breast should be 
 tied securely, to keep the forcemeat in its place. If gently boiled, 
 and served hot, it will be generally liked. Serve with good caper 
 sauce. 
 
 Haunch of Mutton a la Venison. 
 Mix two ounces of bay salt with half a pound of brown sugar; 
 rub it well into the mutton, which should be placed in a deep dish 
 
292 MEATS. 
 
 for four days, and basted three or four times a day with the liquor 
 that drains from it; then wipe it quite dry, and rub in a quarter of 
 a pound more of sugar, mixed with a little common salt, and hang it 
 up, haunch downwards; wipe it daily till it is used. In winter it 
 should be kept two or three weeks and roasted in paste, like ven- 
 ison. Serve with currant jelly. The paste (made with flour and 
 water) should be removed fifteen minutes before serving. 
 
 Breast op Mutton with Pease. 
 Cut about two pounds of the breast of mutton into small square 
 pieces. Put them into a stewpan with about an ounce of butter, and 
 brown them nicely, then cover with weak broth or water, and stew 
 for an hour. Remove the meat from the stewpan, and clear the 
 gravy from fat. Put the meat into a clean stewpan, add an onion 
 or shallot sliced finely, a bunch of sweet herbs, some pepper and 
 salt, and strain the gravy over all. Stew for another hour, then 
 put in a quart of young pease, and serve in about twenty minutes» 
 Macaroni may be used in the place of pease. 
 
 Mutton Curried. 
 Put four ounces of butter into a stewpan, and chop fine, or pound 
 in a mortar four onions; add the onions to the butter with an ounce 
 of curry powder, a teaspoonful of salt, a dessertspoonful of flour, 
 and half a pint of cream; stir until smooth. Fry two pounds of 
 mutton — cut in neat pieces without bone — to a light brown color. 
 Lay the meat into a clean stewpan, and pour the curry mixture 
 over; simmer until the meat is done. 
 
 Mutton Chops. 
 First select well-fed mutton, but not too fat, and get the chops 
 evenly cut; if not, beat them into shape with the chopper. Not 
 more than one-third of the chop should be fat. Put an ounce of 
 butter or lard into the frying-pan; when it is entirely melted seize 
 the chop at the bone end with a fork, and dip it for half a minute 
 into the fat, then turn on one side, sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
 
MEATS. 293 
 
 and if liked, finely-chopped shallot or onion, and savory herbs. lu 
 three minutes turn, and serve the other side the same; equalize the 
 cooking by frequent turning, but give the chop altogether not more 
 than ten minutes. A piece of garlic, if the flavor be approved, 
 may be rubbed across the dish when hot, or it may be rubbed 
 lightly across the chop. Serve with plain or maitre d'hotel butter. 
 
 Mutton Cutlets a la Minute. 
 The mutton for these cutlets should be cut from the middle of 
 the leg, and sliced thin; season slightly with salt and pepper. Fry 
 the meat quickly over a brisk fire, to make it crisp, turning it often. 
 Let the cutlets be kept warm in the oven while the gravy is pre- 
 paring. Have ready some mushrooms, chopped with a shallot, a 
 sprig or two of parsley and thyme, minced fine. Stew these in the 
 butter for a few minutes, and season with salt and pepper; add flour 
 and water, strain and serve round the^ cutlets. 
 
 Mutton Cutlets and Puree of Potatoes. 
 Boil or steam two pounds of mealy potatoes, mash them smooth, 
 put them into a stewpan with two or three ounces of butter, two or 
 three tablespoonfuls of cream or broth, pepper and salt; make them 
 hot, and pile them in the center of a hot dish. The cutlets may be 
 bread-crumbed and fried, or, if preferred, broiled and served round 
 the puree. 
 
 Boiled Leg op Mutton. 
 Cut off the shank bone, put it into a large stewpan or kettle, with 
 as much boiling water as will cover it. When restored to its boil- 
 ing state, skim the surface clean, and set the stewpan back and 
 allow the contents to simmer until done. Allow for a leg of mut- 
 ton of nine or ten pounds, from two and a half to three hours from 
 the time it boils. Boil very young turnips for a garnish, also boil 
 larger turnips to mash. Place the young turnips, which should be 
 of equal size, round the dish with the mutton and send the mashed 
 ones to the table separately. Melted butter, with capers added, 
 
294 
 
 MEATS. 
 
 should accompany the dish. The liquor from the boiling may be 
 converted into good soup at a trifling expense. 
 
 Mutton Kebbobed. 
 Take a loin of mutton; joint well; take the following dressing 
 and put between each joint: Two tablespoonfuls chopped parsley, 
 a little thyme, a nutmeg grated, a cup of bread crumbs; mix well 
 with two eggs; roast one hour. If there is a large flap to the loin, 
 some of the dressing may be put in and then skewered securely. 
 
 Leg of Mutton, To Carve. 
 The leg of mutton comes to the table as shown in Fig. 1. Take 
 the carving fork, as usual, in your left hand, and plant it firmly in 
 the joint, as shown by A, in Fig. 1, placing it rather over to the 
 other side of the joint, and drawing the leg over toward you on the 
 dish about one-third, which brings the position of the fork from A 
 to B. Cut straight down across the joint at the line marked C, not 
 quite to the bone. Make the second cut a little on the slant, as 
 shown in D, and take the piece out; continue cutting from each 
 side slantingly as the line marked D, either from the thick or the 
 
 knuckle end, ac- 
 cording to the 
 taste of the per- 
 son to be helped. 
 A very small 
 piece of the fat 
 should be given 
 with each slice 
 of meat to those 
 who like it. The 
 knuckle, if any 
 one asks for it, 
 
 is first cut off in a lump, as shown by the circular line at F, and after- 
 wards in slices. Mutton should be cut thick, but it should not be 
 cut to the bone; the slice in the centre should not penetrate so far 
 
MEATS. ^ 295 
 
 as the circular kernel of fat found there, and called the *' pope's 
 eye," which is generally considered best to leave for hashing. 
 
 The back of a leg of mutton is not generally cut until cold, when 
 it is best sliced lengthwise, as shown in Fig. 2 ; the meat is still cut 
 thick, but not quite so thick as in the cuts previously described. 
 Cold mutton should be served with mashed potatoes and pickles, 
 and the re- 
 mains hashed, 
 as there is 
 
 much left on ^0 
 
 the bone that • J8^\ r 
 
 does not cut 
 
 up well hot or ,^gtf^^^^^ ''/f^P"/ 
 
 cold. There is -'-'—-- .,,y^y/.^ 
 
 a part called H 
 
 the "crump bone" in a leg of mutton, which may be removed by a 
 circular cut from H to J in Fig. 2; it is usually relished cold. Fig. 
 2 shows the joint when turned three parts over, held by the fork as 
 previously described, and the dotted line at J indicates the direc- 
 tion of the first cut. 
 
 Roast Leg of Mutton. 
 Get a leg of about eight pounds, which has hung at least a week, 
 weather allowing. During hot summer weather this joint gets 
 quickly tainted. Rub it lightly with salt, and put it at once into 
 a hot oven for the first few minutes, then allow the oven to cool, 
 and roast more slowly until done. Baste continually with a little 
 good dripping until that from the joint begins to flow. When 
 within twenty minutes to being done, dredge it with flour, and 
 baste with butter or dripping; and when the froth rises serve on a 
 hot dish. Make a gravy and pour round the meat, not over it. 
 
 Mutton Cutlets with Provtstcale Sauce. 
 Use one-fourth of a medium-sized onion, tablespoonful of butter; 
 put over the fire and gradually add a spoonful of flour, cup of 
 
296 . MEATS. 
 
 water, one-half cup thyme, season with pepper and salt and stir 
 constantly; add the yolks of two raw eggs and cook until about as 
 thick as cream. This sauce can be used on cold meats, or in cook- 
 in <t raw meat. When used in cooking cutlets or other meats, the 
 meats should be very slightly cooked on both sides in a hot skillet, 
 then have a pot of fat large enough for the meat to swim in. Dip 
 the cutlets in the sauce and put them in the boiling fat. Take 
 them out and roll in cracker dust and bread crumbs; put them 
 back, and do this occasionally until the meat floats on top of the 
 fat. They are then done. 
 
 Pork — To Keep Fresh in Summer. 
 Take pork, when killed in the early part of the winter, and let it 
 lie in pickle about a week or ten days, or until just sufliciently 
 salted to be palatable; then slice it up and fry it about half or two- 
 thirds as much as you would for present eating; now lay it away 
 in its own grease, in jars properly covered, in a cool place, as you 
 would lard. Re-fry when ready to use. 
 
 Pork, to Cook. 
 Large pork, such as portions of the shoulder, loin, or spare-rib, 
 of large bacon hogs, may be cooked as follows: Rub the joint 
 with pepper and salt, and put it into a large saucepan with a closely- 
 fitting lid. When nearly done, add two or three onions and carrots, 
 with half a dozen sticks of celery, four sage leaves, a bunch of 
 parsley, a small sprig of marjoram and thyme, and as much stock 
 or water as will cover the whole. Let the liquors boil up; skim 
 (Carefully; then set back and simmer gently for three or four hours, 
 .•according to size of joint. When the pork is done enough, lift it 
 <out, ])ut the vegetables round it, strain and thicken a portion of tlie 
 •gravy, and pour it boiling hot over the pork. When the pork is 
 removed from the table, trim it neatly and place on a clean dish to 
 be eaten cold, or thicken the rest of the gravy and pour over the 
 meat to be warmed over. 
 
MEATS. 297 
 
 Pork, Belly Rolled and Boiled. 
 Salt a belly of pork — young meat is the best — by mixing a salt- 
 spoonful of powdered saltpetre with two tablespoonfuls of common 
 salt, sprinkle the mixture over the pork, and let it lie for three days. 
 When ready to dress the meat, wash it in cold water, and dry it 
 with a cloth. Lay it, skin downwards, orf the table, remove the 
 bones, and cover the inside with pickled gherkins cut into thin 
 slices. Sprinkle over these a little powdered mace and pepper. 
 Roll the meat tightly and bind securely with tape. Put it into a 
 saucepan with two onions stuck with six cloves, three bay-leaves, 
 a bunch of parsley, and a sprig of thyme. Bring the liquid slowly 
 to a boil, skim carefully, draw it to the back of stove, and simmer 
 gently till the meat is done enough. Put it between two dishes, 
 lay a Aveight upon it, and leave it until quite cold. The bandages 
 should not be removed until the meat is ready to be served. Time 
 to simmer, half au hour per pound. 
 
 PoHK Brawn. 
 Take a small pig's head with the tongue, and two pig's feet. Clean 
 and wash them, sprinkle two tablespoonfuls of salt over them, and let 
 them drain until the following day; dry them with a soft cloth and 
 rub into them a powder made of six ounces of common salt, six 
 ounces of moist sugar, three-quarters of an ounce of saltpetre, and 
 three-quarters of an ounce of black pepper. Dry the powder well, 
 and rub it into every part of the head, tongue, ears, and feet; turn 
 them over and rub them again every day for ten days. Wash the 
 pickle from them, cut off the ears, and boil the feet and ears an 
 hour and a half; then put in the head and tongue, cover with cold 
 water, and boil until the meat will leave the bones. Take them up, 
 drain, cut the meat into small pieces; first remove all bones, and 
 skin the tongue. Season the mince with a teaspoonful of white 
 pepper, three saltspoonfuls of powdered mace, one saltspoonful 
 each of powdered nutmeg and Cayenne. Stir all well together, 
 press the meat while warm into a brawn tin, and lay a heavy weight 
 
298 MEATS. 
 
 on the lid. Put it in a cool place until the following day; dip the 
 mold in boiling water, turn the brawn out, and serve with vinegar 
 and mustard. 
 
 Pork Chops, Broiled. 
 
 Cut the chops rather less than half an inch thick. Have a clear 
 fire; make the gridiron hot before putting the chops on it; pepper 
 the chops, and when nearly done sprinkle salt, and a little powdered 
 sage over them. Let them bt; done through, turn frequently, and 
 serve hot. Tomato sauce eats well with pork chops. 
 
 Pork Chops, Fried. 
 Cut pork chops a half an inch in thickness; trim them neatly; 
 sprinkle them on both sides with a little salt and pepper. Melt a 
 little butter in a frying-pan, put the chops in it and fry them until 
 they are thoroughly done. If liked, a little powdered sage may be 
 sprinkled over them before serving. Send apple sauce to table with 
 them. 
 
 Pork Cutlets, Broiled. 
 
 Pork cutlets are best taken from the neck or fore loin of small 
 dairy-fed pork, not very fat. Neatly trim them. Score the skin at 
 regular intervals and flatten the cutlets with a cutlet-bat. Brush 
 them over with oil, season with salt and pepj^er, and place them on 
 a hot gridiron over a clear fire. Turn them occasionally, that they 
 may be equally browned on both sides, and let them be thoroughly 
 cooked. Put them on a hot dish, and send tomato, piquant or any 
 appropriate sauce to table with them. 
 
 Leg of Pork, Good as Goose. 
 Parboil a leg of pork and take off the skin. Make a stuffing as 
 follows: Mince two ounces of onion very finely; mix with it half a 
 chopped apple, four ounces of bread crumbs, half a dozen chopped 
 sage leaves, an ounce or butter, and a little pepper and salt. Bind 
 the mixture together with the yolk of an egg. Make a slit in the 
 knuckle, put the stuffing into it, and fasten securely. Put the pork 
 into the oven and baste liberally. Half an hour before it is taken 
 
MEATS. 299 
 
 up, sprinkle over it a savory powder made of two tablespoonfuls of 
 bread crumbs mixed with one tablespoonf ul of powdered sao^e, and 
 a little pepper and salt. Do not baste the meat after the powder 
 is put upon it. Serve with good brown gravy and apple sauce. 
 
 Pork Cutlets, Fried, 
 Melt two ounces of butter in a saucepan, and stir into it a tea- 
 spoonful of chopped parsley, a teaspoonf ul each of chopped sage, 
 and minced shallot. Move these ingredients about for a few 
 minutes, then add a little salt and pepper, and two well-beaten 
 eggs. Dip the cutlets first into this mixture, then into finely-grated 
 bread crumbs, and let them stand ten minutes. Melt a little butter 
 in a frying-pan, fry the cutlets in it, and when thoroughly done, 
 serve with a good brown sauce. 
 
 Boiled Leg of Pork with Pease Pudding. 
 
 Take a leg of pork and rub it over with salt; put it into a vessel 
 and cover with salt and let it stand for ten days. At the end of 
 that time boil it in soft water, and serve with cabbage all round it, 
 and a pease pudding made as follows: Take a quart of dry pease, 
 wash them, tie them in a clean bag, and boil with the pork. When 
 the pease are done, strain them through a colander, put in a large 
 lump of butter, some salt, and two yolks of eggs, and put back into 
 the bag, and boil again for half an hour. The pease must be put into 
 cold soft water for two hours before being boiled, otherwise they 
 will never boil tender. 
 
 Pork Pies. 
 
 Make a crust as for chicken pies. Cut the meat into pieces the 
 size of a small nut, and keep the lean and fat separate. Season the 
 whole with pepper and salt and a teaspoonful of powdered sage. 
 Pack the fat and lean closely into the pie in alternate layers until it 
 is filled; put on the top crust and ornament according to taste; brush 
 over with well-beaten egg, and bake in a slow oven as the meat is 
 solid and requires to be cooked through, the outside pieces will be 
 hard unless cut very small and pressed closely together. Take the 
 
300 MEATS. 
 
 bones and trimmings of the pork arid stew them to make gravy; 
 boil it until it will jelly when cold, strain, thicken and flavor, and 
 when the pie is done raise the top crust and fill it with the gravy, 
 and send the balance of the gravy to table in a tureen. 
 
 Roast Loin of Pork, 
 Score the skin of a fresh loin of pork at equal distances about a 
 quarter of an inch apart. Brush it over with salad oil, season with 
 salt and pepper, and place in a moderate oven. Baste liberally with 
 butter or dripping at first, and when done serve on a hot dish, and 
 serve with brown gravy and apple sauce. If liked, a little sage and 
 onion stuffing may be served on a separate dish. 
 
 Pork Cake, 
 Cut the meat, fat and lean, from a cold joint o£ roast pork, and 
 mince it very finely; mix with it a couple of large potatoes freshly 
 boiled and mashed, a little salt and pepper, a chopped onion, and a 
 little powdered sage. Add two or three eggs, a little milk, suffi- 
 cient to make a very thick batter. Fry the cake like an omelet, or 
 bake in a buttered dish. Serve with pickled onions or gherkins. 
 
 Pork Sausages. 
 
 Have two-thirds lean and one-third fat pork; chop very fine. 
 Season v/ith nine teaspoonf uls pepper, nine of salt, three of pow- 
 dered sage to every pound of meat. Warm the meat so that you can 
 mix it well with your hands, do up a part in small patties, with a 
 little flour mixed with them, and the rest pack in jars. When used, 
 do it up in small cakes, flour the outside and fry in butter, or alone. 
 They should not be covered, or they will fall to pieces, A little 
 cinnamon to a part of them will be a pleasant addition. They 
 should be kept where it is cool, but not damp,. They are very nice 
 for breakfast. 
 
 Pork and Beans, 
 
 Take two pounds side pork, not too fat nor too lean, and two 
 quarts of marrowfat beans; put the beans to soak the night before 
 
MEATS. 301 
 
 you boil them in a gallon of milk- warm water. After breakfast, 
 scald and scrape the rind of the pork, and put on to boil an hour 
 before putting in tlie beans; as soon as the beans boil up, pour off 
 the water and put on one gallon of fresh water; boil until quite 
 tender, adding more water if necessary; great care must be taken 
 that they do not scorch. When nearly as stiff as mashed potatoes, 
 put into a baking-dish, score the pork and put in the center; brown 
 in the oven one hour. If preferred use corned beef instead of pork. 
 
 Pressed Head. 
 Boil the several parts of the entire head and the feet, in the same 
 way as for souse. All must be boiled so perfectly tender that the 
 meat will separate easily from the bones. After neatly separated, 
 chop the meat fine while warm, seasoning with salt, pepper, and 
 other spices, to taste. Put it in a strong bag, place a weight on it 
 and let it remain till cold. Or put it in any convenient dish, 
 placing a plate with a Aveight on it to press the meat. Cut in 
 slices, roll in flour, and fry in lard. 
 
 Boiled Pig's Feet. 
 Take the fore feet, cut off the hocks, clean and scrape them well; 
 place two feet together and roll them up tightly in common mus- 
 lin; tie or sew them so that they will keep in perfect shape, and 
 boil them seven hours on a moderate fire — they will then be very 
 soft; lift them out carefully and let them cool off; then remove the 
 muslin and you will find them like jelly. Serve with vinegar, or 
 split them and roll in bread crumbs or cracker dust, and fry or 
 broil them. Serve with a little tart sauce. 
 
 Pig's Foot Cheese. 
 Boil the "hocks and feet of equal quantity loose in a pot till the 
 meat will fall freely from the bones; season well with pepper and 
 salt; put into a pan while hot and press it. Cut in slices and serve 
 with vinegar or Worcestershire sauce. Both of the above are 
 great delicacies if properly cooked. 
 
303 MEATS. 
 
 To KoAsT A Sucking Pig. 
 
 If you can get it wlicn first killed this is of great advantage 
 Let it be scalded, which the dealers usually do; then put some sage, 
 a large piece of stalish bread, salt and pepper in the inside and sew 
 it lip. Observe to skewer the legs back, or the underpart will not 
 crisp. Lay it to a brisk fii-e till thoroughly dry; then have ready 
 some butter in a dry cloth and rub the pig with it in every part. 
 Dredge as much flour over it as will possibly lie, and do not touch 
 it again till ready to serve; then scrape off the flour very carefully 
 with a blunt knife, rub the pig well with a buttered cloth, and take 
 off the head while at the fire; take out the brains and mix them 
 with the gravy that comes from the pig. Then take it up and cut 
 it down the back and breast, lay it into the dish and chop the sage 
 and bread quickly as fine as you can, and mix them with a large 
 quantity of melted butter, that has a very little flour. Put the 
 sauce into the dish after the pig has been split down the back and 
 gai'nished with the ears and the two jaws; take off the upper part 
 of the head down to the snout. In Devonshire it is served whole, 
 if very small, the head only being cut off to garnish with as above. 
 It will require from an hour to an hour and a half to roast, accord- 
 ing to size. 
 
 To Cure Hams. 
 
 Take coarse salt, with a sprinkle of saltpetre, pepper and sugar; 
 powder and mix; rub this in well a few times; smoke and Avrap closely 
 in paper of four folds or more; pack in dry ashes four inches thick 
 around each ham. They will keep through the hottest of weather 
 and be as good as new. 
 
 Ham Pie. 
 
 Make a crust the same as for soda biscuit, line your dish, put in 
 a layer of potatoes, sliced thin, pepper, salt, and a little butter, then 
 a layer of lean ham; add considerable water, and you will have an 
 excellent pie. 
 
MEATS. 303 
 
 Boned Ham; Fine Substitute for Turkey. 
 Take a good salted but unsmoked ham, remove the bone so as to 
 leave the meat as solid as possible. In place of the bone put 
 dressing made same as for turkey, and bake. It is good hot or cold. 
 
 Baked Ham. 
 Make a thick paste of flour (not boiled) and cover the ham with 
 it, bone and all; put in a pan on a spider or two muffin rings, or 
 anything that will keep it an inch from the bottom, and bake in a 
 hot oven. If a small ham, fifteen minutes for each pound; if large, 
 twenty minutes. The oven should be hot when put in. The paste 
 forms a hard crust around the ham and the skin comes off with it. 
 Try this and you will never cook a ham any other way. 
 
 Smoked Meat on Toast. 
 Take a cold smoked tongue or ham that has been well boiled, 
 and grate it with a coarse grater or mince it fine, mix it with cream 
 and beaten yolk of egg, and let it simmer over the fire. Prepare 
 some nice slices of toast, butter them rather slightly, lay them in a 
 flat dish that has been heated over the fire, and cov'er each slice 
 with the meat mixture, Avhich should be spread on hot. Place on the 
 table in a covered dish, for either breakfast or supper. 
 
 Ham and Eggs. 
 
 Cut the ham into thin slices and broil, and spread over it a little 
 butter. Poach the eggs in salted water and lay neatly upon the 
 ham. 
 
 Boiled Ham. 
 
 Soak twenty -four hours; put into a pot with cold water and boil 
 gently for five or six hours; take it off the fire and let it remain in 
 the water until cold. Peel off the skin and sprinkle with bread or 
 cracker crumbs, and brown in the oven. Slice very thin for the 
 table. 
 
304 
 
 MEATS. 
 
 Ham Balls. 
 Take one-half cup of bread crumbs and mix with two eggs well 
 beaten; chop fine some bits of cold boiled ham and mix with them. 
 Make into balls and fry. 
 
 Ham Garnishing and Ornamenting. 
 
 The usual way of finishing a ham, when it is not glazed, is to 
 
 draw off the skin carefully, 
 dredge bread raspings all over 
 the fat, and put the ham in the 
 oven to become brown and crisp. 
 Fasten a frill of white paper 
 round the bone, and garnish 
 with parsley or cut vegetables. 
 
 To Glaze Hams. 
 
 Remove the rind by taking hold of the thick end first. Trim it 
 neatly, put it in the oven for a few minutes; and press a cloth over 
 it to dry it; brush it over with a paste brush dipped in glaze (a 
 strong clear gravy boiled down as thick as syrup). To melt the 
 glaze, put the jar which contains it into a saucepan of boiling 
 water, and stir until dissolved. Brush the ham with two or three 
 coats. 
 
 Collared Breast of Veal. 
 
 Bone a breast of veal; lay it on the table and spread on it a thick 
 layer of oyster forcemeat {See oyster forcemeat)', roll the veal as 
 tightly as possible, and bind it with a tape. Put it into boiling 
 water; let it boil up once; skim the liquor carefully; set the sauce- 
 pan back and simmer the contents gently until done; put the bones 
 into a separate saucepan with a moderate-sized onion, a bunch of 
 sweet herbs, and a little pepper and salt; let them simmer till the 
 liquor is strong and pleasantly flavored; strain it, thicken with a 
 little flour and butter, and stir into it two or three tablespoonfuls 
 of thick cream, or, if milk has to be used, beat into it the yolk of 
 
MEATS. 305 
 
 an egg. Serve tlie meat on a hot dish with the sauce poured over. 
 This dish may be garnished with forcemeat balls, and with the 
 sweetbreads cut into slices, egged, and bread-crumbed and fried; 
 or a little parsley and sliced lemon may be used instead. The meat 
 may be baked instead of boiled, and then a little weak stock should 
 be put into the pan with it, and it should be basted frequently. 
 
 Boiled Breast of Veal. 
 
 If the sweetbread is to be boiled with the veal, let it soak in water 
 for a couple of hours; then skewer it to the veal. Put this into a 
 saucepan, with boiling water to cover it; let it boil up, and care- 
 fully remove the scum as it rises; add a handful of chopped 
 parsley, a teaspoonful of pepper-corns, a blade of mace, and a little 
 salt. Draw it back, and then simmer gently until done enough. 
 Serve on a hot dish, and pour a little good onion sauce or parsley 
 sauce over it. Send boiled bacon to the table on a separate dish. 
 The sweetbread may, of course, be dressed separately. 
 
 Ragout of Breast of Veal. 
 Take off the under bone, and put the veal into a stewpan with as 
 much boiling stock as will cover it; let the liquor boil up, then add 
 a large carrot, sliced, three onions, a blade of mace, a bunch of 
 sweet herbs, the thin rind of a lemon, and pepper and salt; skim 
 the gravy and simmer it gently until the veal is quite tender- 
 Thicken the gravy till it is of the consistency of sauce, and stir into 
 it the strained juice of a lemon and a glass of sherry or Madeii-a. 
 Put the veal into a dish, pour the gravy over it, and garnish with 
 savory forcemeat balls and slices of lemon. 
 
 Roasted Breast op Veal. 
 If the sweetbread is retained, skewer it to the back; season and 
 cover with a buttered paper. Put it into a moderate oven and 
 baste liberally till it is done. When it is roasted about an hour and 
 a half, remove the paper, flour the joint and let it brown. Serve 
 on a hot dish with melted butter poured over. Garnish with sliced , 
 
 20 
 
306 MEATS. 
 
 lemon. Forcemeat balls may be served with the veal and mush- 
 room sauce sent to the table with it. Time, twenty minutes to the 
 pound. 
 
 Bubble and Squeak of Veax. 
 Take the remains of cold veal; cut the meat into neat slices; fry 
 them in hot fat; put them where they will keep hot. Take some 
 boiled spinach, fry this, also, and when it is quite hot, pile it on a 
 dish and arrange the pieces of meat around it. Send tomato or any 
 kind of piquant sauce to table with it. 
 
 Veal Cake. 
 
 Butter a plain earthenware dish or mold ; fill it with alternate layers 
 of hard-boiled yolks of eggs, chopped parsley, and veal and ham, 
 minced, seasoned highly, mixed thoroughly and beaten to a smooth 
 paste. Pour a spoonful or two of seasoned stock upon the meat, 
 cover the pan closely and bake in a gentle oven. When done 
 enough, press firmly into the mold, put a plate with a weight upon 
 it, and let it remain untouched until cold. Turn it out, garnish 
 with parsley, and serve for luncheon or supper. Time to bake, 
 about one hour. 
 
 Veal Scallop. 
 
 Chop fine some cold veal, and put a layer in the bottom of a 
 pudding dish, and season with pepper and salt. Next put a layer 
 of finely powdered crackers, and strew some bits of butter over it 
 and wet with a little milk; then more veal, seasoned as before, and 
 another round of cracker crumbs with butter and milk. When the 
 dish is full, wet well with gravy or broth, and spread over all a thick 
 layer of cracker, seasoned with salt, wet into a paste with milk and 
 a beaten egg or two, and stick bits of butter thickly over it, and 
 cover and bake a half or three-quarters of a hour; then remove the 
 cover and brown nicely. 
 
 Calf's Head, Boiled. 
 
 Take a calf's head, cut it in two, and take out the brains; wash 
 the head in several waters, and let it soak in warm water for a 
 
MEATS. 307 
 
 quarter of an hour. Place it in a saucepan of cold water, and when 
 the water comes to the boil, skim carefully; season when nearly- 
 done. Half a head, without the skin, will require from an hour and 
 a half to two hours. It must stew gently till tender. If you wish 
 it full-dressed, score it superficially, beat up the yolk of an egg, 
 and rub it over the head with a feather. Powder it with a season- 
 ing of finely-minced or dried and powdered winter savory, thyme, 
 or sage, parsley, pepper and salt, and bread crumbs, and brown in 
 the oven; when dry, pour melted butter over. You may garnish 
 the dish with broiled rashers of bacon. 
 
 Calf's Brains a la Ravigote. 
 Wash the brains in several waters, and free them from skin and 
 fibre; boil them for ten minutes in salt and water mixed with a 
 tablespoonf ul of vinegar, and when they are firm, cut them in slices, 
 dip them in a batter, and fry them to a light brown. Place them, 
 in a circle on a hot dish with a little fried parsley in the centre, and 
 send ravigote sauce {See Savory Sauces) to table with them. 
 
CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 POULTRY. 
 
 Chicken Saute, a la Marengo. 
 iAREFULLY pick and singe the chicken. Clean it with a wet 
 "Jl towel, as washing takes away much of the nutriment. Cut the 
 bird in pieces beginning with the wing. Cut a small piece of 
 the breast out Avith the wing. This distributes the white meat with 
 the wing, otherwise the wing is a poor part. Next cut off the wing 
 side bone and then the legs, cutting the upper joint in two near the 
 middle, and the lower the same, dividing the second joint, which 
 many think the best part of the chicken. This is better than giving^ 
 all the best meat to one person. Next cut through the ribs, first 
 one side then the other, taking the breast bone off and cutting it in 
 three equal parts, trimming off the ends of the rib bones. It will 
 then be easy to remove the entrails. Then break the neck and cut 
 the backbone in two pieces. Save the heart, liver and gizzard; cut 
 out the little sand-bag from the latter, and remove it all, instead of 
 splitting it open and leaving the skin. In removing the gall take a 
 part of the liver to make sure of no accident. Then place all these 
 pieces in a saucepan, moistened with salad oil. As soon as the 
 chicken begins to be browned put in a tablespoonful of flour; stir 
 together and let the whole become brown by cooking. Then cover 
 the whole with hot water, and season well with salt and pepper. 
 If too much salt should be added it may be counteracted by a little 
 vinegar and sugar. If it is desired, olives or button onions may be 
 added. If so, put them in when the hot water is put in and cook 
 slowly. After the flour and water are added, stirring is necessary, 
 
 308 
 
POULTRY. 309 
 
 and it should be done with a flat wooden stick, which will not 
 scratch the pan like metal. White pepper is better than black, as 
 it is more digestible and has not the hard pieces of shell. An 
 apple corer can be used to take the stones out of the olives, but a 
 more economical instrument is a small sharp knife with which the 
 olive can be peeled off the stone. The onions should be used whole, 
 carefully relieved of the dry shell. When the chicken is sufficiently 
 cooked, add a glass of sherry or Madeira wine, but the wine should 
 not be added until ready to serve. If the wine and olives are not 
 used, you have a nice brown fricassee. Those chickens are the best 
 which have small bones, short legs, and clean, white-looking flesh. 
 Chickens with white legs should be boiled, those with black legs 
 roasted. The flesh of chickens is generally considered more 
 digestible than any other animal food. 
 
 Capon* Ranaque. 
 Use a capon or nice chicken. Have it carefully picked, singed 
 and wiped with a wet towel; cut off the legs just below the joint; 
 split down the back, and take out the crop; then bone the capon, 
 whi(;h is done in this way: Cut down the middle of the back all the 
 way; take out the crop, without breaking the skin of the neck; 
 turn back the skin and cut the joint of the wing; then cut along 
 close to the bone, until you have reached the leg joint, which twist 
 out of joint where it joins the body; cut down the side until you 
 have reached the edge of the breast bone, taking care not to cut 
 the entrails; then go up the other side of the chicken in the same 
 manner that you came down. Leave the leg and wing bones in; 
 replace the bones taken out by stuffing, and sew up the carcass. 
 For boned chicken, remove all bones from the inside. To stuff a 
 capon you can use enough fresh pork and veal, in equal quantity, 
 chopped fine, to fill up the place in the carcass. For every pound 
 of forcemeat use one glass of wine and one whole egg; one tea- 
 spoonful of salt, one teaspoonful of mixed ground spice, one-half 
 saltspoonful of pepper. In the place of the spices you can use 
 sweet herbs. You can use in the place of this forcemeat a nice 
 
310 POULTRY. 
 
 stuffing of bread. When finished bake slowly about two hours. 
 To make the stuffing use fresh pork and veal in equal quantities, 
 chopped fine. If you have a five-pound chicken three pounds of 
 forcemeat will be enough. Make two-thirds the weight of the 
 chicken. Lean veal and lean pork, both raw. For one pound of 
 forcemeat use one glass of wine — sherry or Madeira, one i^gg, one 
 teaspoonf ul of salt, one teaspoonf ul of mixed ground spice, and one- 
 half saltspoonful of pepper. The spice may be cloves, allspice, and 
 nutmeg, and any sweet herb you wish — thyme, summer savory, or 
 sweet marjoram, A regular boned chicken should be boiled, stuffed 
 and sewed up. For the Ranaque, stuff, then sew up. Leave long 
 ends in sewing so they will be easy to remove when it is done. 
 Push the legs up to the breast as far as possible. Run a trussing 
 needle through with a cord attached, which tie around the chicken. 
 Then run a cord through the breast and wings, and pass it under 
 the back and tie, A skewer may be used. Bake slowly two hours. 
 It may be well to tie a slice of pork over the breast. 
 
 Fricasseed Chicken. 
 Cut up chicken, and boil with a slice or two of bacon in sufficient 
 water to cover till quite tender. Fry some pork, and, when cooked a 
 little, drain the chicken and fry with the pork till brown. Then take 
 out and pour the broth into the frying pan with the pork fat, and 
 make a gravy thickened with browned flour, season well with butter, 
 and put the chicken into the gravy. Be sure and have the fat quite 
 hot when the chicken is put in, so it will brown readily. 
 
 Chicken Pie. 
 Take two full-grown chickens, or more, if they are small, disjoint 
 them and cut the backbone, etc., as small as convenient; boil them 
 with a few slices of salt pork in water enough to cover them; let 
 them boil quite tender, then take out the breast bone. After they 
 boil and the scum is taken off, put in a little onion, cut very fine, 
 not enough to taste distinctly, but just enough to flavor a little; 
 rub some parsley very fine, when dry, or cut fine when green — this 
 
POULTRY. 311 
 
 gives a pleasant flavor. Season well with pepper and salt, and a 
 few ounces of good fresh butter. When all is cooked well, have 
 liquid enough to cover the chicken; then beat two eggs and stir in 
 some sweet cream. Line a five-quart pan with a crust made like 
 soda biscuit, only more shortening, put in the chicken and liquid, 
 then cover with a crust the same as the lining. Bake till the crust 
 is done, and you will have a good chicken pie. 
 
 Frying Chickens. 
 
 Many people prefer chickens fried to any other way. Dissect, 
 salt, and pepper; roll the pieces in flour and fry in lard. When 
 done, pour oif the lard and put in a quarter of a pound of butter, a 
 cup of cream, a little flour, and some parsley, scalded and chopped 
 fine for the sauce. 
 
 Chtctken Salad. 
 
 Cut the meat from two chickens, or one, if you want a small dish. 
 Add an equal quantity of shred lettuce, after you have cut the 
 chickens into narrow shreds two inches long; stir in a bowl. Pre- 
 pare a dressing thus: Beat the yolks of two eggs, salt lightly, and 
 beat in, a few drops at a time, four tablespoonfuls of oil; then, as 
 gradually, three teaspoonfuls of hot vinegar, and half a teaspoonful 
 of best celery essence. The mixture should be thick as cream; pour 
 over the chicken, mix well and lightly; put into a salad dish and 
 lay sections of two hard-boiled eggs on top, with a chain of sliced 
 whites around the edge. 
 
 Chicken Croquettes. 
 One cold, boiled chicken, chopped fine; then take a pint of sweet 
 milk, and when the milk is boiled, stir into it two large tablespoon- 
 fuls of flour, made thin in a little cold milk; after the flour is well 
 cooked with the milk, put in a piece of butter the size of an egg, 
 add salt and Cayenne pepper; stir all well into the chicken; roll up 
 with your hand, and dip first into an egg beaten up, then into, 
 crackers rolled fine, and fry in hot lard, or lard and butter. 
 
312 POULTRY. 
 
 Baked Chicken. 
 Split open in the back, season with salt and pepper, and plenty of 
 butter; pour a little water into the pan, and, while baking, baste 
 often, turning the chicken so as to nicely brown all over. When 
 done, take up the chicken; thicken the gravy with a little flour 
 and serve in a gravy boat. Chickens are nice stuffed and baked in 
 the same manner as turkey. 
 
 A Nice Way to Cook Chicken. 
 Cut the chicken up, put into a pan, and cover with water; let it 
 stew as usual. When done, make a thickening of cream and flour. 
 Add butter, pepper and salt. Have ready a nice shortcake, baked 
 and cut in squares, rolled thin as for crust. Lay the cakes on the 
 dish, and pour the chicken and gravy over them while hot. 
 
 Chicken Pudding. 
 Cut up the chickens and stew until tender. Then take them 
 from the gravy, and spread on a flat dish to cool, having first well- 
 seasoned them with butter, pepper and salt. Make a batter of one 
 quart of milk, three cups of flour, three tablespoonfuls of melted 
 butter, one-half teaspoonful of soda, one teaspoonful of cream of 
 tartar, and a little salt. Butter a pudding dish and put a layer of the 
 ■chicken at the bottom, and then a cup of the batter over it. Pro- 
 ceed till the dish is full. The batter must form the crust. Bake 
 an hour, and serve the thickened gravy in a gravy boat. 
 
 Jellied Chicken or Veal. 
 Boil a chicken in as little water as possible, until the meat falls 
 from the bones; chop rather fine, and season with pepper and salt; 
 put in a mold a layer of the chopped meat and then a layer of 
 hard-boiled eggs, cut in slices; then layers of meat and egg alter- 
 nately until the mold is nearly full; boil down the liquor left in the 
 pot one-half; while warm, add one-quarter of an ounce of gelatine, 
 and wlum dissolved, pour into the mold over the Tneat. Set in a 
 cool place over night, to jelly. 
 
POULTRY. 313 
 
 Scalloped Chicken. 
 
 Mince cold chicken and a little lean ham quite fine; season with 
 pepper and a little salt; stir all together, add some sweet cream, 
 enough to make it quite moist, cover with crumbs, put it into 
 scallop shells or a flat dish, put a little butter on top, and brown 
 before the fire or front of a range. 
 
 Chicken Pot-Pie. 
 
 Cut and joint a large chicken; cover with water, and let it boil 
 gently until tender; season with salt and pepper, and thicken the 
 gravy with two tablespoonf uls of flour mixed smooth in a piece of 
 butter the size of an egg. Have ready a nice, light, bread dough; 
 cut with a biscuit-cutter about an inch thick; drop this into the 
 boiling gravy, having previously removed the chicken to a hot 
 platter; cover, and let it boil from one-half to three-quarters of an 
 hour. To ascertain whether they are done or not, stick into one of 
 them a fork, and if it comes out clean, they are done. Lay on the 
 platter with the chicken, pour over the gravy, and serve. 
 
 Broiled Chicken. 
 
 Only young, tender chickens are nice broiled. After cleaning 
 and washing them, split down the back, wipe dry, season with salt 
 and pepper, and lay them inside down on a hot gridiron over a bed 
 of bright coals. Broil until nicely browned and well cooked 
 through, watching and turning to prevent burning. Broil with 
 them a little salt pork, cut in thin slices. After taking them from 
 the gridiron, work into them plenty of butter, and serve, garnished 
 with the pork, slices of lemon and parsley. 
 
 Ducks a la Francaise. 
 Lard the breast of a duck with bacon and put it in the oven for 
 an hour, and then put it into a stewpan of gravy previously pre- 
 pared in the following manner: To one pint of beef gravy add two 
 dozen chestnuts, roasted and peeled; two onions, sliced and fried 
 in butter; two sage leaves, and a sprig of thyme; pepper and salt. 
 
314 POULTRY. 
 
 When the duck has stewed till tender put it on a dish, add a 
 quarter of a pint of port wine to the gravy, a little butter, and flour 
 to thicken; pour it over the duck and serve. 
 
 Pressed Chicken. 
 
 Boil two chickens until dropping to pieces; pick meat off bones, 
 
 taking out all skin; season with salt and pepper; put in deep tin 
 
 mold; take one-fourth box of gelatine, dissolved in a little warm 
 
 water, add to liquid left in kettle, and boil until it begins to 
 
 thicken; then pour over the chicken and set away to cool; cut in 
 
 slices for table. 
 
 Duck a la Mode. 
 
 Take a couple of ducks, divide them into quarters and lay them 
 in a stewpan with a sprinkling of flour, pepper and salt. Put a 
 large lump of butter divided into pieces at the bottom of the stew- 
 pan and fry the ducks until they are a nice light-brown color. 
 Remove the frying-pan and put in half a pint of gravy and a glass 
 of port; sprinkle more flour and add a bunch of sweet herbs, two or 
 three shallots minced fine, an anchovy, and a little Cayenne when 
 the ducks have stewed in the gravy till tender, put them on a dish, 
 take out the herbs, clear off any fat, and serve with the sauce 
 
 thrown over them. 
 
 Baked Duck. 
 
 To cook a duck satisfactorily boil it first, until tender; this can 
 be determined by trying the wing, as that is always a tough part of 
 a fowl. When tender take it out, rinse it in clean water, stuff and 
 put it in the oven for about three-quarters of an hour, basting it 
 often. 
 
 Braised Ducks. 
 
 Prepare the ducks exactly like chickens for the dressing, which 
 should be seasoned with butter, sage and onions, as well as salt and 
 pepper. Put them in a pot with some chopped onions, a little 
 butter and water enough to steam. Let them stew gently with the 
 lid on, and then let the water evaporate and then brown them. 
 Serve with green pease and jelly. 
 
POULTRY. 315 
 
 Braise of Duck with Turnip. 
 Prepare a domestic duck as for roasting. Line a small pan, just 
 large enough for the duck, with slices of bacon; strew over the 
 bottom a little parsley, powdered herbs, and lemon peel; lay in the 
 duck, and add a carrot cut into strips, an onion stuck with a few cloves 
 and a dozen whole peppers; cover with stock and add a tablespoon- 
 ful of strong vinegar; baste frequently and simmer until done. 
 Fry some slices of turnip in butter to a light-brown, drain and add 
 them to the stewpan after removing the duck, which should be kept 
 hot. When the turnips are tender remove them, strain the gravy, 
 thickening if necessary with a little flour or arrow-root; put the 
 duck on a dish, turn the hot gravy over it, and garnish with the 
 turnips. 
 
 Fricasseed Duck. 
 
 Most people think a duck must be roasted, but try this once 
 instead: Cut a mallard or red duck into four quarters; chop an 
 onion fine, and put all into a pot; cover with water, and add more 
 as it boils away. Stir a little celery seed, or celery chopped up fine, 
 three or four strips of salt pork, and when nearly done add a table- 
 spoonful of Worcestershire sauce. Build a mound of mashed potatoes 
 around your dish and carefully lay the contents of the fricassee in 
 the center. Season with salt and pepper. This makes a juicy and 
 delicious dish. 
 
 Mock Duck. 
 
 Take a round of beefsteak; salt and pepper; prepare a dressing 
 as for turkey and lay it in the steak; sew up; lay two or three slices of 
 fat pork upon it and roast; baste often and you cannot tell it from 
 duck. 
 
 Minced Fowls. 
 
 Remove from the bones all the flesh of either cold, roast or boiled 
 fowls. Clean it from the skin, and keep covered from the air until 
 ready for use. Boil the bones and skin with three-fourths of a pint 
 of water until reduced quite half. Strain the gravy and let cool. 
 
316 POULTRY. 
 
 Next, having first skimmed off the fat, put it into a clean saucepan 
 with a half cup of cream, three ounces of butter, well mixed with 
 one tablespoonful of flour. Keep these stii-red until they boil. 
 Then put in the fowl, finely minced with three hard-boiled eggs, 
 chopped, and sufiicient salt and pepper to season. Shake the mince 
 over the fire until just ready to boil. Dish it on hot toast, and 
 serve. 
 
 To Carve Roast Fowl. 
 Insert the knife between the leg and the body, and cut to the 
 bone; then turn the leg back with the fork, and, if the bird is not 
 old, the joint will give way. The wing is next to be broken off, 
 r laiBim. 0. and this is done in the direction 
 
 of A to B, only dividing the joint 
 with a knife. The four quarters 
 having been removed in this way, 
 take off the merry -thought and 
 the neck bones; these last are to be removed by putting the knife 
 in at C and pressing it, when they will break off from the part that 
 sticks to the breast. Next separate the breast from the body of the 
 fowl by cutting through the tender ribs close to the breast, quite 
 down to the tail. Turn the fowl now back upwards; put the knife 
 into the bone midway between the neck and the rump, and on 
 raising the lower end it will separate readily. Turn the rump from 
 you and take off very neatly the two sidesmen, which completes 
 the operation. The breast and wings are considered the best parts 
 of a roast fowl, but in young fowls the legs are most juicy. In the 
 case of a capon or large fowl, slices may be cut off the breast. 
 
 Croquettes. 
 Chop fine any cold pieces of cooked meat or chicken, or whatever 
 you may wish to use, first removing all fat, bone, etc. ; add half the 
 quantity of fine bread crumbs, one ^^^.i pepper and salt; make into 
 balls and cook in a buttered spider; serve hot. 
 
POULTRY. 
 
 317 
 
 To Carve Roast Goose. 
 Begin by turning the neck end of a goose toward you, and cut- 
 ting the whole breast in long slices, from one wing to another. 
 {See the lines A B.) To take off the leg, insert the fork in the 
 small end of the bone, pressing it to the body; put the knife in at 
 A, turn the leg back, and if 
 the bird be young it will 
 easily come away; if old, we 
 will not answer for it. To 
 take off the wing, insert the 
 fork in the small end of the 
 
 
 
 pinion, and press it close to the body; put the knife in at B and 
 divide the joint. When the leg and wing are off one side, attack 
 those on the other; but, except when the company is very large, it 
 is seldom necessary to cut up the whole goose. The back and lower 
 side-bones, as well as the two side-bones of the wings, may be cut 
 off; but the best pieces of a goose are the breast and thighs, after 
 being separated from the drumstick. Serve a little of the seasoning 
 from the inside, by making a circular slice in the apron at C 
 Should there be no stuffing, a glass of wine, a little orange gravy 
 or vinegar, maybe poured into the body of the goose at the open- 
 ing made at the apron by the carver. 
 
 To Boil Goose. 
 Pick and singe a goose carefully. Let it soak in lukewarm milk 
 ;nd water for eight or ten hours. Stuff and truss it securely; put 
 it into a saucepan with as much cold water as will cover it; bring 
 to a boil, and let it simmer gently till done enough. Send good 
 onion sauce to the table with it. Time, from an hour to an hour 
 and a half after it has boiled. 
 
 Roast Goose. 
 Pluck the goose, carefully remove the quill-sockets and singe off 
 the hairs; cut off the neck close to the back, leaving the skin long 
 
318 POULTRY. 
 
 enough to turn over. After drawing, wash and wipe the bird both 
 inside and out, and cut off the feet and pinions at the first joint; 
 pull out the throat and tie the end securely; beat the breast-bone 
 flat with a rolling-pin; draw the legs up closely, and put a skewer 
 through them and through the body; cut off the end of the vent 
 and make a hole in the skin large enough for the rump to go 
 through. This will prevent the seasoning from escaping. Make a 
 stuffing of bread crumbs, onions and potatoes cut fine; season with 
 pepper, salt, sage, and butter the size of an egg; fill the goose and 
 tie down the wings; roast two hours and a half. Boil the liver and 
 heart and add to the gravy, which must be thickened with flour. 
 Send to table with apple sauce and mashed potatoes. 
 
 Stuffing with Sage and Onion. 
 Boil four large onions until tender; drain them from the water, 
 and mince them finely with four fresh sage leaves, or six dry ones, 
 four tablespoonfuls of bread crumbs, a teaspoonful of salt, a tea- 
 spoonful of made mustard, and a teaspoonful of moist sugar, one- 
 half teaspoonful of pepper, a large apple, pared and cored, and a 
 quarter of a nutmeg, grated, may be added, if approved. 
 
 Turkey. 
 
 The turkey is highly esteemed and usually commands a high 
 price, especially at Christmas, when most extravagant prices are 
 often demanded and obtained for large and well-fed birds. Turkeys 
 are in season from September to March, and are at their best in 
 December and January. If the weather is suitable they should be 
 hung fully a week before being dressed. In very cold weather 
 care must be taken that they are not frozen in hanging, and if this 
 is the case, they should be brought into a warm place for some 
 hours before being cooked, or they will be spoilt. The hen bird is 
 considered the best. 
 
 " The turkey is the largest and, if not the most delicate, at least 
 the most savory, of domestic poultry. It enjoys the singular 
 advantage of assembling around it every class of society. "When 
 
POULTRY. 319 
 
 our farmers regale themselves on a winter's evening, what do we 
 see roasting before the kitchen fire, close to which the white-clothed 
 table is set ? A turkey. When the useful tradesman or the hard- 
 worked artist invites a few friends to an occasional treat, what dish 
 is he expected to set before them ? A nice roast turkey, stuffed 
 with sausage meat and Lyons chestnuts. And in our highest 
 gastronomical society, when politics are obliged to give way to 
 dissertations on matters of taste, what is desired, what is awaited, 
 what is looked out for at the second course? A truffled turkey. 
 In my * Secret Memoirs ' I find sundry notes recording that on many 
 occasions its restorative juice has illuminated diplomatic faces of 
 the highest eminence." 
 
 Caeving of Turkey. 
 
 The breast of a turkey is so large that slices taken neatly from it 
 and from the wings generally suffice for all the company. They 
 should be taken from each side alternately, beginning close to the 
 wings, and a little forcemeat and a small portion of liver should be 
 served to each guest. When it is necessary that the legs should be 
 used, they should be separated from the body with a sharp knife 
 and cut in slices, but it should be remembered that they, with the 
 gizzard, will make an excellent devil. 
 
 Boiled Turkey or Capon. 
 When the poultry is plucked quite clean and singed, see that it is 
 neatly trussed, and, before finally closing the vent, stuff the bird 
 inside with as many raw oysters of the best quality as can be pro- 
 cured, adding to the same a lump of fresh butter, and a portion of 
 bread crumbs from a stale loaf. Remove the turkey or capons into 
 a clean cloth, fold them up carefully, place them into a saucepan 
 of cold water, and let them boil over a moderately-heated fire until 
 they are thoroughly done. Have a stick' of white blanched celery 
 at hand and chop it up very small; place it in a quart of new milk 
 in a saucepan, and let it boil gently with a few black pepper corns, 
 till the quantity is reduced to one pint; keep stirring the esculent 
 
320 POULTRY. 
 
 up with the milk until it assumes the character of a consistent pulp. 
 Thicken the Avhole witli the yolk of a fresh egg, well beaten up, 
 with half a cup of fresh cream. Have upon the table a sauce-boat 
 of strong veal gravy. 
 
 Roast Turkey. 
 A young turkey, weighing not more than eight or nine pounds, 
 is the best. Wash and clean thoroughly, wiping dry, as moisture 
 will spoil the stuffing. Take one small loaf of bread grated tine, 
 rub into it a piece of butter the size o:^ an egg, one small teaspoon- 
 ful of pepper and one of salt; sage, if liked. Rub all together, and 
 fill only the breast of the turkey, sewing up so that the stuffing 
 cannot cook out. Always put the giblets under the side of the 
 fowl, so they will not dry up. Rub salt and pepper on the outside; 
 put into dripping-pan with one cup of water, basting often, and turn- 
 ing it till brown all over. Bake about three hours. Have left in the 
 chopping-bowl a little stuffing; take out the giblets and chop fine. 
 After taking out the turkey, put in a large tablespoonful of flour; 
 stir until brown. Put the giblets into a gravy-boat, and pour over 
 them the gravy. 
 
 Roast Turkey, No. 2. 
 Rinse out the turkey well with soda and water, then with salt, 
 lastly with clear water. Stuff with a dressing made of bread 
 crumbs, wet up with butter and water and season to your taste. 
 Stuff the craw and tie up the neck. Fill the body and sew up the 
 vent. We need hardly say that the strings are to be clipped and 
 removed after the fowl has been roasted. Tie the legs to the lower 
 part of the body that they may not "sprawl" as the sinews shrink. 
 Put into the dripping-pan, pour a cup of boiling water over it, and 
 roast, basting often, allowing about ten minutes' time for every 
 pound. Be careful not to have your oven too hot — especially for 
 the first hour or so. The turkey would, otherwise, be dry and 
 blackened on the outside and raw within. Much of the perfection 
 of roasting poultry depends upon basting faithfully.. Boil the 
 
POULTRY. 321 
 
 giblets tender in a little water. When the turkey is done, set it 
 where it will keep warm; skim the gravy left in the pan; add a 
 little boiling water; thicken slightly with browned fl-our; boil up 
 once and add the giblets minced fine. Season to taste; give another 
 boil, and send to table in a gravy-boat. 
 
 Boiled Turkey. 
 Stuff the turkey as for roasting. A very nice dressing is made 
 by chopping half a pint of oysters and mixing them with bread 
 crumbs, butter, pepper, salt, thyme, and wet with milk or water. 
 Baste about the turkey a thin cloth, the inside of which has been 
 dredged with flour, and put it to boil in cold water with a tea- 
 spoonful of salt in it. Let a large turkey simmer for three hours. 
 Skim while boiling. Serve with oyster sauce, made by adding to a 
 cup of the liquor in which the turkey was boiled the same quantity 
 of milk and eight oysters chopped fine; season with minced parsley; 
 stir in a spoonful of rice or wheat flour wet with cold milk; a table- 
 spoonful of butter. Boil up once and pour into a tureen. 
 
 Turkey Dressed with Oysters. 
 
 For a ten-pound turkey take two pints of bread crumbs, half a 
 cup of butter cut in bits (not melted), one teaspoonful of powdered 
 thyme or summer savory, pepper, salt, and mix thoroughly. Rub 
 the turkey well inside and out with salt and JDepper, then fill with 
 first a spoonful of crumbs, then a few well-drained oysters, using 
 half a can for a turkey. Strain the oyster liquor and use to baste 
 the turkey. Cook the giblets in the pan, and chop fine for the 
 gravy. A fowl of this size will require three hours in a moderate 
 oven. 
 
 Deviled Turkey. 
 
 The legs, back, gizzard and rump of cold dressed turkey may be 
 used for this dish. Score the meat along in a cross at regular dis- 
 tances, three-quarters of an inch apart, and three-quarters of an 
 inch deep. Rub into the gashes a well-mixed seasoning made of a 
 saltspoonful of white peppei-, a saltspoonful of salt, a quarter of a 
 
322 POULTRY. 
 
 saltspoonful of Cayenne, and the strained juice of a lemon, and 
 cover with freshly-made mustard. Brush the pieces of meat over 
 with butter or oil and broil over a clear fire till they are brown and 
 crisp without being at all burnt, and turn them over that they may 
 be equally done on both sides. Send to table on hot dish with 
 little pieces of butter on them. Dry toast may be served as an 
 accompaniment. The devil will be all the moi'e savory if it is pre- 
 pared some hours before it is 'broiled. If liked, half a clove of 
 garlic may be minced and mixed with the seasoning. 
 
 Turkey Scallop. 
 
 Pick the meat from the bones of cold turkey, and chop it fine. 
 Put a layer of bread crumbs on the bottom of a buttered dish, 
 m^oisten them with a little milk, then put in a layer of turkey with 
 some of the filling, and cut small pieces of butter over the top; 
 sprinkle with pepper and salt; then another layer of bread crumbs, 
 and so on until the dish is nearly full; add a little hot water to the 
 gravy left from the turkey, and pour over it. Then take two eggs, 
 two tablespoonfuls of milk, one of melted butter, a little salt, and 
 cracker crumbs as much as will make it thick enough to spread on 
 with a knife, put bits of butter over it, and cover with a plate. 
 Bake three-quarters of an hour. About ten minutes before serving, 
 remove the plate and let it brown. 
 
 Plain Stuffing. 
 
 Take stale bread, cut off all the crust, rub very fine and pour 
 over it as much melted butter as will make it crumble in your 
 hands; salt and pepper to taste. 
 
 Apple Stuffing. 
 
 Take half a pound of the pulp of tart apples which have been 
 baked or scalded: add two ounces of bread crumbs, some powdered 
 sage, a finely-shred onion; season well with Cayenne pepper. For 
 roast goose, duck, etc. 
 
POULTRY. 323 
 
 Potato Stuffing. 
 Take two-thirds bread and one-thii-d boiled potatoes,' grated, 
 butter size of an egg, pepper, salt, one egg and a little ground sage; 
 mix thoroughly. 
 
 Chestnut Stuffing. 
 Boil the chestnuts and shell them; then blanch them and boil 
 until soft; mash them fine and mix with a little sweet cream, some 
 bread crumbs, pepper and salt. For turkey. 
 
 For other stuffings, see " Forcemeats,''^ 
 
CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 SALADS. 
 
 Anchovy Salad. 
 'ASH six anchovies in water, remove the bones and the insides, 
 J^ and also the heads, fins, and tails. Put them on a dish with 
 two large heads of lettuce, cut small, half a dozen young 
 onions, a saltspoonful of chopped parsley, and a sliced lemon. Pour 
 over them the juice of a lemon mixed with salad oil, and send to 
 table. 
 
 Artichoke Salad. 
 
 Wash thoroughly and quarter some very young artichokes, and 
 serve them with salt, pepper, vinegar, and oil. They make a nice 
 relish. 
 
 Beetroot Salad. 
 
 To some nicely-boiled and well-sliced beetroot, lay alternate rows 
 of onions, also sliced, and pour over them any salad sauce, or 
 simply oil and vinegar. Garnish with curled parsley. 
 
 Celery Salad. 
 Cut nice blanched salad very small. Wash clean and dry it; 
 pour over it a Mayonnaise sauce {See Savory Sauces), or any salad 
 dressing, and garnish with green celery leaves. 
 
 Chicken Salad. 
 
 Use the white meat of two good-sized chickens, and celery 
 
 enough to make the proportion one-third chicken and two-thirds 
 
 celery; boil ten eggs hard, rub the yolks perfectly smooth with a 
 
 silver spoon, adding gradually four tablespoonfuls of olive oil, one 
 
 324 
 
SALADS. 325 
 
 tablespoonfiil of made mustard, two teaspoonfuls of salt, one tea- 
 spoonful of black pepper, half a teaspoonful of Cayenne pepper, 
 and one tablespoonful of sugar; add sweet cream by degrees until 
 about the consistency of batter. Just before sending to the table, 
 mix the dressing with the chicken and celery, and moisten with 
 sharp vinegar. The juice of two lemons is an improvement. 
 
 Chicken Salad, No. 2. 
 
 Boil the white meat of two large chickens; cut it coarse, and 
 add the white part of celery, cut coarse; a little more chicken than 
 celery. 
 
 Dressing. — Three yolks of eggs, well beaten; one pint of oil 
 added drop by drop, and beaten; the juice of two lemons, one tea- 
 spoonful of dry mustard, a little Cayenne pepper, a little salt. If 
 not moist enough, beat the whites of two eggs and add to it. 
 
 Cabbage Salad. 
 To a dish of chopped cabbage, four teaspoonfuls of celery seed, 
 or one bunch of celery. Put in a bowl, yolks of two eggs, one tea- 
 spoonful of sugar, one teaspoonful of butter, one teaspoonful of 
 pepper, one teaspoonful of ^salt, one teaspoonful of made mustard, 
 one-half cup of vinegar. Set the bowl into hot water, and stir care- 
 fully until it begins to thicken. Let it get cold, and pour over the 
 cabbage. If it does not moLsten it enough, put in a little more 
 vinegar. 
 
 Fish Salad. 
 
 This consists of cold fish of any kind, mixed with well-dried 
 salad, pickled gherkins, or any other green pickle. Oysters or 
 shrimps may^ be added to the other fish, which should be sepai'ated 
 neatly into flakes, and the whole moistened with a salad dressing. 
 Garnish with some slices of lemon and parsley. 
 
 Hot Egg Salad. 
 
 Put a tablespoonful of salad oil in a pan and let it get hot. 
 Break in three eggs; stir a little with r fork, but not enough to 
 
326 SALADS. 
 
 mix the yolks and whites; these should be kept separate. Put the 
 eggs out on a dish, and put over them a tablespoonf ul of chopped 
 pickle and a tablespoonful of grated lemon rind. Make a salad 
 dressing of one tablespoonful of lemon-juice, three of salad oil, a 
 saltspoonful of salt, and one-quarter of a saltspoonful of pej^per. 
 Much of the niceness of this salad depends on its being served hot. 
 
 Endive with Winter Salad. 
 
 An ornamental and wholesome dish of salad may be made in 
 winter principally by the aid of this plant. Only a little cress, 
 celery, and beetroot will be necessary to form a striking contrast to 
 the crisp, blanched leaves of the endive, which may be arranged 
 [en bouquet) in the centre, or interspered with other materials, 
 through the dish. Endive may be had good from November till 
 March. 
 
 Lettuce Salad. 
 
 Wash and dry nice leaves of lettuce, and pour over a salad 
 dressing, and garnish with slices of hard-boiled eggs. 
 
 Lettuce Salad, No. 2. 
 
 Wash, dry, and shred nice leaves of lettuce, and put them in a 
 salad bowl. Cut four ounces of bacon into dice; fry these with a 
 iinely-minced onion, and do not allow them to burn, add a little 
 salt, if needed, half a teaspoonful of pepper, a tablespoonful of 
 vinegar; pour all over the lettuce and mix thoroughly. Serve 
 immediately. 
 
 Lobster Salad. 
 
 Pick the meat from the body of a lobster, take out the tail part 
 in one piece, and cut it, with the contents of the claws, into slices 
 a quarter of an inch thick. Chop the whites of two hard-boiled 
 eggs small, and rub the yolks smooth. Do the same with the spawn 
 or coral of the lobster, but mix the soft part and any bits with the 
 sauce. Pour the sauce into the bowl, put in a layer of shred lettuce 
 and small salad, and place the slices of lobster, with hard-boiled eggs 
 
SALADS. 327 
 
 quartered and interspersed, with sliced beetroot, cucumber, etc., on 
 the top. Repeat in the same manner till the bowl is full, sprinkling 
 the egg and coral over and between the layers. To ornament, 
 reserve some of the hard-boiled eggs, yolks and whites, arrange 
 these with the coral, beetroot, and sliced lobster, so that the colors 
 may contrast well. Before serving, pour some Mayonnaise sauce 
 over the top. 
 
 Game Salad. 
 
 Take the remains of cold cooked game, pick up fine, and cover 
 with a dressing made as follows: Take the yolk of a hard-boiled 
 egg and mix it smoothly with a tablespoonful of salad oil; stir in a 
 little salt and pepper, a little made mustard, a dessertspoonful of 
 walnut catsup, and three dessertspoonfuls of vinegar. 
 
 Orange Salad. 
 A very simple dish made of tart oranges. Some peeled and 
 sliced and some sliced unpeeled, garnished with one tablespoonful 
 of lemon-juice, three tablespoonf uls of salad oil and a little Cayenne 
 pepper. This is a nice dish for breakfast, or with game or cold 
 meats. The oil, lemon, juice and pepper should be mixed in a dish 
 and poured over the oranges. 
 
 Potato Salad. 
 
 Take some cold boiled potatoes and slice very thin; add to them 
 three hard-boiled eggs, also sliced thin; chop one small, fresh onion. 
 In a glass bowl or salad dish put a layer of potatoes, then a layer of 
 eggs, and sprinkle over them a little chopped onion, salt and pep- 
 per. For dressing, take the yolk of a raw egg and stir into it half 
 a teaspoonful of made mustard. Beat into it, drop by drop, three 
 tablespoonf uls of sweet cream; add one tablespoonful of strong 
 vinegar and the white of the egg beaten to a stiflF froth. If needed 
 for supper make at noontime. Flakes of cold boiled salmon, cod, 
 or halibut, substituted for the eggs, or added with them, will 
 improve the salad. 
 
328 SALADS. 
 
 Salmon Saxad. 
 One can of fresh salmon, four bunches of celery; chop as for 
 chicken salad; mix with the salmon, and pour salad dressing over it. 
 
 Summer Salad. 
 
 Cut up a pound of cold beef into thin slices, and half a pound of 
 white, fresh lettuce; put in a salad bowl, season with a teaspoonful 
 of salt, half that quantity of pepper, two tablespoonfuls of vinegar, 
 and four of good salad oil. Stir all together lightly with a fork 
 and spoon, and when well mixed it is ready to serve. Chaptal, a 
 French chemist, says the dressing of a salad should be saturated 
 with oil, and seasoned with pepper and salt, before the vinegar is 
 added; it results from this process that there can never be too much 
 vinegar, for, from the specific gravity of the vinegar compared 
 with the oil, what is more than useful will fall to the bottom of the 
 bowl, the salt should not be dissolved in the vinegar, but in the oil, 
 by which means it is more equally distributed throughout the salad. 
 
 Russian Salad. 
 
 Any three kinds of vegetables may be used — carrots, turnips 
 and beets; string beans, carrots and turnips; or carrots, turnips 
 and parsnips. The vegetables should be cut in slices about one 
 and a half inches thick. These slices should be cut into cylin- 
 der-shaped pieces. This could be done with an apple-corer or with 
 a knife. These pieces should be put in dishes, keeping each vege- 
 table separate. As they are cut throw the pieces into cold water; 
 take from the cold water and put into boiling water containing a 
 spoonful of salt to a quart of water. Boil each vegetable by itself 
 and boil until tender; drain oif the juice and put the pieces into 
 cold water until they are thoroughly cold. They are then ready to 
 use for the salad. Beets must not be peeled or cut. Wh n boiled 
 tender the skins should be taken off by rubbing in a towel as soon 
 as cool enough to handle; and then cut in pieces like the other 
 vegetables. The pieces left after cutting out what is wanted can 
 
SALADS. 329 
 
 be saved by putting them in cold salt water. Pease, beans, spinach, 
 and all vegetables, can be kept green by boiling and putting them 
 in salt cold water until wanted to use. The dressing for the 
 Russian salad is made plain, like that of orange salad, being a table- 
 spoonful of lemon-juice or vinegar, three tablespoonfuls of salad 
 oil, salt and Cayenne pepper. It is best not to put on the dressing 
 until ready to serve. 
 
 Sidney Smith's Receipt for Salad Dressikg. 
 Two boiled potatoes, strained through a kitchen sieve, 
 Softness and smoothness to the salad give; 
 Of mordant mustard take a single spoon — 
 Distrust the condiment that bites too soon; 
 Yet deem it not, though man of taste, a fault, 
 To add a double quantity of salt. 
 Four times the spoon, with oil of Lucca crown. 
 And twice with vinegar procured from town; 
 True taste requires it, and your poet, begs 
 The pounded yellow of two Avell-boiled eggs. 
 Let onion atoms lurk within the bowl. 
 And, scarce suspected, animate the whole; 
 And lastly, in the flavored compound toss 
 A magic teaspoonful of anchovy sauce. 
 Oh, great and glorious! oh, herbaceous meat! f 
 
 'Twould tempt the dying anchorite to eat; 
 Back to the world he'd turn his weary soul, 
 And plunge his fingers in the salad bowl. 
 
 Vegetables akd Salads. 
 Upon the washing of green vegetables for salads much of their 
 excellence depends; they should be shaken about without breaking 
 in a large pan of cold water well salted, since the action of the salt 
 will destroy all the minute inhabitants of their fresh green coverts, 
 and, once dead, from sheer force of gi-avity they will fall to the 
 bottom of the water. When the salad plants are free from sand 
 
330 SALADS. 
 
 and insects they should be shaken without breaking their leaves, in 
 a colander, a wire basket, or a dry napkin until no moisture adheres 
 to them; then they may be used at once or kept until wanted in a 
 very cold, dark place. 
 
 Water- CRESS Salad. 
 Gather the water-cress when young, cleanse it thoroughly in salt 
 and water, and serve as fresh as possible. Place it in a bowl, either 
 alone or mixed with other salad plants, and toss in lightly a simple 
 salad sauce. When served at breakfast, water-cress is best sent to 
 the table as it is, fresh and crisp. 
 
 Salad Dressing. 
 Take half a pint of vinegar and let it get hot; then beat up two 
 eggs, half a tablespoonful of flour, half a tablespoonful of sugar, 
 one teaspoonful of mustard, a little salt and pepper, and four table- 
 spoonfuls of melted butter; stir this in the vinegar and let the 
 whole boil up till it is like custard, then mix it with whatever you 
 have for a salad. It is good for potatoes, meat or tish. 
 
 Salad Dressing, No. 2. 
 Yolks of two hard-boiled eggs, rubbed very fine and smooth, one 
 teaspoonful English mustard, one of salt, the yolks of two raw eggs 
 beaten into the other, dessertspoonful of fine sugar. Add very 
 fresh sweet oil, poured in by very small quantities, and beaten as 
 long as the mixture continues to thicken; then add vinegar till as 
 thin as desired. If not hot enough with mustard, add a little 
 Cayenne pepper. 
 
CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 Soups. 
 J^ HERE is no part of cookery which is so imperfectly understood 
 by ordinary cooks as the preparation of a soup. Amongst 
 the "wealthy it is considered a necessity, and, as a matter of 
 course, forms part of the dinner. Amongst the middle classes it is 
 more usually served than it used to be, and is, year by year, 
 increasingly appreciated; but amongst the lower classes it is all 
 but scorned; and mistresses of small households will testify that 
 the maid-of -all- work, who, when at home is half starved instead of 
 being properly fed, will consider herself most hardly used if j^art of 
 the provision of the day's dinner consists of a portion of wholesome 
 soup. This opinion is, of course, a sign of ignorance. Soup is both 
 nourishing and wholesome, and it may also be prepared economi- 
 cally. With attention and a little trouble, it may be made from 
 very inexpensive materials, and considering that when soup has 
 been served, smaller inroads are made into the joint, the frugal 
 housekeeper who has once calculated the difference in cost of a din- 
 ner consisting of an economically made soup, meat and vegetables, 
 and one of meat and vegetables only, will never object to the 
 introduction of soup at her table on account of the expense. Soup 
 may be made of a large variety of different articles, including meat 
 of all kinds, bones, game, and poultry; fish, shell-fish, all kinds of 
 vegetables, herbs, and farinaceous articles, milk, eggs, etc. The 
 basis of all soup is stock. Instructions in making this will be 
 found in its proper place, and it will, therefore, not be considered 
 
 331 
 
332 SOUPS, SA.UCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 here. Directions for making various soups will be found under 
 their several headings; nevertheless, it may be found useful if a 
 few rules, of universal ajjplication are here given as an assistance in 
 their manufacture. 
 
 There are three kinds of . soups — celery soup, thick soup and 
 purees, A puree is made by rubbing the ingredients of which it is 
 composed through a sieve. A thick soup is stock thickened by the 
 addition of various thickening ingredients. These soups are best 
 suited to the winter season. Clear soup is thin and bright, and 
 adapted for use in the summer months. In making soup it is most 
 important that every culinary article used should be perfectly clean. 
 The inside of the covers of saucepans, the rims and the handles 
 particularly require attention. The lid of the saucepan should 
 never be removed over a smoky fire. The meat used should be 
 freshly killed, and should be as lean as it can be procured; it should 
 never be washed. The bones should be broken up into small pieces. 
 Cold water should be put upon fresh meat and bones; boiling water 
 (a small quantity at a time) upon meat or vegetables that have been 
 fried or browned. As it is very important that no fatty particles 
 should be left to float on the surface of the soup, this should be 
 made, if possible, the day before it is wanted, so that the fat may 
 be removed after it has grown cold. Soup should be simmered very 
 softly till it is done enough. A large fire and quick boiling are the 
 great enemies of good soup. In flavoring soup, the cook should be 
 careful to add the seasoning ingredients in moderation and grad- 
 ►ually, especially such things as garlic, onions, shallots, spices, herbs, 
 salt and Cayenne. An overdose of salt has spoilt many a dish of 
 soup, while a deficiency thereof has again and again nullified the 
 effect of the most delicate combination of flavors. As a general 
 rule, two ounces of salt will suftice for a gallon of soup stewed with 
 large quantities of vegetables; an ounce and a half only will be 
 needed if the vegetables are omitted, or if a small quantity only is 
 used. It should be remembered that salt and all seasonings can be 
 added when they cannot be taken out. For flavoring purposes. 
 
SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 333 
 
 aromatic seasoning of herbs, and spices, and herb-powders for 
 flavoring soups, will be found of great use. Whatever ingredients 
 are added to soup, whether farinaceous articles, such as rice, ver- 
 micelli, macaroni, etc., or vegetables, all should be partially boiled 
 in plain water before they are put into the liquor. This will insure 
 their being perfectly clean and bright. The flavor of rich brown 
 soups will be brought out better if a small piece of sugar be added 
 to it. This must not be used for white soups. Cream or milk, 
 when put with soups, should be boiled separately, strained, and 
 added boiling. If, instead of cream, milk and the yolk of an egg 
 are used, the egg must on no account be boiled in the liquor. 
 Either it must be mixed thoroughly with a little of the soup which 
 has cooled for a minute, then be stirred into the rest, or, better 
 still, it must be put into the soup tureen, a spoonful of the soup 
 mixed with the milk stirred into it, and the rest added gradually. 
 If soups are to be kept for a few days they should be boiled up 
 every day, according to the state of the weather, put into freshly- 
 scalded dry earthenware crocks or pans and kept in a cool place; 
 cover with a piece of gauze. Soup should never be kept in metal 
 vessels. 
 
 Stock. 
 Stock is the basis of all meat sauces, soups and purees. It is 
 really the juice of meat extracted by long and gentle simmering, 
 and in making it, it should be remembered that the object to be 
 aimed at is to di-aw the goodness of the material out into the liquor. 
 It may be prepared in various ways, richly and expensively, or 
 economically. All general stock, or stock which is to be used for 
 miscellaneous purposes, should be simply made, that is, all flavoring 
 ingredients should be omitted entirely until its use is decided upon. 
 The stock will then keep longer than it would do if vegetables, 
 herbs, and spices were boiled in it, besides which the flavoring can 
 be adapted to its special purpose. To ensure its keeping, stocks 
 should be boiled and skimmed every day in summer, and every 
 other day in winter. The pan and lid used in making it should be 
 
334 SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 scrupulously clean. A tinned iron pan is the best for the purpose. 
 Those who wish to jjractice economy should procure a digester, 
 which is a kind of stock-pot made with tlie object of retaining the 
 goodness of the materials, and preventing its escaj^e by steam, 
 when ready stock should be kept in an earthenware vessel, and 
 never allowed to cool in a metal pan. Before being used, skim off 
 all fat. Excellent stock is constantly made with the bones and 
 trimmings of meat and poultry, with the addition or not of a little 
 fresh meat, or a portion of extract of meat. In a house where meat 
 is regularly used, a good cook will never be without a little stock. 
 Bi'oken remnants of all kinds will find their Avay to the stock-pot, 
 and will not be thrown away until, by gentle stewing, they have 
 been made to yield to the utmost whatever of flavor and goodness 
 they possessed. When fresh meat is used it is better for being 
 freshly killed. The liquor in which fresh meat has been boiled 
 should always be used as stock. 
 
 Beak Soup. 
 Soak one and a half pints of beans in cold water over night. In 
 the morning drain off the water, wash the beans in fresh water and 
 put them into a soup kettle Avith four quarts of good beef stock, 
 from which all the fat has been removed. Set it where it will boil 
 slowly but steadily until dinner, or three hours at the least. Two 
 hours before dinner slice in an onion and a carrot. Some think it 
 improved by adding a little tomato. If the beans are not liked 
 "whole, strain through a colander and scMd to the table hot. 
 
 Asparagus Soup. 
 Select about two dozen of good asparagus stalks; boil these 
 thoroughly in enough water to cover them; a quarter of an onion 
 boiled with the asparagus is an improvement. When tender, take 
 the asparagus out of the water, saving the water, and removing the 
 onion; cut the asparagus into small pieces, of course only the 
 tender part, and put them in a mortar, adding a little of the water; 
 must be pounded until perfectly smooth; now take some sifted 
 
SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 335 
 
 flour, a dessertspoonful, a bit of butter as big as an egg, and a very- 
 little pulverized sugar; mix well, and then put on the fire until it 
 melts, stirring all the time; add this to the pounded asparagus and 
 the rest of the water; when it has boiled a tew minutes, mix the 
 yolk of one egg with a tumblerful of cream, and add this; if 
 properly made, it wants no straining; use salt and pepper to taste, 
 and a very little nutmeg; one stalk of asparagus may be left, which 
 may be cut in thin slices, and added last. 
 
 Beep Soup. 
 Boil a soup bone about four hours; then take out meat into a 
 chopping-bowl; put the bones back into the kettle. Slice very thin 
 one small onion, six potatoes, and three turnips into the soup; boil 
 until all are tender. Have at least one gallon of soup when done. 
 It is improved by adding crackers, rolled, or noodles, just before 
 taking off. Take the meat that has been cut from the bones, chop 
 fine while warm, season with salt and pepper, add one cup of soup, 
 saved out before putting in the vegetables; pack in a dish, and slice 
 down for tea or lunch when cold. 
 
 Common Soup. 
 Take shank or neck of beef or meat of fowls; cut fine; crack the 
 bones; put in a pot and stew slowly several hours, until all the 
 meats are cooked to shreds. Pour on a little boiling water and 
 keep boiling until nearly ready to serve; skim off all grease; add 
 vegetables, potatoes, carrots, barley or rice as you may prefer — the 
 vegetables having been previously cooked by themselves — and then 
 add a little butter to give it richness. 
 
 Clam Soup. 
 Select five large, plump clams, and after chopping them finely; 
 add the liquor to the meat. To every dozen allow a quart of cold 
 water, and, putting meat, liquor and water into a clean vessel, allow 
 them to simmer gently, but not boil, about one and one-half hours. 
 Every particle of meat should be so well cooked that you seem to 
 
336 ■ SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 have only a thick broth. Season to taste aud pour into a tureen in 
 which a few slices of well-browned toast have been placed. If 
 desired, to every two dozen of clams allow a cup of new milk and 
 one egg. Beat the latter vex-y light, add slowly the milk, beat 
 hard a minute or so, and when the soup is removed fi'om the fire, 
 stir the egg and milk into it. 
 
 Corn Soup. 
 Twelve ears of corn scraped and the cobs boiled twenty minutes 
 in one quart of water. Remove the cobs and put in the corn and 
 boil fifteen minutes, then add two quarts of rich milk. Season with 
 salt, pepper and butter, and thicken with two tablespoonfuls of 
 flour. Boil the whole ten minutes and turn into a tureen in which 
 the yolks of three eggs have been well beaten. 
 
 French Vegetable Soup. 
 To a leg of lamb of moderate size take four quarts of water. Of 
 carrots, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cabbage and turnips, take a cup 
 each, chopped fine; salt and pepper to taste. Let the lamb be 
 boiled in this water. Let it cool; skim off all fat that rises to the 
 top. The next day boil again, adding the chopped vegetables. 
 Let it boil three hours the second day. 
 
 Egg Sottp. 
 Boil a leg of lamb about two hours in water enough to cover it. 
 After it has boiled about an hour and when carefully skimmed, add 
 one-half cup of rice, and pepper and salt to taste. Have ready in 
 your tureen two eggs well beaten; add the boiling soup, a little at 
 a time, stirring constantly. Serve the lamb with drawn butter, 
 garnished with parsley and hard-boiled eggs cut into slices. 
 
 Chicken Soup". 
 
 Boil a pair of chickens with great care, skimming constantly and 
 
 keeping them covered with water. When tender, take out the 
 
 chicken and remove the bone. Put a large lump of butter into a 
 
 spider, dredge the chicken meat well with flour, and lay in the hot 
 
SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 837 
 
 pan; fry a nice brown, and keep hot and dry. Take a pint of the 
 chicken water, and stir in two large spoonfuls of curry powder, two 
 of butter and one of flour, one teaspoonful of salt and a little Cay- 
 enne; stir until smooth, then mix it with the broth in the pot. 
 When well mixed, simmer five minutes, then add the browned 
 chicken. Serve with rice. 
 
 Cabbage Soup. 
 
 Put into your soup kettle a couple of pounds of sweet bacon or 
 pork that has not been too long in salt. Add, if you like, a bit of 
 knuckle of veal, or mutton, or beef, or all three; skim well as they 
 come to a boil. Shred into a pail of cold water the hearts of one 
 or two cabbages, some carrots, turnips, celery and leeks. When 
 the soup boils, throw all these in. When the vegetables are tender 
 without falling to pieces, the soup is done. You may thicken with 
 a few mashed, boiled potatoes. Simmer the meat two hours before 
 adding the vegetables. 
 
 Green Pea Soup. 
 
 Boil a pint of green pease in water with salt, a head of lettuce, 
 an onion, a carrot, a few leaves of mint, and a strip of parsley, some 
 pepper and salt to taste, and a lump of sugar. When thoroughly 
 done, strain off the liquor and pass the pease, etc., through a hair 
 sieve; add as much of the liquor as will bring it to the right con- 
 sistency; put the soup in a saucepan with a small pat of fresh 
 butter; let it boil up, and serve with dice-shaped bread fried in 
 butter. 
 
 Gumbo Soup. 
 
 Cut up a pair of good-sized chickens, as for a fricassee; flour 
 them well, and put into a pan with a good-sized piece of butter, 
 and fry a nice brown; then lay them in a soup-pot, pour on three 
 quarts of hot water, and let them simmer slowly for two hours. 
 Braid a little flour and butter together for a thickening, and stir in 
 a little pepper and salt. Strain a quart or three pints of oysters, 
 
 22 
 
338 SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 and add the juice to the soup. Next add four or five slices of cold 
 boiled ham, and let all boil slowly together for ten minutes. Just 
 before you take up the soup, stir in two large spoonfuls of finely- 
 powdered sassafras leaves, and let it simmer five minutes, then add 
 your oysters. If you have no ham, it is very nice without it. Serve 
 in a deep dish, and garnish the dish with rice. 
 
 Plain Gumbo Soup. 
 Take a piece of ham half the size of your hand, and a knuckle of 
 veal; put them in a pot with two quarts of cold water; simmer 
 slowly two or three hours, then add two quarts of boiling water. 
 Twenty minutes before serving, put in one small can of okra and as 
 many oysters as you please. Season to taste. 
 
 Lobster Soup. 
 One large lobster; pick all the meat from the shell and chop fine; 
 take one quart of milk and one pint of water, and, when boiling, 
 add the lobster, nearly a pound of butter, salt and pepper to taste, 
 and a tablespoonful of flour. Boil ten minutes. 
 
 Macaroni Soup. 
 Six pounds of beef put into four quarts of water, with one large 
 onion, one carrot, one turnip, and a head of celery, and boiled three 
 or four hours slowly. Next day take off the grease and pour into 
 the soup-kettle, season to taste with salt, and add a pint of macaroni 
 broken into small pieces, and two tablespoonfuls of tomato catsup. 
 Half to three-quarters of an hour will be long enough to boil the 
 second day. 
 
 Macaroni, or Vermicelli Soup. 
 Two small carrots, four onions, two turnips, two cloves, one 
 tablespoonful salt; pepper to taste. Herbs — marjoram, parsley and 
 thyme; any cooked or uncooked meat. Put the soup bones in 
 enough water to cover them; when they boil, skim them and add 
 the vegetables. Simmer three or four hours, then strain through 
 & colander and put back in the saucepan to re-heat. Boil one-half 
 
SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 339 
 
 pound of macaroui until quite tender, and place in the soup tureen, 
 and pour the soup over it — the last thing. Vermicelli will only 
 need to be soaked a short time — not boiled. 
 
 Mock Terrapin Soup. 
 
 For the mock terrapin soup, take one and one-fourth pounds of 
 calf's liver and put in salt boiling water for half an hour; add small 
 herbs, one-half dozen grains of pepper, one teaspoonful of cloves, a 
 few slices of onion, carrot, etc. When the vegetables are done, 
 take them out and mash by putting them through a colander 
 or sieve. Make a Spanish sauce of salt pork or bacon, fried 
 enough to get the fat out of it; put into the fat a little slice of 
 onion, a little celery, one-half dozen peppers, one-half cup of tomato, 
 and cook brown. Take a teaspoonful of salad oil, a yolk of a hard- 
 Taoiled egg, dust of Cayenne pepper, roll to paste, and make into 
 small, round balls; put these into Spanish sauce, then put the sauce 
 into the soup. When they come to the top, skim them out. Put 
 in the tureen a glass of wine and slice of lemon, and pour in the 
 soup; then cut the calf's liver into small bits and add it. 
 
 Mock Turtle Soup. 
 Clean a calf's head well and let it stand in salt .and water two or 
 three hours; then soak it in fresh water. Put it to boil in cold 
 water, and when sufficiently cooked, separate the meat from the 
 bone. Strain the broth, cut the meat in small pieces, and add it to 
 tUfc broth; season with salt and Worcester sauce, both of which are 
 particularly suited to this soup. Next take one pound of suet, and 
 two pounds of veal, chopped fine, with sufficient bread crumbs. Sea- 
 soning as above, make some forcemeat balls and fry them in butter; 
 chop three hard-boiled eggs fine, add these and a glass of wine. 
 
 Mutton Soup. 
 Boil a leg of mutton from two to three hours, and season with 
 salt, pepper and about a tablespoonful of summer savory rubbed 
 fine; add rice or noodles as desired. 
 
340 SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 Mushroom Soup. 
 Take a good quantity of mushrooms, cut off the earthy end, and 
 pick and wash them. Stew them with some butter, pepper, and 
 salt in^a little good .stock till tender; take them out, and chop them 
 up quite small; prepare a good stock as for any other soup, and 
 add it to the mushrooms and the liquor they have been stewed in. 
 Boil all together and serve. If white soup be desired, use the 
 white button mushrooms and a good veal stock, adding a spoonful 
 of cream or a little milk, as the color may require. 
 
 Noodles for Soup. 
 Beat one egg light; add a pinch of salt, and flour enough to make 
 a stiff dough; roll out in a very thin sheet, dredge with flour to 
 keep from sticking, then roll up tightly. Begin at one end and 
 shave down fine, like cabbage for slaw. 
 
 Okra Gumbo. 
 Cut one chicken; wash, dry and flour it thoroughly; salt and 
 pepper; fry very brown in a skillet with a lump of lard large as an 
 egg' Put it into your soup kettle with five quarts of water; add 
 one onion cut up, and let it boil two hours; add two dozen okra 
 pods, and let it boil another hour. Season to taste and serve with 
 rice. 
 
 Ox-Tail Soup. 
 Take two tails, wash, and put into a kettle with about one gallon 
 of cold water and a little salt; skim off the broth. When the meat 
 is well cooked, take out the bones, and add a little onion, carrot 
 and tomatoes. It is better made the day before using, so that the 
 fat can be taken from the top. Add vegetables next day, and boil 
 an hour and a half longer. 
 
 Oyster Soup. 
 Two quarts of oysters, three pints of new milk, three ounces of 
 tutter, one and one-half ounces of flour, salt and pepper to tastet 
 
SOUPS. SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 341 
 
 and mo,ce, if liked. Put the milk over boiling water; drain the 
 oysters and put the liquor in a saucepan on the stove; wash the 
 oysters and remove every particle of shell that may adhere to them. 
 When the milk is hot add the butter and flour, rubbed smoothly 
 together and thinned with a little of^the milk; let it cook, stirring 
 slowly, until slightly thickened; the liquor, which must be well 
 boiled, skimmed and hot, may then be added, and after that, the 
 drained oysters. As soon as they are well puffed and the edges 
 sohiewhat curled, serve the soup. Half a pint of rich cream is a 
 great improvement and may be used instead of the butter. Serve 
 with them a plate of small crackers, crisped in the oven. 
 
 Potato Soup. 
 
 Boil a half dozen potatoes, and mash thoroughly, mixing with it 
 a quart of stock, seasoning with salt and pepper; boil it for five 
 minutes, removing scum; add to this a tumblerful of milk last, and 
 serve after the soup has come again to the boil; must be perfectly 
 smooth. 
 
 Turkey Soup. 
 
 Take the turkey bones and boil three-quarters of an hour in 
 water enough to cover them; add a little summer savory and celery 
 chopped fine. Just before serving, thicken with a little flour 
 (browned), and season with pepper, salt, and a small piece of 
 butter. 
 
 Southern Gumbo Fela. 
 Take an onion and cut it up fine; have the lar^ quite hot, then 
 drop the onion in and let it fry a light brown; dust in two table- 
 spoonfuls of flour and stir all the time to keep from burning, and in 
 a few minutes it will be brown; pour in boiling water as much as 
 will serve the family, allowing for boiling down; have a nice fat 
 chicken cut up, put it in the pot and let it boil until tender; take fifty 
 oysters from th liquor and strain it to remove all pieces of shell; 
 put the liquor in. a stewpan, let it boil up once, then skim and put 
 the liquor in the pot, season with salt, black and red pepper, also a 
 
342 SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 small piece of garlic; after letting it boil some time, add the 
 oysters; take two tablespoonfuls of fela and dust in, stirring all the 
 time; as soon as it boils once it is ready to serve; always serve with 
 boiled rice. 
 
 Fela is prepared by our Indians, and is simply the young leaves 
 of the sassafras, dried in the shade, and pulverized with a few 
 leaves of the sweet bay. In the summer, young okra pods are 
 used in place of fela. 
 
 Tomato Soup. 
 
 Seven good-sized tomatoes to two quarts of milk; stew and sea- 
 son tomatoes highly with salt and pepper; have the milk hot; break 
 into it a few crackers; stir in a large lump of butter; pour into a 
 tureen, and just as you take to the table, add tomatoes, mixing 
 them well together. 
 
 TojiATo Soup, No. 2. 
 One quart of tomatoes, one onion, two ounces of flour, four ounces 
 of buttei*, two tablespoonfuls of sugar, two of salt, one-third of a 
 teaspoonful of Cayenne pepper, three pints or water, one-half pint 
 of milk. Boil the tomatoes and onion in water for three-quar- 
 ters of an hour. Add salt, pepper, sugar, butter, and flour; rub 
 smoothly together like thin cream; boil ten minutes; boil milk 
 separately. When both are boiling, pour the milk into the toma- 
 toes, to prevent curdling. Serve with squares of toasted bread. 
 
 Green Turtle Soup. 
 A glass of Madeira, two onions, bunch of sweet herbs, juice of 
 one lemon, five quarts of water. Chop up the coarser parts of the 
 turtle meat with the entrails and bones. Add to them four quarts 
 of water, and stew four hours with the herbs, onions, pepper and 
 salt. Stew very slowly, but do not let it cease to boil during this 
 time. At the end of four hours strain the soup, and add the finer 
 parts of the turtle and the green fat, which has been simmered for 
 one hour in two quarts of water. Tliicken with browned flour; 
 returA to the soup-pot, and simmer gently an hour longer. If theye 
 
SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. :i43 
 
 are eggs in the turtle, boil them in a separate vessel for four hours, 
 and throw into the soup before taking it up. If not, put ^n force- 
 meat balls; then the juice of the lemon and wine; beat up once and 
 pour out. Some cooks add the liner meat before straining, boiling 
 all together for five hours; then strain, thicken, and put in the 
 green fat, cut into lumps an inch long. This makes a handsomer 
 soup than if the meat is left in. For the mock eggs, take the yolks 
 of three hard-boiled eggs, and one raw egg well beaten. Rub the 
 boiled eggs into a paste with a teaspoonful of butter, bind with a 
 raw egg, roll into' pellets the size and shape of turtle eggs, and lay- 
 in boiling water for two minutes before dropping into the soup. 
 
 Soyer's Cheap Soups. 
 Soyer, in his "Culinary Campaign," has given recipes for making 
 palatable ^oups, which he says will not cost more than a cent a 
 quart in London. Here is one of them: Take two ounces of drip- 
 ping, quarter of a pound of solid meat, cut into pieces one inch 
 square; quarter of a pound of onions, sliced thin; same of turnips 
 (the peel will do) or a whole one cut into slices; two ounces of leeks 
 (green tops will do) sliced thin; three ounces of celery; three- 
 quarters of a pound of common flour; half a pound of pearl barley, 
 or one pound of Scotch; three ounces of salt; quarter of an ounce 
 of brown sugar; two gallons of water. First put two ounces of 
 dripping into a saucepan capable of holding two gallons of water, 
 with a quarter of a pound of leg-beef without bone, cut into 
 square pieces of about an inch; and two middling-sized onions, 
 peeled and sliced; then set the saucepan over the fire, and stir the 
 contents around for a few minutes with a wooden or iron spoon 
 until fried lightly brown. Have then ready washed the peelings of. 
 two turnips, fifteen green leaves or tops of celery, and the green 
 part of two leeks (the whole of which, I must observe, are alvyays 
 thrown away). Having cut the above vegetable into small pieces, 
 throw them into the saucepan with the other ingredients, stirring 
 them occasionally over the fire for another ten minutes; then add 
 one quart of cold water and three-quarters of a pound of copj- 
 
344 SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 /ion flour, and half a pound of pearl barley, mixing all well together; 
 i^,hen add seven quarts of hot water, seasoned with three ounces 
 }f salt, and a quarter of an ounce of brown sugar, stirring occasion- 
 elly until boiling, and allowing it to simmer gently for three hours; 
 at the end of which time the barley will be perfectly tender. The 
 above soup has been tasted by numerous noblemen, members of 
 Parliament, and several ladies, who have lately visited my kitchen 
 department, and who have considered it very good and nourishing. 
 Tile soup will keep several days when made as above described; 
 but I must observe, not to keep it in a deep pan, but within a flat 
 vessel, when the air could act freely upon it. Stir it now and then 
 until nearly cold, or otherwise the next day it will be in a state of 
 fermentation. This does not denote the weakness of the soup, 
 because the same evil exists in the strongest of stock, or sauce, if 
 not stirred or 'confined in a warm place — a fact known to every 
 first-rate cook. The expense may come to three farthings per quart 
 in London; but as almost every thing can be had at less cost in the 
 country, the price of the soup will be still more reduced. In that 
 case, a little additional meat might be added. By giving with this 
 a small portion of bread or biscuit, better support would be given 
 to the poor at a trifling cost; and no one, it is to be hoped, here- 
 after, would hear of the dreadful calamity of starvation. 
 
 Soup, No. 2. — Same Cost. 
 Quarter of a pound of beef cut into pieces one inch square; two 
 ounces of dripping, or melted suet, quarter of a pound of turnips, 
 or carrots, cut into fragments half an inch square, four drops 
 essence of meat, one and a half pounds of maize flour, three ounces 
 of salt, quarter ounce of brown sugar, one teaspoonful of black 
 pepper, ground fine. Take two ounces of either drippings, Amer- 
 ican lard, or suet, to which add the turnips and carrots; fry for ten 
 minutes; add one quart of cold water, and the meal, well mixed, 
 and moisten by degrees with seven quarts of hot water; boil five 
 hours, and season with three ounces of salt, one-quarter ounce of 
 brown sugar, one teaspoonful of black pepper, two drops of essence 
 
SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 345 
 
 of garlic, one drop of essence of mint, a little celery; stir quickly, 
 and serve directly. 
 
 By adding a pound of potatoes to this, a superior soup will be 
 the result. 
 
 Aspic Jelly for Garnishing. 
 
 Take two pints of nicely-flavored stock, of a clear, firm jelly; 
 put this into a saucepan with a blade of mace, a tablespoonf ul of 
 vinegar and a glass of sherry. Let it boil; then stir into an ounce 
 of the best gelatine, which has been soaked in a little cool water. 
 When again cool, add the whisked whites of two eggs; let it boil; 
 then set back to settle; strain through a jelly-bag until quiiH clear, 
 and pour it on a dish which has been standing in cold watez. Cut 
 it into dice for garnishing. 
 
 Aspic Jelly, Stock. 
 
 Put a knuckle-bone of veal, a knuckle-bone of ham, a calf's foot, a 
 large onion with four cloves stuck in, one large carrot, and a bunch 
 of savory herbs, in two quarts of water, and boil gently till it is 
 reduced rather more than half; strain, and put it aside to cool. 
 Very carefully remove every particle of fat or sediment, and place 
 the jelly in a saucepan with a glass of white wine, a tablespoonful 
 of vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and the whites of two eggs; 
 keep stirring until it nearly boils, which may be known by its 
 becoming white; then draw it back and let it simmer gently for 
 fifteen or twenty minutes; put on the cover, let it stand to settle, 
 and strain through a jelly-bag until it is quite clear. Put it into a 
 mold. 
 
 Bechamel Sauce. 
 
 As white stock is the foundation of this sauce, it must be pre- 
 pared first. Boil down an old fowl, two or three pounds of the 
 knuckles of veal and three of very lean ham, with four carrots, two 
 onions, one blade of mace, some white pepper-corns, two table- 
 spoonfuls of salt and an ounce of butter, in four or five quarts of 
 water. Cut up the fowl and veal, and put them with the ham to 
 
346 SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 simmer in a small quantity of water till the juices are extracted; 
 then put in the full quantity of water, about three and one-half 
 quarts, to the other ingredients. Let the liquid simmer from four 
 to five hours; skim and strain till clear, when it is ready for the 
 bechamel. Mix a tablespoonful of ai-rowroot with a pint of cream, 
 and when well blended, let it simmer in a carefully cleaned pan for 
 four or five minuses. Make one pint of the stock hot and pour it 
 to the cream; simmer slowly for ten minutes, or until it thickens. 
 if too thick, add a little stock. 
 
 Anchovy Sauce. 
 An easy way of making anchovy sauce is to stir two or three 
 teaspoonfuls of prepared essence or paste of anchovy (which may 
 be bought at your grocers) into a pint of melted butter; let the 
 sauce boil a few minutes and flavor with lemon-juice. 
 
 Bread Sauce. 
 Take one' pint of white stock; boil with an onion, a little mace, 
 pepper-corns and salt; strain and pour it over six ounces of bread 
 crumbs; boil for ten minutes and add three tablespoonfuls of 
 cream. 
 
 Brown Sauce. 
 
 Melt two ounces of butter in a small saucepan and add one ounce 
 of flour, stirring until it is of a brown color. Then add suflicient 
 boiling stock to render it of a cream-like consistency, and season to 
 taste with salt and pepper. 
 
 Cucumber Sauce. 
 
 Take three young cucumbers, slice them rather thickly, and fry 
 them in a little butter till they are lightly browned; dredge them 
 with pepper, salt, and grated nutmeg, and simmer them till tender 
 in as much good brown gravy as will cover them. White sauce or 
 melted butter may be substituted for the gravy if these are more 
 euitable to the dish with which the cucumber sauce is to be served. 
 Time, about a quarter of an hour to simmer the cucumbers. 
 
SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 347 
 
 Chili Sauce. 
 
 Twelve ripe tomatoes, pared, two large peppers, chopped fine, 
 one large onion, chopped fine, two cups of vinegar, one tablespoon, 
 fill salt, one cup brown sugar, one teaspoonful each of allspice, 
 nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Boil all together. 
 
 Caphr Sauce. 
 
 Two tablespoonfuls of butter, one tablespoonful of flour; mix 
 well; pour on boiling water until it thickens; add one hard-boiled 
 
 egg, chopped fine, and two tablespoonfuls of capers. 
 
 k 
 
 Celery Sauce. 
 
 Put two ounces of butter into a saucepan, melt it, and add two 
 heads of celery cut up into inch pieces; stir the celery in the pan 
 till it is quite tender; add salt and pepper, with a little mace. Mix 
 a tablespoonful of flour in a cup of stock and simmer half an hour. 
 A cup of cream may be used instead of stock. 
 
 Egg Sauce. 
 
 Take yolks of two eggs, boiled hard; mash them with a table- 
 spoonful of mustard, a little pepper and salt, three tablespoonfuls 
 of vinegar, and three of salad oil. A tablespoonful of catsup 
 improves this for some. This sauce is very nice for boiled fish. 
 
 Fish Sauce. 
 One-quarter of a pound of fresh butter, one tablespoonful of 
 finely-chopped parsley, a little salt and pepper, and the juice of two 
 lemons. Cream the butter; mix all well together. 
 
 The Holla^daise Sauce. 
 For one pint: one tablespoonful of salt, same of butter and flour; 
 put them in a saucepan and put over the fire, and stir until the 
 butter is melted. Add -gradually one pint of hot water, about half 
 a cup at a time, and stir each time for a minute while it is boiling; 
 season with white pepper, nutmeg, and make sure it is cooked. 
 
348 SOUPS, SA.UCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 One great difficulty with sauces is they are raw. This makes the 
 white sauce, which is the basis of many sauces. Add the yolks of 
 two or three eggs, one tablespoonful of lemon-juice, or vinegar; 
 three tablespoonfuls of salad oil. These may be added by putting 
 them together in a separate dish and dipping a few spoonfuls of 
 the white sauce upon them and stirring thoroughly, and then pour- 
 ing back into the sauce. In this consistency the sauce makes a fine 
 d/essing for lobster or chicken salad. This sauce is suitable for 
 any kind of boiled fish. 
 
 Hot Sauce for Meats. 
 
 Four onions, two cups of sugar, thirty-two tomatoes, one quart 
 of vinegar, four peppers, two tablespoonfuls of salt, two tablespoon- 
 fuls of cinnamon, two tablespoonfuls of cloves, three tablespoonfuls 
 of red pepper; cook, strain and bottle. 
 
 Horse-Radish Sauce. 
 
 Two teaspoonfuls of made mustard, two of white sugar, half a 
 teaspoonful of salt and a gill of vinegar; mix and pour over 
 grated horse-radish. Excellent with beef. 
 
 Mushroom Sauce. • 
 
 To make a pint of mushroom sauce for the fillet of beef, use one 
 tablespoonful of butter and one of flour; put over the fire and stir 
 until brown. Then put in half a pint of water or chicken broth 
 and half a pint of essence of mushroom or the liquor found in a can 
 of mushrooms; stir till the sauce is perfectly smooth, season with a 
 saltspoonful of salt and quarter of a saltspoonful of pepper. Put 
 in the mushrooms and boil two minutes; takeoff, put in a glass of 
 sherry or Madeira wine, and pour around the fillet of beef. 
 
 Mint Sauce. 
 
 Mix one tablespoonful of Avhite sugar to half a cup of good vin- 
 egar; add the mint and let it infuse for half an hour before sending 
 to the table. Serve with roast lamb or mutton. 
 
SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 349 
 
 Mustard Sauce. 
 
 One cup of sugar, one cup of vinegar, one tablespoonful of but- 
 ter, four eggs and one tablespoonful of mustard; beat the eggs 
 well; mix all together; turn into a new tin pail or basin and boil in 
 water same as custard, only to a cream, not thick. Strain through 
 a thin cloth and it is done. 
 
 Prepared Mustard. 
 
 Two tablespoonfuls of mustard, one of flour; mix thoroughly 
 while dry. Have a cup two-thirds full of strong mustard; till with 
 water, stir the flour and mustard into it and let it boil until as thick 
 as custard; remove from the tire and add a tablespoonful of sugar. 
 
 Made Mustard. 
 
 Pour a very little boiling water over three tablespoonfuls of 
 mustard; add one saltspoonful of salt, a tablespoonful of olive oil, 
 stirred slowly in, and one tablespoonful of sugar; add the yolk of 
 an egg; beat well together, and pour in vinegar to taste. It is best 
 eaten next day. 
 
 Mayonnaise Sauce. 
 
 A mixture of egg yolks, oil, vinegar or lemon-juice. The prin- 
 cipal point to be attended to in preparing this sauce is the mode of 
 mixing, which demands time, patience and care. Break the yolk 
 of a fresh egg into a bowl with a saltspoonful of pepper and 
 salt mixed. Beat it till thick, then add from time to time 
 during the mixing, two or three drops of the best olive oil until 
 about four ounces have been used and the mixtui-e is thick and 
 yellow. When eight teaspoonfuls of oil have been used, stir in one 
 teaspoonful of white wine vinegar, and continue adding oil and 
 vinegar in these proportions until all the oil is used. The yolk of 
 one egg would be sufficient for a pint of oil and vinegar in propor- 
 tion. The addition of a few drops of lemon-juice makes mayon- 
 naise look creamy. Mayonnaise will keep a long time if bottled 
 closely and kept in a cool place. 
 
350 SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 Maitre d'Hotel Butter. 
 
 Knead together (on a plate with the point of a knife) equal 
 
 quantities of chopped parsley and fresh butter. Add pepper, salt 
 
 and a little lemon-juice. Keep in a cool place. When a dish is 
 
 said to be a la Maitre d'Hotel it is generally served with this butter. 
 
 Maitre d'Hotel Sauce. 
 Melt two ounces of fresh butter in a small enameled saucepan, 
 and stir to it, by degrees, twotablespoonfuls of flour; continue stir- 
 ring five or ten minutes, until the butter and flour are well blended, 
 when add, also by degrees, a quarter of a pint of boiling cream and 
 a quarter of a pint of good veal stock, also boiling; add a few 
 spoonfuls of each at a time and stir well, allowing the sauce to 
 simmer a minute or two between each addition. When perfectly 
 smooth, put in the strained juice of a lemon, or, if preferred, a 
 tablespoonful of Chili vinegar, a little pepper, a pinch of salt, and 
 a tablespoonful of chopped parsley. The yolks of two eggs are a 
 great improvement to this sauce, and are almost necessary when it 
 is served with fish; bjat in that case only half the quantity of flour 
 should be used, as the eggs help to thicken it. 
 
 Oyster Sauce. 
 Prepare some nice drawn butter; scald the oysters in a little 
 water and mix them with the butter; mix well and let the sauce 
 come nearly to a boil, after which serve with oyster crackers. 
 
 Old Currant Sauce for Venison. 
 Boil an ounce of dried currants in half a pint of water, a few 
 minutes; add a small cup of bread crumbs, six cloves, a glass of 
 port wine and a bit of butter. Stir it till the whole is smooth. 
 
 Piquant Sat^ce. 
 Dissolve an ounce and a half of butter in a small saucepan over a 
 moderate fire. Throw in a tablespoonful of chopped onions, and 
 Stir them about for two minutes, sprinkle a teaspoonful of flour over 
 
SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 351 
 
 thetn, and beat it with a wooden or iron spoon to prevent it from 
 getting into lumps. Add half a pint of stock or broth, a small 
 bunch of parsley, a sprig of thyme, a bay leaf, and a quarter of a 
 teaspoonful of Cayenne. Simmer gently for twenty minutes, then 
 lift out the herbs, pour in half a wineglassful of vinegar, and add a 
 little pepper and salt if required; let all boil ujj together and serve. 
 
 Tomato Sauce. 
 Nine ripe tomatoes, peeled and cut small, red pepper chopped 
 fine, one cup of vinegar, two tablespoonfuls broAvn sugar, one table- 
 spoonful of salt, one teaspoonful ginger, one of cloves, one of all- 
 spice; put vinegar in last; stew one hour. 
 
 Almond Forcemeat. 
 Beat up the yolks of three eggs with a quarter of a pint of good 
 cream, and flavor with a little nutmeg. Blanch and pound in a 
 mortar three ounces of sweet almonds, using white of egg to 
 moisten. Add these, with three-quarters of a pound of light bread 
 crumbs, and three ounces of butter broken into small bits, to the 
 egg mixture. Stir in, lastly, the whites of the eggs whisked to a 
 solid froth, and fill either capon or turkey. 
 
 Forcemeat Balls. 
 Chop a quarter of a pound of beef suet, a little lemon peel, and 
 parsley. Mix with a basin of bread crumbs, and flavor with pep- 
 per, salt, and nutmeg. Moisten with the yolks of two eggs, roll in 
 flour, and make up into small balls. Bake in a hot oven, or fry till 
 crisp. This recipe will do for fowls. The addition of a little ham, 
 chopped or pounded, will be found a considerable improvement. 
 
 Chestnut Forcemeat. 
 Remove the outer skin from some chestnuts (they should be ripe 
 and sound). Boil them for two or three minutes to get off the 
 inner skin. Peel them, and to preserve their color throw them into 
 cold water; drain and weigh them. Stew six ounces of them 
 gently for about twenty minutes in veal gravy. Let them get cold, 
 
352 SOUPS, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 
 
 pound them till smooth with an equal quantity of butter, or half 
 their weight in fat bacon, and add two ounces of bread crumbs, and 
 a little salt, lemon rind, and nutmeg. Bind the mixture together 
 with tlie unbeaten yolks of two eggs. If this forcemeat is formed 
 into cakes, these should be dipped into flour before being fried. 
 
 Forcemeat for Fish, Soups and Stews. 
 
 Pound the flesh of a medium-sized lobster, half an anchovy, a 
 piece of boiled celery, the yolk of a hard-boiled egg, salt, pepper, 
 and Cayenne to taste. Mix these with a tablespoonful of bread 
 crumbs, two ounces of butter, and two of raw eggs. Make into 
 small balls, and fry a pale brown in butter. Two or three oysters 
 may be added. 
 
 Forcemeat for Game. 
 
 Take the livers of the game and pound them with half their 
 weight of beef suet and good fat bacon, mixed together; season 
 with salt, pepper, and ground cloves. Use a little of the meat of 
 the game if enough of the livers cannot be obtained; moisten with 
 cream, and bind with the yolks of two eggs. If the forcemeat be 
 required stifle, stew over a gentle fire, keeping it constantly stirred 
 until the proper consistency is gained. 
 
 Forcemeat for Turkeys. 
 Take equal quantities of lean veal and pork, and mince them finely 
 together; also cut into pieces a parboiled veal sweetbread, and mix 
 with about three-quarters of a pound of each of the former meats. 
 Add half a pound of bi-ead, soaked, and the same amount of warm 
 butter. Flavor with a little nutmeg, salt, pepper and half an ounce 
 of grated lemon rind. Bind with three beaten eggs, and fill the 
 turkey. 
 
 Mushroom Forcemeat. 
 
 Procure four ounces of young, fresh mushrooms. Peel them, cut 
 off the stems. Dissolve two ounces of butter in a stewpan, and let 
 them simmer very gently over a slow fire, with a slight flavoring of 
 mace and Cayenne. Spread them over a dish placed in a slanting 
 
SOUP^i, SAUCES, AND FORCEMEATS. 353 
 
 position to drain avva,y tLie moisture. When cold mince them, and 
 add four ounces of fine bread crumbs, a small seasoning of salt, 
 Cayenne, mace, and nutmeg, a piece of butter, the yolks of two 
 eggs. Put in as much of the mushroom gravy as will make the 
 forcemeat of the proper consistency. Make into balls, poach and 
 throw into soup; or fry, and serve round a dish of roast fowl or 
 minc-^d veal. It is also a good stuffing for boiled fowls. 
 
 Oyster Forcemeat. 
 Gjt fresh oysters and cut them into quarters. Grate bread 
 enough to fill half a pint, and one ounce and a half of finely shred 
 si.'t or butter, which should be broken into bits. Mix all these 
 ingredients together with a good flavoring of herbs, and a seasoning 
 of salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg. Add two well-beaten eggs. 
 This forcem^^at is for boiled or roast turkey. It may be made into 
 bilU and used as a garnish. Twenty oysters are sufficient for one 
 tur.>.^ ,. 
 
CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 FURNITURE. 
 
 f Furniture Covers. 
 
 T ^ I OTHING gives so dismal and unhospitable an appearance to a 
 aM room as to have the chairs and sofa or couch covered with 
 Q^ stiff unfriendly-looking linen; but pretty furniture that is 
 used CA'^ery day must be protected in some way, and there are many 
 coverings which are really ornamental. For instance, a couch may 
 be kept from fading by taking a piece of Turkish toweling the 
 required length — that is, a little longer than the couch, so that it 
 will fall over the ends, and not slide down and wrinkle; put scallops 
 of flannel on the edge. A border or centre-piece, or simply a vine 
 wort-'d in some bright color across the ends, make a pretty addi- 
 tion to it. Tidies that are very serviceable may be made of brown 
 linen with an applique stripe of cretonne flowers. The easiest and 
 most satisfactory way to prepare cretonne for transferring is to first 
 work the figure which is to be cut out with the button-hole stitch, 
 and then cut around that. When it is placed upon broadcloth, or 
 any material which will not require washing, sew it with long 
 stitches on the wrong side; but when transferred to linen, sew it 
 firmly, so that it will keep its place when washed. The tidies may 
 be finished by putting fringe or yellow lace across the ends; turn 
 down and hem on the sides, and feather-stitch with worsted or 
 working cotton or silk. 
 
 The Use of Varnish. 
 No one knows until she has tried it how much she may change 
 the aspect of things about the house by using a little varnish. On 
 
 354 
 
FURNITURE. 355 
 
 a sunshiny day take the old chairs and tables out on the porch, or 
 by an open door, and after thoroughly dusting and wiping off with 
 a damp cloth, apply a thin coat of varnish, and so cover up scratches 
 and marred spots of all kinds. It will dry in a very short time, and 
 you will be surprised to see how much good you have done. A 
 flannel cloth with a very little linseed oil is good to rub furniture 
 with, but the greatest care must be exercised to jjrevent any oil 
 being left on the wood to attract dust. It must be rubbed until 
 you would not know, except by the improved appearance, that any 
 oil had been used. 
 
 How TO Make an Ottoman. 
 
 A neat and useful ottoman may be made by taking a box in which 
 fine-cut tobacco is packed, and covering it with cretonne. The top 
 may be taken off and put on without difficulty if, after covering, a 
 narrow raffle to fall over the edge is tacked on. An ottoman of 
 this sort is convenient in the bedroom, where it may serve as a 
 receptacle for stockings. If one does not care to buy cretonne, bits 
 of carpet may be used for the covering. Burlap also makes a pretty 
 cover, worked in some simple but showy pattern. 
 
 To Render New Mahogant like Old. 
 This is of service in the case of furniture repaired, or when 
 lacquered handles have been changed for mahogany ones. Soap and 
 water will darken to some extent; but if darker is required, use oil; 
 or for very dark, use lime-water. 
 
 To Clean Furniture. 
 The cleaning of furniture should depend on the mode in which 
 the furniture was originally polished. Tlio method a,t present most 
 generally adapted is French polishing, a,n' in -such cases a little 
 spirits of turpentine should be employed, which will clean off grease 
 anl dirt without softening the varnish; it should, however, be 
 rapidly done. If the furniture was originally polished with furni- 
 ture paste (composed of bees'-wax dissolved in spirits of turpentine 
 
356 FURNITURE. 
 
 by means of heat, and a little copal varnish, or finely-powdered 
 rosin, with a litile Indian red added) it should be renovated by the 
 same means. In the ease of furniture polished with oil, renovating 
 should be effected by means of linseed oil, slightly colored by a 
 little alkanet root, wiii'-h dissolves in oil, aided by slight heat. 
 
 Dirty or Stained Furniture. 
 
 If the furniture is in a bad state, but not stained, it will be suffi- 
 cient to clean it by washing it well with spirits of turpentine, and 
 afterwards polishing wiih linseed" oil colored with alkanet root. 
 When, however, the furniture is stained or inky, it should be 
 washed with sour beer or vinegar, warm; afterwards rubbing the 
 stains with spirits of salts, rubbed on with a piece of rag, which 
 will remove all the stains. The wood may then be polished, either 
 with linseed oil colored with alkanet root, or with be,es'-wax dis- 
 solved in turpentine, with a little cold varnish or rosin added. 
 
 To Clean Paint. 
 
 Provide a plate with some of the best whiting to be had, and 
 have ready some clean warm water and a piece of flannel, which 
 dip into the water and squeeze nearly dry; then take. as much 
 whiting as will adhere to it, apply it to the ; ainted surface, when 
 a little rubbing will instantly remove any dirt or grease. After 
 which, wash the part well with clean water, rubbing it dry with a; 
 soft chamois. Faint thus cleaned looks as well as when first laid 
 on, without injury to the most delicate colors. It is far better than 
 using soap, and does not require more than half the time and labor. 
 
 To Make Glue. 
 
 The glue, as bought, should be broken up small, first cov- 
 ered with cold water, and allowed to soak for a few hours. It 
 should then be placed near the fire, and allowed to simmer. The 
 addition of a few drops of linseed oil will improve it; and, when 
 made, it should be kept in a dry place, as damp will destroy its 
 tenacity and render it useless. 
 
FURNITURE. 307 
 
 To Revive Gilt Frames. 
 One ounce of soda beaten ujj witli tlie whites of three ounces of 
 eggs. Blow off the dust with a pair of bellows from the frames, 
 then wash them over with a brush dipped in this mixture, and this 
 will render them fresh and bright. 
 
 • Magic Furniture Polish. 
 
 Half pint alcohol, half ounce rosin, half ounce gum-shellac, a few 
 drops aniline brown; let stand over night and add three-fourths 
 pint of raw linseed oil and half a pint of spirits turpentine; shake 
 well before using. Apply with cotton Hannel, and rub dry with 
 another cloth. f 
 
CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 HOUSE PESTS. 
 
 Camphor, a Remedy for Mice. 
 Any one desirous of keeping seeds frum the depredations of mice^ 
 can do so by mixing pieces of camphor gum in with the seeds. 
 
 358 
 
HOUSE PESTS. 359 
 
 Camphor placed in drawers or trunks will prevent mice from doing 
 them injury. The little animal objects to the odor, and keeps a 
 good distance from it. He will seek food elsewhere. 
 
 Rats — To Drive away Alive. 
 
 If you choose to drive them away alive, take potash, pulverized, 
 and put quite plenty of it into all their holes about the house. If 
 the potash is pulverized and left in the air, it becomes pasty; then 
 it can be daubed on the boards or planks, where they come through 
 into rooms. 
 
 How TO Deal with Rats. 
 
 A writer in the Scientific American says: "We clean our prem- 
 ises of these detestable vermin by making whitewash yellow with 
 copperas and covering the stones and rafters in the cellars with it. 
 In every crevice in which a rat may go we put the crystals of the 
 copperas and scatter in the corners of the floor. The result was a 
 perfect stampede of rats and mice. Since that time not a footfall 
 of either rats or mice has been around the house. Every spring a 
 coat of the yellow wash is given the cellar, as a purifier, and a rat 
 exterminator, and no typhoid, dysentery or fevers attacks the 
 family. Many persons deliberately attract all the rats in the 
 neighborhood by leaving fruits and vegetables uncovered in the 
 cellar, and sometimes even the soap is left open for their regale- 
 ment. Cover up everything eatable in the cellar and pantry, and 
 you will soon starve them out. These precautions, joined to the 
 service of a good cat, will prove as good a rat exterminator as the 
 chemist can provide. We never allow rats to be poisoned in our 
 dwelling, they are so apt to die between the walls and produce 
 much annoyance." 
 
 To Destroy Bed Bugs, Moths, and Other Vermix. 
 
 Dissolve alum in hot water, making a very strong solution; apply 
 
 to furniture or crevices in the walls with a paint brush. Tliis is sure 
 
 destruction to those noxious vermin, and invaluable because easily 
 
 obtained, is perfectly safe to use, and leaves no unpleasant traces 
 
360 HOUSE PESTS. 
 
 behind. "When you suspect moths have lodged in the borders of 
 carpets, wet the edges of the carpets with a strong solution; when- 
 ever it reaches them, it is certain deatli. 
 
 Hellebore, rubbed over with molasses, and put round tli'^ places 
 that cockroaches frequent, is a very effectual poison for tii» i... 
 
 Arsenic, spread on bread and butter, and ])laced round ••at or 
 mouse holes, will soon put a stop to their ruvj^g^s. 
 
 Quicksilver and the white of an egg, beat together, and I'l'" vilh 
 a feather round the crevices of the bedsteads and ihe saci^.ii<r, is 
 very effectual in destroying bugs in them. 
 
 To kill flies, when so numerous as to be troublesome, keep cobalt, 
 wet with spirit, in a large shallow plate. The spirit will aitract 
 the flies, and the cobalt will kill them very soon. IMack pc ppcr is 
 said to be good to destroy them;»it should be mixed, so as to be 
 very strong, with a little cream and sugar. 
 
 Great care is necessary in using the above poisons, where there 
 are any children, as they are so apt to eat anything that comes in 
 their way, and these poisons will prove as fatal to them as to ver- 
 min (excepting the pepper). 
 
 The flour of sulphur is said to be good to drive ants away, if 
 sprinkled round the places that they frequent. Sage is also good. 
 
 Weak brine will kill worms in gravel walks, if kept moist with it 
 a week in the sjjring, and three or four days in the fall. 
 
 Cedar chests are best to keep flannels, for cloth moths are never 
 found in them. Red cedar chips are good to keep in drawers, 
 wardrobes, closets, trunks, etc., to keep out moths. 
 
 To Prevent Red Ants. 
 Put one pint of tar in an earthen vessel, pour on it two quarts of 
 boiling hot water, and place it in your closet. 
 
 How TO Get Rid of Flies. 
 A clergyman, Avriting from Ireland, says: "For three years I 
 have lived in town, and during that time my sitting room has been 
 free from flies, three or four only walking about my breakfast table, 
 
HOUSE PESTS, 361 
 
 ■while all my neighbors' rooms were crowded. I often congratu- 
 lated myself on my escape, but never knew the reason of it until 
 two days ago. I then had occasion to remove my goods to another 
 house, while I remained on for two days longer. Among other 
 things moved were two' boxes of geraniums and calceolarias, which 
 stood in my window, the latter always being open to its full extent 
 top and bottom. The boxes were not gone half an hour before my 
 room was as full of flies as those around me. This, to me, is a new 
 discovery, and perhaps it may serve to encourage others in that 
 which is always a source of pleasure, and which now proves also to 
 be a source of comfort, viz., window gardening." 
 
 Mosquitoes. 
 
 Mr. I vers W. Adams writes from Bathurst, N. B., to Forest and 
 Stream, that he tried a dozen prescriptions for repelling mosquitoes, 
 flies, and similar pests, and found none of them effective until he 
 came across the following, which ai'e dead sure every time: 
 
 "Three ounces sweet oil, one ounce carbolic acid. Let it be 
 thoroughly applied upon hands, face, and all exposed parts (care- 
 fully avoiding the eyes) once every half hour, when flies are 
 troublesome, or for the first two or three days, until the skin is 
 filled with it, and after this its application will be necessary only 
 occasionally. Another receipt, equally efficacious, is: Six parts 
 sweet oil, one part creosote, one part pennyroyal. Either of these is 
 agreeable to use, and in no way injurious to the skin. We have 
 both of these in our camp with us, and all flies keep a safe distance." 
 
CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 TOILET. 
 
 Cleaning Gloves. 
 ,N excellent preparation for cleaning gloves can be bought for a 
 small sum at any drug store: Get one quart of deodorized 
 benzine, one drachm of sulphuric ether, one drachm chloro- 
 form, and two drachms alcohol. Cologne water can be added if 
 desired. Pour a little of this into a clean bowl, and wash the gloves 
 in it as you would wash anything. After the dirt is nearly out, 
 rinse in more of the clean fluid. Usually one rinsing is enough, but 
 if the gloves are very much soiled, rinse the second time. If the 
 gloves are of cheap kid it is best to dry them on the hands, hut a 
 nice glove, after having been rubbed with a soft cloth to smooth out 
 the wrinkles, may be hung on a line to dry. This preparation is an 
 excellent thing to keep in the house, not only for cleaning gloves, 
 but for taking out grease spots from carpets and clothing, and for 
 sponging coat collars and felt hats. 
 
 Hair Receivers. 
 
 The little Japanese parasols, which can be bought for four or five 
 cents, make Very pretty hair receivers. Open them about half their 
 extent; if necessary to make them stay half open, catch them Avitli 
 a few stitches. Put a loop of ribbon around the handle and hang 
 them up. 
 
 Toilet Cushions. 
 
 Pretty covers for toilet cushions can be made of bits of muslin 
 and lace that are not large enough to do anything else with. First 
 make the cushion; fill it with sawdust which has been heated until 
 
 362 
 
TOILET. 363 
 
 it is perfectly dry, otherwise the sawdust will shrink and the 
 cushion be spoiled. Sawdust is preferable to bran, for there is 
 danger of mice destroying the cushion if it is filled with bran. 
 Cover the cushion with silk, or even pretty cambric or cashmere 
 will do. Then make a square of the little pieces of lace and muslin 
 and put over. Finish the cushion with a muslin ruffle edged with, 
 narrow Italian lace, which costs a few cents a yard. 
 
 Shaving Cases. 
 
 The prettiest shaving cases I have ever seen are made by using 
 for a foundation little Japanese paper fans. Cover the fan with 
 silk or silesia, or combine; cut a piece of pasteboard the size of the 
 fan, and, as this is to be the outside of the case, cover it with silk 
 or satin, trim the edge with narrow lace or with plaited ribbon, 
 ornament it with a bow, or paint a spray of flowers on it, or put on 
 neatly a pretty transfer picture, or an initial, according to the 
 means and taste of the maker. Fasten the paper leaves which may 
 be pinked to the fan part, and then put on the cover, catching it 
 with silk to the upper pai-t of the fan near the handle. Put a loop 
 of ribbon or chenille at the end of the handle to hang it up by. 
 This is an acceptable gift for a gentleman. 
 
 To Cl£A2i Hais-Beusiies and Combs. 
 
 Dissolve potash in boiling water, and rub the brush with soap; 
 dip the brush into the solution, and draw it through the comb 
 frequently, taking care to keep the wood dry. Lastly, rinse the 
 hair in cold water, and dry; or, use spirits of ammonia and hot 
 water; wash them well and shake the water out, drying on a coarse 
 towel; they will look white and clean as new. Little or no soap is 
 needed. 
 
 To Clean Jewelry. 
 
 Wash in soap suds; rinse in diluted alcohol, and lay in a box of 
 dry sawdust to dry. As simple as this seems, it is the very nicest 
 way possible to clean gold chains or ornaments of any kind. 
 
364 TOILET. 
 
 Cologne Water. 
 One drachm oil lavender, one drachm oil bergamot, two drachms 
 oil lemon, two drachms oil rosemary, fifty drops tincture of musk, - 
 eight drops oil of cinnamon, eight drops oil of cloves, one pint of 
 alcohol. 
 
 Cologne Water, No 2. 
 
 Take of essence of bergamot and of citron each five drachms, 
 essence of lemon four drachms, essence of rosemary two and one- 
 half drachms, essence of orange flower three drops, alcohol one 
 quart; mix together. Those who prefer a fuller perfume may add 
 five drachms of lavender. 
 
 Cold Cream. 
 Take of the oil of almonds two ounces, of spermaceti half an 
 ounce, and white wax half an ounce. Put them in a close vessel, 
 and set the vessel in a skillet of boiling water. When melted, beat 
 the ingredients with rosewater until cold. Keep it in a tight box, 
 or wide-mouthed bottle, corked up close. 
 
 Lip Salve, 
 Dissolve a small lump of white sugar in a tablespoonful of rose- 
 water (common water will do, but is not so good). Mix it with a 
 couple of large spoonfuls of sweet oil, a piece of spermaceti, of the 
 size of half a butternut. Simmer the whole well together eight or 
 ten minutes, then turn it into a small box. 
 
 Lavender Water. 
 Take one pint of spirits of wine, one-half ounce of lavender oil, 
 one-half ounce of bergamot, one shilling's worth of musk; mix all 
 together in a bottle, and shake it occasionally. The longer it is 
 kept the better it becomes. 
 
 To Clean Gold Chains. 
 Let the article required to be cleaned, stand for some time in a 
 solution of caustic potash, until all the adhering dirt is removed. 
 
TOILET. • 365 
 
 It should then be taken out of the water with a piece of stick, and 
 rinsed in a large quantity of cold water, and placed on a soft clean 
 cloth to dry. This method must not be used for rings or other 
 articles that contain jewels, either gems or paste, or the silica, 
 which is the principal ingredient in their composition, would be 
 corroded by the potash. 
 
 To Clean Gilt Jewelry. 
 
 Wash the brooch, earrings, etc., with soap and water; rinse, and 
 with a small, soft brush wash the article with spirits of hartshorn. 
 
 To Remove a Tight Ring. 
 
 If the finger on which the ring has been placed has swollen, and 
 there seems a difficulty of removing the ring, pass a needle and 
 cotton under it, pull the cotton up towards the hand and 
 twist the remaining cotton round the finger several times until 
 it reaches the nail. By taking hold of the end nearest the hand it 
 is generally an easy matter to slide the ring off the finger, however 
 much difficulty there may have appeared in doing so before the 
 experiment was tried. 
 
 Grease Eraser. 
 
 Benzine, alcohol, ether, equal parts; mix; apply with sponge 
 (patting the spot) ; put a piece of blotting paper on each side and 
 iro'n with a hot flat iron. 
 
 Cure for Chapped Hands. 
 
 Glycerine applied over the hands at night is an excellent remedy. 
 This remedy is very much employed in Russia during the preva- 
 lence of severe frosts, to protect the skin of the face when exposed 
 to the weather. 
 
 Care of the Teeth. 
 
 The teeth require to be kept particularly clean, rather than the 
 application of mouth washes and elaborate dentifrices. The more 
 simple the ingredients used, the better. Unless recommended by a 
 
366 • TOILET. 
 
 good dentist, all tooth powders reputed to have beautifying effects 
 should be used with caution. Washing the teeth night and morn- 
 ing is the best preservative of their beauty and soundness. 
 
 Offensive Feet. 
 Take one part of muriatic acid to ten parts of water. Rub the 
 feet every night with this mixture before retiring to bed. 
 
 For Freckles, 
 
 One quart rain water, one ounce benzoin, one ounce aqua ammo- 
 nia, one ounce rosewater, two ounces glycerine; mix well; shake 
 before using. 
 
 Care of the Natls. 
 
 The finger-nails should be trimmed to the shape of the fingers'- 
 ends, leaving them moderately long, but not projecting beyond the 
 tips of the fingers. Nails should not be cleaned with sharp-pointed 
 scissors and pins — a soft nail brush is the right means. If the 
 hands and nails have become unusually soiled, they should be 
 rubbed with a little sweet oil or pomatum before washing with 
 soap, and afterwards cleaned in tepid watei-. In wiping the hands 
 the "crescent" of the nails should be preserved by gently pushing 
 it back with the towel. 
 
CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 KITCHEN. 
 
 Care of Silver. 
 '^HEN putting away the silver tea or coffee pot, which is not 
 W used every day, lay a little stick across the top under the 
 cover; this will allow fresh air to get in and will prevent 
 mustiness. It will then be ready for use at any time, after having 
 first been thoroughly rinsed with boiling water. 
 
 Nothing is better to clean silver with than alcohol and ammonia. 
 After rubbing with this, take a little whiting on a soft cloth and 
 polish. Even frosted silver, which is so difficult to clean, may be 
 easily made clear and bright. 
 
 New Kettles. 
 The best way to prepare a new iron kettle for use Is to fill it with 
 clean potato peelings, boil them for an hour or more, then wash the 
 kettle with hot water, wipe it dry, and rub it with a little lard; 
 repeat the rubbing for half an dozen times after using. In this 
 way you will prevent rust, and all the annoyances liable to occur in 
 the use of a new kettle. 
 
 To Purify "Water. 
 A large spoonful of pulverized alum sprinkled into a hogshead of 
 water (the water stirred round at the time), will, after the lapse of 
 a few hours, so purify it that it will be found to possess nearly the 
 freshness and clearness of finest spring water. A pailful containing 
 four gallons may be purified by a single spoonful; or a mixture of 
 one part chalk and two of alum wMl be still better. 
 
 367 
 
368 KITCHEN. 
 
 Washing Dishes. 
 Dishes should always be rinsed in clear, hot water after having 
 been washed in soap suds. Nothing is more unpleasant at the table 
 than to notice a certain stickiness that the soap is likely to leave. 
 It is necessary also from a sanitary point of view; the caustic alkali 
 is corrosive and unwholesome, and the grease is often impure. 
 
 Cleaisthstg Tinware. 
 Do not set apart one day on which to clean your silver or scour 
 your tinware; there is danger of its not being done at all. Have 
 your cleaning material ready, and when you are " doing up " the 
 dishes after each meal, clean and polish the silver or tin you have 
 been using. This is a good habit to cultivate. 
 
 To Make Hard Water Soft. 
 
 Fill the wash-boiler or tank with hard water; then put half a cup 
 of wood ashes into a woollen bag; cover this with cotton cloth to 
 prevent ashes sifting out; let this lie in the water until that is 
 warm enough to use. 
 
 The Griddle. 
 
 Rub your griddle with fine salt before you grease it, and your 
 cake will not stick. 
 
 When walnuts have been kept until the meat is too much dried 
 to be good, let them stand in milk and water eight hours, dry 
 them, and they will be as fresh as when new. 
 
 Coal Ashes Good to Scour With. 
 The fine, soft coal ashes which are found in the pipe in the 
 Bpring, and which sift under the pan, will clean and brighten tin- 
 ware. Take a piece of old flannel, dip lightly into soft soap, and 
 rub, afterwards using a clean piece of flannel to polish with. 
 
 How TO Triumph over Absent-Mindedness. 
 Many of the difficulties arising from absent-mindedness in hired 
 help may be removed if the mistress of the house has a habit of 
 
KITCHEN. 369 
 
 making a regular programme for the day's work, A bit of personal 
 experience may not be amiss. I had a girl who was one of the 
 most obliging persons I ever saw, but she could not remember the 
 common and usual order of the morning's work. Things were 
 always going wrong, unless at just such an hour I appeared in the 
 kitchen and directed that tlie vegetables be prepared for dinner, 
 etc. At last we hit upon the plan of hanging a written programme 
 of the work to be done, and the order in which it ought to bj done, 
 over the sink. This worked so well that when without help I keep 
 up the practice, for I confess to the fact that when I am out of the 
 kitchen my mind is out of it too, and I have wasted some valuable 
 time standing around in corners of the pantry and kitchen trying 
 to reproduce the conditions which gave rise to thoughts of work 
 that ought to be done; but with the help of the programme made 
 out the night before, and changed as circumstances seem to require 
 next morning, have been able to do many things which otherwise 
 would have been forgotten, or remembered when it was too late or 
 very inconvenient to do them. 
 
 An Economical Crumb-Cloth, 
 
 A red table-cloth that is too much faded to be used on the table 
 makes a good crumb cloth. Starch it as stiff as you can easily, 
 iron perfectly smooth, taking care to pull the edges straight and 
 even, pin it to the carpet instead of tacking it, as then it will not 
 be so much trouble to take it up, and you will wash it just as soon 
 as it needs it. It will keep clean a long time, and, even if you can 
 afford a handsome cloth, it is convenient to use this when the other 
 is up to be cleaned. 
 
 Scraping Kettles, 
 
 A clam shell is more convenient for scraping kettles and frying 
 pans than a knife. It does the work in less time. 
 
 How TO KEEP Lamp Chimneys Clean. 
 After the lamps are filled and the chimneys cleaned and put on 
 the shelf, take pieces of newspaper and roll in the form of a chim- 
 
 24 
 
370 KITCHEN. 
 
 ney and slip over chimney and lamp. It will protect from dust and 
 flies, and when the lamps are lighted one will be rewarded by find- 
 ing them as clean and bright as when first put in order. 
 
 How TO Stakt a Fire. 
 Keep the kerosene can in the wood-house. If you have no kind- 
 ling, and feel that oil must be used to start the fire, try this method: 
 Take a small paper bag, pour a little oil into it, and run with it to 
 the stove; in this way you can start a fire quickly without dropping 
 oil on the floor, or endangering your life. It would be better not 
 to use oil at all for this purpose. 
 
 To Make Fire Kindlers. 
 Take a quart of tar and three pounds of resin; melt them, bring 
 to a cooling temperature, mix with as much coarse sawdust, with a 
 little charcoal added, as can be worked in; spread out while hot 
 upon a board. When cold, break up into lumps of the size of a 
 hickory-nut, and you have, at a small expense, kindling material 
 enough for a household for a year. 
 
 How TO Polish a Stove Easily. 
 If a little vinegar or some cider is mixed with stove polish it will 
 not take much rubbing to make the stove bright, and the blacking 
 is not likely to fly off in fine dust. 
 
 How TO Use the Oil Stove. 
 A few suggestions in regard to the use of the oil stove may be of 
 value to some one who does not succeed well in using it. Com- 
 plaints are frequently made that a meal can not be put hot upon 
 the table if cooked on the single oil stove. My plan is this: If I 
 am to get breakfast by it, the first thing is to boil the water for 
 coffee, have the coffee in the pot, with some soft paper stuffed in 
 the nose. When the water boils, pour a little on the coffee, cover 
 closely, 'and set it one side. Then warm the potatoes; when thor- 
 oughly cooked, cover them and set one side. If beefsteak is pre- 
 ferred to cold meat, cook that; the stove being very hot, it will 
 
KITCHEN. 371 
 
 cook quickly. Then as you take the steak off with one hand, 
 with the other set the potatoes l)ack on the stove. While you are 
 preparing the steak for the table, the potatoes will be getting hot; 
 while taking them off, set the coffee-pot back on the stove. Of 
 course, one must be very quick in her movements. Dinner may in 
 the same way be put smoking on the table, and the housewife, cool 
 and fresh, will enjoy the meal as well as any member of the family. 
 Any one who keeps plants in a room where there is no fire at night, 
 or in a bay window, may prevent their freezing by lighting the oil 
 stove and placing it near them. Canned fruit and vegetables may, 
 also, in this way be kept from freezing. One who has never tried 
 it will be surprised to notice how much heat is given out. 
 
 Blacking Stoves. 
 Every woman owes it to her family as well as to herself to 
 simplify her work as much as possible, and not to do things that 
 are unnecessary; for instance, it is a waste of time and strength 
 and blacking to black and polish the top of the kitchen stove after 
 each meal is prepared; and yet thei-e are women who will be 
 shocked to read this assertion. Other parts of the stove can be 
 kept nice with very little trouble; and, if the top is kept clean till 
 her fire is out for the day, that ought to satisfy the most pains- 
 taking woman. A convenient arrangement for washing the top of 
 a hot stove is to have a smooth, round stick, with a soft cloth tied 
 securely to it. A cloth is better than a brush for cl^eaning corners. 
 
 How TO Clean Mica. 
 Every woman who has been obliged to spend half a day several 
 times during the winter cleaning the mica in her coal stove, usually 
 by taking them out and washing them in soap-suds, will rejoice to 
 know there is a much easier way to clean them, and that there is no 
 need to take them out or let the fire burn very low in order to do it 
 successfully. Take a little vinegar and water and wash the mica 
 carefully with a soft cloth; the acid removes all stains, and if a 
 little pains is taken in cleaning the corners and in wiping them dry, 
 
372 KITCHEN. 
 
 the mica will look as good as new. It is a great care to see that 
 stoves are kept in pr, p;r order, and net many servants can be 
 trusted to do it as it should bo done. The task might be made 
 somewhat easier by choosin • stoves which are not too highly orna- 
 mented. Unless the trimmings are kept absolutely spotless and 
 bright, which is a very difficult thing to accomplish, they cannot 
 lay the least claim to being ornamental; indeed, a stove which, by 
 reason of its excessive decoration, is rendered the most prominent 
 feature of the room, demanding attention the moment one enters, is 
 certainly in bad taste. A clean, well-polished stove, with graceful 
 shape, which fulfills the end of its being by heating the house, is all 
 that a stove should be. The fire may be, as it has been called, the 
 soul of the room, but it ought not to ask too much attention to its 
 body. 
 
 To Clean- Knives. 
 Scrape at one end of the knife-board a little heap of Bath brick; 
 rub on a piece of red flannel some yellow soap; lay the knife flat 
 on the board; dip the soaped flannel in the brick-dust, and rub it on 
 the knife. When clean, wash the knives in wai*m water, but be 
 careful not to let it touch the handle. This method saves the 
 knives as well as the labor of cleaning in the usual way. 
 
 To Keep a Kitchen Table Clean. 
 A cook should always keep a piece of oil cloth ready, to put her 
 saucepans and stewpans on when necessary; the oil cloth can be so 
 much more easily cleaned than the table. A few common straw 
 mats are also very handy in a kitchen, to save the table from being 
 soiled. 
 
CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 THE LAUNDRY. 
 
 <^ To Clean Colored Fabrics. 
 
 >V[EARLY all colored fabrics stain the suds used to clean them, 
 ,2^ and that withouj losing their own brightness in any way. 
 ^^ No article of a different color must be plunged into a rinse or 
 wash so stained, but must have fresh ones; and no colored article 
 must be rinsed in blued suds. Scarlet is particularly prone to color 
 a wash. 
 
 Different colors are improved by different substances being used 
 in the wash or rinse; sugar of lead has the credit of fixing all colors 
 when first cleaned, and may be used to those likely to run. To 
 brighten colors, mix some ox-gall; but, of course, the quantity must 
 be regulated by the quantity of suds in the wash and rinse. For 
 buff and cream-colored alpaca or cashmere, mix in the wash and 
 rinse some friar's balsam. For black materials, some ammonia. 
 For violet, ammonia or a small quantity of soda in the rinsing 
 water. There are some violets and mauves that fade in soda. For 
 green, vinegar in the rinse, in the proportion to two tablespoonf uls 
 to a quart of rinse. For blue, to one dress, a good handful of 
 common salt in the rinse. For brown and grey, ox-gall. For 
 white, blue the wash with laundry blue. 
 
 Dresses, mantles, shawls, opera cloaks, underskirts, articles 
 embroidered with silk, self-colored or chintz-colored damask cur- 
 tains, moreen and other woollen curtaining, may all be cleaned as 
 specified so far. Blankets should be cleaned in the same way. 
 Pull them out well, whilst wet, at both sides and both ends, between 
 
 373 
 
374 THE LAUNDRY. 
 
 two persons. When half dry, it is a good plan to take them off 
 the line, and pull them again; when quite dry just give them a 
 little more pulling out. ThiS keeps them open and soft. Blankets 
 are not blued so much as flannels, presently described. Never use 
 soda to them, and never rinse them in plain water, or rub on soap. 
 The dyers and cleaners have a mode of pressing articles which 
 gives to many of them, such as damask and moreen curtaining and 
 paisley shawls, a superior appearance to anything that can be 
 achieved at home; but some of them will press articles at a fixed 
 price for persons cleaning them at home. 
 
 Muslin Dresses, 
 
 Even of the most delicate colors, can be cleaned in ten minute* 
 or a quarter of an hour, without losing their color. Melt half a 
 pound of soap in a gallon of water, empty it in a washing tub; 
 place near two large tubs of clean water, and stir into one a quart 
 of bran. Put the muslin in the soap, turn it over and knead it for 
 a few minutes; squeeze it out well, but do not wring it, lest it get 
 torn; rinse it about quickly in the bran for a couple of minutes. 
 Rinse again well for a couple of minutes in clean water. Squeeze 
 out dry and hang it between two lines. A clear, dry day should be 
 chosen to wash muslin dresses; half a dozen may be done this way 
 in half an hour. The last rinse may be prepared the same way as^ 
 the rinses for M'^oollen fabrics. A colored pattern on a white ground 
 must not be blued. The bran may here be dispensed with. 
 
 When the dress is dry, make the starch; for a colored musliu 
 white starch, and unboiled, but made with boiling water, is best. 
 Stir the starch with the end of a wax candle. Dip the dress. Hang 
 it again to dry. When dry, rinse it quickly and thoroughly in 
 clear water. Hang it to dry again. Sprinkle and roll it up; after- 
 wards iron it with a very hot iron. Hot irons keep the starch stiff. 
 This rinsing after starching is called clear-starching; none of the 
 stiffness, but much of tlie unsightliness of the starch is removed in 
 this way. 
 
THE LAUNDRY. 375 
 
 All kinds of white muslins, lace curtains, cravats, etc, may be 
 washed in a thick ley of soap as described, well rinsed, blued, and 
 starched, like the muslin dresses above named. Use blue starch to 
 white. Book muslin should be very slightly blued as blue-looking 
 muslin is very unbecoming to the complexion; a slight creamy tinge 
 is preferable^ 
 
 Morning cambric dresses may be washed the same way as muslin 
 dresses; but they do not generally clean so readily, and, perhaps, 
 may need rubbing a little in places that are soiled. 
 
 The advantage of thus cleaning dresses instead of washing them 
 is, first, if colored, the pi'ocess is so rapid that there is not time for 
 the colors to run. Secondly, the fabric is not rubbed, and there- 
 fore not strained and worn out. Thirdly, the process saves nearly 
 all labor, and is so quickly done, that any lady may manage it for 
 herself in the absence of a laundry-maid. 
 
 Many ladies make a strong solution of sugar of lead; stir it well 
 when dissolved, and let the dress, muslin or cotton, soak a couple 
 of hours to set the colors before washing it the first time. It does 
 not need to be repeated. Those using sugar of lead should be care- 
 ful not to do so if they have any scratches, abrasions, or wounds 
 about their hands. 
 
 Chintz may be cleaned the same way as muslin and print dresses. 
 
 Laces. 
 
 Laces of all kinds can, with a little care, be rendered equal to 
 new. Make a strong solution of soap, as described for woollen 
 materials. The laces may all be put in at once. Squeeze them in 
 and out. They generally become free from dirt by once passing 
 through. They may then be thoroughly rinsed, blued, and starched; 
 but if at all discolored and bad looking, must first be boiled. Soap 
 each article thoroughly all over; fill a basin or jar with water 
 as blue as possible, and lumps of soda and soap; put the lace in 
 the basin; put the basin in a saucepan of water just large enough 
 to hold above by the rim (like a glue-pot), and put the saucepan 
 lid on the basin. Boil two or three hours, taking care the water 
 
376 THE LAUNDRY. 
 
 does not boil out of the saucepan and let it burn; if need be, 
 replenish it; turn out the lace in the basin; rinse it well; blue it 
 with the finest blue that can be procured, but not much; get a 
 bottle of the best drawing gum in solution from an artists' 
 colorraan (common liquid gum will not do); put a teaspoonful 
 of this to a pint of water; stir it well; stiffen the laces in it; 
 squeeze them dry; lay them on a clean dry towel; fold them up 
 till most of the moisture is absorbed. While still dry, pin out each 
 piece of lace by each point, stretching it equal to new, but not 
 straining any part, on a cushion which has first been covered with a 
 clean cloth. The right side of the lace should be up. Leave it till 
 quite dry, which will probably not be till the next day. If it is 
 Cluny lace with raised spots, take a pin and raise all the spots as it 
 lies on the cushion. Remove all the pins, and pick out every part 
 and corner of the lace with the fingers. If raised, raise it by draw- 
 ing it over the thumb-nai!. Brussels lace and Ilonitqn lace look 
 better ironed whilst a little damp, instead of being pinned out in 
 this way. Arrange these, also, with the finger, both before and 
 after ironing. Crochet may be pinned out, or left to dry; pulled 
 out with the fingers only, or pulled out whilst still damp and 
 ironed. It is, also, a matter of fancy whether it is starched or not. 
 
 To Bleach Lace, Etc. 
 After washing and boiling let it lie all day in excessively strong 
 blue-water; lay it out all night on the grass to dry. Boil again 
 with soap, without soda or blueing; rinse well. It must not, how- 
 ever, be forgotten that too much soda turns linen, etc., yellow. 
 
 To STirPEN- LiNIEN, 
 
 Such as cuffs that require to be very firm, boil the starch after 
 mixing it cold. Into a pint of starch drop a bit of white wax half 
 the si.^e of a small hazle-nut and a teaspoonful of brandy. The 
 spirit is to retain the stiffness and increase it, the wax to save the 
 starch from sticking to the iron. When an iron sticks to starch, 
 soap the bottom of the iron. 
 
THE LAUNDRY. 377 
 
 To Clean Cloth. 
 A contemporary recommends the following plan: Moisten a 
 sponge with pure water, press it in a clean towel till it becomes 
 nearly dry; then sponge, one place after the other, the cloth; all the 
 dust will enter the sponge; wash the sponge afterwards with water. 
 This method of cleaning wears cloth out less than brushing. Many 
 spots also disappear with pure water. 
 
 To Clean Black Silk. 
 Take entirely to pieces the dress, jacket, etc., and well shake each 
 piece; then spread over a table and over it spread a newspaper, or 
 sheet of clean paper, and on it lay a breadth of the silk. Brush it 
 well both sides with a fine soft brush — a hat-brush would very well 
 answer the purpose. Shake it again; fold together in half, and 
 place it on one side of the table. In the same manner shake, brush, 
 and shake again, each piece of silk. Remove the paper, and place 
 on the table a clean sheet. On the paper again place a breadth of 
 the silk, and into a clean quart basin pour a half pint of cold wafer 
 adding a half pint of good sweetened gin, which is better for the 
 purpose than unsweetened, as the siigar stiffens the silk. These 
 are the proportions for any quantity required. Have ready a piece 
 of black crape, or black merino, about a half yard square; dip it 
 well into the liquid, and thoroughly wash over the best side of the 
 silk. Be careful that it be well cleaned, and, if possible, wash it 
 from edge to edge, and wet it well all over. Then fold over the 
 silk in half; then again, till the folds are the width of those of new 
 silk. Place it in a clean towel, and clean each piece of the silk in 
 the same manner, laying one piece on the other; and remembering 
 by a mark which is the last piece done, as that must be the last 
 ironed. Let the silk be folded in the towel till a large iron is well 
 heated; but be careful that it is not too hot; try it first on paper, 
 or a piece of old dampened silk. Use two irons. Open the towel 
 when the iron is ready, and place the piece of silk that was first 
 cleaned on an old table-cloth or sheet folded thick; iron the wrong 
 
378 THE LAUNDRY. 
 
 side quickly, from edge to edg?, until dry. Fold the silk over 
 lightly to tlie width of new silk, and place it on one end of the table 
 till all are done. This simple process stiffens, cleans, and makes 
 the silk look new. 
 
 To Clean Black Merino, or any "Woollen Stuff. 
 Purchase at a drug store two cents worth of carbonate of 
 ammonia. Place it in a clean quart basin, and pour u])on it a pint 
 of boiling water; cover it over with a clean plate, and let it stand 
 till cold. Then proceed the same as directed for cleaning black 
 silks. Gentlemen's clothes can thus be cleaned without taking to 
 pieces, or ironing, unless quite convenient. Vests and coat collars 
 are thus easily renovated, the color is revived, grease spots and 
 white seams removed. 
 
 To Renovate Crape. 
 Brush the crape well with a soft brush, and hold tightly over a 
 wide-mouthed jug of boiling water, gradually stretching it over the 
 jog. If a strip of crape, it is very easily held tightly over the 
 water, letting the portion done fall over the jug until all is com- 
 pleted. The crape will become firm and fit for use, every mark 
 and fold being removed. White or colored crape may be washed 
 and pinned over a newspaper, or towel, on the outside of a bed, 
 until dry. Crape that has been exposed to rain or damp — veils 
 especially — may be saved from spoiling by being stretched tightly 
 on the outside of the bed with pins, until dry; and no crape should 
 be left to dry without having been pulled into proper shape. If 
 black crape, lace, or net, is faded or tui'ned brown, it may be dipped 
 into water, colored with the blue-bag, adding a lump of loaf sugar 
 to stiffen, and pinned to a newspaper on a bed. 
 
 Washing Clothes. 
 If pipe clay is dissolved in the water, the linen is thoroughly 
 cleaned with half the labor and a saving of one-fourth of soap; and 
 the clothes will be improved in color equally as if bleached. The 
 pipe clay softens the hardest water. 
 
THE LAUNDRY. 379 
 
 Washing Chintzes. 
 These should always be washed in dry weather" but if it is very 
 cold, it is better to dry them' by the fire than risk spoilinoj the 
 colors from freezing in the open air. It is better, if possible, to 
 defer their washing till the weather is suitable. 
 
 To Remove Spots of Wax. 
 Place a piece of soft soap on each spot and warm it slightly 
 before the fire, or in the sun (if hot). Wash the spot afterward 
 with soft water, and it will disapj^ear. 
 
 Another Recipe. 
 Cover the spot with spirits of wine or turpentine, and rub the 
 place gently with a soft i-ag. Continue the same process until the 
 spot disappears. 
 
 To Clean Carpets, 
 
 When the carpet is well beaten and free from dust, lay it tightly 
 down, and scrub it with soap, dissolved in soft water mixed with 
 bullock's gall — about four gallons of water to a pint of gall. This 
 will restore the colors of the carpet to their original brightness, and 
 make it look almost like new. The brush employed should be of 
 soft character, with long bristles. 
 
 For Bleaching Cotton Cloth. 
 One pound chloride of lime, dissolved and strained; put in two 
 or three pails of water; thoroughly wet the cloth and leave it over 
 night; then rinse well in two waters. This will also take out mil- 
 dew, and is equally good for brown cotton or white that has become 
 yellow from any cause, and will not injure the fabric. 
 
 To Clean Ltgttt Kro Gloves. 
 Mao^nesia, moist bread, and India rubber, are all of them good to 
 clean light kid gloves. They should be rubbed on the gloves thor- 
 oughly. If so mUch soiled that they cannot be cleaned, sew up the 
 tops of the gloves, and rub them over with a sponge dipped in a 
 
380 THE LAUNDRY. 
 
 decoction of saffron and water. The gloves will be yellow or 
 brown, according to the strength of the decoction. 
 
 To Clean White Silk Lace. 
 
 The lace is stretched over small clean sjips of wood to keep it 
 evenly spread out, laid over night in warm milk, to which a little 
 soap has been added, rinsed in fresh water, laid for the same length 
 of time in warm soap-lye, and finally rinsed without any friction. 
 Linen lace is best cleaned by covering the outside of a large glass 
 bottle smoothly with stout linen or white flannel, upon which the 
 lace is sewn in a number of coils, and over the whole some coarse 
 open tissue is secured. The bottle thus dressed is allowed to soak 
 for a time in lukewarm soft water, and the outside wrapping is then 
 rubbed with soap and a piece of flannel. After this the bottle is 
 laid to steep for some hours in clean soft water. It is then rolled 
 between dry towels, dipped in rice water, and rolled again. Finally 
 the damp lace is unfastened from the bottle and ironed between 
 linen cloths. 
 
 Starch Polish. 
 
 White wax, one ounce; spermaceti, two ounces; melt them 
 together with a gentle heat. When you have prepared a sufficient 
 amount of starch, in the usual way, for a dozen' pieces — put into it 
 a piece of the polish the size of a large pea; more or less, according 
 ■to large or small washings. Or, thick gum solution (made by 
 pouring boiling water upon gum arable), one tablespoonful to a pint 
 of starch, gives clothes a beautiful gloss. 
 
 Washing Fluid. 
 Dissolve in a gallon of bot water one pound of concentrated lye, 
 one-half ounce salts of tartar, one-half ounce liquid ammonia; when 
 cool, bottle for use. Soak the clothes over night; wring out and 
 add a cup of the fluid to a boiler of water; put in the clothes and 
 boil one hour; rub them as much as is necessary, and rinse well in 
 two waters, with a little bluing in the last. But little rubbing is 
 Becessary, and this method will certainly save clothes, time, and 
 
THE LAUNDRY. 381 
 
 labor. Lace curtains may be washed in the same way. Starch 
 them and press out ail that is possible in a towel; pin sheets on the 
 carpet; spread out the curtains carefully, shaping every scallop on 
 the sheets; pin them in place and leave them until dry. 
 
 Gem Washing Fluid. 
 One pound salsoda, one ounce borax, one ounce salts of tartar, 
 one ounce ammonia, three quarts of rain watei*. Put the rain water 
 over the fire, then put in the salsoda, borax, and salts of tartar. Do 
 not put in the ammonia until it gets cold. Put one cup into the 
 boiler when you boil your clothes. 
 
 Hard Soap. 
 It is a simple matter to make hard soap, which is not only agree-^ 
 able to use, but which has the great merit of cleanliness. To seven 
 pounds of tallow use three pounds of I'osin, two pounds of potash, 
 and six gallons of water; boil for three hours, or, better still, for 
 five; turn from a kettle into a wash-tub; let it stand all night. In 
 the morning cut into bars, and lay them on a table or board in the 
 sun to harden for two or three days. This quantity will last a 
 family of four persons a year, if used for ordinary household 
 purposes. 
 
 Soft Soap. 
 
 Take six gallons of soft or rain water, add three pounds of best 
 hard soap (cut fine), one pound salsoda, four tablespoonfuls of 
 hartshorn; boil the whole till perfectly dissolved; pour into vessels, 
 and when cold it is fit for use. This makes fifty pounds of fine 
 jelly soap. 
 
 How TO Wash Flannels. 
 
 There are many conflicting theories in regard to the proper way 
 to wash flannels, but I am convinced, from careful observation, that 
 the true way is to wash them in water in which you can comfort- 
 ably bear your hand. Make suds before putting the flannels in, 
 and do not rub soap on the flannel. I make it a rule to have only 
 one piece of flannel put in the tub at a time. Wash in two suds if 
 
382 THE LAUNDRY. 
 
 much soiled; then rinse thorouglily in clean, weak suds, wring and 
 hang up; but do not take flannels out of warm water and hang out 
 in a freezing air, as that certainly tends to shrink them. It is 
 better to dry them in the house, unless the sun shines. In washing 
 worsted goods, such as men's pantaloons, pursue the same course; 
 only do not wring them, but hang them up and let them drain; 
 while a little damp, bring in and press smoothly with as hot an iron 
 as you can use without scorching the goods. The reason for not 
 wringing them is to prevent wrinkles. 
 
 How TO Keep Black Gloves from Crocking, 
 Black cotton gloves will not crock the hands if scalded in salt 
 and water before wearing. The salt prevents fading. When 
 almost dry, one should put them on, in order to stretch them and 
 keep them in good shape. 
 
 Some one may wish to know how to wash a linen duster in such 
 a way that it will not look faded. All old colored linen should be 
 washed in lukewarm water. If there are any grease spots, use a 
 little hard soap, or, better still, remove them with benzine. Rinse 
 thoroughly in water in which a third of a cup of salt has been dis- 
 solved; the last water must be very blue, and a small handful of 
 starch put in. Hang in a shady place; and, as soon as the duster is 
 dry, take it down, so that the wind will not blow the starch out. 
 If damj^ened with warm water, it will soon be ready to iron. 
 
 To Remove Scorches, 
 
 Spread over the cloth a paste made of the juice pressed from two 
 onions, one-fourth ounce white soap, two ounces fuller's earth, and 
 one-half pint vinegar. Mix, boil well, and cook before using. 
 
 Washing Towels. 
 
 Towels with handsome, bright boi'ders should never be boiled, 
 or allowed to lie in very hot water; they should not be used till 
 they are so much soiled that they need vigorous rubbing to 
 make them clean. It is better economy to use more towels than 
 
THE LAUNDRY. 383 
 
 to wear out a few in a short time. A gentle rubbing in two suds, 
 and then conscientious rinsing in warm water and then in cold, 
 ought to be all that is required. 
 
 How TO DO UP Shirt Bosoms. 
 
 "Take two ounces of line white gum arabic powder; put it in a 
 pitcher and pour on a pint or more of boiling water, according to 
 the degree of strength you desire, and then, having covered it, let 
 it stand all night. In the morning pour it carefully from the dregs 
 into a clean bottle, cork, and keep it for use. A tablespoonful of 
 gum water stirred in a pint of starch, made in the usual manner, 
 will give to lawn, either white or printed, a look of newness, when 
 nothing else can restore them after they have been washed." 
 
 If your flat-irons are rough and smoky, lay a little fine salt on a 
 flat surface and rub them well; it will prevent them from sticking 
 to anything starched, and make them smooth. 
 
CHAPTER XXXII.- 
 
 SEWING ROOM. 
 
 Saving Thread. 
 HEN raveling out a fringe on mats or tidies made of Java or 
 W^ honeycomb canvas, save the threads. You may use them to 
 feather-stitch bands of white cotton cloth for trimming. 
 They are serviceable on children's underwear, at the top of Ham- 
 burg ruffles, and will last longer than insertion. 
 
 Window Shades. 
 Scarlet holland shades, trimmed aci-oss the ends with antique lace, 
 are very pretty and serviceable for a dining-room, giving a soft 
 and warm light to the room. 
 
 Scrap-Bags. 
 
 It is a good plan to have pretty scrap-bags in sitting-room, bed- 
 room, and dining-room, and to hang one near the sewing-machine. 
 They may be ornamental, and are certainly useful. Since trying 
 this I have saved paper rags enough to buy all the new tin-ware 
 needed in the house, and have occasionally bought a broom also. 
 
 Every bit of cloth, every postal-card and circular, that would 
 otherwise have been put into the stove as not being worth the 
 trouble of a walk to the regular rag-bag, finds its way into the little 
 8crap-bag. 
 
 It is a good plan to keep your different kinds of pieces, tape, 
 thread, etc., in separate bags, and there is no time lost looking for 
 them. 
 
 Pretty bags are made of perforated paper, with a simple vine 
 
 384 
 
SEWING ROOM. 385 
 
 t 
 
 worked around the top, thef bottom of the bag being of silk or 
 
 merino, and the top finished with a c-rocheted scallop; or they may- 
 be made of Java canvas, with wire around the top to keep it in 
 shape; a piece of old hoopskirt may be used for this purpose. 
 
 Sewixg ox BbTTOxa. 
 
 When sewing buttons on children's clothes where there will be 
 much strain on the button, the danger of tearing the cloth out will 
 be greatly lessened by putting a small button directly u..der the 
 larger outside button. This applies, of course, only to buttons with 
 holes through them. 
 
 Marking Handkerchiefs. 
 
 A plain hem-stitched pocket-handkerchief can be ornamented 
 prettily by putting a row of feather-stitching, in white or colored 
 working cotton, just above the hem. This is a good way to mark 
 handkerchiefs for the wash, providing, of course, that the washing 
 is done at home. 
 
 Table Covers. 
 
 Simple and tasteful table covers for bed-rooms may be made of 
 pale blue Canton flannel, trimmed with antique lace, or with velvet 
 ribbons feather-stitched on, and finished with fringe made of blue 
 split zephyr or Shetland wool. Table covers made of blocks of 
 cretonne are very handsome. If two or three persons wish to make 
 them, they can buy the materials to better advantage. Let each 
 one get several kinds of cretonne, a quarter of a yard of each kind; 
 then they can arrange to have each block different. Stitch the 
 blocks on a lining made of unbleached cotton or of colored cam- 
 bric. Then, when the blocks are joined, sew on narrow braid, 
 which can be bought at any furniture store, or use narrow black 
 velvet, worked in fancy stitches, or common black dress braid, 
 feather-stitched with canary-colored silk. When cutting out the 
 blocks, if a little care is exercised in placing the pattern on the 
 cloth, strips will be left with a suitable figure which can be sewed 
 
 25 
 
886 SEWING ROOM. 
 
 • 
 together to make a lambrequin. Have the strips about five inches 
 
 wide. One thing should be thought of when beginning to do fancy- 
 work, and that is, if you have not time to do it well, do not under- 
 take it; it cannot be slighted or hurried over without entirely- 
 spoiling the effect. In making the spread, unless the blocks are 
 exactly square, and the edges not stretched, your spread will not 
 hang well on the table. 
 
 Taking Care of Stockings. 
 Before the children's stockings begin to be thin at the knees and 
 to need darning, put a piece of cloth under and sew with fine 
 stitches, so that they will not show. Soft flannel, or pieces of old 
 stockings which are strong enough to be worth using, are better 
 than any heavier cloth. By taking the trouble to do this, the 
 stockings can be made to last twice as long as without it. 
 
 Putting atvat Stockixgs. 
 When putting av/ay summer stockings, see that they are clean 
 and whole. It is a great comfort to find them ready for use in the 
 spring. Have a calico or cambric bag to hold the stockings of each 
 member of the family. Label each one, in order to save time, and 
 not be obliged to look into each to find the ones you wish to use. 
 In summer keep the winter stockings in them; 
 
 To Preser\t3 Old Stockings. 
 Pale blue stockings which have faded can have the color restored 
 by dipping them into hot water in which common bluing has been 
 poured, and some lumps of alum dissolved. Old white stockings 
 can be colored in this way, and do a good deal of service. 
 
 Home-made Work-Baskets. 
 Pretty little work-baskets may be made of — what do you think? 
 the paper pails used to carry oysters home from the market in ! I 
 saw one a few days ago; it was lined with pale pink silk, the soft 
 silk used for linings. The silk was turned over the outer edge and 
 shin-ed around it. The wire handle was taken off, and a narrow 
 
SEWING ROOM. 387 
 
 strip of canvas used in place of it. This was covered with silk 
 and ornamented with a tiny bow. On each side of the pail was 
 pasted a pretty picture. One would not guess of what the basket 
 was made. 
 
 Harmonious Color Contrasts. 
 The following list of harmonizing colors will be found very useful 
 in selecting wall decorations or colors for any purpose. Red with 
 green, blue with orange, yellow with violet, black with warm 
 brown, violet with pale green, violet with light rose, deep blue with 
 golden brown, chocolate with light blue, deep red with gray, 
 maroon with warm green, deep blue with pink, chocolate with pea 
 green, maroon with deep blue, claret with buff, black with warm 
 green. 
 
CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 DYEING, ETC. 
 
 VERYTHIISTG should be clean. The goods should be scoured 
 in soap and the soap rinsed out. They are often steeped in 
 soap lye over night. Dip them into water just before putting 
 them into preparations, to prevent spotting. Soft water should be 
 used, sufficient to cover the goods well — this is always understood 
 where quantity is not mentioned. When goods are d^'ed, air, rinse 
 well, and hang up to dry. Do not wring silk or merino dresses^ 
 when scouring or dyeing them. If cotton goods are to be dyed a 
 light color, they should first be bleached. 
 
 Silks. 
 
 Black. — Make a weak dye as for black on woollens; work goods 
 in bichromate of potash a little below boiling heat, then dip in the 
 logwood in same way; if colored in blue vitriol dye, use about 
 same heat. 
 
 Brown on Silk or Cotton — Very Beautiful. — After obtain- 
 ing a blue color as above, run goods through a solution of prussiate 
 of potash, one ounce, to water, one gallon. 
 
 Crimson. — For one pound goods — alum, three ounces; dip at 
 hand heat one hour; take out and drain while making new dye by 
 boiling ten minutes, cochineal, three ounces, bruised nut-gall(?, two 
 ounces, and cream of tartar, one-fourth ounce, in one pail of water; 
 when little cool, begin to dip, raising heat to boil; dip one hour; 
 wash and dry. 
 ^ GREEaf — Very Handsome. — For one pound goods — yellow oak 
 
 388 
 
DYEING, ETC. 389 
 
 bar]:, eight ounces; boil onc-lialf hour; turn off liquor from bark 
 and add alum, six ounces; let stand until cold; while making this, 
 color goods in blue-dye-tub a light blue; dry and wash; dip in the 
 alum and bark dye. If it does not take well, warm the dye a 
 
 littL". 
 
 Light Blue. — For cold Avater, one gallon, dissolve alum, one-half 
 tablespoonful, in hot water, one cup, and add to it, then add chemic, 
 one teaspoonful at a time to obtain the desired color — the more 
 chemic, darker the color. 
 
 Old Gold, — Take green horse-radish leaves, steep them in water 
 and make a strong dye. After dipping the silk or satin into the 
 dye thoroughly, wash in soft soap-suds. Iron while damp, laying 
 a cloth over the silk or ribbon. This should always be done when 
 ironing silk or ribbon, even if it has not been washed, but simply 
 sponged. Black silk may be sponged with cold coffee and 
 ammonia. 
 
 Orange. — For one pound goods— annotto, one pound; soda, one 
 pound; repeat as desired. 
 
 Purple. — For one pound goods. First obtain a light blue, by 
 dipping in home-made dye-tub; then dry; dip in alum, four ounces, 
 with water to cover when little warm. If color is not full enough, 
 add chemic, 
 
 Sk\ Blue on Silk or Cotton — Very Beautiful. — Give goods 
 as much color from a solution of blue vitriol, two ounces, to water, 
 one gallon, as it will take up in dipping fifteen minutes, then run it 
 through lime water. This will make a beautiful and durable sky 
 blue. 
 
 Yellow. — For one pound goods — alum, three ounces; sugar of 
 lead, three-fourths ounce; immerse goods in solution over night; 
 take out; drain and make a new dye with fustic, one pound; dip 
 until required color is obtained. 
 
390 DYEING, ETC. 
 
 Woollen Goods. 
 
 Blue — Quick Process, — For two pounds goods — alum, five 
 ounces; cream of tartar, three ounces; boil goods in this one hour, 
 then put goods into warm water which has more or less extract of 
 indigo in it, according to the depth of color desired, and boil again 
 until it suits, adding more of the blue if needed. 
 
 Chrome Black — Best in Use. — For five pounds goods — blue 
 vitriol, six ounces; boil a few minutes, then dip goods three-fourths 
 hour, airing often; take out goods, make a dye with three pounds 
 logwood, boil one-half hour; dip three-fourths hour and air goods, 
 and dip three-fourths hour more. Wash in strong suds. I'his will 
 not fade by exposure to sun. 
 
 Green. — For each pound of goods — jfustic, one pound, with alum 
 three and one-half ounces; steep until strength is out, and soak 
 goods until a good yellow is obtained; then remove the chips and 
 add extract of indigo or chemic, one tablespoonful at a time, until 
 color suits. 
 
 Madder Red. — To each pound of goods — alum, five ounces; red, 
 or cream of tartar, one ounce. Put in goods and bring kettle to a 
 boil for one-half hour, then air them and boil one-half hour longer; 
 empty kettle and fill with clean water; put in bran one peck; make 
 it milk-warm, and let it stand until bran rises, then skim off the 
 "bran and put in u»ne-half pound madder; put in goods and heat 
 slowly until it boils and is done. Wash in strong suds. 
 
 Orange. — For five pounds goods — muriate of tin, six tablespoon- 
 fuls; argal, four ounces; boil and dip one hour, and add again tO' 
 the dye one cup madder; dip again one-half hour. Cochineal, 
 about two ounces, in place of madder, makes a much brighter 
 coloi*. 
 
 Pink. — For three pounds goods — alum, three ounces; boil and 
 dip the goods one hour; then add to tha dye, cream of tartar, four 
 ounces; cochineal, well pulverized, one ounce; boil well and dip the 
 goods while boiling until the color suits. 
 
DYEING, ETC. 391 
 
 Scarlet — Very Fine. — For one pound goods — cream of tartar, 
 one-half ounce, cochineal, well pulverized, one-half ounce, muriate 
 of tin, two and one-half ounces; boil up the dye and enter the 
 goods; work them briskly for ten or fifteen minutes, then boil one 
 and one-half hours, stirring goods slowly while boiling. Wash in 
 clear water and dry in the shade. 
 
 Snuff Brown — Dark. — For five pounds of goods — camwood one 
 pound; boil it fifteen minutes, then dip goods for three-fourths hour; 
 take out goods, add to the dye, two and one-half pounds fustic; boil 
 ten minutes and dip goods three-fourths hour; then add blue vitriol 
 one ounce, copperas four ounces; dip again one-half hour. If not 
 dark enough ; add more copperas. 
 
 Another Method — Any Shade. — Boil goods in a mordant of 
 alum two parts, copperas, three parts; then rinse them through a 
 bath of madder. The tint depends on the relative proportions of 
 the copperas and alum; the more copperas the darker the dye. 
 Joint weight of both should not be more than one-eighth of weight 
 of goods. Mixtures of reds and yellows with blues and blacks, or 
 simple dyes, will liiilis any shade. 
 
 Wnr2 Color. — For five pounds goods — camwood, two pounds; 
 boil fifteen minutes, and dip goods one-half hour; boil again and 
 dip one-half hour; then darken with l>lue vitriol one and one-half 
 ounces; if not dark enough, add copperas, one-half ounce. 
 
 Crimson. — Work for one hour in a bath with one pound cochi- 
 neal paste; six ounces dry cochineal; one pound tartar; one pint 
 protochloride of tin. Wash out and dry. 
 
 Dove and Slate Colors of all Shades. — Boil in iron vessel a 
 cup of black tea with teaspoonfuls of copperas, and sufficient water. 
 Dilute till you get the shade wanted. 
 
 Purple. — For each pound goods: — two ounces cudbear; rinse 
 goods well in soap suds, then dissolve cudbear in hot suds — not 
 quite boiling — and soak the goods until of required color. The 
 color is brightened by rinsing in alum water. 
 
392 DYEING, ETC. 
 
 Sal-mox. — For eacli pouiul goo l^ — one-fourth pound annotto; 
 one-fourth p<jiiiicl soap; rinsj goaJi in warm water, put them into 
 mixture and boil one-half hour. Shade will be according to amount 
 of annotto. 
 
 Yellow — Rich. — Work five pounds goods one-half hour in a 
 boiling bath with throe ounces bichromate of potassa and two 
 ounces alum; lift and expose till well cooled and drained, then 
 work ona-half hour in another bath with five pounds fustic. Wash 
 out and dry. 
 
 Cotton Goods. 
 
 Bl.vciv. — For five pounds goods — boil them in a decoction of 
 three pounds sumac one-half hour, and steep twelve hours; dip in 
 lim^ water one-half hour; take out and let them drip one hour; run 
 them through the lime water again fifteen minutes. Make a new 
 dye with two and one-half pounds logwood (boiled one hour), and 
 dip again three hours; add bichromate potash, two ounces, to the 
 logwood dye and dip one hour. Wa'^h in clear cold water and dry 
 in shade. Only process for permanent black. 
 
 Green. — Dip goods in home-made blue; dye until blue enough 
 is obtained to make the green as dark as required; take out, dry 
 and rinse a little. Make a dye with fustic, three pounds, logwood, 
 three ounces to each pound goods, by boiling dye one hour; when 
 cooled so as to bear hand, put in goods, move briskly few minutes, 
 and let lie one hour; take out and thoroughly drain; dissolve and 
 add to the dye for each pound of cotton, blue vitrei, one half ounce, 
 and dip another hour. Wring out and let dry in the shade. By 
 adding or diminishing the logwood and fustic, any shade may be 
 had. 
 
 Orange. — For five pounds goods — sugar of lead, four ounces; 
 boll few minutes; when a little cool, put in goods; dip two hours; 
 wring out; make a new dj'^e with bichromate })otash, eight ounces; 
 madder, two ounces; dip until it suits; if color is too red, take 
 small sample and dip into lime water and choose between them. 
 
DYEING, ETC. 393 
 
 Red. — Muriate of tin, two-thirds cup; add water to cover goods; 
 raise to boiling heat; put in goods one hour; stir often; take out, 
 empty kettle, put in clean water with nicwood, one pound, steep 
 one-half hour at hand heat; then put in goods and increase lieat 
 one hour — not boiling. Air goods and dip one hour as before. 
 Wash without soap. 
 
 Sky Blue. — For three pounds goods — blue vitrol, four ounces; 
 boil few minutes, then dip goods three hours; then pass theiu 
 through strong lime water. A beautiful brown can be obtained by 
 next putting goods through a solution of prussiate of potash. 
 
 Yellow. — For five pounds of goods — seven ounces sugar of lead; 
 dip goods two hours; make new dye with bichromate of potash, 
 four ounces; dip until color suits; wring out and dry. If not yellow 
 enough, repeat. 
 
 Coloring Cotton Carpet Rags. 
 
 Blue, — For five pounds of cloth, take five ounces of copperas, 
 with two pails of water in a tin or copper boiler; set it over the 
 fire till the copperas is dissolved and it begins to heat, then put in 
 the cloth, stirring it frequently till it boils, one-half or three-fourths 
 of an hour; then remove the cloth where it can drain; pour away 
 the copperas water and take two ounces of prussiate of potash in 
 about two pails of water in the same vessel; when it is well dis- 
 solved and hot, put in the cloth from the copperas water, stirring 
 it thoroughly till it boils, one-half an hour, then remove the cloth; 
 add (with care and caution, on account of the spattering which 
 ensues) one tablespoonful of oil of vitrol, and stir it well in the 
 dye; replace the cloth, stirring it briskly till it has boiled one-half 
 an hour. Should be well rinsed and washed in clear water to pre- 
 vent the dye from making it tender after coloring. 
 
 Yellow. — For five pounds of cloth dissolve one-half pound of 
 sugar of lead in a tub of warm water and twelve ounces of bichro- 
 mate of potash m another tub of cold water; soak, rinse, and wring 
 
394 DYEING, ETC. 
 
 the cloth in the lead water first, then in the other, and return from 
 one to the other, till the right shade of color is obtained. 
 
 Orange, — Dip the yellow colored cloth into strong lime water; 
 if it should not turn, boil it; rinse all well. 
 
 Green. — Put your blue cloth in the yellow dye in the same 
 manner as for coloring yellow. Old calico will take a darker shade 
 of blue or green in the same dye with the white cloth. 
 
 To Remote Stains. 
 
 We shall commence by dealing with the most common stains, 
 namely: 
 
 Ink Stains in Woollen Table-Covers and Carpets may be 
 removed by washing the spots with a mixture of a teaspoonful of 
 oxalic acid in a cup of warm water, after which the places must be 
 rinsed with clean cold water to take out the acid. 
 
 Anopher Method. — Pour milk upon the ink directly and rub it 
 with a damp flannel; repeat until the ink disappears. Then wash 
 with flannel and water, and rub dry. When milk is at hand, place 
 a plate under the ink spot and pour milk on the ink. Allow it to 
 lie in the milk, and when removed from the table, if not free from 
 ink, dip it in a cup or basin of inilk and rinse in cold water. 
 
 To Remove Ink Stains from Floors or Mahogany. — Rub on 
 with a cork a little spirits of wine, and wash it off with water. 
 
 To Remove Stains of Port Wine. — Wet the stain with sherry 
 or bleaching liquid. 
 
 To Remove Mildew. — Wash in bleaching liquid. 
 
 Stains in Silk. — Stains in colored silk dresses can often be 
 removed by pure water. 
 
 Acid, Tea, Wine, and Other Stains. — Stains caused by acids, 
 tea, or fruits, can often be removed by spirits of hartshorn, diluted 
 with an equal quantity of water. To remove tar, pitch, or turpen- 
 tine the spot may be saturated with sweet oil, or a little tallow may 
 
DYEING, ETC. 395 
 
 be spread upon it, after which it must remain for twenty-four 
 hours. If the article is of linen or cotton, it must be washed in 
 the usual way; but if silk or worsted, it is to be rubbed with ether 
 or spirits of wine. Pure spirits of turpentine will remove recent 
 spots of oil-paint by rubbing. Wax and spermaceti sliould be 
 scraped oif and the places where they have been should be rubbed 
 with spirits of wine, spirits of turpentine, or mephuric ether. 
 Grease spots can commonly be taken out of silk by means of French 
 chalk as follows: Scrape a little chalk i;pon the spot and place 
 underneath a warm iron or water plate filled with boiling water. 
 The heat melts the grease, which is absorbed by the chalk and it 
 can "be removed by rubbing or brushing. It maybe needful to 
 repeat the process. A very good stain mixture is made with half 
 an ounce of salts of tartar, half an ounce of sal-ammonia and half a 
 pint of soft water. Places to which this is applied should be 
 washed afterward in clean water. The mixture of oxalic acid and 
 water above described will remove ink stains and iron mould from 
 linen and calico. The article must be wetted with it and held over 
 the steam of hot water, after which it must be washed with pure 
 water. If necessary the process may be repeated; but it must be 
 noted that the preparation is highly poisonous. 
 
 Staixs Caused by Scorching. — For whitening scorched linen, 
 it is often sufficient to wet it with soap-suds, and lay it in the hot 
 sun. Another method, where milk is plentiful, is to put one pound 
 of white soap into a gallon of milk and boil the scorched article in 
 it. Another plan is to squeeze out the juice of two middle-sized 
 onions, which is boiled in half a pint of vinegar, with one ounce of 
 white soap and two ounces of fuller's earth; the mixture is applied 
 cool to the scorched part, and when dry, washed off with pure 
 water. 
 
 How TO Restore Stained and Discolored Muslins. — Dis- 
 colored muslins may be whitened if they are laid in a flat dish with 
 suds made of white soap, and set out in the sun. This takes time 
 and the suds have to be renewed daily. In the country, away from 
 
396 DYEING, ETC. 
 
 the smoke of towns, white linen may be bleached by being wetted 
 with soap-suds and spread out upon the grass in the sun. 
 
 Stains Caused by Mildew. — Mildew is removed in several 
 ways from linen. Some dip the article in sour buttermilk, lay it in 
 the sun to whiten, and then wash in clean water. Others apply 
 soap and chalk, or soap and starch, adding half as much salt as 
 there is starch, and the juice of a lemon. 
 
 Linen. — Stains in linen can often be removed by rubbing them 
 with soft soap, after which a starch paste is put on and the articles 
 are dried in the sun. This process may need to be repeated several 
 times. The soap and starch are to be washed off with pure cold 
 water. 
 
 Stains on Mahogany, Etc. — The marks made by cups of hot 
 water on varnished tables may be takcm out with a little oil which 
 must be rubbed on, after which a little spirits of wine must be also 
 rubbed in. A teaspoonful of oil of vitriol in a tablespoonful of 
 water, or the mixture of oxalic acid and water, above described, 
 will take ink stains out of mahogany. The application is to be 
 made quickly with a brush, or piece of flannel, and then washed off 
 with milk. 
 
 Silver and Electro-plate Stains. — The obstinate dark stains 
 upon silver and electro-plate may almost always be removed by 
 means of a little diluted sulphuric acid. Pour the acid into a 
 saucer, and, with a linen cloth Avetted in it, rub the stain till it is 
 gone. The article should afterwards be treated to a coat of fine 
 whitening and spirits of wine. Let this remain on for half an 
 hour; then wipe it off with a silk cloth and polish with soft wash- 
 leather or a plate-brush. 
 
 To Take Ink Stains from Mahogany. — Oil of vitriol with 
 water, in the proportion of about one of the former to two of the 
 latter, may be used for this purpose. Dip a feather into it, just 
 touch the stains with the end of the feather, and at once rub it 
 quickly off. In most cases the ink stains will be removed with it; 
 
DYEING, ETC. 397 
 
 if this, however, should not be the case, repeat the process. If the 
 vitriol is not at once removed, there is a probability of its merely- 
 substituting one defect for another — a white mark for a dark stain. 
 
 Oil Stains. — Oil stains in floors and carpets may be treated with 
 a paste made of fuller's earth and water, which will have to be 
 applied several times. If this paste is applied to colored textures, 
 the addition of a little ox-gall witll preserve the colors from injury. 
 The paste, when dry, can be removed with a brush. 
 
CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 ODDS AND ENDS. 
 
 fllow TO Protect the Dress. 
 ADIES who do their own work will find that, in addition to a 
 -^ long apron, a pair of calico sleeves, with a rubber cord at 
 /9^ the to[), is a dispenser of happiness. One can slip them on 
 over cuffs and nice dress sleeves, get tea, and even wash the tea 
 dishes, without injuring the dress. 
 
 PrrTTrjrG Up Cuetains. 
 
 When putting up curtains, which are draped, in a low room, put 
 the cornice to which the curtain ia^to be fastened close to the ceiling, 
 even if the window is put lower down, as it gives the effect of 
 greater height to the room. The curtains meeting at the top will 
 conceal the wall. 
 
 Window Gardens. 
 
 Pretty window gardens may be made by taking the tin boxes in 
 •which mackerel is put up, paint them green or scarlet, and put in 
 some plants that grow well together. When watering them do not 
 use more water than will be absorbed during the day. A few 
 experiments will soon enable one to judge correctly in regard to 
 the amount, and it is surprising to see how the plants will thrive in 
 utter defiance of all the wise things that are said about drainage. 
 The tin or zinc cases in which thread is packed will also, when 
 painted and placed in a stand, make very good window gardens. 
 Water in which gridiron and frying-pan have been washed is an 
 •excellent fertilizer. 
 
 398 
 
ODDS AND ENDS. 399 
 
 To Keep Boys and Girls at Home. 
 An excellent and well-iried recipe for keeping boys and girls out 
 of mischief in the long winter evenings is to give them something 
 suitable and interesting to do. Set them to making scrap-books. 
 If there are two or three children, let each one take a subject, and 
 see what and how much each can collect upon that for his book. 
 For example, we have what we call an "Animal Scrap-Book," in 
 which is pasted every fact, incident, and anecdote we can find 
 relating to animals. We have a dog department, a horse depart- 
 ment, etc. It is a valuable book for purposes of illustration or 
 reference. ' 
 
 Lining Stair Carpets. 
 
 It is a common practice to use bits of old carpet as a lining for 
 stair carpets, but a much better way is to take strips of an old bed- 
 quilt, have them not quite the width of the staircase, wash and dry 
 first, then put smoothly over the stairs, tacking in a few places. It 
 is softer than old carpet, and will not wear the outer one nearly so 
 much. Of course this is a hint for those who cannot afford the 
 nice linings that are made on purpose. 
 
 Putting Away Woollen Clothes. 
 Great care must be exercised in putting away winter clothes. 
 Clean paper sacks, or old cotton or linen pillow cases, will do to 
 hold them, providing there are no holes in them. Take the gar- 
 ments that are to be laid away out doors on a summer day, let 
 them hang on a line for several hours, brush and beat all the dust 
 out, then put into the bags; tie them up so that no moth can get 
 in, then lay them on clean, dry shelves, or hang them up. 
 
 Pretty and Simple Ornaments. 
 
 A pretty decoration for the corner of a room is a bunch of ripe 
 
 wheat tied with a bright ribbon; or divide the wheat across the 
 
 stems, tie, and hang over a picture. The beauty of common things 
 
 is now fully established; cat's-tails, sunflowers, and dandelions are 
 
400 ODDS AND ENDS. 
 
 at length appreciated. Acorns may also be used to good advantage 
 for trimming fancy baskets for waste paper; take a piece of wire 
 and fasten around the stems, and you can arrange them in any way 
 to suit yourself. They are pretty bronzed, or may be used in the 
 state of nature, as they were picked up in the woods. To bronze 
 them, get a little bronze powdered at a drug store, mix it with 
 varnish, and apply with a soft cloth. The powder must be used 
 very quickly after mixing with tlie varnish, or that will harden so 
 that it will be impossible to use it. 
 
 How TO Make an Old Japanese Umbrella Useful. 
 Shut it partly together, then put a wire around the top, tie a 
 ribbon to the handle, and use it for a scrap-bag or a waste-paper 
 bag. 
 
 To Remove Paint and Putty from Window Glass. 
 
 Put sufficient pearl ash into hot water, to make a strong solution; 
 then saturate the paint which is daubed on the glass with it. 
 Let it remain till nearly dry, then rub it off hard, with a woollen 
 cloth. Pearl ash water is also good to remove putty before it is 
 dried on the glass. If it dries on, yhiting is good to remove it. 
 
 To Preserve Natural Flotteus. 
 Dip the flowers in melted paraffine, withdrawing them quickly. 
 The liquid should be only just hot enough to maintain its fluidity, 
 and the flowers should be dipped one at a time, held by the stalks 
 and moved about for an instant to get rid of air bubbles. Fresh- 
 cut flowers, free from moistui-e, make excellent specimens in this 
 
 way. > 
 
 Eggs — To Preserve for Winter Use. 
 
 For every three gallons of water, put one pint fresh slaked lime, 
 
 and common salt, one-half pint; mix well, and let the barrel be 
 
 about half full of this fluid, then with a dish let down your fresh 
 
 feggs into it, tipping the dish after it fills with water, so they roll 
 
 dut witi.out cracking the shell, for if the shell is cracked the egg 
 
 Will Spoil. 
 
ODDS AND ENDS. 401 
 
 Charcoal for Flowers. 
 It is an ascertained fact that powdered charcoal, placed around 
 rose bushes and other flowers, has the effect of adding much to 
 their richness. 
 
 To Revive Gilt Frames. 
 
 Take white of eggs, two ounces; chloride of plaster or soda, one 
 ounce; mix well; blow the dust from the frame, and apply with a 
 soft brush. , 
 
 Floor-cloths. 
 
 Do not put carpets in your closets; oil cloth or matting is much 
 better, and can be easily kept free from dust. Matting after being 
 swept should be wiped with a damp cloth. Hot salt and water will 
 thoroughly cleanse it and will not discolor it. 
 
 To Pot Butter for Winter Use. 
 
 Mix a large spoonful of salt, a tablespoonf ul of powdered white 
 sugar, and one of saltpetre. Work this quantity into six pounds of 
 fresh made butter; put the butfeer into a stone pot, that is thor- 
 oughly cleansed. When you have finished putting down your 
 butter, cover it with a layer of salt, and let it remain covered until 
 cold weather. 
 
 To Prevent Rust. 
 
 To prevent metals from rusting, melt together three parts of lard 
 and one of rosin, and apply a very thin coating. It will preserve 
 Russia iron stoves and grates from rusting during summer, even in 
 damp situations. The effect is equally good on brass, copper, steel, 
 etc. The same compound forms an excellent water-proof paste for 
 leather. Boots, when treated with it, will soon after take the usual 
 polish, when blacked, and the soles may be saturated with it. 
 
 Paste. 
 How many little things are left unmended for the want of some 
 ready-made paste in the house. Liquid glue is often not strong 
 enough to hold thick material together; but dextrine answers all pur- 
 
 26 
 
402 ODDS AND ENDS. 
 
 poses. It is very cheap, is mixed with cold water, and keeps better 
 than paste till next wanted. Keeping some of the powder in the 
 house and a special pot or jar for mixing, will be found most 
 convenient. It can be made thick or thin, to suit what it is 
 required for. 
 
 French Polish, 
 
 Boil in a quart of liquid, consisting of two parts of vinegar, and 
 one part of water, one-fourth pound of glue and the same quantity 
 of logwood chips, with about the sixth part of an ounce of the 
 following ingredients: Soft soap, isinglass, and finely-powdered 
 indigo. When boiled for a quarter of an hour it should be strained 
 off, and when cold be fit for use. It should be applied with a 
 piece of soft rag or sponge, the shoes being quite dry and free 
 from dirt. 
 
 To Preserve Steel Articles from Rust. 
 
 Paint the articles over with white beeswax dissolved in benzole. 
 The benzole rapidly evaporates, leaving the steel covered with a 
 thin coating of the M^ax. As the solution is very volatile it should 
 be kept in a bottle tightly corked. 
 
 To Preserve Flowers. 
 Take a jar sufficiently large to contain the flower to be preserved, 
 and in the bottom place a lump of clay or some similar substance 
 in which the flower must be stuck upright. Then pour in carefully 
 fine dry sand till the flower is completely embedded in it. This 
 must be done very slowly and cautiously so as not to disturb the 
 leaves of the flower. Dried in this way, flowers preserve their 
 form and much of their color for months, and are interesting and 
 pretty for the winter decoration of rooms. 
 
 Incombustible Dresses, 
 
 Ladies' dresses, even of the lightest and most inflammable nature, 
 
 may be rendered almost completely fire-proof by being dipped in a 
 
 solution of the chloride of zinc. When they are thus treated, it 
 
 will be found almost impossible to make them blaze by contact 
 
ODDS AND ENDS. 403 
 
 with flame; or either of the following will answer the same pur- 
 pose: 
 
 Dissolve half an ounce of alum or sal-ammoniac, and mix it with, 
 the water in which the dress is rinsed. 
 
 Half the weight of whiting mixed with the starch will render 
 lace, net, muslin gauze, or any other light stuff, perfectly unin- 
 flammable. 
 
 Home-Made Table Sykup. 
 
 Take one pint and a half of water, four pounds of sugar, one 
 teaspoonful of pulverized alum, put in a kettle and boil three 
 minutes. Strain while hot. For maple syrup, one quart of water 
 for four pounds of sugar. 
 
 The Chromograph. 
 
 The copygraph, chromograph, and a variety of other names have 
 been given to the simple arrangement by which letters, drawings, 
 plans, music, etc., can be copied at a slight cost. The process has 
 been patented in England, but in advance of any patent in this 
 country, a number of persons have made the article and advertised 
 it for sale at prices varying from three dollars to seven dollars and 
 fifty cents, according to size, in either case allowing very handsome 
 profits. A tablet of gelatine is prepared thus: Take one part by 
 weight of gelatine (glue will do just as well), soak in two parts of 
 water till melted, to which add four parts of glycerine, with a few 
 drops of carbolic acid, and sufficient whiting or white lead to give 
 the whole a milky appearance. Pour the mixture into a shallow 
 zinc or tin dish, and it will be ready for use in about twelve hours. 
 The use of the whiting or white lead is to show up the writing on 
 the composition, and to enable the washing off to be observed more 
 easily. The ink used is made of one part violet methylated aniline 
 (Hoffman's purple), seven parts distilled water, and one part alcohol; 
 "but acetic rosaniline, boiled down in alcohol till it does not run in 
 writing, forms a capital red ink. To use the process, write on a 
 hard-finished* paper with the ink, taking care that the writing is 
 
404 ODDS AND ENDS. 
 
 thick enough to show a green lustre when dry. When thoroughly 
 dry place it face downwards on the jelly, rub it gently to bring it 
 well into contact, and leave for three minutes, then peel it off. It 
 will leave a portion of the ink neatly transferred to the jelly; then 
 place the paper to be printed on the writing and pass the hand 
 over, bring it well in contact as before, peel it off, and it will bring 
 away a perfect copy of the original. In this way sixty to eighty 
 copies may be made; by using a thick pen and plenty of ink one 
 hundred good copies may be taken. If the original still shows a 
 green lustre, another transfer may be made. When exhausted, wash 
 off the ink from the jelly with a sponge and cold water. A layer of 
 the compound one-quarter of an inch thick would give five thousand 
 copies at least, if not twice that number. If the jelly is injured it 
 can easily be melted down over a spirit lamp or in an oven. After 
 melting, and in the first instance after making, the surface should 
 be washed with cold water. 
 
 Lime Water. 
 
 One of the most useful agents of household economy, if rightly 
 ■understood, is lime water. Its mode of preparation is as follows: 
 Put a stone of fresh unslacked lime about the size of a half-peck 
 measure into a large stone jar or unpainted pail, and pour over it 
 slowly and carefully (so as not to slacken too rapidly), a teakettle 
 full (four gallons) of hot water, and stir thoroughly; let it settle,. 
 and then stir again two or three times in twenty-four hours. Then 
 "bottle carefully, all that can be poured off in a clear and limpid 
 state. 
 
 Uses. — It is often sold by druggists as a remedy for children's 
 summer complaints, a teaspoonful being a dose in a cup of milk,, 
 and when diarrhoea is caused by acidity of the stomach, it is an 
 excellent remedy, and when put into milk gives no unpleasant taste, 
 "but rather improves the flavor. 
 
 When put into milk that might curdle when heated, it will pre- 
 vent its so doing, and can then be used for puddings ^nd pies. A 
 
ODDS AND ENDS. 405 
 
 little stirred into cream or milk, after a hot day or night, will pre- 
 vent its turning when used for tea or coffee. 
 
 It is unequalled in cleansing bottles or small milk vessels, or 
 babies' nursing bottles, as it sweetens and purifies withuut leaving 
 an unpleasant odor or flavor. 
 
 A cupful, or even more, mixed in the sponge of bread or cakes 
 made over night, will prevent it from souring. 
 
 Preserving Autumn Leaves. 
 
 These may be easily preserved and retain their natural tints, or 
 nearly so, by either of the following methods: As they are gath- 
 ered they may be laid between the leaves of a magazine until the 
 book is full, and left with a light weight upon them until the mois- 
 ture of the leaves has been absorbed; two or three thicknesses of 
 paper should intervene between the leaves. If the leaves are large 
 or in clusters, take newspapers, lay them on a shelf and use in the 
 same manner as above. Then dip the leaves into melted wax (such 
 as is used for moulding fruits, etc.), into which you will have to 
 put a few drops of turpentine and lay upon newspapers to harden 
 perfectly. This will make the leaves pliable and natural, and give 
 sufficient gloss. Great care should be taken that the wax is of the 
 right temperature. This can be ascertained by the first leaf which 
 is dipped in. Draw out gently over the pan both sides of the leaf 
 and hold it up by the stem. If the wax is too hot, the leaf will 
 shrivel — if too cool, it will harden in lumps on the leaf. 
 
 Another method is to iron each leaf with a middling hot iron 
 until the moisture is all out of them. Are best without varnish. 
 
 Skeleton Leaves. 
 Boil the leaves in equal parts of rain water and soft soap until 
 you can separate the pulp from the skin; take them out into clear 
 water; lay the leaf to be cleaned on glass, the upper side of the 
 leaf next to the glass; then with a tooth brush remove all pulp and 
 skin, turn the leaf and repeat the process; when thoroughly done 
 put the leaf to bleach in this solution: One pound sal soda, dis- 
 
406 ODDS AND ENDS. 
 
 solved in five pints rain water; one-half pound chloride of lime, in 
 three pints water; allow twenty-four hours for the latter to dissolve. 
 Strain out the sediment, and pour out the clear solution of lime into 
 the solution of sal soda. The result will be a thick buttermilk 
 solution, otherwise the lime was not strong enough. Filter this 
 until it is perfectly clear. For leaves, use one part of solu- 
 tion to one part of water; for ferns, use the solution full 
 strength. When perfectly white, remove zj clear water; let 
 stand for several hours, changing two or three times; the 
 last water should be a little blue; float out on paper, press in 
 books when nearly dry. In mounting use mucilage made of five 
 parts of gum arable, three parts white sugar, two parts of starch; 
 add a very little water, boil and stir until thick and white. 
 
 To Restore Frozen Plants. 
 As soon as discovered, pour cold water over the plant wetting 
 every leaf thoroughly. In a few moments it will be crystallized 
 with a thick coating of ice. In this state place it in the dark, care- 
 fully covered with a newspaper. The ice will slowly melt, leaving 
 the plant in its original state of health. 
 
 For Crystallizing Grass. 
 Take one and one-half pounds of rock alum, pour on three pints 
 of boiling water; when quite cool put into a wide-mouthed vessel, 
 hang in your grasses, a few at a time. Do not let them get too 
 heavy, or the stems will not support them. You may again heat 
 alum and add more grasses. By adding a little coloring it will 
 give variety. 
 
 Frosting for Windows. 
 
 To shut out a disagreeable view from a back window, the glass 
 may be rendered ornamental, and the obnoxious objects shut out^ 
 by a very simple plan, which makes a fair imitation of ground glass. 
 By washing the glass over with a hot saturated solution of Epsom 
 salts, or sal-ammoniac, or Glauber's salts, or blue stone, very beau- 
 tiful effects of crystallization can be obtained by which the above 
 
ODDS AND ENDS. 407 
 
 purpose is served and tlie window has also a very ornamental 
 appearance. By a saturated solution is meant one containing as 
 much of the salt as the water will dissolve. The solution must be 
 applied while hot and with a brush. 
 
 Black Tracing Paper. 
 
 Rub smooth a little lampblack and mix with sweet oil. Paint 
 over the paper, and dab it dry with a fine piece of linen. Put this 
 under the pattern, and upon the material to which you wish the 
 pattern transferred, and go over the lines with a hard point of 
 wood or metal. If you wish it, the transferred lines may be fixed 
 by using a pen with a kind of ink composed of a little stone-blue 
 well mixed with water in a cup, with a small piece of sugar added 
 to it. 
 
 Sympathetic Ink. 
 
 One of the best known kinds of sympathetic ink consists of a weak 
 solution of chloride or nitrate of cobalt. Writing executed with 
 such a solution is invisible until warmed, when it appears green or 
 bluish, disappearing on exposure to moist air. 
 
 Valuable Cement. 
 
 Two parts, by weight, of common pitch, and one part gutta 
 percha, melted together in an iron vessel, makes a cement that 
 holds together, with wonderful tenacity, wood, stone, ivory, leather, 
 porcelain, silk, woollen, or cotton. It is well adapted to aquariums. 
 
 Cement for Rubber or Leather. 
 
 Dissolve one ounce of gutta percha in one-half pound chloro- 
 form. Clean the parts to be cemented, cover each with the solu- 
 tion and let them dry twenty or thirty minutes, warm each part in 
 the flame of the candle, and press very firmly together till dry. 
 
 Diamond Cement. 
 
 Dissolve thirteen ounces of white glue in a glue-pot containing a 
 pint and a half of soft water; when the glue is dissolved, stir in 
 
408 ODDS AND ENDS. 
 
 three ounces of white lead, and boil till well mixed; remove from 
 the fire, and, when cool, add half a pint of alcohol; bottle imme- 
 diately and keep well corked. 
 
 Weights and Measuees. 
 Ten eggs are equal to one pound. 
 
 One pound of brown sugar, one pound of white sugar, pow- 
 dered or loaf sugar broken, is equal to one quart. 
 
 One pound of butter, when soft, is equal to one quart. 
 
 One pound and two ounces Indian meal is equal to one quart. 
 
 One pound and two ounces of wheat flour is equal to one quart. 
 
 Four large tablespoons are equal to one-half gill. 
 
 Eight large tablespoons are equal to one gill. 
 
 Sixteen large tablespoons are equal to one-half pint. 
 
 A common-sized wineglass holds half a gill. 
 
 A common-sized tumbler holds half a pint. 
 
 Four ordinary teacups of liquid are equal to one quart. 
 
CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 THE SICK R;00M. 
 
 'E find the following excellent article in Common Sense in the 
 ^f^ Household : 
 
 " The sick chamber should be the most quiet and cheerful 
 in the house — a sacred isle, past which the waves of domestic toil 
 and solicitude glide silently. This is not an easy rule to obey. 
 Whoever the invalid may be, whether the mother, father, or the 
 sweet youngling of the flock, the foundations of the household seem 
 thrown out of course while the sickness lasts. You may have good 
 servants and kind friends to aid you, but the hitch in the machinery 
 is not to be smoothed out by their efforts. The irregulai'ity does 
 not annoy you; you do not notice it if the attack be severe or 
 dangerous. All other thoughts are swallowed up in the all-absorb- 
 ing, ever-present alarm. You count nothing an inconvenience that 
 can bring present relief, or possible healing to the beloved one; 
 disdain for yourself, rest or ease while the shadow hangs above the 
 pillow crushed by the helpless head. But when it passes, when the 
 first transport of thankfulness has subsided into an abiding sense of 
 safety, the mind swings back to the accustomed pivot, and your 
 eyes seem to be suddenly unbound. You find, with dismay, that 
 the children have run wild, and the comfort of the whole family 
 has been neglected during your confinement to the post of most 
 urgent duty; with displeasure, that the servants have, as you con- 
 sider, taken advantage of your situation to omit this task, or slur 
 over that — in fine, that nothing has been done well, and so many 
 
 409 
 
410 ODDS AND ENDS. 
 
 things left altogether undone, that you are worried out of your 
 senses — a phase that too often signifies out of your temper. 
 
 "And it is just at this juncture — when you are called to fifty 
 points at once, and are on the verge of despair at the conglomera- 
 tion worse conglomerated arising before you; fidgeting to pick 
 up dropped stitches in the web you were wont to keep so even — 
 that the invalid becomes most exacting. ' Unreasonable,' you name 
 it to yourself, even though it be John himself who calls upon you 
 every third minute for some little office of loving kindness; who 
 wants to be amused, and fed, and petted, made generally comfort- 
 able, as if he were a six-months-old baby; who never remembers 
 that you must be wearied out with watching and anxiety, and that 
 everything below-stairs is going to destruction for the want of a 
 balance-wheel. The better he loves you the more apt is he to fancy 
 that nobody but you can do anything for him; the more cei'tain to 
 crave something which no one else knows how to prepare. And 
 when you have strained muscle and patience a little further to get 
 it ready, and with prudent foi'ethought made enough to last for 
 several meals, it is more than probable that his fickle taste will 
 suggest something entirely different for 'next time.' 'Just for a 
 change, you know, dear. One gets so tired of eating the same 
 thing so often! ' 
 
 " He might be more considerate — less childish — you think, turn- 
 ing away that he may not see your change of countenance. When 
 you have taken so much pains to suit him exactly! It is harder yet 
 when he refuses to do more than taste the delicacy you hoped would 
 tempt him. 
 
 " 'It is very nice, I suppose, my love,' says the poor fellow, with 
 the air of a martyr, ' but it does not taste right, somehow. May be 
 the children can dispose of it. If I had a lemon ice, or some wine 
 jelly, such as my mother used to make, I am sure I could relish it. 
 I always did detest sick people's diet! ' 
 
 " If he is very much shaken as to nerves, he will be likely to say, 
 * messes.' 
 
ODDS AND ENES. 411 
 
 "*I am fairly wild!' said a loving wife and mother and thrifty 
 housekeeper to me one day, when I called to see her. 
 
 "She had just nursed her husband and three children through 
 the influenza. All had been down with it at once. That form of 
 demoniacal possession is generally conducted on the wholesale 
 principle. 
 
 " ' I am fairly Avild!' said the worthy creature, with tears in her 
 eyes. ' I cannot snatch a minute, from morning until night, to put 
 things straight, and yet I am almost tii'ed to death! I was saying 
 to myself as you came in, that I wouldn't try any longer; I would 
 just sit still until the dirt was piled up to my chin, and then I would 
 get upon the table ! ' 
 
 " How often I have thought of her speech since, sometimes with 
 a smile — ^moi'e frequently with a sigh. But with all my pity for 
 the nurse and housekeeper, I cannot conceal from myself — I»would 
 not forget, nor let you forget for a moment — the truth that the 
 sick one is the greater sufferer. It is never pleasant to be laid 
 upon the shelf. The resting-place — falsely so-called — is hard and 
 narrow and uneven enough, even when the tramp of the outer 
 world does not jar the sore and faded frame; when there is no 
 apparent need for the sick person to be upon his feet, and for aught 
 that others can see, or he can say, he might just as well stay where 
 he is for a month or two. But when, the rack of pain having been 
 removed, the dulled perceptions of the mind re-awaken to sensitive- 
 ness, and there comes to his ear the bugle-call of duty — sharp, 
 imperative; — when eveiy idle moment speaks to him of a slain 
 opportunity, and the no longer strong man shakes his fetters with 
 piteous cries against fate, do not despise or be impatient with him. 
 He is feverish and'inconsiderate and capricious, because he is not 
 himself. You see only the poor wreck left by the demon as he tore 
 his way out of him at the divine command. Gather it up lovingly 
 in your arms and nurse it back to strength and comeliness. The 
 sick should always be the chief object of thought and care with all 
 in the household. If need be, let the dirt lie chin-deep everywhere 
 
412 ODDS AND ENDS. 
 
 else, so long as it is kept out of that one room. There be jealous 
 in your care that nothing offend sight or smell. 
 
 " There should be no smell in a sick-room. To avoid this, let in 
 the air freely and often. Cologne water will not dispel a foul 
 odor, and disinfectants are noisome in themselves. Bathe the 
 patient as frequently and thoroughly as prudence will allow, and 
 change his clothing with the bed-linen, every day. Do not keep 
 the medicines where he can see them, nor even let him witness the 
 mixing of that which he is to swallow. As soon as his meals are 
 over, remove every vestige of them from the room. Even a soiled 
 spoon, lying on table or bureau, may offend his fastidious appetite. 
 Cover the stand or waiter from which he eats with a spotless nap- 
 kin, and serve his food in your daintiest ware. 
 
 *' My heart softens almost to tearfulness when I recall the hours, 
 days, weeks, I have spent in the chamber of languishing, and the 
 ingenuity of tenderness that, from my babyhood, has striven to 
 cheat the imprisonment of weariness, and make me forget pain and 
 uselessness. The pretty sur])rises daily invented for my entertain- 
 ment; the exceeding nicety with which they were set out before 
 me; the loving words that nourished my spirits when the body was 
 faint unto death, — these are events, not slight incidents, in the book 
 of memory. When I cease to be grateful for them, or to learn 
 from them how to minister unto others of the like consolation, may 
 my heart forget to beat, my right hand lose her cunning. 
 
 " Do not ask your charge what he would like to eat to-day. He 
 will, of a surety, sicken with the effort at selection, and say, 
 'Nothing,' But watch attentively for the slightest intimation of a 
 desire for any particular delicacy, and if you are assured it cannot 
 hurt him, procure it, if you can, without letting him guess at your 
 intention. Feed him lightly and often, never bring inore into his 
 sight than he can safely eat. A big bowl of broth or jelly will 
 either tempt him to imprudence, or discourage him. ' Am I to be 
 burdened with all that? ' cries the affrighted stomach, and will have 
 none of it. While he is very weak feed him with your own hand. 
 
THE SICK ROOM. 429 
 
 playfully, as you would a child, talking cheerily of something 
 besides his food, and coaxing him into taking the needed nutriment 
 as only a wife and mother can, or as nobody but John could beguile 
 you to effort in the same direction, 
 
 " Study all pleasant and soothing arts to while away the time, 
 and keep worry of every kind away from him. A trifle at which 
 you can laugh will be a burden to» the enfeebled mind and body, 
 and he has nothing to do but lie still and roll it over until it swells 
 into a mountain. When he can be removed without danger, let 
 him have his meals in another room, changing the air of each when 
 he is not in it. Every one who has suffered from long sickness 
 knows the peculiar loathing attendant upon the idea that all food 
 is tainted with the atmosphere of the chamber in which it is served, 
 and if eaten in bed tastes of the mattrass and pillows. The room 
 and all in it may be clean, fresh, and sweet, but fancy cannot be 
 dismissed. And it is wiser to humor than to reason with most sick 
 fancies. 
 
 "A hired nurse is a useful, often a necessary thing, but while 
 you are upon your feet, and mistress of your own house, delegate 
 to no one the precious task of catering for the dear sufferer. It is 
 an art in itself. I hope a practical knowledge of it will be taught 
 iu Women's Medical Colleges, when they are an established ' insti- 
 tution' with us." 
 
 Panada. 
 
 Two thick slices of stale bread half an inch in thickness; cut off 
 the crust, toast them a nice brown, cut them into squares of two 
 inches in size, lay them in a bowl, sprinkle a little salt over them, 
 and pour on a pint of boiling water. 
 
 Arrow-Root Jelly. 
 
 One cup boiling water, two heaping teaspoonfuls of best Bei-muda 
 arrow-root, one teaspoonful lemon-juice, and two teaspoonfuls white 
 sugar. Wet the arrow-root in a little cold water, and rub smooth. 
 Then stir into the hot water, which should be on the fire and 
 
430 THE SICK ROOM. 
 
 actually boiling at the time, with the sugar already melted into it. 
 Stir until clear, boiling steadily all the while, and add the lemon- 
 juice. Wet a cup in cold water, and pour in the jelly to form. 
 Eat cold with sugar and cream, flavored with rosewater. 
 
 Beef Tea. 
 
 Cut all the fat from a pound 9f fresh beef, then cut the lean meat 
 into small dice-like pieces; add one pint of cold water to draw out 
 the juices; boil twenty or thirty minutes, skimming it carefully, 
 then strain, and salt to taste. 
 
 Another, better for the very sick, or for weak stomachs: Put the 
 cut beef, prepared as above, into a wide-mouthed bottle, cork it so 
 no water can enter; place it in a kettle of cold water; prop it so 
 that it will stand firmly, and boil one hour; then set the kettle 
 aside to cool. When cold, you can safely remove the bottle, and 
 you have the simple juice or essence of beef. 
 
 Beef Tea, No. 2. 
 To one pound of lean beef add one and one-half tumblers of cold 
 water; cut the beef in small pieces, cover and let it boil slowly for 
 ten minutes, and add a little salt after it is boiled. Excellent. 
 
 CiiiCKEisr Panada, 
 Skin the chicken and cut it iip into joints; take all the meat off 
 the bones, and cut up into small pieces; put it into a jar with a 
 little salt, tie it down, and set it in a saucepan of boiling water. It 
 should boil from four to six hours; then pass it through a sieve 
 with a little of the broth. It could be made in a hurry in two 
 hours, but it is better when longer time is allowed. Do not put 
 the wings in the panada. 
 
 Egg Cream. 
 
 Beat a raw egg to a stiff froth; add a tablespoonful of white 
 
 sugar, and half a glass of h(5me-made blackberry or black cherry 
 
 wine; beat well; add half a glass of cream; beat thoroughly and 
 
 xise at once. This is a full meal for an invalid, and is especially 
 
THE SICK ROOM. 431 
 
 good where trouble of throat, mouth or stomach prevents solid 
 food being used. 
 
 Soup for an Invalid. 
 
 Cut in small pieces one pound of beef or mutton, or a part of 
 both; boil it gently in two quarts of water; take ofiE the scum, and, 
 when reduced to a pint, strain it. Season with a little salt, and 
 take a teacupful at a time. 
 
 Gruel. 
 
 Mix a tablespoonful of corn meal with a little cold water; add a 
 small pinch of salt, and stir it smoothly into a pint of boiling water, 
 and let it boil; being constantly stirred for six or eight minutes. 
 If sugar is desired, put it in with the cold meal and water, but add 
 any flavor, as nutmeg or cinnamon, after removing it from the 
 stove. Gruel should be very smooth, and should not have the 
 faintest suspicion of a scorch about it. Always serve it neatly. 
 
 Egg Gruel. 
 Boil eggs from one to three hours until hard enough to grate; 
 then boil new milk and thicken with the egg, and add a little salt. 
 Excellent in case of nausea. 
 
 Gruel for Infants. 
 To make a gruel for infants suffering from marasmus, take one 
 pint of goat's milk and the yolks of two eggs boiled sufficiently 
 hard to reduce to an impalpable powder; add a pint of boiling 
 water, a little salt or sugar, and administer by a nursing bottle. 
 
 Beef Jelly for Invalids. 
 Three small onions, three small or one and one-half large carrots, 
 a few whole cloves and black pepper, one small teaspoonful of 
 sugar, one slice of ham, two calf's feet, one and one-half pounds of 
 beef. Put in the onions and other ingredients in succession. Place 
 the ham on top, then the calf's feet, and lastly the beef; no water; 
 put on the side of the range, and let is stand until reduced to a soft 
 mass, then add a quart of water and let it boil one hour; strain and 
 let stand until cold, then take off the fat. Use by dissolving a 
 little in hot water. 
 
u 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 HEALTH ITEMS. 
 
 Receipt for Cold. 
 
 ®\NE pound of liverwort put into four quarts of water and boiled 
 
 down to one quart; add, while warm, a quarter pound of ball 
 
 liquorice and a quarter ^^ound of loaf sugar; when cool add a 
 
 half pint of gin. Dose — half a large wineglass half an hour before 
 
 each meal. 
 
 Cough Mixture. 
 
 Two ounces of gum arable, one ounce of paregoric elixir, two 
 ounces of sugar, juice of one lemon; mix with six glasses of hot 
 water. One wineglass to be taken morning, noon, and night. 
 
 To Remove "Warts. 
 A daily application of either of the three following remedies is 
 effective in dispersing warts; Touch 'the wart with a little nitrate 
 of silver (lunar caustic) ; or with nitric acid or aromatic vinegar. 
 The lunar caustic produces a black, and the nitric acid a yellow 
 stain, which passes off in a short time; the vinegar scarcely dis- 
 colors the skill. Sparks of frictional electricity, repeated daily, by 
 applying the warts to the conductor of an electrical machine, have 
 been also successfully employed as a cure for these troublesome 
 and unsightly excrescences. 
 
 To Prevetstt Nail Growing into the Toe. 
 If the nail of your toe be hard, and apt to grow round, and into 
 the corners of your toe, take a piece of broken glass and scrape the 
 top very thin; do this whenever you cut your nails, and, by con- 
 
 432 
 
HEALTH ITEMS. 433 
 
 stant use, it makes the corners fly up and grow flat, so that it is 
 impossible they should give you any pain. Do not fail to try this. 
 
 To Prevent the Nightmare. 
 
 To prevent the nightmore, mix together ten grains carbonate of 
 soda, three drachms compound tincture of cardamoms, one drachm 
 simple syrup, and one ounce peppermint water. Repeat for several 
 nights in succession; afterwards use for a few weeks the tonic 
 aromatic mixture. Also a little Cayenne in scullcap tea will pre- 
 vent an attack. Those who are habitually subject to nightmare 
 should not sleep in a room alone, but have some person near them 
 to arouse them when attacked with it. A person is most liable to 
 nightmare when sleeping on his back; in fact, it rarely occurs in 
 any other posture. Those subject to it should therefore avoid 
 sleeping in a bed which is hollow in the center, as this induces the 
 sleeper to lie on his back. The bed should be level and not too 
 soft, and the pillow moderate in thickness, so that the head is not 
 raised too high. 
 
 The Use of a Raw Egg. 
 
 How often we hear women who do their own work say that by 
 the time they have prepared a m(^al, and it is ready for the table, 
 they are too tired to eat! One way to mitigate this evil is to take, 
 about half an hour before dinner, a raw egg, beat it until light, put 
 in a little sugar, flavor it, and drink it down. It will remove the 
 faint, tired-out feeling, and will not spoil your appetite for dinner. 
 Plenty of fresh air in the kitchen does a good deal to relieve this 
 trouble, and you do not then take your dinner in " at the pores," as 
 Dickens's old Joey declared he took in the wine. 
 How TO Make a Sand-Bag. 
 
 Get some clean, fine sand, dry it thoroughly in a kettle on the 
 stove. Make a bag about eight inches square of flannel, fill it with 
 the dry sand, sewing the opening carefully together, and cover the 
 bag with cotton or linen cloth. This will prevent the sand from 
 sifting out, and will also enable you to heat the bag quickly by 
 
434 HEALTH ITEMS. 
 
 placing it in the oven, or even on the top of the stove. After once 
 using this no one will ever attempt to warm the feet and hands of 
 a sick person with a bottle of hot water or a brick. The sand holds 
 the heat a long time, and the bag can be tucked up to the back 
 without hurting one. It is a good plan to make two or three of 
 these bags, and keep them ready for use. Children with toothache 
 can be put to sleep many a time with one. 
 
 Worm Remedy. 
 One of the simplest and best remedies to be given to children, if 
 they are troubled with worms, is poplar bark. A well-known phy- 
 sician has used this for years with marked success. It can be 
 bought at any drug store, and a little paper, costing five cents, will 
 often prevent sickness, and possibly save a large doctor's bill. If a 
 child looks white around the mouth, with flushed cheeks and bad 
 breath, it is safe to- infer that he is afilicted with worms. Take a 
 little pinch of the bark, about as much as one would naturally take up 
 on the point of a penknife, and give it before breakfast; it has a clean, 
 bitter taste, and there is no difficulty in getting a child to take it if 
 you explain M^hat it is for. A good way to regulate a child's 
 stomach and bowels is to give him a little bowl of oatmeal and 
 milk evwy day, for breakfast or dinner; see that it is well salted, 
 as salt promotes digestion. The ailments of a child who is in a 
 normal condition almost always proceeds from the stomach, and 
 much may be done for our children by paying some attention to 
 their diet, and so avoid giving medicine as much as possible. 
 
 Sleep as a Medicine. 
 A physician says that the cry for rest has always been louder 
 than the cry for food. Not that it is more important, but it is often 
 harder to obtain. The best rest comes from sound sleep. Of two 
 men or women otherwise equal, the one who sleeps the better 
 will be the more healthy and efficient. Sleep will do much to cure 
 il-ritability of temper, iDcevdshness, and uneasiness. It will restore 
 vigor to an over-worked brain. It will build up and make strong a 
 
HEALTH ITEMS. 435 
 
 -weak body. It will cure a headache. It will cure a broken spirit. 
 It will cure sorrow. Indeed, we might make a long list of nervous 
 and other maladies that sleep will cure. The cure of sleeplessness 
 requires a clean, good bed, sufficient exercise to promote weariness, 
 pleasant occupation, good air, and not too warm a room, a clear 
 conscience, an avoidance of stimulants and narcotics. For those 
 who are over-worked, haggard, nervous, who pass sleepless nights, 
 we commend the adoption of such habits as will secure sleep. 
 
 New Cure for Wounds. 
 As soon as a wound is inflicted, get a little stick — a knife or a 
 file-handle will do — and commence to tap lightly on the wound. 
 Do not stop for the hurt, but continue until it bleeds freely and 
 becomes perfectly numb. When this point is reached you are safe 
 — all that is necessary is to protect it from dirt. Do not stop short 
 of the bleeding and the numbness, and do not on any account close 
 the opening with plaster. Nothing more than a little cerate on a 
 clean cloth is necessary. We have used and seen this used on all 
 kinds of simple punctures for thirty years, and never knew a single 
 instance of a wound becoming inflamed or sore after treatment as 
 above. Among other cases: A coal -rake tooth going entirely 
 through the foot, a bad bite of a sucking pig, several instances of 
 file-shanks through the hands, and numberless cases of rusty nails, 
 awls, etc., but we never knew a failure of this treatment. 
 
 A Mustard Plaster. 
 How many people are there who really know how to make a 
 mustard plaster ? Not one in a hundred at the most, perhaps, and 
 yet mustard plasters ai'e used in every family, and physicians pre- 
 scribe the application. The ordinary way is to mix the mustard 
 with water, tempering it with a little flour. Such a plaster as this 
 makes is abominable. Before it has half done its work it begins to 
 blister the patient, and leaves him finally with a flayed, painful 
 spot, after producing far less effect in a beneficial way than was 
 intended. Now, a mustard plaster should never blister at all. M 
 
436 HEALTH ITEMS. 
 
 a blister is wanted, there are other plasters far better than mustard 
 plasters. Then use no water, but mix the mustard with the white 
 of an egg, and the result will be a plaster that will " draw " per- 
 fectly, but will not produce a blister on the skin of an infant, no 
 matter how long it is allowed to remain on the part. 
 
 A Cure for Diphtheria. 
 Dr. Chenery, of Boston, has lately discovered that hyposulphite 
 of soda is the specific remedy against diphtheria — that so much 
 dreaded ailment, which of late years has carried off many valuable 
 lives. He reports a very large number of cases (one hundred and 
 fifty within his own practice) saved by the use of this remedy. 
 The dose of the hyposulphite is from five to fifteen grains or more 
 in syrup, every two to four hours, according to age and circum- 
 stances. It can do no harm, but if too much is given it will purge; 
 as much as the patient can bear without purging is a good rule in 
 the severer cases. The solution or mixture can be used in doses of 
 five drops to half a drachm in milk. 
 
 Bilious Headache. 
 Dissolve and drink two teaspoonfuls of finely-powdered charcoal 
 in one-half a tumbler of water. It will relieve in fifteen minutes;, 
 take a Seidlitz powder one hour afterward. 
 
 A Remedy for Cold Feet. 
 Every night on going to bed, dip the feet in shallow, cold water, 
 two or three times quickly, then rub briskly with a coarse towel till 
 dry; then take hold of each end of the towel and draw it back and 
 forth through the hollow of the foot until a glow is excited. 
 
 The Opium Habit. 
 An eminent New York physician writes to the Sun that the only 
 sure cure for the opium habit is in "tapering off," diminishing each 
 dose by infinitesimal deductions, so that the system may adapt 
 itself to the change. He cured himself in this manner, and has 
 discovered that many of the advertised remedies proceed on the 
 
HEALTH ITEMS. 437 
 
 same principle. His habit was to put thirty grains of morphine in 
 an eight ounce bottle, and take a teaspoonful of the mixture, con- 
 taining one grain of morphine, four times a day. In his next bottle 
 he put but twenty-nine grains, in the next but twenty-eight, and so 
 on. The change was very gradual, and caused no shock to the 
 system; and the habit never returned. 
 
 Antidotes for Poison. 
 
 Soda, salt, vinegar, chalk, raw eggs, mustard, sweet oil, soap, and 
 milk, are powerful remedies for poisons, and are in every house. 
 Send for a doctor, but do not wait for doctor or druggist; go to 
 work. If the poison is an alkali, vinegar is a remedy. Freely 
 drinking of new milk, continuing to drink even when the stomach 
 returns the milk, will destroy even arsenic poisoning. 
 
 If sulphuric or oxalic acid has been taken, swallow a quantity of 
 chalk; the whites of raw eggs stirred up and swallowed, taking six, 
 eight or more successively as fast as possible, will destroy poisons, 
 as corrosive sublimate; mustard, stirred in soft water and freely 
 drunk, will cause vomiting and destroy poison. Any kind of oil, 
 as olive, linseed or common lard oil, will also destroy poison. 
 
 Phosphorus, as when children suck matches, give a tablespoonful 
 of magnesia and then freely gum arable water; less magnesia if 
 only a little phosphorus is taken. 
 
 Opium, as laudanum poisoning, needs a strong emetic; a table- 
 spoonful of mustard in a glass of warm water, or a half teaspoonful 
 of powdered alum in as little water or coffee as will carry it down, 
 and repeat the dose. 
 
 Strychnine also demands a very quick emetic, as above, or a heavy 
 dose of ipecac. Opium poison needs also friction, fanning, shak- 
 ing, cold water on the head, and all efforts to arouse the patient. 
 
 Nitrate of silver needs warm salt water until a free vomit. 
 
 Ammonia taken raw by accident; give new milk, olive oil, in ice 
 bits, bind ice on the throat. 
 
 Sugar of lead needs lemon-juice, vinegar, raw tomatoes, and 
 finally a good dose of Epsom salts. 
 
438 HEALTH ITEMS. 
 
 Prussic acid, or fruit-stone poisoning, demands a good emetic, 
 and administer freely ammonia and water. 
 
 Antimony is corrected by very strong green tea, and alum water. 
 
 After all these remedies, empty the stomach by a clear, Avarm- 
 water emetic, and keep the patient in bed on a raw-egg diet for 
 thirty hours. 
 
 External Use of Castor Oil. 
 
 The London Medical Journal gives reports from various prac- 
 titioners who have found purgative resiilts follow the inunction of 
 castor oil. One writer states that he has frequently applied this oil 
 to the abdomen, under spongiopiline or other waterproof material, 
 in cases where the usual way of adniinisteriug by the mouth seemed 
 undesirable, and with the most satisfactory consequences. In a case 
 of typhoid fever, also, half an ounce of castor oil was applied in 
 this manner, under a hot water fomentation, the effect of this being- 
 as represented, to relieve the constipation and tympanitic distention 
 that had been present, without undue purging or irritation of the 
 bowels. 
 
 Treatment of the Supposed Drowned. 
 
 Dr. Benjamin Howard, in a lecture delivered before the British 
 Medical Association on the " Direct Method of Artificial Respira- 
 tion for the Treatment of the Supposed Drowned," gives some very 
 useful hints for this emergency. Dr. Howard, finding that the 
 directions recommended by the Royal Humane Society worked 
 unsatisfactorily, were in many respects difficult for other than 
 medical men to follow out and required the co-operation of at least 
 two persons, investigated the whole question of the treatment of 
 the apparently drowned, and sets forth his objections to the whole 
 system, and his arguments in favor of that proposed by himself. 
 His rules are short and simple, being as follows: Instantly turn 
 the patient downwards with a large roll of clothing under stomach 
 and chest. Place one of his arms under his forehead so as to keep 
 his mouth off the ground. Press with all your weight two or 
 three times, for four or five seconds each time, upon the patient's 
 
HEALTH ITEMS. 439 
 
 back, so that the water is pressed out of lungs and stomach, and 
 drains freely out of the mouth. Then quickly turn patient's face 
 upwards, with roll of clothing under back, just below the shoulder 
 blades, and make the head hang back just as low as possible. 
 Place patient's hands above his head, kneel with patient's hips 
 between your knees, and fix your elbows firmly against your hips. 
 Now — grasping lower part of patient's naked chest — squeeze his 
 two sides together, pressing gradually forward with all your weight 
 for about three seconds, until your mouth is nearly over mouth of 
 patient; then, with a push, suddenly jerk yourself back. Rest 
 about three seconds; then begin again, repeating these bellows- 
 blowing movements with perfect regularity, so that foul air may 
 be pressed out and pure air be drawn into the lungs about eight or 
 ten times a minute, for at least one hour, or until the patient 
 breathes naturally. These directions must be used on the spot, the 
 first instant the patient is taken from the water. A moment's delay, 
 and success may be hopeless. Prevent crowding around the patient; 
 plenty of fresh air is important. Be careful not to interrupt the 
 first short natural breaths. If they be long apart, carefully con- 
 tinue between them the bellows-blowing movements as before. 
 After breathing is regular, let patient be rubbed dry, wrapped in 
 warm blankets, take hot spirits and water in small occasional doses 
 and then be left to rest and sleep. 
 
 Cure for Burists. 
 The following cure was successfully tried by a lady upon one of 
 her own children, who was sevei'ely burned by a little companion: 
 She wrapped it up completely with cotton wool or wadding, so that 
 not a breath of air could touch the body, and night and day kept it 
 saturated with vinegar, which caused the pain to cease immediately. 
 She persevered until the fresh young skin had formed a sufficient 
 covering of its own underneath. Her husband, who did not enter' 
 quite so readily into her system, lifted a little of the wadding from 
 the cheek one day when she was out, and was charmed to see the 
 
440 HEALTH ITEMS. 
 
 new skin growing so well; but the spot on the cheek was the only- 
 scar the child had when quite recovered. A quill leading to the 
 mouth served for it to breathe and be fed by. 
 
 Grandmother's Salve foe Everything. 
 
 Two pounds of rosin and half a cup of mutton tallow after it is 
 hard, half as much beeswax, and half an ounce of camphor gum; 
 put all together into an old kettle, and let it dissolve and just come 
 to a boil, stirring with a stick; then take half a pail of warm water, 
 just the chill off, pour it in and stir carefully until you can get your 
 hands around it. Two persons must each take half and pull like 
 candy until quite white and brittle; put a little grease on your 
 hands to prevent sticking, and keep them wet all the time. Wet 
 the table, roll out the salve, and cut it with a knife. Keep it in a 
 cool place. 
 
 Cholera Remedy. 
 
 Mix in a small bottle equal parts of tincture of opium (lauda- 
 num), rhubarb, capsicum, camphor, spirits of nitre, and essence of 
 peppermint, double strength. Shake well, and cork tight. Dose: 
 From five to thirty drops every fifteen minutes. Dose for children: 
 From two to ten drops. 
 
 Fig Paste for Constipation. 
 One-half pound of good figs chopped fine, one-half pint of 
 molasses, two ounces powdered senna leaves, one drachm finely-pow- 
 dered coriander seed, one drachm finely-powdered cardamom seed. 
 Put the molasses on the stove and let it come to a boil, then stir in 
 all the rest and bring to a boil again. A teaspoonful once in a 
 while is a dose. It will keep, when covered, for a year. 
 
 Cure for Chilblains. 
 Place red hot coals in a vessel, and throw upon them a handful 
 of corn meal; hold the feet in the dense smoke, renewing the coals 
 and the meal, till the pain is relieved. This has been known to 
 make very marked cures when all other remedies had failed. 
 
HEALTH ITEMS. 441 
 
 For Canker Sore Mouth. 
 Burn a corn cob and apply the ashes two or three times a day. 
 
 Cure for Corns. 
 The strongest acetic acid, applied night and morning, will cure 
 hard and soft corns in a week. 
 
 Ring Worm. 
 
 Put a penny into a tablespoonful of vinegar; let it remain until 
 it becomes green, and wash the ring worm with this two or three 
 times a day. 
 
 Cure For Rheumatism and Bilious Headache. 
 Finest Turkey rhubarb, half an ounce; carbonate of magnesia, one 
 ounce; mix intimately; keep well corked in glass bottle. Dose: 
 One teaspoonful, in milk and sugar, the first thing in the morning; 
 repeat till cured. Tried with success. 
 
 For Felon. 
 As soon as the pulsation which indicates the disease is felt, put 
 directly over the spot a fly blister about the size of your thumb 
 nail, and let it remain for six hours, at the expiration of which 
 time, directly under the surface of the blister, may be seen the 
 felon, which can be instantly taken out with the point of a needle 
 or a lancet. 
 
 For Felon, No. 2. 
 
 Take common rock salt, as used for salting down pork or beef, 
 dry in an oven, then pound it fine and mix with spirits of turpen- 
 tine in equal parts; put it in a rag and wi-ap it around the parts 
 affected; as it gets dry put on more, and in twenty-four hours you 
 are cured. The felon will be dead. 
 
 Toothache. 
 At a meeting of the London Medical Society Dr. Blake, a distin- 
 guished physician, said that he was able to cure the most desperate 
 
442 HEALTH ITEMS. 
 
 case of toothache, unless the disease was connected "mth rheuma- 
 tism, by the application of the following remedy: Alum reduced to 
 an impalpable powder, two drachms; nitrous spirits of ether, seven 
 drachms; mix and apply to the tooth. Tried with success. 
 
 Cure eor Neuralgia. 
 
 A friend who suffered horrible pains from neuralgia, hearing of a 
 noted physician in Germany who invariabl)'^ cured the disease, went 
 to him, and was permanently cured after a short sojourn. The 
 doctor gave him the remedy, which was nothing but a poultice and 
 tea made from our common field thistle. The leaves are macerated 
 and used as a poultice on the parts affected, while a small quantity 
 of the same is boiled down to the proportion of a quart to a pint, 
 and a small wineglass of the decoction drank before each meal. 
 Our friend says he has never known it to fail of giving relief, while 
 in almost every case it has effected a cure. God gave herbs for the 
 healing of the nations. 
 
 Tincture of Iodine on Corns. 
 
 Dr. Bajis states that corns may be rapidly cured by the applica- 
 tion of the tincture of iodine; the corn disappearing in the course 
 of a few days, if touched with the tincture several times a day. If 
 the corn be situated between the toes, it should be covered with a 
 piece of linen steeped in a mixture of the tincture and glycerine. 
 
 Smallpox Remedy. 
 
 The following remedy a friend tried in Ohio in a case of con- 
 fluent smallpox, when the doctor had little hope of saving the 
 patient, and it saved the ' woman's life. The remedy is sure in 
 scarlet fever. " I herewith ajjpend a recipe which has been used 
 to my own knowledge in a hundred cases. It Avill prevent or cure 
 the smallpox, even though the pittings are filling. "When Jenner 
 discovered cow pox in England, the world of science hurled an 
 avalanche of fame upon his head, and when the most scientific 
 school of medicine in the world (that of Paris) published this pan- 
 
HEALTH ITEMS. 443 
 
 acea for the smallpox, it passed unheeded. It is as unfailing as fate, 
 and conquers in every instance. It is harmless when taken by a 
 well person. It will also cure scarlet fever. Take sulphate of zinc, 
 one grain; fox glove {digitalis) one grain; half a teaspoonful of 
 water. When thoroughly mixed, add four ounces of water. Take 
 a spoonful every hour, and either disease will disappear in twelve 
 hours. For a child, smaller doses, according to age." 
 
 For Hydrophobia. 
 
 Franklin Dyer, a highly respectable farmer of Galena, Kent 
 County, Md., gives the following as a sure cure for the bite of a 
 mad dog. He has tested it with most gratifying results: Elecam- 
 pane is a plant well known and found in many gardens. Imme- 
 diately after being bitten, take one and a half ounces of the root of 
 the plant, the green root is preferable. The dried, to be found in 
 drug stores, will answer; bruise it, put it in a pint of fresh milk, 
 boiled down to half a pint, strain, and when cold drink it, fasting 
 at least six hours afterwards. The next morning repeat the dose, 
 fasting, using two ounces of the root. On the third morning, take 
 another dose prepared as the last, and this will be sufficient. After 
 each dose, nothing to be eaten for at least six hours. I had a son 
 who was bitten by a mad dog eighteen years ago, and four other 
 children in the neighborhood were also bitten. They took the 
 above, and are now alive and well. I have known many who were 
 cured. It is supposed that the root contains a principle, which, 
 being taken up by the blood in its circulation, counteracts or neu- 
 tralizes the deadly effect of the virus of hydrophobia. I feel so 
 much confidence in this simple remedy that I am willing you should 
 give my name in connection with this statement. 
 
 Flannels for Fomentation. 
 Fold the flannel the size to fit over the top of a pot of boiling 
 water, and cover with a lid; in a few minutes it will be hotter than 
 if wrung out of boiling water and yet dry at the corners; roll it up 
 covered, and convey quickly to the patient. 
 
444 HEALTH ITEMS. 
 
 For Hoarseness. 
 Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a pint boM'l, add loaf sugar 
 (two tablespoonfuls), one teaspoonful of glycerine, and one table- 
 spoonful of whiskey; pour over this boiling hot water to nearly 
 fill the bowl, and drink hot just before going to bed. 
 
 For Sore Throat. 
 Cut slices of salt pork or fat bacon; simmer a few moments in 
 hot vinegar, and apply to throat as hot as possible. When this is 
 taken off, as the throat is relieved, put around a bandage of soft 
 flannel. A gargle of equal parts of borax and alum, dissolved in 
 water, is also excellent. To be used frequently. 
 
 Healing Lotion. 
 
 One ounce glycerine, one ounce rose-water, ten drops carbolic 
 acid. This preparation prevents and cures chapping of the skin, 
 and at the same time bleaches it. It is also excellent for sore lips 
 and gums. 
 
 To Prevent Contagion from Eruptive Diseases. 
 
 Keep constantly, in plates or saucers, sliced raw onions in the 
 sick room, if possible. As fast as they become discolored, replace 
 by fresh ones. During any epidemic of skin diseases that are 
 eruptive, onions, except those taken fresh from the earth, are 
 unsafe, as they are peculiarly sensitive to disease. 
 
 For Toothache. 
 Of powdered alum and line salt, equal quantities; apply to the 
 tooth and it will give speedy relief. 
 
 For Headache. 
 Pour a few drops of ether on one-half ounce of gum camphor 
 and pulverize; add to this an equal quantity of carbonate of ammo- 
 nia pulverized; add twenty drops peppermint; mix and put in an 
 open-mouthed bottle and cork. 
 
HEALTH ITEMS. 445 
 
 To Stop Bleeding. 
 A handful of flour bound on the cut. 
 
 To Restore from Stroke op Lightning. 
 
 Shower with cold water for two hours; if the patient does not 
 show signs of life, put salt in the water, and continue to shower* an 
 hour longer. 
 
 Salve for Chilblains. 
 
 Fry out nicely a little mutton tallow; into this while melted, and 
 after it is nicely strained, put an equal quantity of coal oil; stir 
 "well together while it is coolings. 
 
 To Remove Discoloration from Bruises. 
 Apply a cloth wrung out in very hot water, and renew fre- 
 quently until the pain ceases. Or, apply raw beefsteak. 
 
 Cure for Wasp Sting. 
 Apply a poultice of saleratus water and flour, and bind on the 
 sting. Apply slices of raw onion for a bee sting. 
 
 Cure for Summer Complaint. 
 Two ounces tincture rhubarb, one of paregoric, one-half of 
 essence of peppermint, one-half of essence of anise, one half of 
 prepared chalk. Dose for adult, one teaspoonful in a little water; 
 take as often as needed. 
 
 The Best Deodorizer. 
 Use brorao-chloralum in the proportion of one tablespoonful to 
 eight of soft water; dip cloths in this solution and hang in the 
 rooms; it will purify sick rooms of any foul smells. The surface 
 of anything may be purified by washing well and then rubbing 
 over with a weakened solution of bromo-chloralum. A weak solu- 
 tion is excellent to rinse the mouth with often, when from any 
 cause the breath is offensive. It is also an excellent wash for sores 
 and wounds that have an offensive odor. 
 
CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 Sleep. 
 N infant in sound health will sleep almost continually during 
 U\ the first four or five weeks of its life. All that is necessary 
 in the interval is to guard against accidents likely to create 
 disturbance. Of these injurious incidents, deficiency of warmth, 
 want of cleanliness, and over-fatigue, are the most liable to occur, 
 converting the happiest period of development into a restless state 
 of being, alike pernicious to parent and child. 
 
 As though to indicate the necessity for this lengthy repose, the 
 sense of hearing in a new-born babe is very dull. Ordinary con- 
 versation does not disturb an infant's slumbers, although loud, 
 sudden noises may have that effect. Li most instances, a babe does 
 not appear to be conscious of sounds until about the fifth or sixth 
 week of its existence. In the raeanl^ime the necessary disturbances 
 are confined to being suckled, washed, and changed; for which 
 duties occasion should be taken during the short wakeful intervals 
 which happen when hunger prevails. 
 
 So valuable is the repose which sleep affords throughout the 
 whole period of early childhood, that too much pains cannot be 
 taken to cultivate the habit from the earliest moment; for, be it 
 observed, sleep is essentially a habit of our nature, and its recur- 
 rence depends chiefly on regularity of living and good health. At 
 appointed times, and certain places, infants should be encouraged 
 to submit to sleep. Let them understand that, after food and 
 exercise, it is time to ^o to bed; and a lesson will have been learned 
 
 446 
 
CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 447 
 
 -which will require no undue force to put into practice during the 
 term of nursery life. 
 
 Infants born in the winter and during the cold months of spring, 
 require to sleep at the mother's side for the first few weeks; accord- 
 ing to one authority, " for the first few months, as it requires the 
 
 warmth of another person's body, especially in winter." But the 
 strength of the child, as well as the weather, must carry their due 
 weight in determininor the lencjth of the time. Doctors differ on 
 this point. At all events, it should lie alone when sufticiently strong 
 
448 CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 to bear it; when sleeping with the mother it should not, on that 
 account, be the oftener suckled; the mischief of the latter habit 
 does not end with the over-taxed digestion of the child. Few 
 mothers are able to stand the drain thus made upon their strength, 
 and in consequence, "nursing" has to be given up much sooner 
 than would otherwise be necessary. 
 
 The natural time for slumber, in very early life, is immediately 
 after taking food. As the young of almost all creatures show this 
 disposition, there can be no harm in following the dictate. Oj^por- 
 tunity, then, should be taken to lay the child in its bed, whether 
 awake or not, after having been fed. A little later in life, when 
 digestion is stronger, and the stomach is better able to dispose of a 
 heavy meal, an interval is necessary between taking nourishment 
 and going to sleep. 
 
 The utmost vigilance is generally necessary to prevent the habit 
 of sleeping in the nurse's arms from being contracted. Most nurses 
 enjoy a doze in front of the fire — a luxury well earned by, perchance, 
 a broken night's rest; but with infants no such necessity is felt. 
 Still, if they are once allowed to feel the soothing influence of the 
 fire's warmth, combined with the soft and pleasant mechanical 
 movement of the nurse's knees, they speedily get rebellious against 
 attempts to make them lie alone in the crib. In engaging a nurse, 
 it is advisable to have it clearly understood that the babe is not to 
 be nursed on the lap when asleep. 
 
 The best-trained child, however, will not return peacefully to its 
 cot if the bedding is not perfectly dry and comfortable. After the 
 child has been lifted out, " changed," and fed, the pillow and mat- 
 tress should be well shaken and, if necessary, wet blankets replaced 
 by dry ones. Having put the infant back, the light should be par- 
 tially screened or extinguished. These arrangements require to be 
 made in a very methodical manner, and will have to be repeated a 
 few times to be fully understood by the child. If, at the outset, a 
 cry of resistance should be heard when it is time to go back to bed, 
 a wise mother will conceal herself from sight, and turn a deaf ear. 
 
CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 449 
 
 Sooner or later this breaking-in will have to take place, and the 
 longer it is delayed, the greater will be the trouble. 
 
 About the age of three months, an infant does not usually require 
 night-feeding more frequently than when the mother retires to rest, 
 and again toward five or six in the morning. At this age the 
 faculty of observation begins generally to show itself, and affords a 
 golden opportunity to convey right impressions to the plastic infant 
 mind. The first objects of which a child takes nutice are those 
 which are employed in supplying its personal wants. Thus the sight 
 of a nursing-bottle will generally set a child to crying for food. In 
 like manner it is a good plan to appropriate certain coverings to 
 the use of an infant when " sleeping-time " is in question. The 
 writer has known a gaily-colored knitted rug to set the tiny inmates 
 of a nursery yawning from the mere associations which the familiar 
 wrapper suggested. Each infant in turn had been enveloped in 
 that rug pi'eparatorj'- to going to sleej), and they had not a thought 
 of resisting its influence. 
 
 The habit of taking a mid-day nap may be advantageously 
 observed till the age of three or four years has been attained. 
 Even if the child be not sleepy it is advisable to let it lie in its cot 
 for a certain time after having taken exercise, and before dinner. 
 If any inducement is necessary, there is no reason why a few toys 
 or a picture-book should not be allowed in bed. Pretending to 
 hush a doll to sleep, for instance, will often send the child itself to 
 sleep, and is as good a ruse as can be adopted. 
 
 Before putting the inmates of a nursery to bed, the room should 
 be darkened, and the nurse should betake herself, if possible, to an 
 adjoining room for any occupation she may have to fulfill. 
 
 Care is needed not to arouse a child too suddenly from its 
 slumbers. Allow it, on all occasions to waken of its own accord. 
 
 A notion is prevalent that much sleeping by day lessens the 
 power of sleeping by night; but this is an error. As a general rule 
 the more a child sleeps the more it wants to sleep. Wakefulness 
 is generally caused by over-fatigue and excitement, and is a posi- 
 
 29 
 
450 CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 tively painful state to the sensitive organism of a young child. 
 This description of- suffering admits of no alleviation but from 
 sleep; reprimands and additional food only increase the sufferer's 
 torment. 
 
 It ought not to be necessary to point out the danger of giving 
 narcotics to young children. But so long as such remedies as 
 *' teething powders," etc., are recommended, we must not be sup- 
 posed to ignore the fact that the true nature of such drugs is, not 
 to facilitate the process of cutting teeth, but to lull restless infants 
 into an unnatural sleep. Long before any disturbance of a child's 
 health is likely to occur from teething, these compounds are apt to be 
 administered simply to secure a quite night's rest. The restlessness 
 complained of arises, nine times out of ten, from flatulence and 
 indigestion. A fit of sleeplessness may, in very many instances, be 
 terminated by wrapping the infant in a warm covering, and exer- 
 cising it in an apartment of lower temperature than the nursery. 
 
 In more advanced childhood than we have hitherto spoken of, 
 the importance of sleep is undiminished, and should be observed 
 with regularity. No invariable rule can be laid down for general 
 observance, but most children between the ages of four and seven 
 years tequire, at least, twelve hours' sleep. ^Ten hours are supposed 
 to be needful for school boys, and eight for adults. Few children 
 under ten years of age can be kept out of their beds after ten 
 o'clock without injury to their health. When once awake in the 
 morning, they should be accustomed to rise at once. 
 
 Most parents go to their childrens' rooms before retiring. The 
 chief object in these visits is to see whether the little ones be suffi- 
 ciently covered, and that no draughts be felf from open windows 
 and doors. 
 
 In the winter, a few hours after being put in bed, most young 
 children require a little additional covering, owing to the body 
 having lost some of its warmth during sleep. Another precaution 
 to be taken is, that the children's heads be sufficiently raised to 
 prevent their breathing the air emitted from their lungs. This 
 
CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 451 
 
 habit, if not necessarily fatal, is certainly liable to lay the seeds of 
 a consumptive state, and to produce an impaired constitution. A 
 single small pillow is generally sufficient. One blanket should 
 always be placed with the selvage ends across the bed, in order to 
 allow plenty of room to turn in under the mattress. Children 
 generally sleep more comfortably, and suffer less from cold feet, 
 if their bedding be slightly raised at the foot. a • 
 
 Exercise. 
 
 During the first few weeks of life, the disposition to sleep indi- 
 cates the necessity for avoiding anything like excitement to prema- 
 ture activity. • With limbs and muscles undeveloped, and mental 
 powers unformed, the only exertion to which a very young child 
 should be subjected is that which is occasioned by being washed 
 and dressed. Gentle chafing of the limbs before a fire may be 
 practiced morning and evening with benefit and pleasure to the 
 babe. Not until an infant voluntarily seeks movement, or the 
 dawning intelligence evinces pleasure in passing objects should any 
 attempt be made to disturb the order of things established by 
 nature. This change may generally be observed about the third 
 month. In the meantime, the more tranquil an infant can be kept, 
 both in mind and in body, the greater are the chances of unchecked 
 development at the proper period. 
 
 The practice of too many nurses is at variance with these simple 
 rules. Uninformed, generally, respecting the structure of the 
 human frame, they are apt to apply principles of exercise totally 
 unBtted to the tender organism of infancy. Hence the objection- 
 able habit of jog-trotting on the knee, together with the pernicious 
 practice of inducing the babe to support its head before the spine 
 is strong enough to bear the weight. The period when it is safe to 
 encourage an infant to sit upright is at the age of seven months. 
 Previously to that time the body should be held only in a semi- 
 erect posture, either by resting across the nurse's shoulder, or by 
 placing the distended palm of her hand against the child's chest. 
 It is more necessary to observe these precautions against spinal 
 
452 CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 weakness in time, because children who may have been injuriously 
 managed at the outset become restless when it is attempted to keep 
 them in a reclining posture. 
 
 An exercise very congenial to the inclination of a baby consists 
 in spreading cushions upon the floor for it, upon which to spread 
 itself. If no cushion be at hand, a clean cot mattress will answer 
 equally 'well. »A11 little ones revel in freedom from the restrained 
 posture of the nurse's arms. The above exercise is the first step 
 toward learning to creep — the most healthful and natural mode of 
 progression in babyhood. Some over-anxious parents check thia 
 habit, lest it should bring the infant into danger. Harm, however, 
 seldom results, provided common precautions be taken. Another 
 prejudice sometimes entertained against creeping is that, if a child 
 finds how easy it is to get along on the hands and knees, it will not 
 try to walk. Here, again, the fears are unfounded. All children 
 are anxious to get upon their feet as soon as they feel themselves 
 strong enough to do so; but many children do not walk before they 
 are from twelve to fourteen months old. In the meanwhile creep- 
 ing brings every limb into play in manner proportionate to an 
 infant's strength. The best dress for the creeping age is the one in 
 which little French children are usually attired — a sort of Knicker- 
 bocker suit, warm and loose, with trousers and vest all of one piece. 
 
 The stage at which infants begin to walk demands the exercise of 
 a considerable amount of self-control on the part of the parents^ 
 inasmuch as falls are inevitable. These appear to a looker-on to be 
 of a more serious nature than they really are. Provided a child 
 does not fall from a greater elevation than his own height, injury 
 very seldom occurs from these tumbles. The most dangerous falls 
 are those from spring mattresses and seats. The suddenness of the 
 jerk prevents a child from saving itself by the exercise of the 
 momentary instinct which is usually displayed in other cases of 
 impending danger. Left to themselves, little folks generally fall 
 neatly, and manage to keep their heads uppermost. The cry which 
 is heard after these accidents arises from surprise and mortification. 
 
4 
 
 CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 453 
 
 and the troiible is best treated as a joke. If, instead of catcliing 
 the child up in her arms and smothering it with caresses, accompa- 
 nied with expressions of sympathy, the nurse said, in a cheerful 
 voice, " Jump up, and see where you sat last," the child's mind 
 would be diverted, and braced to fresh exertions. 
 
 As soon as the child is able to leave the house, it should pass as 
 much of the time as possible in the open air. Even sleeping out of 
 doors does no harm provided proper clothing be worn. Warm 
 clothing for the chest, arms, legs, feet, and loins is essential. The 
 head should be kept cool, and the face covei'ed with a light gauze 
 material only. As a general rule, the head-gear of an infant should 
 admit of the free passage of the air inhaled and exhaled both by 
 day and by night. 
 
 Perambulators, under careful guidance, are a real boon to both 
 nurse and child. If the babe be healthy, and the weather suitable, 
 there is no reason why infants should not, almost from the com- 
 mencement, take daily exercise in a pei'ambulator. Children from 
 the age of a year old thrive better when exercised in the open air 
 in a perambulator than when carried in the nurse's arms. Less 
 fatigue in carrying ensures less risk from nurse sitting down to 
 rest. It is seldom that cold is taken when passing briskly through 
 the air; standing still in draughty places is always most carefully 
 to be guarded against. Two little ones can be exercised in a double 
 perambulator at an age when two nurses would be required to 
 afford separate exercise to each child. 
 
 When the exercise of walking ceases to be a pleasurable excite- 
 ment, some inducement is needful to get little folks along. The 
 daily walk consequently becomes a trial of patience to nurse and 
 child. The best way to obviate this difficulty is to make the walk 
 a secondary object, and some attendant amusement the ostensible 
 one, such as playing at horses, etc. 
 
 Muscular exercise, adapted to more advanced childhood, has 
 received an important accessory in the form of gymnastic appa- 
 ratus, of great variety and simplicity. They are made for different 
 
454 CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 classes of strength, and are designed to bring every muscle into 
 play. There are also very many valuable courses of exercise for 
 which no apparatus of any kind is necessary. 
 
 Food. 
 
 The most suitable food for infants is that of Nature's own pro- 
 viding — mother's milk. In very exceptional' instances is this supply 
 shoi't-coraing during the first few weeks after child-birth. If, 
 unhappily, the contrary should be the case, a delicate infant caa 
 seldom be successfully reared without the aid of a wet-nurse. The 
 only circumstances which should prevent a mother from suckling 
 her offspring are a too excitable temperament, or a consumptive 
 state of c'onstitution. Ordinary debility, consequent or recent con- 
 finement, is rarely an impediment to the fulfillment of one of the 
 highest instincts of human nature, and one no less productive of 
 moral than of physical benefits. During the time a child receives 
 nourishment at its mother's breast the earliest bond of sympathy, 
 destined to influence a lifetime of parent and child, is naturally 
 fprmed. 
 
 Whatever changes it may be found necessary to make in the 
 dietary of an infant after the age of six weeks, absolute necessity 
 alone should induce the substitution of artificial in lieu of natural 
 food. The first milk is of a purgative nature, and is admirably 
 adapted to cleanse the system of a new-born babe. In this par- 
 ticular, the most desirable wet-nurse might fail to prove a fitting 
 deputy for the mother. Likewise, throughout the period of nursing, 
 it is a point of great importance that the quality of the nourish- 
 ment should be proportionate to the age of an infant. If the ser- 
 vices of a wet-nurse are inevitable, it should be sought to engage 
 one who has been a mother about the same length of time as the 
 parent of the infant to be brought up. In selecting a wet-nurse a 
 medical man is the proper medium. 
 
 During the first two or three weeks, an infant, if awake, may be 
 suckled at intervals of from one to two hours. The sooner, how- 
 ever, the babe can be brought into the habit of being fed once in 
 
CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 455 
 
 two hours the greater will be the benefit derived from the nourish- 
 ment, and the more speedily will the mother be enabled to regain 
 her own strength. A determination to attain regularity in feeding 
 is all that is needed. When this plan is steadily pursued, the 
 digestion of a child will work with the precision of the clock by 
 which its meals are i-egulated. All cries should not be supposed to 
 arise from craving for food. Numberless cases of irritation may 
 occasion a fretful cry — cold feet, pressure of clothing, wet linen, or 
 other discomforts. Instead, therefore, of giving food instantly, it 
 is advisable to open the clothes, warm the tiny feet, chafe the 
 limbs, or, if possible, take the infant for a little walk out of doors. 
 If, after having tried similar remedies, the fretfulness continues, 
 the cause should be sought in the condition of the child's stools. 
 If signs of griping pains, or colic, be evident, less food should be 
 given, and the intervals between his meals lengthened. 
 
 Sometimes a cry of continual disti'ess prevails, from the mother's 
 milk being not sufficiently nourishing to satisfy the appetite of the 
 babe. In such cases it is advisable to give, every night and morn- 
 ing, a meal of cow's milk and water, prepared in the following 
 manner: Fi-esh milk and warm water, of each, one-quarter of a 
 pint; sugar of milk, one teaspoonful. The latter should first be 
 dissolved in the warm water, then the milk, unboiled, mixed with 
 it. Sweetening with sugar of milk, instead of lump sugar, makes a 
 greater resemblance to the mother's milk. Possibly the infant may 
 take but half the above quantity; we only give the recipe to show 
 the right proportions. An older child might require all at a meal. 
 
 The practice of giving thickened food to infants at too tender an 
 age is a source of endless trouble. Dr. Edward Smith remarks that 
 the feeding of young infants on bread, biscuits, flour, and other 
 substances than milk, " is a constant source of derangement of the 
 liv(r, and a frequent cause of fits." As a general rule a baby 
 ought to be entii-ely nourished on milk until the first tooth appears. 
 
 " Up to six or seven months of age infants have not the power 
 of digesting farinaceous or fibrinous substances." After that ag&- 
 
456 CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 many descriptions of farinaceous food may be used, and are to be 
 strongly recommended. Beef tea, veal, chicken, or mutton broth 
 are apt to turn acid and cause flatulence or sickness, and should 
 not be given without medical advice. Care should be observed in 
 every change of infants' diet, especially if teething be in operation. 
 
 A very necessary treatment after a meal consists in lifting the 
 loahe across the nurse's left shoulder, whether awake or asleep, and 
 gently patting the infant's back until the wind displaced by the 
 food is thrown off the stomach. Wherever this precaution is used 
 gripes and windy colic are seldom heard of. 
 
 The period of weaning is one of great anxiety. Make the change 
 gradually. A little self-restraint in keeping out of sight when the 
 child may naturally be supposed to be hungry, is the greatest act 
 of kindness to the little one. The most favorable time for weaning 
 is in warm weather, when the infant can be amused and kept much 
 out of doors. 
 
 The utmost cleanliness should be observed in every detail con- 
 nected with the keeping of all utensils for nursery use. When 
 removed from the bottle, the India-rubber top should be immedi- 
 ately jjlaced in a glass of clean water, and the bottle cleansed of 
 every trace of food, and twice a day rinsed out with tea-leaves and 
 ■water. When not in use the bottle should be hidden from the 
 infant's sight. 
 
 Rice Jelly. 
 
 One-half cup whole rice, well washed and soaked two hours in a 
 little warm water; then added, with the water, to that in the kettle 
 three ])ints cold water, one small pinch of salt, put into the wati^r. 
 Sweeten to taste with loaf sugar. Simmer the rice half an hour; 
 then boil until it is a smooth paste, and the water is reduced one- 
 half. Strain through double tarlatan, sweeten, and give to the 
 child. This is an admirable preparation for an infant suffering 
 with weakness of the bowels. If there be no fever, you may put 
 one-third part milk, boiled with the rice. Give a few spoonfuls 
 every hour or half hour. 
 
CARE AND CULTURE OF Cinhl>REJS'. 457 
 
 Arrowroot. 
 One cup of boiling water, one cup of fresh milk, two teaspoon fuls 
 best Bermuda arrowi-oofc, wet with cold water, one small pinch of 
 salt, two even teaspoonfuls white sugar, dissolved in the milk. 
 Stir the arrowroot paste into the salted boiling water; stir and boil 
 five minutes or until it is clear; add the sweetened milk, and boil 
 ten minutes, slowly, still stirring. If the child has fever, or cannot 
 digest milk, substitute hot water for it. It is, however, a dangerous 
 experiment to forbid milk altogether for an infant. It would be 
 better to diminish the quantity, putting in, say, one-third or one- 
 fourth as much as the receipt names, and filling up with boiling 
 water. 
 
 Milk and Bread. 
 
 One-half cup boiled milk, two tablespoonfuls stale Graham bread, 
 a very little sugar. Crumble the bread into the boiled milk, 
 sweeten, and when cool enough, feed to the child with a spoon. 
 
 WnEATEN Grits. 
 Four tablespoonfuls grits (cracked wheat) soaked in a little cold 
 water one hour, and then put into the kettle; one quart boiling 
 Avater, one cup milk, a pinch of salt. Boil the soaked grits in the 
 quart of water one hour, stirring up often; add the milk and boil 
 half an hour longer. Sweeten to taste, and if the child is well, 
 pour cream over it. This is designed for children over a year old. 
 It is slightly cathartic; especially if the milk be omitted, and is 
 most useful in regulating the bowels. When this can be done 
 without drugs, it is far better. 
 
 Hominy and Milk. 
 
 One-half cup small hominy, one scant quart of cold water, pinch 
 of salt. Boil one hour, stirring often. While hot, mix some soft 
 with new milk, sweeten to taste and feed to the baby with a S])oon. 
 This is also relaxing to the bowels, and should not be given if the 
 child is disposed to summer complaint. 
 
458 CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 Graham Hasty Pudding. 
 
 One cup Graham flour, wet up with cold water; one large cup 
 boiling water and same quantity of milk; one saltspoonful salt. 
 Stir the wet flour into the boiling water, slightly salted. Boil ten 
 minutes, stirring almost constantly; add the milk, and cook, after 
 it has come again to a boil, ten minutes longer. Give with sugar 
 and milk for breakfast. 
 
 Eaten with cream, nutmeg, and powdered sugar, this is a good 
 plain dessert for grown people as well as children. 
 
 Rice Flour Hasty Pudding 
 
 Is made as above, substituting two heaping tablespoonfuls rice 
 flour for the Graham, 
 
 Milk Porridge. 
 One tablespoonful Indian meal, one cup of white flour, wet to a 
 paste with cold water; two cups boiling water, two cups milk, a 
 good pinch of salt. Boil the paste in hot water twenty minutes; 
 add the milk, and cook ten minutes more, stirring often. Eat with 
 sugar and milk, stirred in while hot. 
 
 Mush and Milk. 
 One cup Indian meal, wet up with cold water; two quarts cold 
 water; salt to taste. Boil two hours; stirring often with a wooden 
 spoon or a stick. To be eaten hot with milk and sugar. 
 
 Condensed Milk. 
 This is perhaps the safest substitute for the " good milk from one 
 cow," which few mothers in town can procure. Keep the can in a 
 cool place and mix according to directions. 
 
 Moral Influence — Obedience. 
 In the preceding pages we have described the mode of manage- 
 ment best adapted to the bodily wants of young children, but it is 
 also necessary to suggest means for the healthy culture for the 
 mental and moral faculties of childhood. For, though the growth 
 
CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 459 
 
 of the mind may not make visible progress in the same proportion 
 as is seen in the tiny frame, the same steady development toward 
 maturity is, nevertheless, taking place continually, resulting in a 
 healthy or unsound condition of mind, according to the amount of 
 culture bestowed. For this culture, the long period of helplessness 
 which characterizes babyhood is especially favorable. A mother, 
 as the being nearest and dearest to the almost unconscious infant, 
 should act not only as the appointed guardian of its bodily welfare, 
 but should also extend her care and effort to the development and 
 culture of its mind. By its parent's smile or frown an infant reads, 
 as from a book, signs of approval or rebuke of every act com- 
 mitted. Instinctively, little children turn toward their mothers on 
 all occasions of doubt, and, unhesitatingly, they guide their course 
 by the mute exjDression they observe on her face. 
 
 This golden opportunity of maintaining a natural influence is too 
 valuable to be lightly regarded, or carelessly risked. From the 
 commencement, therefore, it is desirable that a mother should seize 
 every occasion of turning it to good account. In all her actions 
 toward her babe, she should ever bear in mind that example is the 
 most impressive mode of teaching, and tha'. if she constantly does 
 what is right in the presence of her child, a true principle of con- 
 duct is imparted without any need of verbal explanation. 
 
 It is commonly believed that no harm can come of letting a child 
 have its own way, so long as it is a mere babe. But this is a serious 
 delusion. As soon as a child is of an age to express its wants, 
 whether by one means or another, it is old enought to be brought 
 into habits of obedience. Obedience is the first lesson to be taught, 
 and very sensible are all well-managed babes of its meaning. No 
 harsh words, no impatient gestures, need be added to enforce the 
 rule, which consists simply in not doing what the babe demands, if 
 it is not the right time and the proper place for the desired gratifi- 
 cation. 
 
 Talie food as an example. If children were left to themselves 
 they would be eating and drinking perpetually of whatever came in 
 
460 CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 their way, till the stomach could no longer retain the improper 
 substances. Wholesome food would be rejected for more palatable 
 sweets and dainties. Before long, depraved tastes would be con- 
 firmed. Much the same misfortune sometimes befalls over-fed 
 children of the wealthy, notwithstanding the care bestowed in other 
 respects on their nurture; and an impaired constitution is the 
 result. Food, then, becomes alike a means of bodily nourishment 
 and of discipline of the mind. The quality of the food, and the 
 hour at which it is taken, are matters for the parent to decide to 
 the best of her judgment. Having done so, any fretful impatience 
 on the part of the child should be unheeded. If, in a fit of passion, 
 the usual meal should be refused, no attempt at persuasion should 
 be wasted, but, after a reasonable time for recovery from any dis- 
 appointment experienced, the objectionable repast should be put 
 aside, and the child's attention turned to something else. Hunger 
 is an eloquent pleader, and if the refusal has merely sprung from 
 disappointment at not having something else, signs of a craving 
 appetite will soon appear. Then it will be time to re-offer the 
 original nourishment, which, in all probability, will be greedily 
 consumed. If, upon observation, it is found that the repetition of 
 the same kind of food is repulsive, the reason should be sought in 
 the health of the child, or in the mode of preparing the meal. 
 With respect to the time of feeding, irregularity should be guarded 
 against by not giving children scraps to eat between meals; neither 
 should they be exposed to the sight of tempting food at unsuitable 
 times. 
 
 Another early opportunity of implanting a spirit of obedience 
 will be found in the impulsive habit which little children have of 
 seizing whatever they desire to possess. This habit requires great 
 firmness in checking, and a determination on the parent's part to risk 
 a flood of tears rather than to let the coveted article remain in the 
 child's possession. Added to the danger which results to little 
 children from letting the'habit of snatching have sway, the destruc- 
 tion of property is liable to be very great. Consequently, a mother 
 
CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 461 
 
 should be on the watch to convey a notion that certain prohibited 
 articles are hurtful. By shaking her head, looking gravely, and 
 saying slowly, "No, no," at such times, a child will soon learn that 
 something is wrong. If the child ceases in its attempts it will have 
 understood the meaning of a very important word. If, however, 
 the intelligence is not sufficiently strong, the object should be 
 removed out of sight, the mother firmly reiterating the refusal, and 
 looking the child in the face while she does so. By repeating this 
 process a very few times, the meaning will become plain, and you 
 will see that the child understands it. Should the child, however, 
 repeat the attempt, the prohibition should be repeated, and the 
 consequences of the child's taking the responsibility should be suf- 
 fered to appear. Touching lire, candles, heated irons, kettles of 
 hot water, and innumerable articles of a similar nature, can hardly 
 be prevented in a nursery; therefore, if, after a fair understanding 
 of the prohibition, a child persists in the attempt, a slight burn, or 
 bruise, or scald, may prove a merciful suflfernig. On such occasions 
 sympathy at the infant's pain should be tempered with reproof, 
 making him understand that when he was told not to do the deed, 
 you knew it would hurt him. By the above and various other 
 simple means, obedience receives practical and easy illustration, 
 even in infancy. 
 
 With children of more advanced age, the force of reasoning 
 sliould be employed to render acts of obedience less painful to 
 perform. Those who have charge of the young should bear in 
 mind that they are dealing with beings liable to be impelled by 
 impetuous passions into acts of danger, of which, from M'ant of 
 experience, they do not realize the extent. Adults, having passed 
 through the ordeal of youth, know the punishment which an 
 uncurbed spirit is apt to bring on its possessor. They have bought 
 their experience dearly, perchance, from having no guiding hand 
 to direct their course. The result of this experience should be to 
 caution young people against preventable danger. In all warnings 
 
 — especially where schoolboys are concerned — the truth should be 
 20 ' 
 
462 CARE AND CULTURE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 plainly spoken, right and wrong made unmistakably clear, and for- 
 giveness freely given, whenever, from waywardness or indiscretion, 
 the youthful wanderer has diverged from the right. Children 
 that from their cradles have been accustomed to look upon their 
 parents as their truest and most indulgent guides, are seldom want- 
 ing in confidence toward them, when, through disobedience, they 
 have unhappily become entrammelled in difficulties. 
 
CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 HE family dining-room should receive especial attention in 
 regard to location. It should be so situated that it may 
 have the full benefit of the morning sunlight. Its furnishing 
 must not be fussy or light; everything must be dark, solid, and 
 massive. The colors must be those deep, marked tones — the rich 
 crimsons, dark blues, soft olives, and such permanent tints, that 
 always keep their original shades despite time and wear. 
 
 For the dining-room, situated on the sunny side of the house, 
 the walls ought to be in wainscot of different colored woods, oak, 
 walnut, cherry, maple, etc., and fashioned in the Old English rustic 
 designs, with the panels carved in emblems of the chase. The 
 ceiling should be designed in rustic squares, or medallions; either 
 corresponding to, or contrasting with the wainscoting, in wood 
 colors. 
 
 In the modern dining-room, the doors leading to the china closet, 
 dumb waiter, and butler's pantry, are half French mirrors, which 
 has the effect of taking away the appearance of a door, and adding 
 greatly to the beauty of the walls. 
 
 The floor must be laid in choice designs of bright- colored woods, 
 or tile. The centre of the floor may be covered with a rug in cor- 
 responding colors to the window drapery, with a border of vagrant 
 sprays of heliotrope, or vinca (periwinkle), which harmonizes with 
 the majority of shades as a bordering. 
 
 The extension-table should be low, square-cornered, and heavily 
 carved; and, when not in use, should be covered with a cloth cor- 
 
 463 
 
464 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 responding in' shade to the rug and window drapery, and ni^y be 
 embroidered in contrasting colors with the bordering of the rug. 
 The shelves of the side-table must be covered in the same style. 
 
 The dining-room chairs must be in the square, solid style, 
 upholstered in either plain or embossed leather, with brass or 
 silver nails; but the plain leather is more preferred by people 
 of good taste, for the object in selecting the dining-room chair 
 should be comfort, not display. 
 
 The sideboard of the modern dining-room is built in the wall, 
 and of the same kinds of wood as the wainscoting, the doors and 
 drawers being carved after the same patterns. 
 
 The upper part contains a centre mirror and sconce, with narrow 
 racks and shelves on either side extending to the cornice. These 
 are only used for china ornaments, placques, etc. Very little silver 
 and glassware are kept on the sideboard in these aesthetic days. It 
 has given place to living flowers, in majolica vessels of every con- 
 ceivable shape and design. 
 
 The next object of importance is the fire-place, with its clear 
 polished grate and shining brasses. The square massive fender is 
 again in vogue. The broad and curved mantle shelf has given 
 place to the high and narrow one, with its complement of airy brass 
 or silver racks, and tiny mirrors. The large mantle mirror has been 
 superseded by the mantle sconce, with its heavy bevelled edges. It 
 is placed in the center above the shelf, and on each side of it, are 
 the highly-polished brass or silver racks, each lined with a tiny 
 mirror, reflecting the heterogeneous oddities that would be sadly 
 out of place in almost any other room, yet, on the dining-room 
 mantle shelf, are quite en regie. 
 
 It has been the custom to deck the dining-room walls with 
 pictures of the chase, fish, fruit; and these were not stinted either 
 in size or number; but in these later days, aesthetic taste confines 
 the walls to only two or three very small fruit pieces, and one or 
 two small placques of fish or game. 
 
 A fire screen is not always an acquisition to a dining-room; but 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 465 
 
 often it 's quite necessary, for the table is generally placed so that 
 some one must be seated near the fire; but if the room is otherwise 
 heated the fire screen is out of place. The three-leaf folding 
 Japanese screen is the kind most used for this purpose. 
 
 The lamp shade should be of some soft lace, lined with crimson 
 silk, and finished with a heavy deep crimson fringe. 
 
 The curtains, whether of light or heavy fabric, are more conven- 
 ient hung on rods; for then they may be easily pushed back to 
 admit the light or drawn to exclude it. 
 
 Sliding screens, rich in stained glass, should be attached to the 
 dining-room windows, they may be placed in any position, high or 
 low in the casement, and the light penetrating through them, tints 
 the room in many mellow hues, giving it a look of elegance and 
 solid comfort. 
 
 Decoration^ of the Dinner Table. 
 
 It is quite impossible for the average female mind to confront 
 unmoved the delightful possibilities to-day afforded by the service 
 of a dinner table. Times have changed since the mistress of a 
 household thought it necessary to set before her guest a feast like 
 the day-dream of Ichabod Crane, where " the pigeons were snugly 
 put to bed in a comfortable pie, and tucked in with a coverlet of 
 crust; the geese swimming in their own gravy, and the ducks 
 pairing cozily in dishes, like snug married couples, with a decent 
 competency of onion sauce." The now universal dinner a la Russe, 
 with its airy hints, suggestions, innuendoes of ministry to the coarser 
 needs of human nature, has limited each course to the one dish 
 offered at a time, with its companion sauce or vegetable. 
 
 Dinner giving is an art which only an individual of fine culture 
 and aesthetic tastes can be successful in, and dining is an accomplish- 
 ment in which only an epicure can excel. 
 
 " Giving a dinner-party " in days gone by meant a good deal of 
 hard work for the housewife and her coadjutors, generally the 
 daughters or sisters of the family, it meant hours of seclusion in a 
 
 30 
 
466 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 pantry with curls tucked up under a pastry cap, and dress obscured 
 by a gingham apron, weighing, measuring, egg-beating, almond 
 blanching, icing, garnishing, seasoning, tasting, and invariably 
 gossiping! — all this and much more, till the lavish banquet was 
 ready and waiting the guests. 
 
 The march of civilization and modern degeneracy have materially 
 lessened the labors of dinner-giving in the present. As a mere 
 matter of contrast it might be well to picture the hostess of latter 
 days, who, having bidden her guests, and consulted M'ith her cook 
 or caterer, abandons all concern until an hour before the coming of 
 the guests. The absolute work of arranging cloth, silver, crystal, 
 and steel devolves upon the well-trained servant; but there are 
 graceful finishing touches which no hand but the mistress' may 
 give. There are sprays of smilax to be trailed over piles of rosy 
 fruit, and flowers to be grouped in studied carelessness beside each 
 plate. Dinner cards, and tlie mighty question of place*, must be 
 settled; bon-bons, little cakes, and crystallized fruits must be 
 arranged. Lamps and candles must be reviewed, the temperature 
 of the room regulated, screens set, and portieres drawn for the com- 
 fort of the company. A word of admonition to be given to the 
 servant about the warmth of the soup, the chill of the oysters, etc., 
 before the mistress vanishes into her dressing-room, soon to re-ap- 
 pear and take her place, watchful, gracious, yet unconscious, as 
 hostess of the feast! 
 
 Until recently, table-cloths have been restricted to an ornament 
 arising merely from the gloss obtained by various distributions of 
 the warp and woof in weaving. The specimens of British and 
 Saxony table-damask are almost satin-like in texture. From 
 Dresden has lately come a table-cloth quite new in conception, 
 representing a dance of cupids amid garlands of flowers, encircling 
 the centre-piece; but the profluent tide of color and sesthetic taste, 
 have invaded even this stainless snow, although in reality it is only 
 the old arts reviving. 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 467 
 
 The Germans are credited with being the first in imitating tahle- 
 ■cloths after the old Renaissance linen, bearing the design of the 
 Royal Meissen China — the "Zwiebelmuster" or "onion pattern "in 
 colored borders.. Since then, scarlet and blue re-appear in mono- 
 gram and crest, and in other traceries wrought by hand upon the 
 damask. 
 
 The fancy for color is shown in the decorated table-linen now 
 often used for large dinner tables, as well as the smaller tables 
 for teas and luncheons. Large cloths are made of white momie- 
 cloth, with borders of drawn-work in open lace-lik(k patterns that 
 show a rich color — most often cardinal red, or crimson — beneath it, 
 and there are gay decorative clusters of inner borders wrought in 
 South Kensington embroidery. Sometimes these devices represent 
 fruit and flowers, while others are quaint little bits of landscape 
 -done in etching. The edges of the cloth are heavily fringed. The 
 napkins and doyleys are etched in the same colors as the cloth, and 
 in very small patterns. A wide stripe of crimson plush may be 
 laid down the middle of dining-cloths, and borders of plush are set 
 beneath the open figures of the drawn-work. Small cloths for five 
 o'clock teas, and luncheon cloths, have the etching done in a single 
 color, and each small table should have a different etching, which 
 gives the whole a pleasing effect. 
 
 The handsomest damask linen cloths for party dinners, or com- 
 pany dinners, despite innovation, retain their pure whiteness, while 
 colors are introduced in the smaller cloths for breakfast, supper 
 and lunch tables. 
 
 We use Macrame lace and other table-linen decoration, under the 
 fond impression that it is " something new," but the drapery of the 
 table, in Paul Veronese's picture of "Jesus in Simon's House," hps 
 this identical Macrame trimming, and in one or two other old 
 paintings, the table-cloth is bordered with cut-work that all are 
 learning to make to-day. 
 
 Some carry tbe art to such an extent that the sideboard cover, 
 side-table cover, table-cloth, and naj^kins, are decorated to match, 
 
468 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 witli a handful of scarlet poppies dropped almost anywhere, while 
 liere and there may be seen a vagrant yellow sunflower, with inter- 
 woven texts wrouglit in either German or Old English characters. 
 
 Variety thus laid upon the foundation stones of the dinner-table, 
 appears throughout. The changes of plates are kaleidoscopic. 
 You take your soup in Sevres, your entrees in England, or Dresden* 
 and so on, till you come to fruit in China or Japan. It is quite 
 en regie, in these aesthetic times, to turn your plate over, with the 
 sapient air of a connoisseur, and study the marks thereon inscribed. 
 But it is well to a^void the catastrophe which befel an absent- 
 minded man, who, forgetful that he had been helped, reversed his 
 plate, and bestowed one of Dalmonico's bouchees d la reine upon 
 his neighbor's satin petticoat. 
 
 The Uvse of heavy silver pieces has been veiy generally super- 
 seded by exquisite little bits of porcelain or glass, bearing tribute 
 of fruit and flowers. This is in reality an economy, as well as a 
 pretty fashion, for a lady may select from her cabinet or shelf a 
 Venice glass, an iridescent vase or two, and group her own flowers, 
 without resorting to the costly structures sent in by her florist. 
 
 A new fancy is to use but one kind of flowers upon the table, as 
 for instance. Jacqueminot, Marshal Neil or Gloire de Paris roses, 
 these being among the most expensive; but this fancy, happily is 
 only confined to a few wealthy aesthetes. For bouquets offered at 
 each plate, there are charming horn-shaped holders in Italian straw, 
 flat basket to hang with ribbons to the waist, and horseshoes made 
 of German violets, and used in similar fashion. 
 
 One phase of the dessert at a recent dinner may prove sug. 
 gestive; especially as the general effect resulted more from an 
 harmonious assembling of colors than from a lavish display of 
 wealth. The centre-piece was a glowing pyramid of scarlet poin- 
 settia leaves, and white camellias, cut with long stems and their 
 glossy, dark-green foliage. The shell-shaped dessert dishes, finger- 
 bowls, and ice-cream plates were all of ruby Bohemian glass. The 
 doyleys were etched in red silk in tiny Japanese designs. The 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 469 
 
 -candelabra used were of clear crystal, the bobeches of ruby glass, and 
 the red wax candles had each one a little jaunty cap, or shade, of 
 scarlet silk. 
 
 It ought to be quite a consideration to our country (cousins) 
 friends who have been so long sighing for the luxury of gas, that 
 candles again plaj' a prominent part in decoration. Sideboard, 
 mantle-shelf and wall sconces glow with a subdued luster. 
 
 Then the French moderator or the student's lamp, burning soft 
 under a shade of antique lace, lined with crimson silk, makes so 
 becoming a chiaro-oscuro, that if is doubtful whether they will be 
 allowed to go out of vogue again. 
 
 Among dinner-table adornments, there can be nothing more 
 beautiful and seductive to the housekeeper, than the modei'n glass, 
 now. imported in quantities, and at prices within the reach of mod- 
 erate purses. What variety of form and tint in the modern Venice 
 glass. Amber, topaz, opal, sea blue, ruby, and bottle-green, make 
 a beautiful radiance on a snowy cloth. 
 
 In the Bombay striped glass, introduced into England by the 
 Prince of Wales, after his visit to India, and since largely repro- 
 duced, there are beautiful specimens of fruit dishes, flower vases, 
 and ice-cream plates, 
 
 Bohemian and English enamelled glass appear in such beautiful 
 guise, that it seems iftipossible for them to be excelled. From all 
 these, and much more, to select from, the dame chatelaine need not 
 be at a loss to adorn her dinner table. 
 
 Company Dinner, 
 The table should be covered with a fine damask table-cloth 
 laid with the inside fold down the center of the table, whether 
 the damask has been ironed or not, on the right side; it is 
 indispensable to observe that the creases are on the top. Some 
 prominent design in the damask generally indicates the center of 
 the cloth, which must be laid in the center of the table, over which 
 the eperfjne or center-piece is placed, and from which all the other 
 dishes are regulated in regard io their respective positions. The 
 
470 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 plates should be well dusted before they are laid, the silver polished 
 to the utmost brightness, and the salt-cellars filled with clean sifted 
 Bait. Two forks should be placed on the left han(f, and a knife 
 and spoon on the right. Large spoons should be crossed at each 
 corner of the table, and in the center of each side; tumblers and 
 wine-glasses on the right hand, from three to five in number, 
 according to the different wines used; the napkin folded square,, 
 with one-half turned back, and laid on the right hand or directly in 
 front of the plate. The soup-ladle, gravy-spoon, and carving-knife 
 and fork go before the hostess; the fish-trowel, gravy-spoon, carv- 
 ing-knife and fork also before the host — and each should be an 
 expert in the art of carving and helping gracefully and easily. 
 
 The side-table should be laid with white cloth; the silver, plates, 
 finger-bowls, glasses, needed during dinner, should be arranged 
 neatly and tastefully on it. The wine-coolers can be placed beneath 
 this table or at its side. A stack of fresh napkins, ice broken and 
 ready to serve, and bottles of sauce ready to serve, should all be 
 there in readiness for immediate use. 
 
 When the soup is on the table, the butler or waiter will announce 
 that "dinner is served" and the hostess will then lead the way to 
 the dining-room with the most distinguished male guest, while the 
 host takes the lady of the greatest social position, and the other 
 guests pair off according to preference, or a hint from the hostess. 
 
 When the soup-course is over, the waiters remove the plates 
 quietly, and the fish is instantly served upon a hot plate, which is 
 placed before each guest. There are no vegetables served with 
 fish, but a salad is allowable. If the fish be boiled, a plate of 
 sliced lemon should be handed about to be squeezed upon the fish 
 unless fish-sauce, soy, or other condiment is preferred. With 
 salmon, thinly cut slices of cucumber, dressed with pepper, salt, 
 and vinegar, should be served. If the fish is served fi-om the 
 dining-table, before it is removed, the fish-trowel and spoon should 
 be taken away on a small tray. When a guest wishes to have his 
 plate removed, he is supposed to rest his fork on the plate. A well- 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 471 
 
 trained servant observes no other rule in making the change; sadljr 
 to the chagrin of the inexperienced diner who unwittingly drops 
 his fork. 
 
 In breaking bread it is not considered well-mannered to break 
 bread with both hands, as there is no occasion to relinquish the 
 fork until a change of plate is desired; but between the courses the 
 bread may be divided with the hands without breach of etiquette. 
 
 Sherry is the wine usually drunk with soup and tish. There is 
 little ceremony in drinking wine at the table now; it is not even 
 necessary to bow to your neighbor, on raising the glass to your 
 lips; still, it is a graceful deference to an old custom. 
 
 Gentlemen do not drink their wine until the lady accompanying 
 them is helped. A slight inclination to your escort, or your host or 
 hostess, is always in good taste. 
 
 After the fish, game may be served, to be followed by meats, 
 after which the plates and silver are removed, and crumbs deftly 
 brushed into a cnimb tray, and the dessert is placed on the table^ 
 a large epergne of mixed fruit and flowers in the center, with fruit- 
 knives, finger-bowls, colored doyleys and fruit plates. If coffee is 
 required, it may be handed from the sideboard; but the more 
 gracious and hospitable way is for the hostess to send it from a 
 tray placed before her, while a waiter hands the cream and sugar 
 to each guest. 
 
 The polished mahogany of olden times has been superseded by 
 the more comfortable dessert spread, or by retaining the white 
 dinner cloth to the end of the feast. A tiny knot of flowers at 
 each plate or in the finger-bowl is always observed at company 
 dinners. 
 
 A dinner roll may be folded in each napkin, with either a Jacque 
 or Bon Silene rose placed in the upper fold, or the bread may be 
 handed to the guests on Wedgewood bread-plates. 
 
 The following bill of fare may prove suggestive, and may be 
 varied according to individual preference. It is a simple dinner, 
 yet contains enough viands to satisfy the most fastidious appetite.. 
 
472 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 Menu for Company Dinner. 
 
 Oysters on tlio half shell. 
 Soup a la Reine. 
 Sherry. Sahnon with greea pease or cucumbers, sliced. 
 
 Filet de Bojuf and Mushrooms. 
 White wine. Fried Potatoes. 
 
 Champagne. Salad of Lettuce or Tomatoes. 
 
 Cold Chicken. 
 Madeira. Olives. 
 
 Ices and Jellies, Cheese. 
 Sherry. Fruits. 
 
 Coffee. 
 Cordials. 
 
 Party Dinner. 
 
 The table should be laid with a fine white damask cloth, with 
 napkin of the same design and texture. 
 
 The epergne should be placed in the center of the table, filled 
 with choice fruits and flowers with drooping ferns and trailing 
 smilax. The mirror-pond placed under the epergne, is very effective. 
 
 The mirror-pond may be bordered with a wreath of smilax or 
 vinca. 
 
 Small glass or moss-ware flower-stands, filled with fine cut 
 flowers and trailing vines, should be interspersed throughout the 
 table, and these should always be set on small mirror-ponds. 
 
 Cut-glass dishes of different shapes and tints, filled with bon-bons, 
 little cakes, crystallized fruits, or anything that taste may suggest 
 and custom sanction; must be set at effective distances from the 
 flower glasses. Colors to contrast should be studied; but to pro- 
 duce a graceful effect, the dishes should blend in color, and consist 
 of various sizes and shapes. 
 
 The plates laid for the guests should not be too crowded. A 
 fork is laid at the left of the plate, the right side uppermost. The 
 knife is laid at the to]) of the plate, Avith the handle to the right 
 and edge towards the plate. The spoon is laid at the right. A 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 473 
 
 small cut-glass water-bottle with its tumbler is set at the right 
 hand side of the plate, also five or more wine-glasses according to 
 the number of wines used. The finger-bowl with a rosebud or 
 some single flower placed in it should be set on the right, only a 
 little further back on the table. The dinner napkin is folded in a 
 smooth square, with two edges turned back; this forms two com- 
 partments, one is for the square of bread, the other is for the small 
 bouquet of flowers. 
 
 It is customary now to place the napkin on the table along with 
 the dinner card. 
 
 If candles are used for the table, the candle-sticks, or candelabra 
 may be ornamented with smilax or ground ivy. 
 
 When a dinner is served d la Russe the table is laid as described. 
 No eatables are placed upon the table save bon-bons, which are 
 used with fruit and flowers to decorate the dinner-table. All else 
 is handed round, having been previously carved at the sideboard or 
 in tlie butler's pantry. 
 
 The dinner <1 In Russe, Russian style of dinner-giving, is a most 
 enjoyable meal when well served, for the reason that the host and 
 hostess are left at full liberty to entertain their guests by joining 
 freely in the conversation; but no method of serving a dinner is 
 more dependent on the efficiency of servants — ordinary domestics 
 are not equal to the task. 
 
 The order of guests going in to dinner is the same in general 
 society — viz., the lady of the house or her representative takes the 
 head of tiie table, and the master of the house the same. The 
 most distinguished lady of the company is conducted to the table 
 by the master, and is placed at his right hand, having on his left 
 the lady next in distinction. The same rule is observed with regard 
 to the lady of the house, the two gentlemen it is designed to honor 
 most, are placed on her left and right hand. 
 
 During the interval that elapses between the assembling of the 
 company and going to table, the hostess quietly designates to the 
 gentlemen guests the ladies whom she wishes them to conduct 
 
474 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 to the dining-room. If it should happen that the guests are 
 strangers to each other, an introduction from the hostess is neces- 
 sary. When dinner is announced, the host should rise and offer 
 his arm to the lady he is to lead to the dining-room, and the rest of 
 the company follow his example. The last to leave the drawing- 
 room are the hostess and the gentleman who escorts her. The 
 reason is obvious: It is the duty of the lady of the house to see all 
 her guests on their way to the dining-room before she leaves the 
 drawing-room herself. It greatly facilitates the ease of seating 
 company, when the names of guests are placed in their plates, as it 
 is by no means an easy task for a hostess to remember the exact 
 place assigned to each guest without some aid of this kind. 
 
 The butler calls the names and seats the guests. Serving a din- 
 ner occupies two hours or more. Strong black coffee, without 
 sugar or milk, is served after dessert, and half an hour later, tea is 
 served in the drawing-room. 
 
 A dinner consists of courses, removes, entrees, and dessert; but 
 removes now are separate courses. We append a bill of fare of 
 the different courses in the order in which they should be served. 
 It may prove suggestive, and can be varied according to preference 
 and the season of the year. 
 
 Courses. 
 
 Oysters on the half shell. 
 Mock Turtle Soup. 
 Sherry. Fish, Olives, Sliced Cucumbers. 
 
 Mushrooms on Toatt. 
 
 Entrees. 
 
 Champagne. Filet dc Bceuf. 
 
 Potatoes a la Reine, Green Pease. 
 Boiled Turkey, Oyster Sauce. 
 Potatoes a la Duchess, Celery Salad. 
 Red wines. Haunch Venison. 
 
 Claret. Currant Jelly, Lettuce Salad. 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 475 
 
 Quail on Toast. 
 
 Potato Croquettes, Dressed Salad. 
 
 Chicken Salad. 
 
 PSte of Sweetbreads, Cheese Crackers. 
 
 Bisque. 
 Brown Pudding with Brandy Sauce. 
 
 Dessert. 
 
 Sherry. Pastry. 
 
 Ices, Wine, Jellies, Fruits. 
 
 Nuts, Raisins, Bon-Bons. 
 
 Cake, Confectionery. 
 
 Black Coffee. 
 
 Cordials. 
 
 A Word to the Guest. 
 
 When using the knife and fork, never embrace the air with your 
 elbows, to the annoyance of your neighbors. 
 
 Never make a clattering noise with either knife or foi'k. The fork 
 is held in the right hand, and is used like a spoon, but the end only 
 is proper to convey food. People in good society do not devour 
 their food, nor fill their mouth to such an extent that speaking is 
 impossible. It is ill-mannered to load the fork with different kinds 
 of vegetables at the same time. Pease should be taken separately, 
 then potatoes, and so on. Never play with your food or dissect it 
 with knife or fork, as if you expected to find something. Pie and 
 cheese are eaten with a fork ; the cheese is broken with a fork and 
 can then be taken lightly in the fingers. Fish is eaten with the fork 
 only; the old fashion of holding a bit of bread in the left hand to 
 asssist the fork is now obsolete. 
 
 To point your fork at any dish or object is very ill-bred, as it is 
 to twirl it in conversation; to touch a piece of bread with it is also 
 a direct breach of table etiquette. To rap on your goblet or wine 
 glass with it is equally improper. 
 
476 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 Jelly, asparagus, game dressing, melted butter, and sauces are 
 conveyed to the mouth on the fork, jelly and sauces with the 
 meats. 
 
 Never scrape your plate with either knife or fork. Elegant 
 eaters are noiseless in the use of table cutlery. 
 
 Finger-!)owls are served at all well-appointed dinner tables, and 
 are used merely to dip the extreme tips of the fingers in before 
 drying them on a napkin. It is quite customary, when finger-bowls 
 are not on the table, to use the goblet, but the practice i§ not in 
 accordance with etiquette. Colored or decorated bowls are most in 
 favor now. A slice of lemon or a few drops of perfume added to 
 the water makes it refreshing to the lips and palms of thj hands; 
 doyleys are used to wipe the finger-tips on. 
 
 It is almost impossible to commit any dangerous rudeness with 
 the spoon, as with the fork and knife; but there are little observ- 
 ances in handling it which belong to grades of society, and which 
 distinguish the person using it, as either well versed or deficient 
 in the rules of table etiquette. 
 
 It is both convenient and customary to take soup from the side 
 of the spoon. Tea is sipped in the same way. The point of the 
 spoon should never be turned to the mouth. Never drink tea or 
 coffee from a cup with a spoon in it; lay the spoon in the saucer, if 
 there is one, if not, the liquid must be sipped with the spoon; it 
 should never be taken from the tea to use in ices or sweetmeats. 
 If a second spoon is not served, ask the waiter for one in a quiet 
 way. At dinners a spoon is sometimes placed with the fork to 
 assist in using sauces, or liquid entrees; but it should not be used 
 for anything where the service of a fork will answer. 
 
 The napkin should be laid in the lap, never tucked under the 
 chin, or spread across the breast. A gentleman should lay it across 
 the right knee; when he has finished, he lays it without folding 
 beside his plate. As soon as a guest is seated at table, he removes 
 his gloves, and unfolds the table napkin partially without any 
 awkward flourishes, and spreads it on his knee. This is done while 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 477 
 
 conversing with his partner, or his vis-d-vis in a matter-of-fact 
 manner. Nothing else is touched until the soup is served. Never 
 use the table napkin to wipe off the face. 
 
 In handling a wine glass it should be taken by the stem, with 
 two or three fingers delicately poised, and sipped quietly. No well- 
 bred person drinks wine at the dinner table; it is only sipped, and 
 the glass should never be emptied. 
 
 When a gentleman asks a lady to take wine, he expects her to 
 name the kind she prefers, of which he also will partake. It is not 
 proper to say, port wine, sherry wine, or Madeira wine. It is 
 simply spoken of as port, sherry, or Madeira. 
 
 It is now a disputed question whether waiters should be thanked 
 by guests when served or not, but this has always been observed in 
 the best society, either verbally, or by a slight inclination of the 
 Lead. 
 
 Home Dinner. 
 
 The neatness and taste with which a dinner table is arranged 
 adds greatly to the comfort of a dinner. Excessive display at a 
 private dinner table is not in good taste, and renders the meal 
 uncomfortable. Great edifices of plated ware, huge bouquets and 
 flower-stands, have given place to beautiful china, and dainty 
 bouquets, and fragile cut-glasses, and low banks of mosses and 
 ferns. 
 
 All the napkins used should be folded square and of pure white, 
 monograms and colored markings being considered vulgar. 
 
 If any garnishing is done, parsley, celery, fine lettuce, water- 
 cress, and slices of lemon may be used. The use of the large castor 
 is becoming almost obsolete. The castor is seldom used now, but 
 simply a vinegar and oil cruet. 
 
 The table may be laid as previously described. The plates may 
 be placed in a pile in front of the carver or one at each seat. The 
 latter is more generally observed. When the glasses are filled and 
 the bread handed around and only the family are present, the 
 
478 THE DIXIXG ROOM. 
 
 services of waiters are dispensed with until the course is to be 
 removed and the dessert is placed on the table. 
 
 A dinner service consists of a covered soup-tureen and ladle, soup 
 plates, dining plates, fish and meat platters, deep vegetable dishes 
 with covers, covered casseroles, gravy-tureen, salad bowl, sauce- 
 boat, cheese tray, different kinds of dessert dishes, etc. 
 
 White dishes are out of style for private tables. Dresden, French 
 china, Japanese, are the wares now in vogue; these are exceedingly 
 handsome, and can be purchased at very reasonable prices, also the 
 Matt blue, Doric blue, coral, and flowing blue porcelains, are used 
 very much, chiefly for breakfast sets. 
 
 Some kind of salad should be placed on the table with the roast, 
 and cheese accompanies the dessert. No table is considered en r^gle 
 if wanting the orthodox epergne. On either side toward the ends 
 of the table, put well-filled celery glasses, and disperse about the 
 table small dishes of chow-chow, jellies, pickles, crackers, and any- 
 thing in keeping that fancy may suggest. 
 
 At a private dinner table a number of side dishes are dispensed 
 with, as this disturbs the harmony of the table. Although it is the 
 common practice to hand dishes around and let each guest help 
 himself to what he pleases, yet there are some housewives who like 
 to have everything on a side-table, and dispense the side dishes 
 themselves; but it looks more hospitable and less formal to see the 
 host and hostess at the table enjoying themselves with the guests. 
 An ideal hostess is one who presides without any of the unpleasant 
 flurry and nervousness peculiar to some women. She must be 
 unconscious of all except her guests and their individual comforts; 
 " Mistress of herself, though china fall." 
 
 Bread for the dinner table should be cut in thick squares, if rolls 
 are not used, and placed in the fold of the napkin, or it is quite 
 customary to place it on the table in a bread tray. Soup is tbe 
 flrst course. All should accept it, even if they let it remain 
 untouched, so that the servant will not serve one before the rest. 
 Fish follows soup, which may be declined if one chooses, and after 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 479 
 
 this come the meats and side dishes. These rules are safe to 
 follow, being the rules generally observed both in Europe and 
 America. 
 
 The head of the table is generally the position farthest from the 
 door, and the foot is opposite. The mistress of the house sits at 
 the head of the table and the master at the foot, with the sideboard 
 at his back. 
 
 If two kinds of soups are given, the clear or white soup is placed 
 opposite the hostess. Boiled meats and puddings are likewise 
 placed opposite her, and the roasts, joints, and pastry are served by 
 the host. 
 
 Wliatever sauces, vegetables, or accompanying relishes, may be 
 desired, with certain meats, should be placed on the table, previous 
 to the principal dish itself, at small dinners — thus if mock turtle 
 soup hs in question, cut lemons should be placed previously on the 
 table; if roast beef, horse-radish dressed; if lamb, mint sauce; if 
 l)oiled turkey, oyster sauce; if roast turkey, cranberry sauce, etc., 
 with appropriate gravies. In removing dishes from the table the 
 accessories or small dishes are taken away first and the principal 
 dish last. 
 
 It is no longer considered necessary, even at the plainest dinners, 
 to have more than one dish on the table at a time — unless the party 
 is large. 
 
 According to the present custom, fish is not placed on the table 
 till the soup is removed; and the joints are not kept waiting under 
 cover as formerly, till the made dishes are handed round. In these 
 later days, each dish with its accompanying vegetables and gravies 
 constitutes a course. The plan is very sensible, and tends greatly 
 to the successful production and enhanced enjoyment of every kind 
 of dish. Custom now only sanctions two kinds of vegetables with 
 each dish. 
 
 A word to the uninitiated: From an eminent writer on dinner- 
 giving: " Give dinners within your means. Do not make experi- 
 ments. Either use the dishes in which you excel, or engage a good 
 
480 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 cook to give you a variety. Never apologize for a dish; if it is not 
 good keep it off the table. Always invite people of congenial 
 tastes and friendly feelings. Do not give large parties if you want 
 your guests to enjoy themselves. In tlie arrangement of the table 
 a spotless cloth, clear glasses, and shining cutlery, feasts the sight 
 before the substantial meal begins." 
 
 Coffees ajstd Luncheons. 
 
 Coffees, or afternoon receptions, as they are now called, are very 
 fashionable of late, and are very charming in forming social enter- 
 tainments, and have been in great demand during the past season 
 amono- ladies. The custom {Coffee Kkitch) has been hitherto con- 
 fined to the Jewish and German ladies, who entertain afternoon 
 callers with coffee, cake (Kitchen), and ices. Of late, the custom 
 has been adopted by the American ladies, and sometimes is carried 
 on on a very grand scale. 
 
 The term kettledrum, or afternoon reception, is used for the 
 formal invitation, which is written or engraved on a large square 
 card, embellished in one corner with some appropriate design, such 
 as a coffee urn, cup and saucer, or a wonderful fat-looking teapot 
 hospitably steaming. The form of wording is generally thus: 
 
 -e4 
 
 Thursday, February 14. 
 jfi Cruickshanh Lane. Coff^ «< ■? o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, Dec. 3. 
 S8 Spedina Ave. Tea at fy o'clock. 
 
 Gentlemen are sometimes included in the invitations. Artists, 
 authors, musicians, and literary savants; but they should not be 
 invited in any professional sense for the purpose of entertaining 
 the guests. It is not in good taste to urge people to sing, play, or 
 read at such gatherings, when it is their business to do these things 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 481 
 
 in public. They are supposed to attend for recreation and pleasure. 
 It is not well mannered for one guest to invite or urge another 
 guest to play, sing, or read. All such requests should come from 
 the ho itess. 
 
 At a kettledrum, the time is passed in greeting friends, discon- 
 nected fragments of conversation, listening to music, or recitations, 
 and, the best of all, in partaking of good cheer from the groaning 
 refreshment table. 
 
 The table should be laid out in good taste, with graceful flowers, 
 elegant china, and good eatables. 
 
 At one kettledrum,, they drink coffee or chocolate, at another 
 tea, and sometimes beef tea is also served, but this is optional with 
 the hostess. The menu generally consists of salads, bisque, sweet- 
 breads, oyster pates (these are served on paper shells), pickles, 
 tongue, biscuits, cakes, with a full accompaniment of fruits, bon- 
 bons, and ices. 
 
 At these receptions no two pieces of china should be alike, and 
 when every piece is of different style and pattern, the china is con- 
 sidei'ed a perfect success. Whole sets of china can be purchased 
 (in these aesthetic days) all in odd pieces. 
 
 Guests, if seated, eat at small tables, which are served from the 
 large one ; but when the^hostess wishes to be more formal, tlie 
 guests eat from the large table, while standing. The bonnets are 
 not discarded and only one hand is ungloved. The experienced 
 guest hardly ever remains more than an hour, when she makes her 
 adieux to the members of the family, and drops in, after a day or 
 two, to make a ceremonious call of a few minutes. The dress worn 
 at an afternoon reception should consist of a calling costume. 
 
 Evening receptions are conducted on the same principle, with the 
 exception of the dress being more conventional, the carriage dress 
 being usually worn. 
 
 Gentlemen wear dress-coats, light trousers, and light kids. Good 
 music is generally furnished, and occasionally impromptu dancing 
 is engaged in. The guests go into the dining-room in couples or 
 
 31 
 
482 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 groups, while the reception lasts, which is usually from eight to 
 eleven. 
 
 The form of the card has the name of the hostess and the lady 
 who receives with her, or any lady guest stopping at her house, and 
 the guest who cannot attend will send regrets, if the card bear^ the 
 letters " R. S. V. P." {liepondez s'il vous plait) in the corner; but 
 if they are omitted, the invited guest will simply enclose a card in 
 an envelope and send it. 
 
 Luncheons. 
 
 Invitations to luncheons are less formal than those to a dinner, 
 but should be answered as readily, so that the hostess may be 
 assured of her number of guests. Ladies go in elegant street dress, 
 with the addition of gay bonnets and fresh gloves. Knots of 
 natural flowers^ such as Jacque, and Bon Selene roses, Boston buds. 
 The eesthetic Sunflower and Tiger lily are worn in accordance with 
 the present custom of floral decorations. 
 
 At an important luncheon, the bonnet; but not the gloves are 
 retained. Vv here the guests are all well acquainted, a pleasant and 
 enjoyable affair is passed. 
 
 One waiter, if experienced, should be enough for a small lunch 
 party, as the hostess and young ladies of the house always assist 
 in serving guests on such occasions. 
 
 The table should be elegantly laid out and dressed appropriately 
 with seasonable flowers, roses, if it is in June; autumn leaves and 
 flowers in the fall; and exotics in mid-winter; small flat crosses of 
 croquelle glass, half moons, stars, and lucky horse-shoes, may be 
 placed on the table corners, filled with cut flowers. In the center 
 an elaborate pihce de resistance of either fruit or flowers, or both 
 mingled artistically. The bill of fare for an elegant luncheon is 
 varied with the season; but the following may prove very sug- 
 gestive: . 
 
 Raw Oysters on half shell. 
 
 Brouillon in cups. . 
 
 SherrJ^ 
 
 Chicken in scallop shells. 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 483 
 
 Celery Salad, Champagne. 
 
 Fried Oysters garnished with Chow-Chow. 
 
 Potato Croquettes. 
 
 French Pease. 
 
 Sweetbreads with Tomato Sauce. 
 
 Cream Cheese and Toasted Biscuit. 
 
 Bisque in shells. 
 
 Chocolate with Whipped Cream. 
 
 Wine Jellies, Harlequin. 
 
 Fruit. 
 
 Confectionery. 
 
 Fancy Cakes. 
 
 Luncheon, when handed around to the guests, is much simpler, 
 -consisting of cups of coffee or chocolate, with sliced cold meats, 
 olives, cake and fruit, ices and bon-bons. 
 
 Menu fob Company Dinners. 
 
 JANUARY. 
 
 Oysters on the half shell. 
 
 Julienne Soup. 
 
 Halibut 3, la Royale. Roast Turkey, Cranberry Sauce. 
 
 Potatoes 3. la Duchess. Celery. 
 
 Jugged Rabbit. Roast Beef. 
 
 French Beans Sautes. Salad. 
 
 Crackers and Cheese. 
 
 Mince Pie. Bisque Cream. Fruit. Coffee. 
 
 FEBRUARY. 
 
 Oysters on the half shell. 
 
 Turtle Soup. 
 
 Boiled Cod, Sauce Hollandaise. Stewed Pigeons 
 
 Potatoes in Jackets. Green Pease. 
 
 Roast Duck. Filet de Boeuf. Celery Stewed. 
 
 Salad. 
 
 Cheese and Wafers. Cabinet Pudding. 
 
 Harlequin. Cream. Fruit. Coffee. ♦ 
 
4S4 
 
 THE DIXING ROOM. 
 
 MARCH. 
 Clear Soup. 
 Ovster Pie. Smothered Chicken. 
 
 Celery. 
 Ycnison Steaks. 
 Lettuce Salad. 
 
 Crackers and Cheese. 
 Turret Cream. Fruit. 
 
 Green Pease. 
 
 Beef a la Mode. 
 Baked Tomatoes. 
 Sliced Apple Pie. 
 
 Black Coffee. 
 
 APRIL. 
 
 Oysters on the half shell. 
 
 Mock Turtle Soup. 
 
 Baked Shad. Pute of Sweetbreads. 
 
 Spinach and Eggs. Sweet Potatoes. 
 
 Snipe on Toa^t. Celery. 
 
 Boiled Leg of Mutton. Caper Sauce. Salad. 
 
 Scalloped Cauliflower. 
 
 Pudding. Lemon Ice. Fruit. Coffee. 
 
 MAY. 
 
 Noodle Soup. 
 
 BoUed Bass, with Mushrooms. Roast Sweetbreads. 
 
 Boiled Sweet Potatoes. Green Pease. 
 
 Broiled Squabs Roast Lamb, Mint Sauce. 
 
 Asparagus on Toast. Tomato Salad. 
 
 Strawberry Short-cake and Cream. 
 
 Chocolate Blanc Mange. Fruit and Ices. Cafe Moie. 
 
 JUXE. 
 Green Pea Soup. 
 
 BoUed Salmon. 
 
 Potatoes a la Reine. 
 Broiled Chickens. 
 
 Mushrooms on Toast. 
 
 Lamb Chops. 
 Stuffed Tomatoes. 
 Beef Tongue. 
 Green Pea>e. 
 
 Snow Custard. Ices. Fruit and Dessert. Strawberries. Coffee. 
 
THE DDvDsG ROOiL 
 
 485 
 
 JTLY. 
 Soup. 
 
 Broiled Mackerel, . 
 
 Raw Cucumbers. 
 Salmi of Ducks. 
 Boiled Corn. 
 
 Raspberry Pie. 
 
 Fried Chicken. 
 Salad. 
 Roast Beef. 
 Zjs'ew Potatoes. 
 Bisque. 
 
 Crackers and Cheese. 
 
 Fruit 
 
 Coffee. 
 
 
 AUGUST. 
 
 
 
 Clear Soup. 
 
 
 FiUets of Halibut. 
 
 
 Potatoes a la Reine. 
 
 Chicken Pate. 
 
 
 Devileil Tomatoes. 
 
 Broiled "Woodcock. 
 
 
 Boiled Tongue. 
 
 Green Pea.se. 
 
 Stuffed Egg Plant. 
 
 Peach Pie. Melons. 
 
 Crackers and Cheese. Ices. Coffee. 
 
 SEPTEMBEPw. 
 
 Raw Oysters. 
 
 Baked Fish. Carserole of Rice, with Chicken and Tongue. 
 
 Pototoes au :Maitre d'HotcL Deviled Crabs. 
 
 Mock Quails. Roast Lamb. 
 
 Spinach a la Creme. Salad. Cream Squash. 
 
 Pudding. Peach Ice-Cream. Coffee. Fruit. 
 
 OCTOBER, 
 
 Raw Oysters. 
 
 Mock Tiu-tle Soup. 
 
 Oyster Pate. Fricassee of Calf's Tongue. 
 
 g^la(l ' Potatoes a la Duchess. 
 
 Chickens and Mushrooms. 
 
 Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding. 
 Creamed Cauliflower. Sweet Potatoes, 
 
 Amber Pudding. Sponge Cake. 
 
 Fruit. Bon-Bons. Ices. Caf e Xoir. 
 
486 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 NOVEMBER. 
 
 Chicken and Cream Soup. 
 
 Panned Oysters. Roast Turkey, Cranberry Sauce^ 
 
 Celery Salad Potatoes d la Reine. 
 
 Fricassee of Grouse. Roast Saddle of Mutton. 
 
 Potatoes a la Duchess. Salsify Saute. 
 
 Sliced Bread pnd Butter. Apple Meringue Pie. 
 
 Tartlets. Wine Jellies. Bon-Bons, Ices. Coffee^ 
 
 DECEMBER. 
 
 Oysters on the half shell. 
 
 Mock Turtle Soup. 
 
 Lobster Croquettes. Stewed Pigeons. 
 
 Potatoes a la Reine. Lima Beans. 
 
 Boiled Turkey with Oyster Sauce. 
 
 Roast Haunch of Venison. Potatoes a la Duchess. 
 
 Currant Jelly. Lettuce Salad. Green Pease. 
 
 Boiled Beef Tongue. Sauce Piquant. 
 
 Sweet Potatoes. Oyster Salad. 
 
 Roast Duck. 
 
 Chicken Salad. Potato Chips. 
 
 Quail on Toast. Crackers and Cheese. 
 
 Mince Pie. Wine Jellies. Bisque Cream. 
 
 Fruits and Ices, Bon-Bons. Coffee. 
 
 Garnishing. Christmas Holly. 
 
 Allowance of Supplies for an Entertainment. 
 
 In inviting guests, it is safe to calculate that out of one hundred 
 and fifty, but two-thirds of the number will be present. If five 
 hundred are invited, not more than three hundred can be counted 
 upon as accepting. 
 
 Allow one quart of oysters to every three persons present. Five 
 chickens (or, what is better, a ten-pound turkey, boiled and minced), 
 and fifteen heads of celery, are enough for chicken salad for fifty 
 guests ; one gallon of ice-cream to every twenty guests ; one 
 hundred and thirty sandwiches for one hundred guests; and six to 
 
THE DINING ROOM. 487 
 
 ten quarts of wine jelly for each hundred. For a company of 
 twenty, allow three chickens for salad; one hundred pickled 
 oysters; two moulds of Charlotte Russe; one gallon of cream; and 
 four dozen biscuits. 
 
 Cold Lunches foe Washing Days, or Other Days of Extra 
 
 Labor. 
 LuNcn, No. 1. — Cold corned beef, nicely sliced, baked potatoes, bread, but- 
 ter, aud pickles. Dessert — mince pie and cheese. 
 
 Lunch. No. 2. — Chicken pie, baked potatoes, rolled bread or biscuit. 
 Dessert — cuke and custard. 
 
 Lunch, No. 3. — First course: Raw oysters, with lemon and crackers. 
 Second course: Cold veal, witli jelly and Saratoga potatoes; bread and butter. 
 Dessert — cherry pie wiih cheese. 
 
 Lunch, No. 4. — Casserole of fish, with mushroom catsup, bread and butter. 
 Dessert — Pie aud cheese. 
 
 Economical Dinners. 
 
 Sunday. — Roast Beef, potatoes, and greens. Dessert — pudding, or pie, 
 cheese. 
 Monday. — Hashed beef, potatoes, and bread pudding. 
 TuESD.\Y. — Broiled beef, vegetables, apple pudding, 
 
 Wednesday. — Boiled pork, beans, potatoes, greens, and pie or rice pudding. 
 Thursday. — Roast or broiled fowl, cabbage, potatoes, lemon pie, cheese. 
 yRiD\Y. — Fish, potato croquettes, escalloped tomatoes, pudding. 
 
 Saturd.\y. — A la mode beef, potatoes, yegetables, suet pudding and mince 
 pie, cheese. 
 
CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 ^A4W/ ITAT happens, when we put half a dozen goldfish in a globe? 
 A')T/'o, The fishes gulp in water and expel it at the gills.- As it 
 ^^- passes through the gills, whatever free oxygen the water 
 contains is absorbed, and carbonic acid given oflF in its place; 
 and in course of time, the free oxygen of the Avater is exhausted, 
 the water becomes stale, and at last poisonous, from excess of car- 
 bonic acid. If the water is not changed, the fishes come to the 
 surface and gulp atmospheric air. But though they naturally 
 breathe air (oxygen) as we do, yet they are formed to extract it 
 from the water; and when compelled to take air from the surface 
 the gills, or lungs, soon get inflamed, and death at last j^uts an end 
 to their sufferings. Now, if a fish globe be not over-crowded Avith 
 fislies, we have only to throw in a goodly handful of some water 
 weed, such as the Brook Starwort, for instance, and a new set of 
 chemical operations commences at once, and it becomes ininecessary 
 to change the water. The reason of this is easily explained. Plants 
 a,bsorb oxygen as animals do; but they also absorb carbonic acud, 
 and from the carbonic acid thus absoi'bed they remove the pure 
 carbon, and convert it into vegetable tissue, giving out the free 
 oxygen either to the water or the air, as the case may be. Hence, 
 in a vessel containing water-plants in a state of healthy growth, the 
 plants exhale more oxygen than they absorb, and thus replace that 
 which the fishes require for maintaining healthy respiration. Any 
 one who will observe the plants in an aquarium, when the sun 
 shines through the tank, will see the leave;: studded with bright 
 beads, some of them sending up continuous streams of minute 
 
THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 489 
 
 bubbles. These beads and bubbles are pure oxygen, which the 
 plants distil from the water itself, in order to obtain its hydrogen. 
 
 and from carbonic acid, in order to obtain its carbon. Thus the 
 water, if the due proportion of its animal and vegetable tenants be 
 observed, need never be ch-^nged. 
 
490 THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 This is the true Aquarium, which aims to imitate the balance 
 of Nature. By this balance the whole organic world is kept living 
 
 and healthy. For animals are 
 dependent upon the vegetable 
 kingdom not only for all their 
 food, but also for the purification 
 of the air, which they all breathe, 
 either in the atmosphere or in the 
 water. The divine simplicity of 
 this stupendous scheme may well 
 challenge our admiration. Each living thing, animal or plant, uses 
 what the other rejects, and gives back to the air what the other 
 needs. 
 
 The balance must be perfect, or all life must expire, and vanish, 
 from the earth. This is the balance which we imitate in the aqua- 
 rium. It is the whole law of life, the whole scheme of nature, the 
 whole equilibrium of our organic world, inclosed in a bottle. 
 
 When we speak of an aquarium, we mean a vessel holding from 
 eight to thirty gallons of water. A large tank should be about two 
 feet long by eighteen inches wide and eighteen inches deejD, and 
 holding about twenty gallons. Smaller and very pretty tanks may 
 be made fifteen inches long by twelve inches wide and twelve deep. 
 Great variety in form and elegance may be adapted to various 
 situations. 
 
 Any vessel that will hold water can, of course, be readily con- 
 verted into an aquai'iuni. But as we want a clear view of the con- 
 tents at all times, glass is the best material, and since glass globes 
 refract the light irregularly and magnify and distort whatever is 
 within them, we shall find an advantage in having the sides parallel 
 and the form rectangular. As the weight of the aquarium, when 
 filled with water, is enormous — far more than we should at first 
 imagine — it follows that it must be capable of resisting pressure 
 both from above and from within. The floor and stand, the frame 
 and joints, must be strong and compact, and the walls of plate or 
 
THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 491 
 
 thick crown glass. The bottom should be of slate; and if it is 
 designed to attach arches of rock-work inside to the ends, they, too, 
 should be of slate, as cement will not stick to glass. The frame 
 should be iron, zinc, or well-turned wood; the joints closed with 
 white lead putty; the front and back of glass. There is one objec- 
 tion to having the side 
 which faces the light 
 of transparent glass, 
 and that is that it 
 transmits too much 
 glare of sunlight for 
 the health of the ani- 
 mals. In Nature's aquarium the light enters only from above, and 
 the fish and, delicate creatures have always, even then, the shady 
 fronds of aquatic plants or the shelter of rocks — as well as the 
 power of seeking greater depths of water, where the light is less — 
 to protect themselves from too intense a sunshine. It is, therefore, 
 sometimes desirable to have thS window side of the aquarium made 
 of glass stained of a green color. It is desirable that all aquarial 
 tanks should have a movable glass cover to protect them from dust, 
 impui'e gases, and smoke. 
 
 The tank being prepared and well seasoned by being kept several 
 weeks alternately full and empty, and exposed to the sun and air 
 so that all paint, oil, varnish, tannin, etc., may be wholly removed; 
 the next thing is to arrange the bottom and plant it. Some rough 
 
 fragments of rock, free 
 from iron or other 
 metals that stain the 
 water, may be built 
 into an arch with ce- 
 ment, or piled up in 
 any shape to suit the 
 fancy. The bottom should be composed entirely of pebbles, well 
 
492 THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 washed. Common silver sand, washed until the water can be 
 poured through it quite clear, is also suitable. 
 
 Mould, or soil adapted to ordinary vegetation, is not necessary 
 to the aquatic plants, and is, moreover, worse than useless, since it 
 necessitates the frequent changing of the water for some time, in 
 order to get rid of the soluble vegetable matter, and promotes the 
 growth of conf ervse and other low forms of vegetation, which are 
 obnoxious. Aquatic plants of all kinds have been found to root 
 freely and flourish in pebbles alone, if their roots be covered. The 
 plants should be carefully cleared of all dead parts; the roots 
 attached to a small stone, or laid on the bottom and covered with a 
 layer of pebbles and sand. 
 
 The bottom being planted, the water may be introduced through 
 a watering-pot, or poured against the side of the tank, so as to 
 avoid any violent agitation of the bottom. The water should be 
 pure and bright. River water is best; spring water will do, but 
 must be softened by the plants for some days before the fishes ai-e 
 put in. 
 
 Sunshine is good for the tank at all seasons of the year. The 
 fresh requires more than the salt-water aquarium. The amount of 
 oxygen given off by the plants, and hence their growth and the 
 sprightliness of the fishes, are very much increased while the sun 
 is shining on them. 
 
 There are two kinds of aquaria, the fresh and salt water; the one 
 fitted for the plants and animals of jjonds and rivers; the other for 
 the less known tenants of the sea. They are best described as the 
 River and the Marine Aquarium, as they diffi^r somewhat from each 
 other. We shall speak first of the fresh-water aquarium. 
 
 In selecting plants for the aquarium, some regard is to be paid to 
 the amount of oxygen they will evolve, and to their hardiness, as 
 well as to their beauty. AVhen it is desired to introduce the 'fishes 
 without Availing long for the plants to get settled and to have given 
 off a good supply of oxygen, there is no plant more useful than the 
 Brook Starwort. It is necessary to get a good su])ply, and pick off 
 
THE AQUARIUM. 493 
 
 the green heads, with four or six inches only of stem; wash them 
 clean, and throw them into the tank without ])lanting. They 
 spread over the surface, forming a rich green ceiling, grow freely, 
 and last for months. They are continually throwing out new roots 
 and shoots, and create abundance of oxygen. Whenever desired, 
 they can be got rid of by simply lifting them out. 
 
 The Tape Grass, common in all our ponds, is essential to every 
 fresh-water tank. It must be grown as a bottom plant, and 
 flourishes only when rooted. 
 
 The Nitella is another pleasing variety. The "Water-Crowfoot is 
 to be found in almost every pond in bloom by the middle of May, 
 and continues so into the autumn. It is of the buttercup family, 
 and may be known as a white buttercup with a yellow center. The 
 floating leaves are fleshy, the lower one finely cut. It must be very 
 carefully washed, and planted fi'om a good joint, allowing length 
 enough of stem to reach the surface. Some of the Iblossom heads 
 may also be sprinkled over the surface, where they will live and 
 bloom all through the summer. 
 
 The Frog's Bit, the Water Plantain and the Water-Cress are also 
 easily obtained, hardy and useful as well as pleasing. Many rarer 
 and more showy varieties may be cultivated; we have given only 
 the most common and essential. All the varieties of Chard are 
 interesting to the microscopist, as showing the phenomenon of the 
 circulation of the sap or cyclosis. 
 
 Of the living tenants of the aquarium, those most interesting, as 
 well as of the highest organization, are the fishes. And among 
 fishes, the carp family are the best adapted to our purpose; for we 
 must select those which are both hardy and tamable. The Prus- 
 sian carp is one of the best; it will survive even if the water should 
 accidentally become almost exhausted of oxygen. It may be taught 
 also to feed from the hand. None of the carp are very carnivorous. 
 The goldfish is one of the most ornamental objects in an aquarium. 
 But the minnow is the jolliest little fish in the tank. He is the life 
 of the collection, and will survive the severest trials of heat 
 
49-i THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 and cold. The ohub, a common tenant of our ponds, is also a good 
 subject for domestication. The tench and loach are very interest- 
 ing, but also very delicate. Among the spiny-finned fishes, the 
 stickle-backs are the prettiest, but so savage that they often occa- 
 sion much mischief. For a vessel containing twelve gallons the 
 following selection of livestock is among those recommended: Three 
 Gold Carp, three Prussian Carp, two Perch, four large Loach, a 
 dozen Minnows, six Bleak, and two dozen Planorbis. Some varie- 
 ties of the Water-Beetles, or Water-Spiders, which the fishes do not 
 eat, may also well be added. The Newt, too, is attractive and 
 harmless. 
 
 All may go on well, and the water remain clear; but after the 
 tank has been established several weeks, the inner sides of the glass 
 will show a green tinge, which soon increases and interferes with 
 the view. This is owing to the growth of a minute confervoid 
 vegetation, Avhich must be kept down. For this purpose the snail 
 is the natural remedy, being the ready scavenger of all such nui- 
 sances. Snails cling to the sides and clean away and consume all 
 such vegetable growth. The Lymnea is among the most efficient, 
 but unfortunately is destructive, by eating holes in the young 
 fronds of the larger plants, and thus injuring their appearance. To 
 this objection some other variety of snails are not open. The 
 Paludina and Planoi-bis are the only kinds which are trustworthy. 
 The former is a handsome snail, with a bronze-tint globular shell; 
 the latter has a spiral form. These will readily reduce the vegeta- 
 tion. And to preserve the crystal clearness of the water, some 
 Mussels may be allowed to burrow in the sand, where they will 
 perform the office of animated filters. They strain off matters held 
 in suspension in the water, by means of their siphons and ciliated 
 gills. With these precautians a well-balanced tank will long retain 
 all the pristine purity of Nature. 
 
 Specimens for the river aquarium may be readily obtained in 
 almost any brook or pool, by means of the hand-net or dredge. It 
 will be astonishing to see the variety of objects brought up by a 
 
THE AQUARIUM, 
 
 495 
 
 
490 rnv, AQUARIUM. 
 
 su<;(;essfiil haul. Small fish, newts, tad-poles, mollusks, water- 
 beetles, worms, sj)i(]ers, and spawn of all kinds will be visible to 
 the naked eye, while the microscope will bring out thousands more 
 of the most beautiful objects. 
 
 A very different style of appearance and of objects distinguishes 
 the salt-water or Marine Aquarium. 
 
 As the greater part of the most curious live stock of the salt 
 water aquarium live upon or near the bottom, so the marine tank 
 should be more shallow, and allow an uninterrupted view from 
 above. Marine creatures are more delicately constituted than fresh 
 water ones; and they demand more care, patience, and oversight to 
 render the marine aquarium successful. 
 
 Sea-sand and pebbles, washed clean, form the best bottom for the 
 salt-water aquarium. It must be recollected that many of the 
 marine tenants are burrowers, and require a bottom adapted to 
 their habits. Some rock-work is considei-ed essential to afford a 
 grateful shelter and concealment to such creatures as are timid by 
 nature, and require a spot in which to hide. This is true of many 
 fishes. Branches of coral, bedded in cement, may be introduced, 
 and form beautiful and natural objects on which plants will climb 
 and droop gracefully. 
 
 Sea-water, dipped from the open sea, away from the mouths of 
 rivers, is, of course, the best for the marine aquarium. If pure, it 
 will bear transportation and loss of time before being put into the 
 tank. It may, however, not always be possible to get sea- water, 
 particularly for the aquarium remote from the seaboard, and it is, 
 therefore, fortunate that artificial sea-water will answer every 
 purpose. 
 
 The composition of natural sea-water is, in a thousand parts, 
 approximately as follows: Water, 964 parts; Common Salt, 27; 
 Chloride of Magnesium, 3.6; Chloride of Potassium, 0.7; Sulphate 
 of Magnesia (Epsom Salts), 2; Sulphate of Lime, 1.4; Bromide of 
 Magnesium, Carbonate of Lime, etc., .02 to .03 parts. Now the 
 Bromide of Magnesium, and Sulphate and Carbonate of Lime, occur 
 
THE AQUARIUM. 497 
 
 in sncli small quantities that they can be safely omitted in making 
 artificial sea-water; and besides, river and spring water always con- 
 tain a considerable proportion of lime. Therefore, according to 
 Mr. Gosse, we may use the following formula: In every one hun- 
 dred parts of the solid ingredients, Common Salt, 81 parts; Epsom 
 Salts^ 7 parts; Chloride of Magnesium, 10 parts; Chloride of Potas- 
 sium, 2 parts; and of water about 2900 parts, although this must 
 be accurately determined by the specific gravity. 
 
 The mixture had better be allowed to stand several days before 
 filling the tank; for thus the impurities of the chemicals will settle, 
 and the clear liquor can be decanted off. The specific gravity 
 should then be tested with the hydrometer, and may safely range 
 ' from 1026 to 1028, fresh water being 1000. If a quart or two of real 
 sea water can be obtained, it is a very useful addition to the mix- 
 ture. It may now be introduced into the tank through a filter. 
 But no living creature must be introduced until the artificial water 
 has been softened and prepared by the growth of the marine plants 
 in it for several weeks. Thus, too, it will be oxygenated and ready 
 for the oxygen-using tenants. It is a singular fact, that water 
 which has been thus prepared, with only four ingredients, will, 
 after being a month or more in the aquarium, acquire the other 
 constituents Avhich are normally present in minute quantities in the 
 natural sea water. It must derive them from the action of the 
 plants or animals, or both. Bromine may come from sponges, or 
 sea wrack, perhaps. Thus artificial water eventually rights itself. 
 The tank having been prepared and seasoned with the same precau- 
 tion used for the river aquarium, and having a clear bottom and a 
 supply of good water, is now ready for planting. Many beautifully- 
 colored and delicately-fringed Algae and sea wracks will be found 
 on the rocks at low tide, and will sadly tempt the enthusiast to 
 consign their delicate hues to the aquarium. All such temptations 
 must be resisted. Green is the only color well adapted for healthy 
 and oxygenating growth in the new tank. A small selection of the 
 purple or red varieties may perhaps be introduced and successfully 
 
 S2 
 
498 THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 cultivated at a later day, but they are very delicate; while the 
 olives and browns are pretty sure to die and corrupt the water. It 
 must be remembered, too, that the Algae are cryptogamous, and 
 bear no visible flowers to delight the eye or fancy. Of all marine 
 plants the Sea Lettuce is first and best. It has broad light-green 
 fronds, and is hardy and a rapid grower, and hence a good giver of 
 oxygen. Next to this in looks and usefulness comes the Enter o- 
 morpha Compressa, a delicate, grass-like Alga. After a while the 
 common Carrageen Moss may be chosen and added. These ought 
 to be enough for some months, as it is not safe to add too many at 
 once. 
 
 After a few hardy plants are well set and thriving for a week or 
 two, and the water is clear and bubbly with oxygen, it will be time 
 to look about for the live stock of the marine aquarium. Fishes, 
 though most attractive, must be put in last; for as they are of the 
 highest vitality, so they require the most oxygen and food, and 
 should not be trusted until everything in the tank is well a-going. 
 The first tenants should be the hardy varieties of the Sea Anemones. 
 
 The Anemones require but little care; they do not generally need 
 feeding, though the Daisy and Plumose Anemone greedily take 
 minced mutton or oyster. But as a rule, there are enough infusoria 
 for their subsistence; and it is safer not to feed them, as any frag- 
 m.ents not consumed will decay, and contaminate the water. 
 
 Next in order of usefulness, hardiness, and adaptability to the 
 new aquarium, come the Mollusks. And of these, Snails and 
 Periwinkles claim our respectful attention, as the most faithful, 
 patient, and necessary scavengers of the confervoid growths, which 
 soon obscure the marine aquarium. 
 
 "It is interesting," says Mr. Gosse, "to watch the business-like 
 way in which the Periwinkle feeds. At very regular intervals, the 
 proboscis, a tube with thick fleshy walls, is turned inside out to a 
 certain extent, until a surface, having a silky lustre, is bi'ought into 
 contact with the glass. This is the tongue; it is moved with a 
 short sweep, and the tubular proboscis infolds its walls again, the 
 
THE AQUARIUM. 499 
 
 tongue disappearing, and every filament of conferva being carried 
 up into the interior from the little area which had been swept. 
 The next instant, the foot meanwhile having made a small advance, 
 the proboscis unfolds again, the tongue makes another sweep, and 
 again the whole is withdrawn; and this proceeds with great regu- 
 larity. I can compare the action to nothing so well as to the man- 
 ner in which the tongue of an ox licks up the grass of the field, or 
 to the action of the mower cutting swath after swath." 
 
 Of Crustacea, the Prawns and the smaller kinds of crabs may be 
 admitted to the aquarium, though but sparingly. They are rude, 
 noisy, quarrelsome, and somewhat destructive — but, for the same 
 reason, amusing tenants of the tank. 
 
 The great class of Zoophytes can be introduced, but many vari- 
 eties of them will be found already within the aquarium, in the 
 ■company of their more bulky neighbors. These peculiar creatures, 
 or things, form a boundary where the last gleam of animal life is so 
 feeble and flickering as to render it doubtful whether they belong 
 to the animal or vegetable kingdom. Agassiz calls them Pi'otozoa 
 — Primary Existences. Many of them are microscopic, and belong 
 to the class of animalculae called Infusoria. 
 
 A very remarkable quality which the Infusoria possess — one very 
 useful for the aquarium, and one which would seem to settle their 
 place in the vegetable kingdom — is that they exhale oxygen like 
 plants. This has been proved by Liebig, who collected several jars 
 of oxygen from tanks containing Infusoria only. 
 
 A piece of honeycomb coral is easily found, and, when well 
 selected and placed in the aquarium, may continue to grow there 
 by the labors of its living infusorial tenants; they are not unworthy 
 rivals of the Madrepores, or deep-sea coral-builders of warmer 
 latitudes. The walls of its cells are not more than one-thirtieth of 
 an inch in thickness, and each cell has its occupant. So closely 
 are they packed, that in an area of one-eighth of an inch square, the 
 orifices of forty-five cells can be counted. As these are all double, 
 this would give five thousand seven hundred and sixty cells to the 
 
500 THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 square inch. Now, a moderate-sized specimen will afford, with all 
 its convolutions, at least one hundred square inches of wall, which 
 would contain a population of five hundred and seventy-six thou- 
 sand inhabitants — a very large city. 
 
 Finally come the fishes, many of which are of similar genera ta 
 those recommended for the fresh-water tank. The Black Goby 
 is familiar, tamable, but voracious; the Gray Mullet is very hardy, 
 but also rather savage; the Wrasses are some of the most showy 
 fish — called in some parts of the country Gunners — and of these 
 the ancient Wrasse, covered with a net-work of vermilion meshes 
 on a brown and white ground, is the most elegant. 
 
 Some points of general management are so important, and some 
 dangers so imminent, that we cannot pass them by unnoticed. The 
 aquarian enthusiast is very apt to be in too great haste to see every- 
 thing going on, and commits the common error of trying too many 
 things at once. The aquarium must be built up slowly and tenta- 
 tively, object by object; plants first, and of the simplest kinds; and 
 not until they are well settled, and the water beaded with oxygen 
 bubbles, should we think of introducing living creatures — and even 
 then only the hardiest kinds of actinias, mollusks, and crabs. All 
 delicate animals must be entrusted one by one to their new home, 
 and carefully watched for deaths and decay, which, whether arising^ 
 from dead plants or animals, ruin everything very quickly, unless 
 they be promptly removed. For sulphuretted hydrogen even in 
 very minute quantities, is sure death to all these little creatures. 
 
 The emanations from paint and putty are often fatal in new 
 tanks. Several weeks' exposure to water, air, and sunlight ia 
 necessary to season the new-made aquarium. 
 
 A certain natural density of the sea-water must also be preserved, 
 ranging between no wider limits than 1026 and 1028. And in the 
 open tank evaporation is constantly deranging this, and must be 
 met by a supply from without. As the pure water alone evaporates, 
 and the salts and earthy or mineral constituents ai-e left behind, 
 two things result: the water remaining becomes constantly more 
 
THE AQUARIUM. 501 
 
 dense; and this can be remedied only by pure fresh water poured 
 in to restore the equilibrium. Hence, the marine aquarium must 
 be replenished with fresh water, until the proper specific gravity, 
 as indicated by the hydrometer, is restored. 
 
 The aquarium ma)^ be found some morning with a deep and per- 
 manent green stain discoloring the water. This unsightly appear- 
 ance is owing to the simultaneous development of the spores of 
 multitudes of minute Algae and Confervas, and can be obviated by 
 passing the water through a charcoal filter. 
 
 When any of the fishes give signs of sickness or suffocation, by 
 coming to the surface and gulping air, they may be revived by 
 having the water aerated by pouring it out repeatedly from a little 
 elevation, or by a syringe. 
 
 The fishes are sometimes distressed, also, Avhen the room gets 
 too warm for them. A temperature of sixty degrees is about what 
 is required for them. And they will stand cold, many of them, 
 even to being frozen with the water into ice, and afterwards revive. 
 
 The degree of light should be carefully regulated by a stained 
 glass side or a shade. Yet it must be borne in mind that sunlight 
 is indispensable to the free evolution of oxygen by the plants. And 
 when the sun is shining on the water, all its occupants appear more 
 lively, and the fishes seem intoxicated — as they doubtless are — with 
 oxygen. 
 
 A novice is apt to overstock his aquarium. Not more than two 
 moderate-sized fishes to a gallon of water is a safe rule. Care, too, 
 must be taken to group together those kinds of creatures which are 
 not natural enemies, or natural food for each other, or a sad scene 
 of devastation and murder will ensue. 
 
 Cleansing cannot always be entrusted to snails. But the sides 
 may be scrubbed with a soft swab, made of cotton or wick-yarn. 
 Deaths will occasionally take place, and even suicide is said to be 
 resorted to by the wicked family of Echinoderms. 
 
 To procure specimens for the aquarium re(^uires some knack and 
 knowledge. The sea shore must be haunted, and even the deep sea 
 
502 THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 explored. At the extreme low water of new or full-moon tides the 
 rocks and tide-pools are to be zealously hunted over by the aquarian 
 naturalist. Several wide-mouthed bottles and stone jars are neces- 
 sary; and wo would repeat, that no plant should be taken unless its 
 attachment is preserved. It is often a long and difficult job to get 
 some of the Algae with their tender connections severed from the 
 hard rock, which must be chopped away with the chisel, and often 
 with the blows of the hammer deadened by being struck under 
 water. It is by lifting up the overhanging masses of slimy fuel, 
 tangles and sea-grass, that we find the delicate varieties, as the 
 Chrombus, with its metallic lustre, and the red Algae, or the stony 
 Corallina, which delights in the obscurity of shaded pools. 
 
 The sea weeds will be found to be studded with MoUusks, as 
 Snails and Periwinkles of many queer varieties. 
 
 Anemones, of the more common kinds, are found clinging to 
 smooth stones. Crabs, on the sand, Prawns, Shrimps, Medusa?, and 
 fishes of many species, in the little pools which the tide leaves 
 behind, and which it will require a sharp eye and a quick hand to 
 explore with success. But the rarer forms of Actini, as Star-fishes, 
 Sepioles, Madrepores, Annelidse, and Zoophytes, of a thousand 
 shapes, live on the bottom, in deep water, and must be captured 
 thei'e. 
 
 For this purpose, we must dredge from a boat, under sail. The 
 natui'alist's dredge is an improved oyster-dredge, with each of the 
 two long sides of the mouth made into a scraping lip of iron. The 
 body is made of spun yarn or fishing-line, netted into a small mesh. 
 Two long triangles are attached by a hinge to the two short sides 
 of the frame, and meeting in front, at some distance from the 
 mouth, are connected by a swivel-joint. To this the dragging-rope 
 is bent, which must be three times as long, in dredging, as the 
 depth of the water. This is fastened to the stern of the boat under 
 sail, and thus the bottom is raked of all sorts oi" objects; among- 
 which, on emptying the net, many living creatures for the aquarian 
 are found. These may be placed temporarily in jars; though 
 
THE AQUARIUM. 503 
 
 plants, Mollusks, Crustacea, and Actiniae, may be kept and trans- 
 mitted long distances packed in layers of moist sea-weed. 
 
 For all this detail, labor, and patient care we may reasonably 
 find two great objects: first, the cultivation and advancement of 
 natural science; second, the purest delight and healthiest amuse- 
 ment. 
 
 In the aquarium we have a most convenient field for the study of 
 natural history; to learn the varieties, nature, names, habits, and 
 peculiarities of those endless forms of animated existence which 
 dwell in the hidden depths of the sea, and at the same time to 
 improve our minds by cultivating our powers of observation. 
 
 The pleasure derived from the aquarium comes from the excite- 
 ment of finding and collecting specimens, as well as from watching 
 the tank itself. There can be no more pleasant accompaniment to 
 the sea-side walk of the casual visitor or summer resident of a water- 
 ing place, than to search for mai-ine plants and animals among the 
 fissures, rocks and tide-pools of the sea-washed beach or cape. 
 
 Nature is always as varied as beautiful. Thousands of strange 
 forms sport under the shadow of the brown, waving sea-weeds, or 
 among the scarlet fronds of the dulse, which is found growing in 
 the little ponds that the inequalities of the beach have retained. It 
 is down among the great boulders which the Atlantic piles upon 
 our coast, that we find endless varieties of life to fill the aquarium, 
 though not those more gorgeous hues which distinguish the tenants 
 of the coral reefs on tropical shores. Yet even here nature is 
 absolutely infinite; and we shall find ourselves, day after day, 
 imitating that botanist who, walking through the same path for a 
 month found always a new plant which had escaped his notice 
 before. So, too, in exploring the open sea, besides the pleasure of 
 sailing along a variegated coast, with sun and blue water, we have 
 the constant excitement of unexpected discovery; for, as often as 
 we pull up the dredge, some new wonder is revealed. 
 
 Words fail to describe the wonders of the sea. And all that we 
 drag from the bottom, all that we admire in the aquarium, are but 
 
504 THE AQUARIUM. 
 
 a few disconnected specimens of that infinite whole which makes 
 up their home. 
 
 So, too, in watching the aquarium itself we shall see endless 
 repetitions of those " sea changes " which Shakespeare sang. An- 
 cient mythology typified the changing wonders of aquatic Nature, 
 as well as the fickleness of the treacherous sea, in those shifting 
 deities, Glaucus, Proteus, who tenanted the shore. The one the 
 fancy of Ovid metamorphosed from a restless man to a fickle sea 
 god; the other assumed so many deceptive shapes to those who 
 visited his cave, that his memory has been preserved in the word 
 Protean. Such fancies well apply to a part of Nature which shifts 
 like the sands, and ranges from the hideous Cuttle-fish and ravenous 
 Shark to the delicate Medusa, M'^hose graceful form and trailing 
 tentacles float among the waving fronds of colored Algse, like 
 
 " Sabrina fair, 
 Under the glassy, cool, translucent wave 
 In twisted braid of lilies knitting 
 The loose train of her amber-dripping hair," 
 
CHAPTER XL. 
 
 CARE OF CANARIES. 
 
 m% TUNEFUL, sweet-voiced canary bird is one of the choicest 
 ^''*' and most delightful pets that a cultured lady can possess. 
 It is a source of much "refined pleasure and amusement, and 
 well repays the care necessary to make it a hardy, happy and melo- 
 dious member of the household. 
 
 The following simple instructions in the care of canaries will be 
 found useful to all lovers of the feathered songsters. 
 
 Choosing the Birds. 
 
 Don't be particular as to color; brown or mottled birds often 
 prove the best singers. Avoid birds with red eyes; they are deli- 
 cate and not easily kept in song. Tameness is not a sign of excel- 
 lence; a bird that is moderately shy and spry will be likely to turn 
 out best. Look for melody ahd sweetness rather than shrill, loud 
 tones, if the canary is intended for a private house. Be sure the 
 little fellow's legs and feet are clean and perfect — and when you 
 buy a bird, take it home yourself, and not leave it for the dealer 
 to send. Thus you will be sure to get the one you select. For 
 singing, get a male bird. The sex may be determined in a brood 
 containing both male and female, by comparing the birds. The 
 male's plumage is brightest in color; his head is larger and longer; 
 his body more slender; his neck longer; his legs longer and 
 straighter than those of the female, and the feathers about hia 
 temples and eyes are brighter than elsewhere upon his body. 
 
 605 
 
506 CARE OF CANARIES. 
 
 Taming. 
 Carry your bird home carefully and gently. Have its cage ready 
 and furnished with seed and water. Let it step of its own accord 
 out of the temporary cage into its new home. Place a light in 
 front of the cage, and without going too near or seeming to watch 
 the bird, chirp or whistle to encourage it. The chances are that it 
 will begin to sing at once. If it sulks a little at the start, so much 
 the better; but if the shyness continues after the first day, catch 
 the bird and immerse it in the water of its bath-tub; then leave it 
 to itself. In drying and smoothing its feathers it will forget its 
 homesickness and make itself comfortable. 
 
 Cages. 
 The wire bell-shaped cage is best for song birds. Brass is better 
 than painted wire. In addition to the bath-tub and seed-cup, the 
 cage should have two or three perches, of cane or hard wood, 
 made round and smooth. These should be placed across the cage 
 in such positions that one will never be exactly over another to 
 catch the litter. Keep the perches clean by frequent washings 
 with yellow soap and water, and never return to the cage until 
 thoroughly dry. At least twice a week, the bottom of the cage 
 must be taken off and washed, and the bottom covered with fine 
 sand or gravel. Be careful never to use salt water sand. Never 
 hang the cage in a draft of air (as in an open ^vindow), or in the 
 hot sun, without protecting the bird by some sort of shelter on the 
 windy side and at the top. Xever hang the cage out of doors in 
 wet weather. In the winter, never leave the cage in a room with- 
 out a fire. Don't leave the care of your bird and cage to servants. 
 
 Baths. 
 
 Let the water be fresh daily. Canaries will not bathe in stale or 
 
 dirty water. The bath-tub should be of such size that it will pass 
 
 easily through the cage door — and it should be removed as soon as 
 
 the bird has bathed. If you have a wire cage with a bottom that 
 
CARE OF CANARIES. 507 
 
 hooks on, a good plan is to fill the bath-tub and set it on the floor, 
 
 or on an old table. Then unhook the bottom of the cage, and place 
 
 the cage with the bird in it over the bath-tub. The bird will soon 
 
 come down from its perch and use the bath — and when the bottom is 
 
 replaced the cage will be perfectly clean and dry. If you put the 
 
 bath-tub in the cage, dry up all splashes of water after the bird has 
 
 finished bathing. 
 
 Food and Water. 
 
 Simple diet is better for song birds than dainties, like cake, sugar, 
 and other " goodies." A mixture of rape and canary, with a little 
 hemp seed (less of the latter in summer than in winter). If the 
 bird is young the hemp seed should be cracked before using. In 
 summer the cage should be supplied with green food, such as 
 cabbage, turnip tops, chick-weed, plantain stems, celery, water- 
 cress, etc. In winter use a little sweet aj^ple, and occasionally a 
 trifle of boiled carrot or cauliflower, without salt. Birds also enjoy 
 pieces of water cracker or pilot bread suspended in the cage, and 
 particularly a cuttle-fish bone, which is useful to them for the lime 
 it contains. The seed box of the cage should be filled at night, for 
 the bird's day is from sunrise to sunset and he wants breakfast 
 early, before you are up in the morning. Always see that the cup 
 is well filled. Birds frequently suffer intolerably from thirst after 
 having scattered and wasted the water. 
 
 Breeding Canaries, 
 Breeding cages should be of polished wood with one end and one 
 side of wire. The floor should be covered with oilcloth or stiff 
 paper which can be removed, cleansed and re-sanded as required. 
 A small box for nests so fastened that you can take it out at will 
 should be placed near the wooden corner of the cage about half 
 way up; and material for nest, such as soft moss, wool, feathers, 
 new cotton or hair, should be attached loosely to the wires where 
 the bird can get them. Canaries pair about the middle of March 
 or April. Select a vigorous, handsome pair, and having first kept 
 them in separate cages within sight of each other for a few days,. 
 
508 CARE OF CANARIES. 
 
 put them in the cage. Place the cage in a light, airy room with 
 even temperature, and out of draughts of cold air. In case the hen 
 forsakes her nest after having laid her full number of eggs and begun 
 to sit on them, remove the nest and put in a fresh one and let her 
 take a new start. Canaries usually lay from four to six eggs, and 
 they sit for thirteen days. AVhila the bird is sitting she should 
 have plenty of food; and on the day the hatching is expected, put 
 into the cage a little grated bread soaked in water and j^ressed dry, 
 and part of a finely-chopped hard-boiled egg should also be put in 
 the cage. These viands are for the young birds. They should be 
 placed in the cage at night or early in the morning, and great care 
 should be taken to change them often enough so that they will not 
 get sour. Healthy young birds will look red, and their crops will 
 be full. If they seem pale and emaciated, it is time to suspect 
 vermin, and you should change the nest at once, smoothing out the 
 new one before putting the infants into it by rolling a hot hen's 
 egg about in it. When twelve days old the young canaries begin 
 to get feathers of their own and help themselves; and when they 
 are a month old they may be taken from the parent cage to another 
 near at hand and within sight. Their cage should never be without 
 green food. Fi-esh hard-boiled eggs and grated bread, dipped in 
 water and pressed, is the best food for them. Give them a chance 
 to bathe daily; sprinkle them gently with water from a brush if 
 they refuse to get into the tub; and let them have as much soft 
 (not too hot) sunshine as possible. While in the sun there should 
 always be a shady nook in the cage — a leafy branch or two, making 
 a trembling shadow, is the best. If possible, let them have plenty 
 of green food, and some insects, ants' eggs, etc. When the young 
 birds are two weeks old, their parents often begin to get ready to 
 prepare for the next brood; and if indications of such a state of 
 things are seen, a new nest box and materials should be put in the 
 breeding cage. The male will take care of the young birds while 
 the mother busies herself with preparations for an increase of 
 family. 
 
CHAPTER XLI. 
 FLORICULTURE, 
 
 ;N large towns and cities, the houses of the upper classes have 
 almost invariably their windows and areas tastefully decorated 
 with plants and flowers. The floral profusion which adorns 
 the windows and balconies of the wealthy, is generally purchased 
 at large expense, and to obtain a similar result by the same means, 
 would be impossible for those whose incomes are limited. But this 
 is no reason why not only the windows, but also the back yards 
 and confined localities about the houses of the lowei', middle, and 
 working classes, should be debai-red from the inexpensive adorn- 
 ment of living and refreshing foliage, such ag is to be produced by 
 climbing and creeping plants. 
 
 An inobtrusive little house, placed in the most uninviting situ- 
 ation, with narrow street and city dust, may be rendered pretty and 
 attractive, and shielded from the scorching rays of the mid-summer 
 sun, with pretty vines — morning glories, scarlet runners, honey- 
 suckle, woodbine, and climbing roses; these can be trained around 
 the windows, over the doors, and against the walls. 
 
 " I have seen," says Dickens, " a small house, in a dusty street, 
 with a bit of garden in front; over its windows and doors pretty 
 vines climbed; crimson carnations, bright roses, and honeysuckles, 
 lighted up the dark, sad cloud of poverty that hung about the place. 
 Though they were of no economical value as food, drink, or cloth- 
 ing, they gladdened the minds of the laborers who passed to and 
 from their work morning and night." 
 
 509 
 
510 
 
 FLORICULTURE. 
 
 Trellised Windows. 
 
 Ornamental climbing and creeping plants should be employed to 
 
 some extent in all kinds of gardening, as they furnish an element 
 
 of grace differing widely from, and not attainable by, plants of a 
 
 compact and self-supporting habit. Unquestionably most of these 
 
 plants never appear to such 
 advantage as when associ- 
 ated with rustic architecture, 
 ruins — natural or artificial, 
 — or a portion of a garden 
 broken up into banks and 
 dells, with rock-work intro- 
 duced as a characteristic fea- 
 ture. Thus employed, and 
 allowed to ramble unrestrain- 
 edly, they, in a few years, 
 attain the appearance of 
 free, natural grace that must 
 be appreciated by all lovers 
 of the beauties of nature. 
 [, Nevertheless, there are very 
 few of them which may not 
 be used in the trimmest and most artificial of gardens, with good 
 and in many cases, charming effect. 
 
 The climbers most adapted for a trellised window, such as quick- 
 growing ivies, morning-glories (convalonlus major), tall or running 
 nasturtium, canary creeper, coboea scandens, etc., are annuals, or 
 must be treated as such for employment out of doors — that is, they 
 must be raised from seed annually; and the best way to secure an 
 early, abundant, and continuous display of bloom, is to sow them 
 in pots of nice soil in February or the beginning of March, giving 
 them a warm position, and as soon as large enough put them singly 
 into five-inch pots; they will then be strong enough for planting 
 
FLORICULTURE. \ 511 
 
 out in May. When there is not the convenience for doing this, 
 they may be sown out of doors, from the middle to the end of 
 April, according to the weather. They all want a nice light soil to 
 start in when planted out or sown, and should have sunny positions 
 and may be employed wherever floriferous climbing plants are 
 desired. 
 
 The illustration, Fig. 1, on page 510, shows how, with a few 
 simple appliances, a window may be at the same time sheltered 
 from the sun and rendered pretty; A, is a frame work of a few 
 laths nailed together, which, by means of rings or staples at its two 
 upper corners, may be hung upon hooks, driven into the wall, 
 daring the summer, and removed during the winter. Its projection 
 should be from eighteen inches to two feet. Two or more brackets, 
 B B, are fastened on either side of the window sill to receive flower 
 pots or boxes, and between these and the frame-work, nails are 
 driven into the wall so that copper wire can be fastened upon them 
 to form a kind of lozenge-shape trellis- work. The brackets, wires, 
 and frame woi'k should all be painted green, and a further improve- 
 ment can be made by carrying the wires, as at C, from the top of 
 the frame Avork to a hook driven into the wall above. This arrange- 
 ment can also be adapted to a doorway. 
 
 Make the boxes six or seven inches deep, the length and width of 
 which should fit the brackets, and should be at least twenty inches 
 wide. There are many ways of decorating the outside of .boxes, 
 and we will give a few that are most generally used, by way of 
 suggestion. Some are painted in patterns to imitate tiles. Some 
 are covered with oilcloth in small checked and very bright colored 
 patterns. Others may be covered with wall paper, in palm trees and 
 tropical designs, with the orthodox stork, which seems to be a 
 general favorite in the decorative category. The paper may be 
 pasted or glued on the box, or, if preferred, tacked on neatly with 
 a narrow bordering put around the top, sides and bottom. Others 
 are made of rustic work, the interstices being covered with a mix- 
 ture of acorns, cones, and ground shells. Cut the acorns lengthwise' 
 
612 FLORICULTURE. 
 
 and cover the parts to be ornamented with thick furniture varnish, 
 glue, or putty, lay the acorns flat side down in any design that 
 fancy may suggest, then scatter some cherry pits between, and sif fc 
 the powdered shell over all. 
 
 Boxes for stone or gray houses look well made in imitation of 
 stone fences. The half shells of horse chestnuts, and whole hick- 
 ory-nuts glued on the box in thin, straight rows, one near the top, 
 one in the center, and one near the bottom also look well. Fasten 
 the tendrils of the common woodbine in a close zigzag; this repre- 
 sents a vine; then give the whole a coat of common varnish, and 
 sift the sand over all. A box made in this way looks very pretty, 
 and stands the weather well. 
 
 Another method of making boxes, is to stain the box, and put 
 around the top and bottom a bordering of wall paper, or a small 
 wall-paper bordering, to imitate any kinds of wood preferred. 
 Give this several coats of varnish and it will stand the most severe 
 weather. 
 
 Pretty and durable boxes may be made by splitting small twigs, 
 about an inch thick, in two, and fastening them on the box with 
 small tacks, in perpendicular strips. If the strips are rough and 
 knotty they will look more rustic and much prettier. A grape, or 
 any kind of a trailing vine, can be split in halves, and tacked over 
 these strips in irregular shape, in imitation of a natural growing 
 vine. 
 
 Leaves, berries, and all kinds of shapes that fancy may suggest, 
 can be made out of soft putty, into which any colors of paints may 
 be mixed to imitate the desired shades. Spread the putty out into 
 a thick sheet, and take a natural leaf of the species to be imitated 
 for a pattern. Lay the veined or under surface of the leaf on the 
 putty, pressing it down with the fingers to get the impression; then 
 take the leaf off, and indent the markings deeper in the putty, 
 cut the leaf out with a sharp pen-knife, and make the stems and 
 tendrils of putty by rolling between the palms of the hands. Fasten 
 the putty leaves, stems, and tendrils on the vine with small gimp 
 
FLORICULTURE. 513 
 
 tacks. When the putty dries it will be as hard and durable as 
 wood, and may then receive a coat or two of thick varnish. These 
 boxes are meant for out-door use, and may be lined with either 
 zinc or tin, if desired; if not, a coat of paint is indispensable. 
 
 Put a thick layer of broken rock in the bottom of the box for 
 drainage; over this put a layer of broken bones mixed with minced 
 leather; then fill the box with light soil, and set the plants in at 
 two or three inches apart, according to the density of the foliage of 
 the plants. 
 
 Morning-glories, climbing-roses, Madeira vine, toboea scandens, 
 common woodbine, tall nasturtium, and such densely foliaged and 
 full-flowering climbers require more space in planting than climbers 
 that have scantier foliage, such as the cypress vine, canary creeper, 
 etc. 
 
 The morning-glory has full foliage, showy, bell-shaped flowers of 
 various briglit colors, is easy of cultui'e, and suitable for covering 
 arbors, trellises, old stumps, trees, etc. It is so perfectly hardy as 
 to grow in almost any soil, and without care will soon cover the 
 most unsightly places if support be given to the vines. The finest of 
 noisette, or climbing monthlies, are the Marshal Neil, of yellow, fine 
 form, and noted for its exquisite fragrance; James Sprunt, a fine 
 bright crimson, valuable as a pillar rose; La Marque, Gen. Wash- 
 ington, Caroline Manais, Glorie d'Dijon woodland sprite; these and 
 many more belong to the family of climbers. They are well 
 adapted for verandas, balconies, trellises, and walls. They thrive 
 well in almost any out-door situation. They require a rich soil, two 
 parts yellow loam, old field compost, leaf -mould, and sand in equal 
 parts. 
 
 The cobaca scandens is a fine, rapid-growing climber, with hand- 
 some foliage, and large, bell-shaped flowers, green at first, but 
 rapidly changing to a beautiful, deep, violet blue. Seeds should be 
 started in clean pots, and in rather dry light soil, as they are rather 
 apt to rot in open ground. It makes a beautiful drapery for a trel- 
 lised window. 
 
 33 
 
514 
 
 FLORICULTURE. 
 
 The tall nasturtium is cultivated both for use and ornament. 
 Its richly colored orange blossoms serve as a garnish for dishes, the 
 young leaves are excellent for salad, and the green seed-pods, pre- 
 served in vinegar, make a pickle greatly esteemed by many. It is 
 admirably adapted for a window or conservatory in winter, is a 
 very rapid grower, and strikes freely from cuttings, but seeds 
 sparingly. The flowers are large, trumpet-shaped, and in some 
 species, are very brilliant and of many shades, from scarlet to black. 
 It is a magnificent climber, running up to twenty or more feet high. 
 Its chief glory is in covering arbors, trellis, and rustic Avork. 
 
 Canary vine is a beautiful climber, with its charming little canary- 
 colored blossoms bearing a fancied resemblance to a bird with its 
 
 wings flopped. The plant 
 has a fine, luxuriant, I'am- 
 bling character, and is well 
 adapted for window or door 
 trellis. It will run twenty 
 feet high, and blossom from 
 July till hard frost comes. 
 The cypress vine is a 
 most beautiful and fragile 
 looking climber, with deli- 
 cate, dark green feathery 
 foliage, and an abundance 
 of bright star-shaped, rose, 
 scarlet, and white blos- 
 soms, which, in the bright 
 sunshine, present a mass 
 of beauty. It is particularly for trellised windows, doors, and 
 verandas, and, if trained properly, there is no vine prettier. 
 
 Arbors ajstd Rockeries. 
 In .Fig. 3, on page 516, we see a small temporary arbor made 
 with pots of climbing plants, placed at a little distance apart, but 
 
FLORICULTURE. 515 
 
 may, if desired be brought closer together, or there may be two 
 rows of them, so as to form a close wall of foliage. The construc- 
 tion is veiy simple. A piece of wood is placed across the yard 
 from wall to wall, and from the centre of this a hoop is suspended 
 by copper wire or strong cord (but the wire is prefei-red) ; from the 
 hoop the wires radiate downward and outward to a circle of pots 
 placed upon the ground and containing, the climbers. It will be 
 seen that the whole of the materials required will cost the merest 
 trifle. 
 
 A small yard may also, if desired, be roofed in during the sum- 
 mer time by wires drawn across the top and overrun with creepers. 
 Arcades and arbors of different forms may be made in the same 
 manner, the materials costing but little. The chief outlay required 
 is only a little agreeable labor. Temporary arbors are only used in 
 ornamenting small gardens. A very effective ornament for a 
 limited space is the skeleton of an old umbrella, its handle length- 
 ened to a desired height, and placed in the centre of a circle of pots 
 containing climbers. The vines will twist in and out through the 
 frame in a graceful profusion of leaves and blossoms. The cypress 
 vine, canary-bird flower, sweet-pea, nasturtium, and the morning- 
 glory in its many gorgeous hues, are well, adapted to this garden 
 ornament. Partially decayed tree-stumps, small barrels, and rustic 
 ■chairs, look exceedingly pretty when mantled with some bright 
 flowering members of the creeping family. 
 
 The rustic wall pocket is a late innovation to the gai'den, and is 
 a charming acquisition, with its flowing grasses, trailing vines, and 
 showy flowers, when placed against some grand old forest tree; but 
 as these are rarely to be met with in a small garden, it looks very 
 pretty with a pillar support. 
 
 The pocket may be lined with green mosses, and filled with light 
 soil and leaf-mold, petunias, oxalis, fuchsias,' geraniums, and plants 
 that harmonize in color and foliage, with a bordering of smilax, 
 arbutus, fine-leaf ivies, vinca ; any of the trailers are appro- 
 
516 
 
 FLORICULTURE. 
 
 priate, and a generous sprinkling of woodland ferns makes it "a 
 thing of beauty and a joy forever." 
 
 For trellised arbors the Clematis is very desirable, and is a genus 
 that furnishes many species and varieties. It has the advantage 
 besides many other attractive qualities, of blooming late in summer 
 when other flowering vines are generally past their bloom. It holds 
 a foremost place among the family of climbers, for it hardiness, 
 easy culture, and adaptability to any form of trainino-, and for the 
 
 CREEPERS. 
 
 gorgeous richness of coloring of the flowers of many of the varieties,, 
 ranging from pure white to the most intense blue, and various 
 shades of purple. They all like a moderately rich soil, which 
 should be aided by a top-dressing of manure annually, and applied 
 in spring, when the growth commences; they should have an open, 
 sunny position, and when so placed that they may be allowed to 
 ramble about freely, require no pruning or other attention. When 
 used for the decoration of arches, pillars, trellis fans, or arbors, or 
 
FLORICULTURE. 517 
 
 for any purpose where order and neatness are required, it is 
 necessary to cut out all the dead wood early in spring, and as the 
 young growth progresses, to tie it into positions until it has covered 
 its allotted space; but too haixi tying should not be practiced, as 
 it detracts from the natural grace of the plant. The following are 
 among the best for general uses: Jacknianii, noted for its gorgeous 
 purple flowers. PUcheri, for its elegant habits, neat foliage and 
 exceedingly pretty bright red blossoms. Virguiami (virgin's bower) 
 for its rapid climbing, and white blossoms, growing twenty feet in 
 one season, hardy, dying down in winter, but starting up again in 
 spring; it is equally remarkable when in fruit, the long feathery 
 tails of the fruit separating like long tufts of wool. Vertlcellata is 
 noted for its charming blue flowers, lasting from June to Septem- 
 ber. Flaminulu, a luxuriant climber with clusters of small, white 
 flowers of most delightful fragrance; it is sometimes known as 
 sweet virgin's bower. 
 
 The next in the march of magnificent climbers is the Wistaria 
 sinensis. Its growth is somewhat slow until it gets well established 
 in good ricli soil. It will then grow from fifteen to twenty-five 
 feet in a season. This elegant vine is considered almost perfect as 
 a climber, its rich grape-like clusters of light-blue, purple, and pale 
 cerulean flowers appearing profusely in spring, and sometimes 
 during the summer and autumn, its graceful foliage retaining a 
 light, beautiful green till pinched by frost. Thrives best if in a 
 south situation. 
 
 The Japanese honeysuckle is a pretty evergreen climber, the 
 leaves being beautifully veined with gold; of no value for its 
 flowers, but may be used in any form or position. Pegged down in 
 a line it makes a pretty permanent edging for a flower-bed or 
 around the base of an arbor, and, if allowed to grow unchecked, will 
 quickly cover a large space. Its foliage shades beautifully among 
 other creepers. 
 
 Magnolia grandifiora, an elegant evergreen arbor plant, with 
 large laurel-like leaves of a leathery texture and waxy look, their 
 
618 FLORICi;jLTURE. 
 
 under surface being brown, and upper surface a glossy light green, 
 producing freely its magnificent clusters of creamy white blossoms 
 of the sweetest fragrance. Should have a sunny situation, and light 
 rich soil. 
 
 The Virginia creeper is a rapid growing, diciduous vine, clinging 
 firmly by its tendrils to any support; it requires no nailing or tying 
 and will cover the whole face of a house in a few years, and Mnll 
 outgrow in time every support that can be provided for it, climbing 
 to the house-tops, running along the eaves and over the chimney- 
 tops and finally wreathing itself heavenward in the most prodigal 
 profusions. This vine is often called the American ivy, and is 
 much admired for the luxuriant foliage of its rich green summer 
 mantle, and the gorgeous scarlet and crimson of its autumn robe. 
 
 That " Rare old plant, the Ivy Green," as a permanent evergreen 
 climber, must be first, for, " Creeping Avhere no eye is seen," in 
 sunshine or shade, in strong rich soil, or in poor stony gravel, it 
 will put up with almost any ill-treatment, and positively thrives 
 best when neglected. Of course, if it is required to put on an 
 orderly appearance, such as when clothing the face of a dwelling- 
 house, covering summer-houses, arbors, and fences, some attention 
 must be given to it, particular!}^ to the large-leaved varieties; for, if 
 allowed to grow unchecked to any great height on a vertical face, 
 the loose, overhanging branches form a receptable for snow in 
 winter, the weight of which will tear down great breadths of it. 
 In such positions ivy should never be nailed to the wall after the 
 first season, if it can anyhow be avoided; it will be a saving of 
 time in the end to wait till the ivy clings naturally to the wall. To 
 this end all loose branches should be cut off about the end of April 
 or the first week in May, and it is at this time that walls that are 
 already covered require annual attention. The whole face of the 
 ivy should then be gone over with a pair of shears, cutting ofi^ all 
 loose branches, and the greater portion of the foliage of the large- 
 leaved kinds. As this is the time when the plant is on the point of 
 breaking into its new growth, its denuded appearance will only last 
 
FLORICULTURE. 519 
 
 about a fortnight, when the whole surface of the wall will be again 
 covered with a surface of fresh green leaves, and all branches 
 formed near any uncovered portions of the wall, from the vigor 
 induced by pruning, at once firmly cling to it. This annual prun- 
 ing will cause the wall to be covered by a felt-like growth of 
 branches, firmly attached, so that no violence of wind or weather 
 will disturb it. 
 
 The best quick-growing variety to cover a wall is the common 
 Irish [hedera hibernica), a large-leaved kind. Another kind, suit- 
 able for the same purpose is the hedera ercBgneriari; it does not 
 make such a close, compact growth, but possesses fine, large, leathery 
 foliage, quite distinct. The English ivy {hedera helix) is a small- 
 leaved, close, compact-gi'owing kind, having a very neat appear- 
 ance, but of much slower growth. This is about the best green- 
 leaved variety for covering banks or rock-work, for which purpose 
 the small-leaved varieties should always have the preference. 
 Hedera helix axirea macidata, hedera elegantissima, hedera japonica 
 argentea, are varieties with variegated leaves suitable for rock-work, 
 or covering dwarf walls, but all the variegates are of much slower 
 growth, and the markings are much better developed when in an 
 open position. There are many other varieties, but those named 
 are of the freest habita, 
 
 Roc:Keeies. 
 
 A rockery, if well constructed and placed in a proper position, 
 should look like a charming bit of Nature's architecture. If the 
 grounds are large this can be carried out to better advantage, A 
 secluded nook should be selected, and the rockery constructed in 
 the form of a terrace, with an opening at one end made purposely 
 for ferns. A due regard should be given for good-sized crevices 
 and pockets for the disposition of plants. Very pretty rockeries 
 may be arranged against rustic walls to represent old ruins. The 
 lai-ger rocks, as a general thing, should be placed at the base, but 
 an occasional large and angular stone may project here and there 
 
520 FLORICULTURE. 
 
 with good effect for some vagrant creeper to hang from. A mas- 
 sive piece of blue granite makes a good finish at the top for the 
 support of some climber, the preference of which is invariably 
 given to the American ivy. 
 
 A large rockery looks out of place in a limited space. For a 
 small garden a pretty arrangement of rocks can be constructed 
 with very good effect around an old stump. 
 
 The pockets should be filled with leaf mold, rich, light soils, 
 sandv loam, and soils adapted to the different species of plants 
 which are intended to be grown in them. 
 
 In })lanting the rockery, all plants but low-growing, lithe and 
 graceful ones, should be avoided. Plants that are stiff or woody 
 are not desirable. Some simple wild things are more g<'nerally 
 adapted to this style of cultivation. 
 
 Wood ferns, squaw-berry vine, with its waxy red berries, trailing 
 arbutus, robin-run-the-hedge, money-wort, old English ivy, Vir- 
 ginia creeper, with its gorgeous autumn tints, and the Alpine 
 plants, are especially adapted for such purposes. They require 
 light, sandy loam and peat, with abundant drainage. With this 
 foundation of creepers laid it can then be embellished with delicate 
 bloomers. The modest violet, lily of the valley, and the faithful 
 forget-me-not, are worthy of the quiet nook. The dianthus, alpinus, 
 saxifraga, seuum, and a host of others, are worthy of a place. The 
 maiden-hair fern is an exquisite plant for the rockery, and a min- 
 gling of wild and cultivated ferns make a charming group, in con- 
 nection with clusters of wild pansies. If the situation is cool and 
 damp all these plants will thrive admirably. 
 Indoor Gardens. 
 
 The boxes for indoor gardens are ornamented in all styles of art 
 decorations — from characters that have figured on and off since the 
 days of heathen mythology, to the present aesthetic designs (.f the 
 renowned sunflower and lily. Slap on anything or everything and 
 it is sure to be in vogue. We give a design in leaf work, which we 
 think quite unique. 
 
FLORICULTURE. 521 
 
 The art of decorating cabinets, boxes, and many other wooden 
 articles, with pressed and dried leaves is very old, and, like Rip 
 Van Winkle, has slept for many years, but has lately waked up. 
 
 The effect produced by leaf decoration is always pretty and 
 pleasing, and the process generally simple and easy. 
 
 It consists in arranging and fastening dried leaves to the face of 
 the woodwork in such patterns and borders as fancy may suggest. 
 These, when varnished over, are permanent, and when arranged 
 with judgment and good taste are very effective. 
 
 The fittest woods for decoration are simple deal or pine, stained 
 black; pine is best, as being most even in its grain, and as being 
 susceptible of receiving the finest stain. 
 
 The best method of staining the wood black, so as to give it a close 
 resemblance to ebony, is with a decoction of logwood and iron dis- 
 solved in vinegar. The leaves best suited to this purpose are those 
 which are symmetrical in form, and which are most pleasing in out-, 
 line. Deeply serrated leaves are better than those which more 
 nearly approach a plain oval. Very large leaves should be avoided, 
 and even those of medium-size should be used sparingly; in decor- 
 ating a folding-screen or similar wide surface, they may look well, 
 but generally, and always for small articles, leaves of a small size 
 look best and most readily combine into shapes and patterns. The 
 selection of the kind of leaves to be employed is, however, rather a 
 matter of individual taste. Many, though not all, should be gath- 
 ered in the autumn, when deep red and golden hues prevail, for the 
 bright greens of spring and summer cannot be preserved, and the 
 leaves gathered at those seasons will fade to a pale brown tint, not 
 unpleasing in itself, but still needing to be enriched with deeper 
 and warmer tones. The leaves selected should be free from any 
 fracture and perfectly dry; they should then be laid between sheets 
 of blotting paper, and placed under some heavy weight for drying 
 — heavy books answer the purpose; but they should never be laid 
 between the pages of a good book, as the moisture from the leaves 
 is sure to destroy the parts, and the bindings will be strained and 
 
522 FLORICULTURE. 
 
 forced out of place. Blotting paper, on account of its porous and 
 absorbent nature, should always be used for drying. 
 
 It is well that a considerable number of leaves should be pressed 
 before beginning to fasten them to the wood, that there may be a 
 good variety to select from, and by spreading on the table a sheet 
 of paper as large as the surface to be decorated, and arranging the 
 leaves upon it, it is easy to alter their positions till a pleasing 
 pattern is produced. When the eye is quite satisfied with the 
 arrangement, they may be taken up one by one, the back brushed 
 over with a soft camel's hair brush dipped in gum arabic, and the 
 leaf transferred to the same relative position on the box to be 
 decorated; then it can be pressed down and any superfluous gum 
 absorbed by a pad of blotting paper. The leaves, it must be 
 remembered, are fragile, and require careful handling. After the 
 whole of the leaves composing the pattern have been neatly and 
 securely fastened on, and the gum has become dry, a coat of copal 
 varnish must be laid with a soft camel-hair brush lightly over the 
 surface and the work will be complete. This makes a charming 
 flow^er-box, if the work is done artistically. 
 
 The box should then be set on rollers and lined with zinc. A 
 thick layer of broken rock and some charcoal for drainage should 
 go in first. Then fill with a rich, light loam to within half an inch 
 of the top, and set the plants in it. 
 
 A window Avith a south situation has the best advantage, and the 
 next best is a west or east window. Before the plants are set in, it 
 should be well secured against frost. 
 
 Plants should have more heat during the day than at night, from 
 twelve to fifteen degrees being the difference in temperature; but 
 authorities differ on this point, some maintaining that ten or twelve 
 degrees is the proper difference. If plants are in a room where the 
 heat is entirely shut off at night, and are in danger of freezing, 
 they may be protected by covering them with thick paper, or some 
 light woollen fabric. 
 
FLORICULTURE. 523 
 
 Plants should be well secured against cold draughts, as this 
 invariably is a fatal injury to them. Frozen plants, as soon as 
 discovered, should have cold water poured on them, wetting every 
 leaf thoroughly; they will soon be coated with ice, and in this 
 state put them in a moderately cool place and cover with a news- 
 paper. They should be left in this situation for several days, till 
 tKey regain their normal condition. 
 
 Different sj^ecies of plants to thrive well must have situations 
 suited to their various habits; but they should all have the morning 
 sun if possible, as plants so exposed are more vigorous of growth and 
 richer m bloom. "All the exposures for plants that vary from the 
 east to the west, and even a little to the northwest, may be included 
 as available for window culture. The east and south, with the 
 exposures between them, are of course the best, but western win- 
 dows and those even somewhat to the northwest have been used 
 with much success. A northern window is useful chiefly for ferns, 
 colens, some fuchsias, and to winter shade-loving plants." 
 
 In western windows, with stove heat, may be grown such plants 
 as fuchsias, cacti, wax plant, calla, geraniums, heliotrope, Chinese 
 pi'imrose, periwinkle, pansies, tulip, hyacinth, lilium, rose-geranium, 
 pinks, German ivy, ameranthus, etc. 
 
 From a southern to an eastern exposure may be grown: monthly 
 roses, iris, calla, oxalis rosea, hyacinths, cyclamens, azalea, ciner- 
 aria, auratum, daphne, Chinese primrose, heliotrope, jessamine, etc., 
 but some of those plants will floiirish and bloom in any of those 
 exposures. Moisture is one of the most essential elements in house 
 culture; plants can be kept moist by setting vessels containing 
 steaming soap-suds near them, two or three times a week, and is 
 very efficacious in destroying parasites. 
 
 Watering the plants is another operation of much importance, 
 and one that requires some judgment, as some plants require much 
 more water than others. Plants of an aquatic habit require more 
 and more frequent watering than the Alpine family of plants, and 
 what would be food for one would be death to the other. 
 
524 FLORICULTURE. 
 
 In watering plants the roots and bulbs should receive a thorough 
 soaking, as a slight watering does little or no good. Plants in bud 
 or blossom require more frequent watering than those only in foli- 
 age. Tepid water should always be used in plant watering, and 
 should be applied in as fine a spray as possible. The leaves of 
 plants should be washed at least once 'a week, as this keeps the 
 plant free from insects. 
 
 For fertilizers, an old authority recommends a small portion of 
 the essence of night-soil in tiiree pints of water, and this to be used 
 once or twice a week; also a few drops of liquid ammonia in a 
 quart of soft water is good for the plants. 
 
 The best compost for pot plants is one part leaf -mold, one part 
 rich loam, one part river sand, and one part j^eat, mixing the whole 
 thoroughly together. 
 
 Pots for house plants should not be too large, as it is allowed 
 that plants which grow in small pots are the best bloomers. The 
 pot should be well washed before using it, and thoroughly dried in 
 the sun. Two or three pieces of broken crock with a little char- 
 coal should go in the bottom for drainage. Pots should not be 
 filled to the edge with soil, as room should be left for watering. 
 Care should be taken not to pile the earth around the neck of the 
 plant, as it is injurious to most plants. 
 
 The begonia is a very popular house plant and is becoming more 
 of a favorite every year, with its elegant foliage and profuse waxy 
 flowers of scarlet, pink, and white. The rex is the handsomest and 
 the richest of the begonia family, with its grand imperial leaves of 
 enormous size tinged with crimson and ornamented with blotches 
 of green and white and zones of silver. It requires an even tem- 
 perature of from sixty to seventy-five degrees, and considerable 
 moisture. It is easily blighted, and the leaves should not be 
 allowed to touch a cold window-pane. The leaves sell from twenty- 
 five to fifty cents apiece, according to the size. 
 
 The fuchsia, known by the vulgar name of " lady's ear-drop," is 
 very popular as a house plant. It is quite hardy, not requiring 
 
FLORICULTURE. 625 
 
 much heat, and will even bear a little frost without injury; but to 
 keep it in good condition as to leaf and flower, a temperature of 
 sixty or sixty-five degrees is necessary. It also requires plenty of 
 light and air, and good rich soil is essential, with a humid atmos- 
 phere. It is easily raised by propagation, and can ])e trained as a 
 dwarf creeper, or made of a broader shape by pruning the end or 
 terminal shoots till the side branches grow. The fuchsia drops its 
 leaves very readily, probably from being sucli a victim to tlie red 
 spider. The onh' remedy for these minute insects is an occasional 
 syringing of the plants, or smoking them with tobacco. 
 
 " Mignonette, though humble, is not to be despised. An orna- 
 mental window-box filled only with this low-growing, violet- scented 
 annual is a desirable addition to any room. A pot of mignonette 
 and another of sweet alyssum cost nothing, and yet few things will 
 be found more pleasant and attractive in the winter season. Plants 
 that appear unimportant, almost insignificant, and entirely eclipsed 
 by more ambitious rivals, when the garden is ablaze Avith its sum- 
 mer glory, sometimes prove to be very queens of beauty when 
 transferred to the sitting-room or bay window." 
 
 There are many varieties of this plant. The crimson-flowered 
 giant, of robust habit with very large spikes of handsome crimson 
 flowers, of exquisite fragrance; Parson's white-flowering giant, 
 flowers almost a pui-e white, of great fragrance; dwarf compact, a 
 distinct and very desirable variety. It forms a dense semi-globular 
 bush about ten inches high and eighteen inches in diameter, of 
 robust vigorous branches, which are said to be produced without 
 intermission from spring till late in autumn. Miles hybrid spiral, 
 is said to be superior to any in cultivation. It is of dwarf -branch- 
 ing habit, the flower spikes attaining a height of eight to fourteen 
 inches. 
 
 Bouvardias are free-bloomers with proper care, bearing generous 
 clusters of rose, crimson, scarlet, and white flowers, and beginning 
 to bloom when only two or three inches high. Beginning to bloom 
 in August, they continue till frost. The new Alfred Nemer, 
 
526 
 
 FLORICULTURE. 
 
 Davidsonii, elegans lientha^ are the chief varieties. The David- 
 fionii, the flowers of which are rather larger than the single flower- 
 ing, and composed of three perfect rows of petals of the purest 
 waxy white color, each floweret resembling a miniature tuberose. 
 The trusses are large and perfect, and are freely and without inter- 
 ruption produced even on the small side-shoots, which generally 
 make no flowers on the single one, and according to authority in 
 observation and experience, it will bloom more freely and constantly 
 than the single variety. 
 
 The heliotrope is a great favorite from cottage to palace, not only 
 for the garden, but for the house as well. Its delicate spraj^s of 
 flowers, in A^arious shades of purple and its exquisite fragrance, 
 make it very desirable for bouquets. It likes plenty of light and a 
 good rich soil. It should be well watered. It grows from cuttings 
 as readily as the fuchsia, but the old plants are the best growers. 
 
 With all thesp and many more to select from, the window and its 
 surroundings may be made very effective. A window extending 
 from floor to ceiling is well adapted for this style of gardening. 
 
FLORICULTURE. 
 
 527 
 
 and should be filled with plants growing in boxes or pots and set 
 on high brackets on each side of the casement; if the window has a 
 sliding screen of stained glass in it the effect will be so much better. 
 The climbers may be lophospermum, a beautiful evergreen climber 
 with purple and violet blossoms, Maderia vine, Alpine woodbine, 
 and all or any kind of ivies, while smilax, vincas and arbutus 
 droop and trail. Bright colored flowers may be scattered around 
 in graceful Wedgewood, Wedge wood jardinieres forming a lovely 
 contrast with the green background. Small brackets holding pots 
 
 of carnations, bouvardias and heliotropes may be placed among the 
 vines in the window. Hanging baskets and wall pockets may also 
 find a place there with good effect. 
 
 Wall pockets are becoming now more fashionable than hanging 
 baskets. Cut a thin board in the shape of a shield to f oi*m the back. 
 Bore a hole in the centre near the top to suspend it from a nail, 
 then bore small holes all round the edge about half an inch apart. 
 The pocket is made with ordinary brass or white wire, which is 
 passed through the holes from side to side and carefully fastened at 
 
528 FLORICULTURE. 
 
 each end. The s.ame process is repeated from top to bqttom of the 
 shield and the wires fastened together. The receptacle is then 
 lined with mosses and filled with wood earth. Arbutus, partridge 
 vine, wintergi'een, etc., mingled with ferns, will all take kindly to 
 these novel quarters if kept constantly moist. 
 
 Almost anything may be converted into a hanging basket. Line 
 it with moss with a little soil attached, and place in the center some 
 showy plant of upright habit, fill up the surrounding space with 
 rich woods and old hot-bed soil, fill in with plants of a climbing or 
 trailing habit, when the center plant fades it may be replaced by a 
 fresh one. In filling a basket, select plants of similar habits, those 
 of like shape and moisture — fuchsia, lobelia, geraniums, wax plants, 
 vinca, and wild and cultivated ferns. For hanging-baskets nothing 
 can compare with the sedum sebpldii, oxalis, creeping Charlie, etc. 
 Very handsome hanging-baskets are made from glass dishes set in 
 silk or satin bags decorated with fancy pictures, or else embroidered; 
 they are hung by three silken cords, place at equal distances in 
 order to balance the dish. Ivies and ferns look pretty in this arrange- 
 ment, or a sweet potato, with its pretty foliage and quickly climb- 
 ing habit, grows nicely in it. 
 
 Ferns and ivy mingled will fill a hanging-basket very prettily, 
 but the ivy for this pui-pose should be the small leaved kind, which 
 sends out graceful, compact sprays to twine around the wires by 
 which the basket is suspended, and to droop over the edges. The 
 sweet-pea has been successfully cultivated in a hanging-basket, and 
 the Convolvulus Mauritanicus, a beautiful morning-glory with pink 
 and blue flowers, having a white star in the center, will grow and 
 blossom equally well. A very good effect is produced with pressed 
 ferns and ivy growing in bottles. Two or more ounce phials are 
 used, and wrapped around with cotton to keep them firm and pre- 
 vent them from jarring each other. 
 
 Hanging-baskets require frequent watering, for which, with due 
 regard to the carpet, they have to be taken down from their perches, 
 and then hung somewhere else to dry; but this trouble may be 
 
FLORICULTURE. 
 
 529 
 
 avoided in another ingenious way, which is to fill a bottle with 
 water and put in two or more pieces of woollen yarn, leaving one 
 end of each piece outside. The bottles should be hung just above 
 the basket, and the water allowed to drip which will keep the earth 
 moist enough for winter. 
 
 "Within the last few years the exquisitely beautiful and graceful 
 fern tribe has become quite a household favorite; so much so, in 
 fact, that a drawing-room would now be scarcely considered com- 
 pletely furnished without its one or more cases, each containing 
 specimens of the tribe. This is not at all surprising, as, besides the 
 great beauty of the plants and the facility with which they may be 
 applied to household decoration, they are very easily grown, and 
 require but little attention when once the cases are gotten into gocd 
 order. Besides this, however, there is the interest attached to the 
 careful study of the growing plants, which would alone repay the 
 little expenditure of time and trouble involved in their cultivation. 
 
530 FLORICULTURE. 
 
 There are three essential conditions necessary in order that the 
 culture of fern plants may be successful: namely, abundance of 
 water, shade, and shelter. It is true that some varieties will flourish 
 independently of some of these conditions, but when judiciously 
 combined they will admit of the successful cultivation of the whole 
 species. One of the most important considerations is the supply of 
 water. The roots of the jDlants should always be well supplied with 
 this, and it should on no account be allowed to remain stagnant. 
 It is then necessary to provide for the thorough drainage of the 
 fern case. 
 
 These ferneries are made in different styles. The illustration on 
 preceding page shows a small rustic pattern with a hanging bnsket 
 to correspond. In this illustration the intention is to provide in 
 the fern case a kind of rustic frame through which ther beautiful 
 forms of the plants may be observed, instead of the ordinary 
 square and inelegant lines in which they are usually enclosed. 
 
 The design is merely offered by way of suggestion; and it will 
 be better for the constructor to decorate according to his own taste 
 than to work to any pattern. 
 
 Most of the fern tribe grown indoors are raised in Wardian cases. 
 In starting a fernery, the first thing to be observed is laying a 
 foundation of small pieces of rock mixed with charcoal in the bot- 
 tom; if the case is large enough to admit it, a small or tiny rockery 
 may be placed in the centre with good effect. It is maintained by 
 good authority that equal parts of sand, loam, and leaf-mold is the 
 proper soil for ferns. If woodland ferns are put in, they should 
 liave a generous portion of native soil left at the root. The fernery 
 proper should have all wild things in it. The pretty partridge-vine, 
 with its tiny evergreen leaves and red, waxy berries, sanguinaria, 
 hepatica, trailing arbutus, and lycopodium, all grow charmingly in 
 the fernery, and with the wild ferns and mosses make a happy 
 family. The plants should have a sprinkling before the case is 
 closed, and must be kept in a shady situation for several days. 
 Fernery plants do not require frequent watering; once in every 
 
FLORICULTURE. 681 
 
 three or four weeks should be sufficient. As long as the glass has 
 moisture on it, the plants require no water. If too much watering 
 "be given, the plants will mold and die; these should be replaced 
 ■with fresh ones. The plants should be gracefully arranged, the 
 low-growing vines in front and the ferns at the sides. 
 
 Fern baskets look pretty hung over the plants, if the dimensions 
 of the fei'n case admit it. They can be made in any conceivable 
 design and look exceedingly beautiful when filled with low-grow- 
 ing ferns and drooping trailers. (See illustration, page 527.) 
 
 Hardy fei'ns are found in various situations, and consequently 
 require various modes of treatment. Some grow on rocks in 
 exposed situations, others in boggy, moist ground; some grow on 
 Tiedge-baiik - and shady woods, whilst others, again, grow near 
 waterfalls where the spray keeps them constantly moist. To 
 succeed in cultivating all these in one place, an approximation must 
 be made to the circumstance in which -they are found wild. A 
 low, moist soil, at the foot of a bank of rock-work, will suit those 
 found in a similar situation. The lower part of rock will suit those 
 found on hedge-banks. Those found in shady woods may be 
 planted on the north side of the rock-work near to the ground, 
 while those that grow wild on exposed rocks and old walls, may be 
 placed near the top of the rock-work in chinks between the stories. 
 The most difficult to manage are those found within the reach of 
 the spray of a waterfall. The only way to succeed tolerably with 
 these is to place them so that they can be covered with a hand-glass 
 on the shady side of the rock and to keep them moist by sprinkling 
 them every day through the rose of a watering-pot, protecting them 
 in winter by a covering of matting thrown over the hand-glass in 
 frosty weather. 
 
 Any species of fern that sends out stolons, or creeping stems, 
 under ground, readily increases by division. This requires consid- 
 erable care. They should never be divided till the parts to be 
 separated have a portion of roots to each. Turn the plants out of 
 the pots, and with a sharp knife divide the plants into as many parts 
 
582 ' FLORICULTURE. 
 
 as they have roots and a small hall; put them into pots only a little 
 larger than the little ball, drain them well, give a gentle watering, 
 and set them in a shady place till they begin to grow again and 
 send up fresh fronds. Several species produce miniature embryo 
 plants on the fronds. These should be pegged down in a pot filled 
 with proper soil, and placed so near the parent plant as to allow the 
 fronds to remain attached to it. When the buds have made root 
 into the new soil, and pushed forth some new fronds, they should 
 be detached from the parent, and potted in two and a half inch 
 pots, gently watered and placed in a shady place. Some new kinds 
 have those buds or knobs so strongly developed, that they may, 
 when in a sufficiently forward state, be cut off and potted at once. 
 
 Several of the finest ferns cannot be increased by division, or if 
 they can, several years elapse. If right means are followed, they 
 may be raised by seed. This requires a constantly warm, humid 
 atmosphere, and little if any sunshine. Procure a wide earthen 
 pan, a hand or bell-glass that will go within it and rest on the 
 bottom, and a shallow wide pot that will stand within the glass and 
 above the rim of the pan two or three inches. Fill this half full of 
 potsherds and upon them a sufficient number of small pieces of 
 turfy peat, mixed with small pieces of sandstone about the size of 
 peas, to come up to the pot. Then take the fronds of any fern that 
 is full of spores or seeds, and, with the hand, brush them off upon 
 the prepared pot, set it in the pan, place the glass over the pot, and 
 nearly fill tlie pan with water. Place the whole in a warm situa- 
 tion, shading it from the sun. The small pieces of turf and stone 
 can be easily separated, and the seedlings on each put into small 
 pots, without any danger of destroying them by the process of 
 potting. In the moist atmosphere of the orchid house, several 
 pieces of fern will come up spontaneously in the pots, baskets, and 
 upon the blocks. These m^j be carefully detached as soon as they 
 are large enough, and potted in small pots, placed for a time in 
 shady situations, and they will soon make nice bushy plants. 
 
 The soil best adapted to the fern tribe is a compost of sandy,. 
 
FLORICULTURE. 533 
 
 fibrous peat two parts, turfy loam one part, and leaf mold one 
 part, with a free admixture of sand. The best time for potting 
 is early in March, small plants may be potted twice, the second 
 time the first week in July. Ferns are like heath, if they once 
 ^et thoroughly dry tiiey will perish, therefore keep them con- 
 stantly well watered, more especially when the pots are full of 
 roots. Should they by any chance appear to be suffering severely 
 from drought, take such and let them stand in a vessel of water 
 that will cover the top of the pot for an hour or two. This will 
 thoroughly wet every part of the ball, and often recover the plant. 
 If such a convenience is at hand, the smaller ferns, like other green- 
 house plants, will be greatly benefitted by a few weeks' sojourn in 
 the middle of summer in a deep, cold pit. Here they should be 
 well supplied with water, and nearly every afternoon, about three 
 o'clock, have a gentle syringing, shutting them up close afterwards. 
 As soon as the nights begin to get cold in September, they should 
 be removed to the green-house and given a temperature of sixty 
 degrees maximum and fifty-five degrees minimum by day, fifty-two 
 degrees by night. During this season less water will be required. 
 Pemove all decayed fronds and gi^'e them a top-dressing in 
 December. This will carr}'^ them through till the potting season 
 arrives in March. The green fly and thrip will frequently appear 
 ■on them. Smoking with tobacco 'f^')) 'J octroy them both. 
 
CHAPTER XLII. 
 
 THE PICNIC. 
 
 HIS method of being amused is as useful to human beings as if 
 it were ordered by a physician at a guinea a prescription. To 
 be sure, it may be made humdrum, heavy, over-dressed, and 
 even uncomfortable and wearisome; but it need not be. The real 
 delight of such an outing is found in small, congenial parties of a 
 dozen or so of young persons, with one or two sedate friends to 
 give tone, balance, and character to the entertainment. The genu- 
 ineness of that evasive thing which we call pleasure, is sure to 
 be established if it leave a pleasant remembrance. If it be an alto- 
 gether agreeable event in our recollection, it may properly bear the 
 seal, named happiness. 
 
 Thoughtlessness is pardonable in youth, but its occurrences and 
 consequences are often avoided by the presence of an experienced 
 or worldly-wise elder. A sympathetic friend, who has seen her 
 years drift by her, without forgetting that they were strewn with 
 trifling pleasures just as the meadows are with cowslips, and who 
 recalls them with satisfaction, is just the one to choose to accom- 
 pany a party of al-fresco amusement-seekers. Perhaps this sen- 
 tence should have its* reversal, as indeed, it sometimes does, when 
 this agreeable friend, with her years of happy and wholesome 
 memories, herself plans for the picnic and invites a properly 
 assorted company of young people to join in a day's excursion to 
 the hills or woods, which she wisely and unselfishly directs and 
 arranges for their personal comfort and conduct. 
 
 534 
 
THE PICNIC. 535 
 
 If the party is to drive or ride, let not the distance be too great. 
 There should be a stream of spring or pure water, materials for a 
 fire, shade intermingled with sunshine, and a reasonable freedom 
 from tormenting insect-life. Charming as is the prospect of pic- 
 nicking in some grand dell, upon some lofty peak, or in some 
 famous cave or legendary ruin, there are also other considerations 
 which should not be forgotten. One does not feel too comfortable 
 when banquetting in localities where Dame Nature has had her 
 queer moods, and has left imprinted certain too observable evi- 
 dences of her freakiness. Such places may be included within the 
 excursion itself, but let the feast and the frolic take place where 
 weird effects are not the prevailing characteristic of the locality. 
 
 Be careful to dress for the entertainment, after consulting the 
 barometer and the thermometer, and after learning the geography 
 of the objective point of the day. A woollen dress that is not too 
 heavy nor yet too new, or a cotton one that is not too thin, with 
 short, trim skirts, and no fly-away draperies to entangle and to 
 bother; thick, solid, easy shoes, that have a friendliness for. the feet 
 because of prolonged intimacy with them; pretty, but not too fine 
 or thin stockings; a hat that has abroad brim; a large sun-shade or 
 a sun-umbrella; at least two fresh handkerchiefs; some pins, and a 
 needle and thread stowed away in one^s porte7non?iaie or chsiteWine- 
 pocket; easy castor, kid or suMe gloves, with ample wrists; a 
 jacket to wear when returning home; and a rug or travelling-shawl 
 to spread upon the ground at dinner-time, are among the requisites 
 of personal comfort and prettiness. 
 
 Two or three hammocks, provided the picnic be in a forest; a few 
 closely-folding camp-chairs, and a spirit lamp or two for extra tea 
 or coffee, are comforts that requii'e no space worth considering, and 
 only a little remembrance when packing up, while they really 
 increase to a large degi'ee the agreeable flavor of a day in the 
 woods. 
 
 Don't forget two or three books that have brief, bright poems or 
 narratives in them, for inactive or half-dreamy members of the 
 
536 THE PICNIC. 
 
 party, upon whom the spirit of romance and rhythm is sure to fall 
 after dinner, provided they do not drop asleep entirely. 
 
 When providing food for the party, pray do not forget to supply 
 at least double the quantity which would be served at home for the 
 same number of people, and then be sure to add a little more. To 
 be hungry, ravenously hungry, while in the woods, proves to us 
 that fresh air is wholesome and that nature encourages vigorous 
 appetites. Therefore, even if they were convenient of transport, 
 soups would not be a necessary stimulant to digestion. 
 
 Of fish, cold boiled salmon, upon which a mayonnaise may be 
 served at pleasure from a wide-mouthed bottle; or sardines, accom- 
 panied by sardine-scissors, are the easiest to manage, and altogether 
 the most satisfactory — but don't forget their intimate friends, the 
 lemons. 
 
 About meats, there are many varieties that may be served in the 
 woods, but they should always be such as can be arranged for 
 finger, rather than fork, eating. Nature did not make forks, as is 
 frequently asserted; and, therefore, a picnic a la fourchette is not 
 just that agreeable sort of free and easy entertainment that is the 
 most charming to people who are already wearied with pomps and 
 forms, ceremonies and things generally spectacular, and who flee to 
 the woods in print dresses and plain uniforms, in order to escape 
 such exactions for a little while. In fact, they long to eat food by 
 the aid of their fingers. Tiny lamb or veal chops, closely and care- 
 fully trimmed, dipped in eg^ and then in crumbs and delicately 
 browned, after which their stems are ruffl.'d with paper — m 
 papillate, as the Parisienne calls them — are delicious when cold, 
 and are easy to manage. Chickens, cut up after roasting or broil- 
 ing, are excellent and appropriate, but they are not so dainty or 
 convenient to handle as the papered chops. 
 
 The best and most convenient of all out-of-door edibles, is the 
 sandwich. Not the one with slips of meat laid between slices of 
 buttered bread, so that when a bite of bread is taken, all tlie 
 enclosed meat is dragged out, unless a serious contest takes place 
 
THE PICNIC. , 537 
 
 in its behalf between the teeth and fingers, which, to confess the 
 truth, is not an attractive conflict, as every one will attest who ever 
 saw a party of railway-travellers, each at war with one of them, as 
 the train moved out from a way-station where the conductor had 
 cried out " five minutes for refreshments!" To make sandwiches 
 that leave none but pleasant memories and provoke no temper while 
 in transit from the basket to the gastric regions, always grind the 
 meat or chop it when cold to very near a pulp. Make a thick 
 nuiyoiinaise, and mix it with the meat until it is about the consist- 
 tency of marmalade. Store and carry this most agreeable prepara- 
 tion in a covered dish or close jar. If it be rich with good oil, no 
 butter is needed. Sometimes, however, butter is beaten in with the 
 meat before it is married to the inayonnaise, yfYach. g\Y as to the 
 sandwich a delicious flavor. Carry along with the meat biscuits or 
 uncut loaves of good bread, with sharp knives to slice them evenly 
 and thinly; and don't fail to remember what intensity the appetite 
 may possess by mid-day, nor yet that, when it is appeased at that 
 hour, it frequently renews its strength and comes back again about 
 four o'clock in the afternoon and is as exacting as if it had not been 
 appeased for a whole week. These best-of-all sandwiches are made 
 ready when they are wanted. They are thus preserved from that 
 taste of staleness that comes over them when they have made a 
 journey after the meat was joined to the bread. Cold tongue, cold 
 roast veal, cold roast beef, and cold ham ai'e all of them excellent 
 for sandwiches, but the flavoring of salt, mustard, etc., is varied to 
 suit the peculiar qualities of each. Tongue and ham possess decided 
 qualities of their own, but the other two meats require toning-up to 
 suit the palate. Grated pineapple-cheese, mixed Avith a thick may- 
 onnaise and placed between very thinly cut slices of bread, is very 
 much liked by gentlemen. Olives, pickles and jellies are easily 
 carried, and prove agreeable additions. 
 
 For desserts, there are many things, but beware of articles that 
 will not bear travelling without looking dejected and sullen. Can- 
 
538 THE PICNIC. 
 
 died fruits, with macaroons, sponge or pound cakes, are about the 
 most agreeable of all the sweets which are adapted to journeys. 
 
 Small sugared fruits may be purchased of the confectioner, but 
 grapes, currants and oranges are easily prepared at home after the 
 following manner: Take one cup of sugar and one of water, boil 
 them slowly together for thirty minutes, add the juice of one small 
 lemon, and then place the vessel in a basin of hot water to prevent 
 the syrup from getting stiif. Dip ripe fruits into it, and lay them 
 upon a buttered plate until cold. Currants may be dipped by 
 holding them by their stems. Grapes are taken up on the point of 
 a long pin, dipped in the sugar, and laid carefully aside to dry. 
 Oranges are removed from their skins and pulled apart into as small 
 pieces as one likes, and then dipped with the assistance of the pin, 
 after the fashion of the grapes. These articles of delicacy are not 
 only delicious but decorative. The sections of orange may be 
 arranged prettily about the plate, and built up into a cone for the 
 table at home; but at a picnic, one depends for beauty mostly upon 
 the landscape. Fresh fruits are also agreeable at an out-door feast, 
 without coating them with sugar. 
 
 For drinking, tea that has been made, seasoned while hot and 
 then bottled directly, is delicious. So also is coffee; but both these 
 liquids may be made fresh by the fire, if one is built in gypsy 
 fashion. For lemonade, roll the fruit in granulated sugar that is 
 spread upon a marble or other hard surface, then squeeze them over 
 the sugar and remove their seeds. The juice, thus obtained, may 
 be bottled for the journey and added to water at pleasure. If ice 
 must be carried, select a clear, solid piece and wrap it in a heavy 
 flannel. Carry an ice-pick with it, so that it may be broken up 
 when needed, with as little waste as possible. 
 
 One really requires no wine at an al-fresco feast, even if accus- 
 tomed to use it at a home dinner. The exhilaration of the air is 
 quite sufficient for the needs of digestion. If wine must be carried, 
 claret is best, because it is never served with ice, the most fastidious 
 
THE PICNIC. 539 
 
 of wine-tasters insisting that its flavor is injured if it is not drank 
 while of the same temperature as the atmosphere. 
 
 For the feast, forget not the napkins, forks, spoons, and hxnch- 
 eon-cloth. Also carry tumblers, plates, salt, pepper, sugar, and a 
 bottle of cream or a can of condensed milk. Cups with handles, 
 but no saucers, are desirable for tea and coffee. 
 
 After a banquet of this delightful sort, the reflection presses itself 
 upon the housekeeper and the house-mother, that we have over- 
 much service, too extended paraphernalia, and most tiresome formal- 
 ities that consume our forces every day of our lives, and that they 
 are as beautiful as they are utterly needless. From the height of 
 our intellects we look contemptuoixsly down on them, but when we 
 once more return to these fashions of our living, we bow down to 
 them with a sort of fetish reverence. To escape their burdens, 
 arrange a picnic once a week so long as the sunshine invites you to 
 sit under its beams and the trees have the least array of foliage left 
 to wave over you. 
 
CHAPTER XLIII. 
 
 GARDEN PARTIES. 
 
 ^\ 
 
 XCEPT that it is arranged out-of-doors, a garden party would 
 
 seem to be no relation to the picnic. The truth is, they really 
 are cousins and represent the two extremes in the fashions of 
 feasting or of being amused and entertained. One is an escape 
 from etiquette and Philistinism, while the other is carrying hospit- 
 able display and social observances to an afraost unreasonable 
 extreme. 
 
 Sometimes garden parties are excesses of extravagance. For 
 those who are able to afford such hospitalities, they are all right 
 enough, because to the caterer, the florist and the laborer, both male 
 and female, they give extra employment. They disburse money 
 through a community which might be otherwise lying idle. On the 
 whole, costly garden parties are a blessing to business people, a 
 pretty spectacle to guests, and perhaps one of the least objectionable 
 of the many methods by which the rich indulge their fanciful tastes. 
 If the fortunate had no caprices of this sort, the country would very 
 soon lack many of its present industrial activities and prosperities. 
 "The occasional lavishness of the- millionaire is the letting free of 
 imprisoned capital," says the political economist. This process is 
 somewhat akin to the habits of royalty, which, in some countries, 
 whenever a great and satisfactory event transpires in its favor, sets 
 at liberty certain numbers of prisoners. 
 
 The garden party requires a shaven lawn, shade trees, and seats 
 with rugs and hassocks in front of them for delicate feet that have 
 become wearied. Marquees in gay colors, or fancy awnings that 
 
 640 
 
GARDEN PARTIES. 541 
 
 have no sides, but only pretty hanging borders to flutter in the 
 summer air, may be placed at proper intervals. A dancing floor is 
 often laid beneath such a shelter, for those who don't wish to make 
 the occasion altogether rural by dancing upon the velvety turf. 
 Perhaps this distaste for whirling and gliding upon the lawn itself 
 after the fashion of the peasant maiden, is because waltz and 
 redowa, polka and cotillion are less easily perforrtied upon a soft 
 surfacsr, end because the slippers of; my lady of luxury have no 
 affinity with the tidy and sensible buskin of the country girl. 
 
 Unfbrella awnings, planted here and there upon the lawn, are 
 bright and tasteful in their different colors. With seats beneath 
 them for two or more persons, they are not only beautifying to the 
 garden, but they afford charming retreats where a tUe d ttte may 
 be enjoyed within sight of mamma or a chaperone, but hapily not 
 within hearing. Thus really kind in spirit is a fashionable etiquette 
 that is security itself in all its formalities. It is an autocracy, tem- 
 pered with the sweetest and gentlest of tolerance and even with 
 meroy itself. 
 
 If there is no arbor hedge or natural cluster of shrubberies, be- 
 hind which the musicians may be hidden, it is customary to arrange 
 for them a temporary retreat of freshly cut pine or hemlock branches 
 fixed in the earth. Care is taken that the performers be not arranged 
 too close to the guests, because dancing music should not interrupt 
 the conversation of those who are not disposed to dance. If the 
 selections to be played at intervals are classic or romantic, distance 
 adds to their charms. Of course, the best possible musical talent is 
 secured for a/e<e champxitre, and the rendering of the varied com- 
 positions will be agreeable to cultivated ears. 
 
 Arrangements are made for serving refreshments in the house, 
 for those who prefer to partake of them within doors, and also to 
 provide for the exigencies of the weather. Indeed, the house is 
 also placed in order for dancing, should a shower occur; and, usually, 
 the verandas have awnings attached to the eaves, to be letdown 
 as enclosures, in case of untoward winds or rains making the grounds 
 
542 GARDEN PARTIES. 
 
 disagreeable. If the day is. fine, refreshments are carried by 
 domestics to the groups that prefer the open air, and tea-poys from 
 the house or little portable garden tables are placed near groups of 
 guests for the reception of their cups, plates, etc. 
 
 The hours appointed are usually from three o'clock till seven, 
 although when very rich and elaborate tables are to be spread, and 
 the grounds are arranged to be illuminated, or there is a full moon, 
 the guests are invited for from four or five o'clock until ten or 
 eleven. 
 
 A caterer usually supplies the meats and drinks for such occa- 
 sions. If the lady chooses to have them provided from her own 
 larder, she endures much anxious thought, unless she is one of those 
 rarely fortunate hostesses with a trained butler and a cAe/who is a 
 genuine cordon bleu. 
 
 If the party is to be from three o'clock until seven, the hostess 
 provides only delicacies and light refreshments. There are salads 
 of various kinds served in fancy paper cups or in orange skins, sweet 
 "bread and mushroom jjatties also in crimped paper cups, with deli- 
 cate biscuits or little sandwiches. Then there are small breaded 
 lamb-chops en papillote, fancy breads, meringue d la .crhme, souffle 
 aux marrons, Charlottes, cream-ices and sherbets, fancy cakes, and 
 fruits an natural or sugared, with tea, coffee, chocolate, and some- 
 times bouillon for drinks, the latter served in suitable bowls set upon 
 plates or in coffee-cups, with one or two Italian breads laid in each 
 saucer, but no spoon. It is considered in good form to drink this 
 clear soup as one would take tea from the cup itself. 
 
 Of course, it adds largely to the Ij^bor in a private home for this 
 entertainment to be so varied, but it does not increase its actual 
 cost. There is elegance in a widely differing menu, and it requires 
 study to make it harmonious and pleasing, but it is just as inexpen- 
 sive to have the salads of three vai'ieties for a hundred guests as it 
 is to make the same quantity of a single group of materials. 
 
 As to other drinks, the good sense of the hostess will determine 
 whether she should have stronger liquids than lemonade and sher- 
 
GARDEN PARTIES. 543 
 
 "bet for her guests, or, at the most, a claret punch with perhaps a 
 flavoring of Chartreuse or Champaigne in its ruddy coolness. 
 
 If the entertainment be fixed for late hours, then cold salmon 
 with mayonnaise is usually added to the above list, and so are 
 chicken wings that include parts of the breast and are called ailes de 
 volaille. These can be lifted by the fingers. Smoked breasts of 
 ducks that are imported all prepared for eating, and pate clejois gras, 
 etc., are quite frequently provided. There are many Winter edibles 
 which are not served in Summer time, such as oysters, turkeys, 
 grouse, venison, etc. Some of these foods are unattainable in Sum- 
 mer, and some of them are unwholesome or unsuited to hot-weather 
 digestion. 
 
 The refreshments are served both in the house and out of it, to 
 gratify the convenience. Elderly people prefer the house, while 
 younger ones delight in out-door f eastings. Moon-lighted senti- 
 ment harmonizes wonderfully well with birds' breasts, and tutti 
 frutti. 
 
 The hostess sends out her invitations about ten days in advance 
 of the time she has selected for her party. Acceptances or regrets 
 should be returned immediately. 
 
 The costumes for such a party should be as airy and gay as pos- 
 sible. Short dresses are the prevailing style, but trails are not for- 
 bidden to those who are willing to accept the burden of care that 
 is necessary to prevent their injury and to keep them from such 
 unconscious feet as will trip in them. An inadvertent step by a 
 gentleman will sometimes spoil hi^ evening's pleasure. 
 
 White mulls, French batistes, satins, Surahs, etc., with gay 
 flowers and ribbons, are the favoi-ites, although quaintly printed 
 foulards, bedecked with cream-white or colored laces, or perhaps 
 with embroideries, are also popular. Pongee in its natural hues, 
 trimmed with embroidered bands of the same, or with ombre Surah, 
 is lovely and fashionable, and, besides, the soiled hems of this silk 
 may be washed without revealing the fact. Fancy cashmere over- 
 dresses, with short skirts of black velvet or satin, have been used 
 
544 GARDEN PARTIES. 
 
 as garden-party costumes for several seasons, and they are still con- 
 sidered as fashionable as ever. All the changes that have been 
 made in them, and they are many, are discoverable in the hues of 
 the over-dress, its much altered form, and its decorations. 
 
 The accessories of these dresses are sure to change from , season 
 to season. This year the bouquet de corsage is very large, and is 
 worn low upon the breast, at the belt, or as a garland about the 
 waist or neck. Field flowers are the present favorites. Clover- 
 blossoms, purple, red or Avhite, according to the tint of the dress or 
 the complexion of the wearei", are among the fashionable lady's 
 present delights. Ox-eyed and dusky-hearted daisies vie with 
 each other for favor. Brown-headed grasses and meadow-lilies are 
 also popular with tall ladies, who wear dark dresses that are en 
 train. For the garden party, however, if the ground be adorned 
 with many growing flowers, it is in better taste to wear large, flat 
 bows of plain or ombre satin or satin Surah ribbons, than flowers 
 that bang their heads, and perhaps wither altogether in the presence 
 of their more fortunate ungathered companions. 
 
 The hostess usually receives upon her veranda, or if her hall be 
 large, she may welcome her guests at this place. It is quite proper 
 for the visitor to leave her wraps, if she have need of such articles, 
 in the care of her coachman or with her maid, who may, perhaps, 
 accompany her to care for them. It has become as much an 
 approved style for a lady in grand toilette to ride without a bonnet 
 to a garden party, as it is in Cuba for a lady of fashion to take all 
 her summer airings with no other protection for her head than a 
 parasol. Of course, this party must needs be in the country, where 
 there are not so many persons to stare impertinently at a lady who 
 rides forth in the day-time clothed for a fete. 
 
 If a guest leaves early, or very much before the hour mentioned 
 on her invitation card, she does not take leave of her hostess, but 
 goes away quietly, in order that she may not suggest departure to 
 other guests. 
 
GARDEN PARTIES. 545 
 
 The call of ceremony after a garden party is as imperative as if 
 the entertainment had been a grand and formal dinner, or an even- 
 ina: of dancincr and full toilette. 
 
 Garden parties are a branch of the more comprehensive " at 
 home," and are especially adapted to inhabitants of suburban villas 
 and countiy residences. They seem to us to be the revolt of our 
 natures to the close confines of the house and the desire to get out 
 into the sunlight and the air — to be the simple pjicnic hampered 
 with the code which fashion imposes upon those of wealth a:id 
 position. 
 
V. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV. 
 CAMPING OUT. 
 
 POOR woman, whose tired ears could not distinguish one 
 tune from another, and who had been taught that when she 
 became immortal her only occupation would be to sing 
 hallelujahs, exclaimed in an ecstacy of delight, '" In Heaven I shall 
 do nothing forever and ever!" This feeling is not uncommon to 
 wearied people who are not poor, and they believe firmly that they 
 also would be happy in doing " nothing forever and ever." Of 
 course, this is but a temporary craving and remains only while they 
 are tired out with the excesses and burdens of civilization. These 
 are they who should fly to the wilderness, taking along with them 
 only those individuals without whom life would not be life at all; 
 or, better still, who should make a brief and wholesome separation 
 even from the dearest, and go away among strangers, just to find 
 uses for awhile for another class of sympathies. Such an arrange- 
 ment is quite fc.j[ual to changing shoulders when a burden has 
 become too heavy for the one who is bearing it alone. 
 
 If you dwell by the sea, choose some inland spot of lonely 'loveli- 
 ness. If your home is upon a lowland, climb a mountain when 
 your welcome hour for camping and freedom has arrived. Make a 
 literal and positive translation of your locality, occupations, modes 
 of dressing, eating, sleeping, and reading. If your ordinary exis- 
 tence is spent among books, take to boating, climbing, and even to 
 cooking, rather than carrying along your habits of prying into 
 scientific mysteries or of searching after the deep roots of a dead 
 and dusty language. If you desire to read, you must choose novels 
 
 546 
 
CAMPING OUT. 547 
 
 that are composing, natural, and end up agreeably. You will dis- 
 cover many a devoted story-reader who will tell you what books to 
 procure. Those with sweet, steady-going characters, that do not 
 harrow up your wearied and over-sensitive nerves, are the best 
 healers and composers of the jangle which has fallen upon your 
 system or your brains. If your adviser is an habitual devourer of 
 fiction and expresses a distaste for certain books because they are 
 flavorless, take our advice,' and, whether you are man or woman, be 
 sure to make choice of these very novels, because they are just 
 what you really require under the circumstances. They lead you 
 away from yourself through agreeable and slumberous by-ways 
 into a perfect tranquillity, which in your working seasons you might 
 possibly consider only another name for semi-idiocy. 
 
 The man who is to plunge into the woods and really forget his 
 worn-out self, should be sure not to forget his worn-out clothes. 
 See that your trowsers are easy, neatly mended, strong as to but- 
 tons, and not too dark nor yet too light, lost your sense of the value 
 of cleanliness make intimacies with mud too unpleasantly noticeable. 
 Try to imagine that you are getting nearer to Mother Nature and 
 are another Thoreau, always excepting his egotism, which Heaven 
 forbid should ever fall upon the brain of another mortal. 
 
 Should picturesqueness be a pleasure to your senses, select low, 
 easy shoes, with Avide, thick soles, and flat heels. Wear red or blue 
 stockings of worsted, a gray mixed flannel shirt or blouse, and a 
 broad, red or blue belt, according to your hosiery. Then get a gray, 
 soft felt hat with a wide brim, a water-proof Mackintosh and a 
 woollen ulster, and you are dressed. Of course, you may carry 
 rubber boots with high tops, and a water-proof cap with an attached 
 Havelock, so that you can defy Jupiter Pluvius and even the deluge 
 itself if it come back and you have not been chosen to re-enact the 
 drama of Noah and his Ark. 
 
 If you are a woman, your oldest winter dress, abbreviated at its 
 hem, re-bound neatly and firmly, and loosened at its waist, should 
 be taken along for scrambles over muddy places, and for boating. 
 
C48 CAMPING OUT. 
 
 when bailing out the craft becomes one of the formalities. On 
 rainy days will this gown also prove its loyalty and efficiency for 
 your needs. Then you must have a fresh costume for beauty's 
 sake, and so that your guide and cook (a combination of accom- 
 plishments seldom or never dissociated) will write limp-footed and 
 ill-spelled verses to yon, that shall combine, in about equal propor- 
 tions, maudlin sentimentality and poor grammar. These droll apos- 
 trophes, generally inscribed on birch bark, will do you no end of 
 good. You will think better of yourself, and will the easier over- 
 look many little culinary mistakes which your wilderness adorer 
 will be sure to make semi-occasionally. 
 
 A gray pressed flannel that is clearly a mixture of black and 
 white, a deep green that is dark-hued and a first cousin to the oak- 
 leaf, a brown that learned to be pretty from the deepest brown of 
 the chestnut, and a blue which the sailor dearly loves, are the 
 proper colors for gowns during a forest loitering. They may be 
 made as gay as a robin red-breast, or even an oriole, with a pro- 
 priety that would turn upon itself in amazement in a less free and 
 deliciously barbaric life. Indeed, it is not in the least extravagant, 
 when preparing for camp, to remember how Helen Douglas was 
 clothed when she rowed Fitz-James across the Scottish waters. 
 Plaids, the real tartan, in flat bands about the skirt, and a scarf or 
 sash tied or pinned ornamentally to the back of the left shoulder, 
 are always comely; and a Highland bonnet, with a heron's, a cur» 
 lew's or a peacock's feather, is as easy to the head as it is pretty to 
 the eyes. Upon gray and blue cloths, a cactus-red, an old-gold or 
 a cai'dinal band of flannel may be arranged about the skirt; and a 
 loose girdle of the same, ravelled at its ends and bunched into a 
 tassel, or else hanging flatly, is a charming addition to the dress, 
 and may b3 worn as a much-wrinkled belt about the waist-line of a 
 blue blouse. Instead of an extra belt over that much and justly- 
 admired blouse, which is indiscriminately called a Norfolk blouse 
 and hunting jacket, this mountaineer's sash is very charming. A 
 hat like the dress goods, with a soft Derby crown and a brim that 
 
CAMPING OUT. 649 
 
 is cut in sombrero fashion, with a sufficient nural)er of rows of 
 stitching about it to hoki it in proper but not stiff position, is both 
 fashionable and comfortable. Gloves of wash-leather, long and 
 loose-wristed, are a comfort and a prettiness; and, if they be of 
 the natural yellow of their material, they will not be inharmonious 
 with any shade of dress or decorations. The best gown is the din- 
 ner and Sunday toilette of a wild-wood outing. 
 
 A rubber cloth waterproof, with a hood of the same; an Ulster 
 for cold days and nights (it is not unusual to sometimes draw this 
 garment on over a flannel night-gown); heavy woolen shawls or 
 traveling rugs for extra lowerings of the mercury; stout, low, flat- 
 heeled shoes for climbing; and top-boots of rubber for those occa- 
 sional rainy days that will come to mortals even in the most fasci- 
 nating of Arcadias; and little more is needed, save a sensible supply 
 of flannel, more or less thick, according to latitude, longitude and 
 altitude. Fresh collars and handkerchiefs must be numbered accord- 
 ing to the domestic accomplishments of the man-of-all-work. 
 
 Of course, it is not against the law to take a serving-woman, but 
 such feminines are liable to demand more conveniences and languish 
 with more vehement discontent in the absence of civilization than 
 the mistress herself. Indeed, domestic appendages of this descrip- 
 tion not infrequently revolt determinedly or disappear altogether 
 from the most fascinating of game and trout dinners served d la 
 hemlock plank, and from couches of aromatic pine-needles and 
 blankets. Yes, a man is the best helper in the woods, and, as a 
 general thing, he really likes it. 
 
 Two tents are required, if there be ladies in the party — and this 
 article is written especially in their interest. Rubber pillows, to be 
 blown up at will, and folding camp-cots and camp-chairs, are luxuries 
 tliat belong to civilization; and few and happy are they who are 
 "willing to forego them. Ingenious and inexpensive inventions are 
 busy superseding fresh resinous twigs for bedding, and " more's the 
 pity." Hammocks are for those who can keep themselves awake 
 during the entire camping season in order that they may not fall 
 
550 CAMPING OUT. 
 
 out of them while they are asleep. These articles are considered 
 great luxuries, and certainly they are picturesque, or at least picto- 
 rial wherever they are seen swaying between sun and shade under 
 the great green trees. A tent umbrella, for peripatetic camping, 
 fishing or sketching, is a comfort during hot days, when one must 
 needs go away from the shade of the woods. 
 
 For six people, the following kitchen articles are required: A 
 camp-kettle with cover, for hot water; a three- quart coffee-kettle 
 and a two-quart tea-pot; two bake-pans, one frying-pan, one water- 
 pail, two cooking-forks and two cooking-spoons of tinned iron; and, 
 if the party be very fastidious, a gridiron will be a boon. To broil 
 a bird or a fish, a pointed stick is the woodraan's chief joy. Tin 
 cups, to serve coffee, tea and water, are capable of combining these 
 uses nowhere else but in the woods, so it is claimed ; and tin plates 
 need not be numerous, because a dinner eaten by a camp fire is a 
 marvel of simplicity and convenience as to the order and formality 
 of its courses of food. Knives, forks and spoons should be an 
 individual matter, each person of the party carrying and afterward 
 caring for his own personal table-cutlery, just as he looks after his 
 own toilette-articles. The big meat-knife and fork serve as the 
 carver and fork, and a whet-stone, which improves the hatchet 
 that cuts and splits the fuel, is as good and better than a pearl- 
 handled steel for improving the edge. A tin or hard-wood pepper- 
 box, with a salt-box of the same material and perforated in the 
 same way, is very convenient. A large box of pulverized charcoal 
 for filtering water after rains is a real luxury, which will add safety, 
 as well as satisfaction to drinking water. Matches should be kept 
 in corked bottles, and there should be rubber-cloth sheets for use 
 during a storm that refuses to keep out of the tents while one is 
 making the most of a sleeping season. Spread upon the ground, 
 when one desires to lie prone upon one's back and enjoy long inter- 
 vals of dreaminess, with eyes wide open and turned upward to the 
 blue that flickers through the foliage of the trees, a rubber sheet is 
 a great comfort. 
 
CAMPING OUT. 551 
 
 These things seem to be many in their enumeration, but, after all, 
 they are far less in number and cost than the gathering together of 
 annual pomps that are novel and vanities that an; expensive, when 
 one is going to a resort of fashion at Midsummer. And besides, 
 except one's wardrobe, all these articles remain in stock for years 
 to come. They may be compactly arranged and safely and cheaply 
 stored with the guide; and if another locality be chosen in other 
 years, these Summer needs may be quickly transferred by order 
 and for a trifling outlay of expressage to some less familiar place. 
 
 You notice that it is assumed as an undoubted certainty that, 
 having camped out one season, other summers are sure to be spent 
 in the same delightful, care-forgetting, health-restoring, brain- 
 repairing manner. 
 
 The long rambles over beautiful wild spaces, and, if within reach 
 of water, the long and strong pull upon the oars; the delicious airs 
 that blow from the points of the needles; the forest balms; the rest 
 from toilsome, albeit beautiful, toilettes; and the calm, cool nights 
 of slumber that bring back youth and beauty, and with these things 
 revive an interest in living — all these are the reanimating blessings 
 of a summer life in the depths of the forest ! 
 
CHAPTER XLV. 
 
 DAUGHTERS. 
 
 HERE is no mistake that a mother can make, so fatal to a 
 daughter's happiness or to her chance of genuine success in 
 everything slie has to do, as to educate her to look down with 
 contempt upon the occupations of her parents, or indeed upon any 
 honest industry. 
 
 A mother may see the disadvantages of her husband's employ- 
 ment, and may endeavor to bias the minds of her sons toward other 
 tastes and sympathies, but that does not involve the expression of 
 contempt for their father's toil. The latter may be difficult, uncer- 
 tain, or, perhaps, insufficient in remuneration, but nothing that is 
 useful is insignificant or dishonorable, while the line between the 
 respectable and contemptible is a distinction that should be care- 
 fully marked. 
 
 To the daughter, no sentiment of disapproval need be expressed. 
 That which has provided bread and shelter for her should be held 
 in reverence, even though she may wish it were by other means 
 that her infancy was nourished. To regret and to despise are not 
 at all the same. One may be inevitable, the other is not. If the 
 father's toil be disfiguring, the mother should teach the daughter 
 by example to maintain a tidiness and sweetness in all the house- 
 hold belongings, and always have in readiness the means for 
 refreshing the toiler and for removing the outer soilings of his 
 labor. 
 
 No honest occupation needs to bear an intellectual, spiritual or 
 moral stain, and an earnest spirit of industry and an innate dainti- 
 
 552 
 
DAUGHTERS. 663 
 
 ness are quite capable of elevating the commonest of homes up into 
 sympathy with the best refinements of living. A bit of chintz to 
 cover a chair may be fitly chosen, an illuminating print may adorn 
 the wall, and the window-hangings may be both clean and graceful 
 with very little extra cost. The table-spread may be fresh and 
 wholesome. The arrangement of the simplest of food may be 
 orderly and attractive to the eye. A pot of flowers, blooming in 
 the window, gets the sunshine and air without money, and tidiness 
 consecrates and makes attractive the plainest of apartments. Pov- 
 erty is never dishonorable. Uncleanliness and disoi-der are a dis- 
 grace for which sickness is the only apology. Not only teach this 
 "early to the daughter, but show her by example how to charm a 
 small income to appear as if it were plenty. 
 
 This urgent appeal is the consequence of a recent experience, the 
 like of which makes good mothers tremble, provided they are able 
 to see the end from the beginning. It occurred in a fashionable 
 shop, at an hour of the day when but few demands were being 
 made upon the young woman-clerks. She was a very pretty girl, 
 with her rich hair banged, a gilt comb in her coil, not too few and 
 not too fresh ribbons all a-flutter upon her cheap but showy dress, 
 with eai'-rings, bangles, and gaudy, cheap, and crumpled artificial 
 flowers that served her as a bouquet cle corsage. She was posed 
 with crossed hands and curved wrists, while she related to her 
 scarce less unattractively dressed but equally pretty companion, her 
 experience of the night before. 
 
 " Oh ! it was just too awfully mean for anything. We were kept 
 here over time last night, you know, and I had accepted an invi- 
 tation from you know who, to go to a regimental promenade con- 
 cert. Don't know M^ho ? Of course you do; just as well as I do, 
 which isn't saying much. He told me to call him Charley, though 
 I heard some of the fellows speak to him as Frederick, but 1 wasn't 
 going to anger him by letting him know that I heard it — not I. I 
 am too glad to have such a nice fellow to take me out and feed me 
 on cream and fetch rae gloves and candy. 
 
654 DAUGHTERS. 
 
 " Well, as I was telling you, we were kept here so late that when 
 Charley came for me to go, I had not even dressed my hair, and he 
 knocked at our apartment door, somebody having sent him up 
 stairs. Here he was, and do you believe it, he had come for me in 
 a coop [coupe), and coop and all was waiting; and what were we 
 to do but to ask him to come into our rooms; and they are always 
 in such a state, you know, like other poor folks, I suppose; and I 
 was mortified to death. The table looked just awful, and mother 
 was trying to get the baby to sleep, and father was cross and not 
 washed up, and there was not a chair empty in the room. I just 
 wished I was dead and buried, but I had to get ready all the same, 
 and when I went out of that house in my blue silk dress and white 
 bonnet, nobody but Charley would have suspected my father 
 worked in the gas-house — indeed they wouldn't, and I don't mean 
 that they shall find it out, if I can prevent it. 
 
 " Wasn't it too bad that Charley should find out? But then he 
 was nice about it and did not say anything until I said how morti- 
 fied I was because father would do such low work. Mother hates 
 it too, and its no wonder she don't care how she looks and how the 
 house looks. Father will go to the saloon when supper is over. 
 He says he hates a house that is always in a rumpus — but it isn't, 
 any more than the gas-house where he stays all day. If he had 
 any pride, he would do something nice, such as keeping a livery 
 stable, or a billiard saloon, and then his hands wouldn't be black 
 and his clothes dirty, and Charley wouldn't be ashamed to know 
 him. Charley said I needn't live in that bedlam if I didn't want 
 to, and I don't, and I said so, but he didn't say how he meant to 
 change my circumstances, but I can guess, can't you?" 
 
 " Why, he means to marry you, of course." 
 
 " I suppose so, but he hasn't said so yet." 
 
 Poor little idiot ! He will never say it, or, if he does, he will 
 fail to keep his word. When girls do not respect themselves and 
 their homes, they must not look for respect from others. If the 
 mother had kept a tidy home, the daughter would not have beea 
 
DAUGHTERS. 655 
 
 ashamed to invite any person to enter it. She would not have 
 opened the way for expressions of an insulting, and perhaps, fatal 
 sympathy. She would not have spent her earnings in a fanciful 
 dress and bonnet if she had been taught to divide her income with 
 the home purse, and to lend touches of refinement and useful evi- 
 dences of thrift to the household. If the mother expressed no 
 contempt for the father, the daughter would have nourished none; 
 and one requires no spirit of prophecy to discover the doom of that 
 girl in the very near future. 
 
 To make the most of what one has and is, is the surest and safest 
 way of growing up to something better and higher. There is no 
 such certain and speedy road to ruin for daughters, yes, and for 
 sons also, as to educate them in a manner that will give them false 
 pride. A genuine development of the mind and heart has very 
 different results. It is in a superficiality of many acquirements that 
 danger lies, and it is through a paltry pride that girls learn to play 
 the piano badly, paint trashy pictures, and sing cheap songs in a 
 cheap style, when a little serious instruction in something within 
 their mental capacities and their purses would have been certain to 
 provide them with positions of respect and usefulness. 
 
 In these days of highly finished artists in all the accomplishments, 
 it is money thrown away to half -learn anything. The result only 
 exhibits how little, rather than how much, a girl knows. She feels 
 a contempt for herself when in the presence of her superiors in 
 attainments, and they feel a contempt for her because she attempted 
 what she failed to finish. 
 
 If there were no false standards of living, no false estimates of 
 the dignity of labor, these things could not be. What woman, who 
 has reached an age when she can judge of the values of things, 
 would not rather be a skilled dressmaker, or an accomplished 
 milliner, than a young person who teaches the rudiments of musie 
 to insubordinate children, or gives ill-paid lessons, in an almost as 
 poor a style, in china-painting? The latter calls and probably 
 deems her toil intellectual, but there are no such miserable drudges 
 
556 DAUGHTERS. 
 
 within the bounds of civilization as half-educated instructors in 
 what is called the fine arts. 
 
 If you teach your daughters to aim high, be altogether certain 
 that they ai*e possessed of the power to reach their object, and 
 equally sure that you will have the means to complete what you 
 undertake for them. If they are carefully educated in all those 
 practical things which a woman should know, and their school life 
 be not shortened for vanity's sake, or for some short-sighted esti- 
 mate of what is desirable, and there really is talent or genius in 
 their brains, the mother need give herself no anxious thoughts 
 about it, because superior capacities will surely find methods by 
 which to express themselves. Be content with that certainty. 
 They may smoulder for a time, but they will blaze at last. 
 
CHAPTER XLVI. 
 
 HOUSE PAINTING. 
 
 IHE following receipts and directions are condensed from a 
 practical English work on the art of house painting. They 
 are principally designed for the inexperienced and those who, 
 living at a distance from the cities, have great difficulty in 
 obtaining first-class workmen. 
 
 To make work satisfactory, it is very necessary for the workman 
 to have very clean all the vessels, brushes and cans he may require 
 in the course of his work, such as the various pails, pots or vessels 
 in which he mixes or from which he uses his colors. These are 
 sometimes bought at the shops, handsomely made of stout tin, 
 and such are easily kept clean, and save their expense in color, 
 which is readily brushed down their smooth sides. He will also 
 require a marble slab and muller, to grind the finer colors used in 
 painting. Sometimes a small cast-iron mill 'is useful not only to 
 grind colors, but to pass the tinted color through, so that it may be 
 more thoroughly mixed. 
 
 It is presumed the workman will know what brushes he will 
 require, according to the work he has in hand. 
 
 In preparing to paint a good dwelling, after having obtained the 
 necessary colors and brushes, see that you have a few pounds of 
 good pumice stone, a quire or two of assorted sand paper, to 
 smooth the inequalities of the work; some twenty pounds of putty, 
 to stop up after the first coat in every part of the house; a suflici- 
 ency of fine slacked lime, and a proper number of large and small 
 
 557 
 
558 HOUSE PAINTING. 
 
 vessels in which to mix the colors, and from which to use them; a 
 few pounds of soaked glue, &c. 
 
 If the wood-work be new, and no wall-work required, you will 
 go over it carefully with a small brush and some of the glue size, 
 colored with red lead, covering what knots and stains may appear 
 in the wood, after which the priming coat of almost all oil and 
 good white lead, tinted with Indian red, should be evenly brushed 
 over the work; and, as soon as dry, the putty knife and putty 
 should follow, to stop all the cracks and nail holes. Then should 
 follow the second coat, with a little spirits of turpentine in the oil, 
 and the color slightly tinged with blue black. This is generally 
 thought sufficient for the attic and third stories. But the rest of 
 the house is usually finished with old ground white lead, thinned 
 with spirits of turpentine. The roof, if covered with tin, should 
 be painted once in ihree years. There are many different methods 
 in use. Some paint with raw oil, dry Spanish brown and a little 
 red lead, to dry it, for fear of a rain; others, with Spanish brown, 
 more red lead, and half whale oil with the linseed oil; others use 
 yellow ochre and black, mixed in the same oils; others use a paint 
 made by boiling paint skins and whale oil, and carefully straining 
 them while warm, reserving the remaining skins, to stop the leaks 
 around chimneys and dormer windows. This last mentioned paint 
 is probably serviceable from its elasticity. In the country, many 
 paint their roofs and outbuildings in the same way, using some- 
 times Venetian red from its brightness. 
 
 Many complaints are continually made that white lead and colors 
 composed thereof do not endure, and are quickly beaten off by 
 exposure to the sun and rain. This difficulty occurs as much from 
 the mariner of using the paint as from its quality. As this occurs 
 in outside work, it is to be attributed, first, to the condition of the 
 work to be painted, being generally in such a state as to absorb the 
 oil from the first coat, thereby leaving it in a dusty state, and liable 
 to be washed off by the first rain. This can be guarded against 
 only by filling the old work, in painting two thin coats over it, one 
 
HOUSE PAINTING 659 
 
 upon the other, as soon as dry, and finishing it with one thicker 
 coat, to protect it and shed the rain. A fourth coat, if the imme- 
 diate expense is not heeded, will repay its cost in additional service 
 and beaut)'. 
 
 The white lead can be procured of any requisite quality at the 
 color stores. It is thought that the best article is the most econom- 
 ical, as it works out with more ease, and repays the difference of 
 cost in its appearance. Linseed oil is also better for having due 
 age, for the same reason as the white lead, working with softness 
 and advantage after parting with the water which is generally com- 
 bined with new oil. 
 
 The quality and fineness of the white lead used adds materially 
 to the work, and that which is well ground, and has such mellow- 
 ness from age as will cause it to work smoothly under the brush in 
 connection with good linseed oil, will certainly repay any reasonable 
 additional cost. The first coats should always be mixed with clear 
 linseed oil; the fourth coat may be used with boiled oil and one- 
 quarter part spirits of turpentine. 
 
 Putty is best purchased at a good color store, where you can 
 depend upon its being made of good dry whitening and linseed oil. 
 It should be carefully and freely used after the work has had one 
 •coat of paint, for the fresh paint holds the putty very firmly. 
 
 Harmony of Colors. — Red looks well with black, white or yel- 
 low. Blue harmonizes with white or yellow. Green with white, 
 black or yellow. Gold with black or brown. White appears well 
 with any color. 
 
 MIXING PAINTS. 
 
 A Beautiful White Paint. — For inside work, which ceases to 
 smell and dries in a few hours. Add one pound of frankincense to 
 two quarts of spirits of turpentine; dissolve it over a clear fire, 
 strain it, and bottle it for use; then add one pint of this mixture to 
 four pints of bleached linseed oil, shake them well together, grind 
 white lead in spirits of turpentine and strain it, then add suflicient 
 
660 HOUSE PAINTING. 
 
 of the lead to make it proper for painting; if too thick in using, 
 thin with turpentine, it being suitable for the best internal work on 
 account of its superiority and expense. 
 
 For a Pure White Paint — Nut oil is the best; if linseed oil 
 is used, add one-third of turpentine. 
 
 To Mix Common White Paint, — Mix or grind white lead in 
 linseed oil to the consistency of paste, add turpentine in the pro- 
 portion of one quart to a gallon of oil; but these proportions must 
 be varied according to circumstances. Remember to strain your 
 color for the better sorts of work. If the work is exposed to the 
 sun, use more turpentine for the ground color to prevent its blis- 
 tering. 
 
 For Knotting. — Mix white or red lead powder in strong glue 
 size and apply it warm. 
 
 Common Flesh Color, — Stain your white lead with red lead, and 
 mix with oil and turps. 
 
 Fine Flesh Color. — It is composed of white lead, lake and 
 vermilion, 
 
 A Beautiful Color for Carriages, &c, — Mix carmine lake 
 with black japan. 
 
 Cream Color. — This is a mixture of chrome yellow, the best Eng- 
 lish Venetian red, white lead, and red lead in oil. 
 
 Pearl Gray. — White lead, with equal portions of Prussian blue 
 and lampblack, mixed with oil and turps. 
 
 Fawn Color. — Grind some burnt and raw terra sienna very fine. 
 Two or three pounds of this is sufficient to stain white lead for a 
 large building. This color is of a superior shade, and very excel- 
 lent for inside work. 
 
 Blue. — Grind Prussian blue in turps; other blue very fine in 
 linseed oil, and mix it with white paint to the tint required. 
 
 Buff. — This is a mixture of French yellow, chrome yellow and 
 white lead, tinged with a little Venetian red, oil and turps. 
 
HOUSE PAINTING. 661 
 
 Straw. — A mixture of chrome yellow and white lead, oil and 
 turps. 
 
 Drab. — Raw and burnt umber and white lead, with a little Vene- 
 tian red, linseed oil and turps. Another. — Burnt umber and white 
 lead, with a little Venetian red, oil and turps, as before. 
 
 Steel. — Mix white lead, Prussian blue, fine lake and verdigris, 
 in such proportions as to produce the required color. 
 
 Purple. — AVhite lead, Prussian blue and vermilion, or lake with 
 oil and turps. 
 
 Violet. — Is composed of vermilion, mixed with blue-black and a 
 little white. 
 
 French Grey. — White lead and Prussian blue, tinged with ver- 
 milion; and for the last coat substitute carmine for the vermilion. 
 Mix with oil and turps. 
 
 Silver. — Use white lead, indigo, and a small portion of blue- 
 black, as the shade may require. 
 
 Gold. — Mix Naples yellow or patent yellow with a small quantity 
 of orange chrome and a little Spanish white. 
 
 Dark Chestnut. — Mix red ochre and black. Use yellow ochre 
 when you require to lighten the color, in oil. 
 
 Salmon. — White lead, tinged with the best English Venetian 
 red, oil and turps. 
 
 Peach Blossom. — White lead, tinged with orpiment; mixed with 
 oil and turps. 
 
 Drab. — White lead with a little Prussian blue and French yellow, 
 linseed oil and turps. Another. — White lead with a little French 
 yellow and lampblack, linseed oil and turps. Another. — White 
 lead with a little chrome green and blue-black. 
 
 Lead. — This is a mixture of lampblack and white lead, with a 
 little litharge. 
 
 S6 
 
562 HOUSE PAINTING. 
 
 Chocolate. — Mix lampblack and Venetian red with a little red 
 lead, or litharge, to harden the color and give a drying quality. 
 The colors must be ground, and mixed with boiled oil and a little 
 turps. 
 
 Dark Red, for Common Purposes. — Mix English Venetian red 
 in boiled oil with a little red lead and litharge, to give a drying 
 quality. 
 
 Orange. — Mix red lead and French yellow with linseed oil and 
 turps, or use deep chrome yellow. 
 
 Bright Yellow for Floors, Etc. — White lead and linseed oil 
 mixed with some French yellow, and a little chrome yellow to 
 brighten it; some red lead, burnt white vitrol and litharge added 
 to it to give it a very drying quality. This color mixed with equal 
 parts of boiled oil and turpentine, and used very thin. 
 
 Dark Yellow. — Mix French yellow in boiled oil, adding to it a 
 little red lead and litharge, to give the paint a drying quality. 
 
 Light Yellow. — This is a mixture of French yellow, chrome 
 yellow and white lead, with oil and turps. Another. — French yel- 
 low, white lead and red lead. Another. — Grind raw terra sienna 
 in turps and linseed oil; mix with white lead. If the color is 
 required of a warmer cast, add a little burnt terra sienna ground in 
 turps. 
 
 Olive Green. — A suitable, cheap, and handsome color for out- 
 side work, such as doors, carts, wagons, etc. 
 
 Grind separately Prussian blue and French yellow in boiled oil, 
 then mix to the tint required with a little burnt white vitrol to act 
 as a drier. Another. — Black and blue mixed with yellow, in such 
 quantities as to obtain the colors or shades i-equired. For distemper, 
 use indigo and yellow pink mixed with whiting or white lead pow- 
 der. Another. — This is a mixture of Prussian blue, French yellow, 
 a small portion of Turkey umber, and a little burnt vitrol. Ground 
 the same way. Another in oil. — Mix Prussian blue and chrome 
 
HOUSE PAINTING. 563 
 
 yellow. Grind the same. Another shade. — A mixture of Prussian 
 blue and French yellow, with a small quantity of white lead and 
 Turkey umber and burnt white vitriol. Grind the same. 
 
 Light Gbeen. — White mixed with verdigris. A variety of 
 shades may be obtained by using blue and yellow with white lead. 
 
 Grass Green. — Yellow mixed with verdigris. Another. — Mix 
 one pound of verdigris with two pounds of white lead. Walnut 
 oil is the best for this purpose. 
 
 Invisible Green, for Outside Work. — Mix lamp-black and 
 French yellow, with burnt white vitriol. These colors mix in boiled 
 oil. Burnt vitriol is the best drier for greens, as it is powerful and 
 colorless, and consequently will not injure the color. 
 
 To Paint a Bronze. — Grind good black with chrome yellow and 
 boiled oil; apply it with a brush, and when nearly dry use the 
 bronze powder at certain parts and the edges also; the effect will 
 1)6 a brassy hue. 
 
 A Good Imitation op Gold. — Mix white lead, chrome yellow, 
 and burnt sienna, until the proper shade is obtained. 
 
 Tar Paint for Fences, Roofs, Etc. — Common tar mixed with 
 whiting. Venetian red or French yellow, according to the color 
 required. This should be warmed in a large iron kettle in the 
 open air, and applied with a large painting brush. It is an excel- 
 lent preservative of the wood, and looks well for rough work. 
 
 Paint Driers. — Litharge. — This is a useful drier, and may be 
 used in all kinds of paints, except greens and very delicate colors. 
 White Vitriol or Copperas. — This turns into water, especially when 
 used in black paints; and is almost useless for any color till the 
 water of crystallization is evaporated, and then it become a power- 
 ful dryer, and may be used for every delicate color, as it is perfectly 
 transparent; but when used in its raw state in white paint, has the 
 effect of turning it yellow. Sugar of Lead. — This is a very useful 
 and transparent drier, not so powerful as white vitriol, but it may 
 be used with it to advantage. 
 
564 HOUSE PAINTING. 
 
 Milk Paint for Ixdoor Work. — The quantity for one hundred 
 square feet: One quart of skimmed milk, three ounces of 
 lime, three ounces of linseed or poppy oil, one and a half 
 pounds of Spanish white or M'hiting. Put the lime into a 
 clean bucket, add sufficient of the milk to slake the lime, 
 add the oil a few drops at a time, stirring the mixture with a 
 flat stick till the whole of the oil is incorporated in the mass; then 
 add the remainder of the milk, and afterwards the Spanish white 
 or whiting, finely powdered, and sifted gently over the mixture by 
 degrees. Curded milk will do for the purpose, but it must not be 
 sour. One coat of this will do for ceilings and stair-cases in gen- 
 eral; two coats or more for new wood. Where color is required, 
 you may use powdered umber, ochres, chromes, greens, blues, pinks, 
 etc., etc., ground in milk. For particular work, strain the color 
 through a hair sieve. 
 
 Lime Whitewash. — Lime whitewash is made from lime welF^ 
 slaked. Dissolve two and a half pounds of alum in boiling water, 
 and add it to every pailful of whitewash. Lime whitewash should 
 be used very thin, and when it is sufficiently bound on the wall by 
 means of alum, two thin coats will cover the work better. Most 
 whitewashers apply their wash too thick, and do not mix a propor- 
 tionate quantity of alum to bind it, consequently the operation of 
 the brush rubs of the first coat in various parts and leaves an uneven 
 surface, and the original smooth surface of the wall is entirely 
 destroyed. 
 
 Italian Marble. — This looks bold, and is well adapted for 
 columns, etc., and is easy to imitate. The ground a light buff. 
 For the graining colors, prepare a rich, warm buff, made in the 
 following manner. Mix stiff in boiled oil, white lead and good stone 
 ochre, and tinge with vermilion, then grind some burnt terra sienna 
 very fine in boiled oil, and put it into another pot; mix some pure 
 white stiff in oil, and keep this separate. Thin these colors with 
 turpentine, have ready a brush for the buff and another for the 
 terra sienna. Proceed to work as follows: Take the brush intended 
 
HOUSE PAINTING, 565 
 
 for the buff moderately full of color, and dab it on freely and care- 
 fully in different patches, some of them larger than others, and 
 varying them as much as possible. When these are laid on, take 
 the other brush and fill in with the terra sienna the spaces between; 
 as soon as this is done, take a dry duster or softener and blend the 
 edges together, making it appear as soft as possible. Proceed in 
 this manner till the whole is finished, then take a hair pencil and 
 draw a few thin white veins over the work, varying them as much 
 as is necessary; take another pencil for the terra sienna, and run a 
 few thin lines intermixing with the whole; varnish when dry. 
 
 To Imitate Granite. — For the ground color, stain your white 
 lead to a light lead color, with lampblack and a little rose-pink. 
 Throw on black spots with a graniting machine, and fill up with the 
 white a little before the ground is dry. 
 
 A Cheap Oak Varnish. — Two quarts of boiled oil, one and a 
 half pounds of litharge, three-quarters of a pound of gum shellac. 
 All boiled too-ether and stirred up till dissolved, then take off the 
 fire and add two quarts of turps. When settled, strain into a bottle 
 and cork for use. 
 
 Common Oil Varnish.— Take one gallon of quick-drying oil, 
 two pounds of resin, and one quart of turpentine; put the resin 
 with the drying oil into a varnish kettle, and let it dissolve in a 
 gentle heat; take it from the fire and gradually pour in the spirits 
 of turpentine. If too thick add more of the turpentine. 
 
 Transparent Varnish for Pictures. — Take the white of four 
 eggs and two ounces of loaf sugar; beat them up in lime water to 
 the proper consistency of varnishing. 
 
 For Varnishing on Wood, UnpAinted.-- -Quarter of a pint of 
 wood naphtha, quarter of a pint of s])irits of wine, four ounces of 
 benzoin, four ounces of orange shellac, added all together. If not 
 thick enough with those ingredients for your purpose, add more of 
 the gums benzoin and shellac. 
 
666 HOUSE PAINTING. 
 
 Waterproof Varnish, for Linen or Calico. — One pint of tur- 
 pentine, one and a half pints of linseed oil, seven ounces of litharge, 
 one ounce of sugar of lead. Strain it, apply with a brush, and dry 
 in the sun or in a warm place. 
 
 Instructions. — Oil of turpentine deadens the color of paints; 
 varnishes, copal, etc., brighten the color. 
 
CHAPTER XLVII. 
 
 THE CARE OF THE HAIR. 
 
 |F HE hair, to be beautiful, must not only be thick and long, but 
 ^* fine, silky and glossy — effects that are only produced by con- 
 stant care. Women, who do not possess the crowning glory 
 of a fine head of hair, are the ones who most quickly notice the 
 great ornament it is to other women, so that one cannot but wonder 
 that they do not attempt to improve that which they have, or try 
 the sensible French expedient of making the best of it. Too often 
 beauty is lost because it is not cultivated, for if it were developed 
 as far as possible, ugly girls would soon grow to be exceptional. Each 
 nation could tell the seeker after the beautiful some recipe by which 
 they gained the admiration of the world for the specialty in form, 
 figure or coloring that has become synonymous with their woman- 
 kind. 
 
 Physiologists say that each hair is a bulb, having in its center a 
 hollow tube, through which it is probable common atmospheric air 
 passes. At the bottom of the bulb, the nucleus of which is a sort of 
 bag, there is an opening connected with very minute vessels resem- 
 bling roots. Each bulb possesses a separate minute artery of its 
 own, and consequently a vein and a nerve. When a hair is pulled 
 out, pain is produced, which shows the bulb is in direct communi- 
 cation with a nerve and consequently with an artery. So, as the 
 liair springs from the skin and is nourished therefrom, one of the 
 greatest helps towards having beautiful hair is to keep the skin in 
 good order. If the skin is in an unhealthy condition, the hair falls 
 out and breaks easily; but if a healthy vascular action is maintained^ 
 the hair is strengthened. 
 
 667 
 
568 THE CARE OF THE HAIR. 
 
 Sometimes the epidermal scales are allowed to accmmulate xintil 
 they are difficult to remove, and they then become the greatest 
 enemy of lovely locks. To prevent this, a stiff brush should be 
 freely employed two or three times a day, and the use of a fine 
 comb should be avoided. A wash that will remove this growth 
 (commonly called dandruff) is as follows: B3at the yolks of two 
 eggs up with the juice of a lemon, and have the mixture well rubbed 
 into the head with the fingers, until a slight redness is apparent. 
 Wash the mixture off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Much 
 care must be exercised in preparing this, so that none of the white 
 of the egg; be allowed to enter in the compound, for it will make 
 the hair stiff and be found very troublesome to remove. 
 
 When the hair is lost by sickness or becomes thin and dry from 
 some unknown cause, no greater mistake can be made than having 
 it shaved off. Much questioning has proved the fallacy of the belief 
 that it will grow in again fine and thick; the growth is usually 
 slow, and the hair seldom attains the length it had before. The 
 heat of the cap worn during the time it is short lias doubtless much 
 to do with this result, but even if a cap is not worn, it is not advis- 
 able to shave the hair. Instead, let it be cut tolerably short, the 
 skin of the head kept in a healthy condition and no false hair worn 
 to impede the growth by heating ths- head. 
 
 The Germans, who usually have handsome hair, attribute it to the 
 fact that they never cut a child's hair, but simply trim the ends and 
 allow it to hang for a long time in soft, smooth braids. The Geor- 
 gians and Greeks plait the hair, and, as soon as it is sufficiently long, 
 attach an iron weight to each braid, increasing the size of the 
 ■weight as the hair grows. They have hair of wonderful length, 
 and as the head is carried very erect, in consequence of the weight, 
 a graceful, dignified carriage is attained. A few drops of ammonia 
 — that household fairy — in the clear water used in washing the hair 
 will be found to keep the ends from splitting. If, however, the 
 hair falls out, trim it frequently and apply a stimulant. One that 
 can be recommended by experience is easily prepared: Camphor, 
 
THE CARE OF THE HAIR. 569 
 
 one drachm; borax, one drachm; spirits of wine, two teaspoonfuls; 
 tincture of cantharides, two teaspoonfuls; rosemary oil, four drops; 
 rosewater, half a pint. Dissolve the camphor and borax in the 
 spirit, add the oil, and then shake all up gradually with the rose- 
 water. 
 
 Do not wrap anything around the head when retiring, and always 
 arrange the hair as carefully for sleep as you do for the day; part 
 it smoothly in various places, brush carefully, and then braid it in 
 plaits, which should be allowed to hang loose. If the hair becomes 
 knotted, rather than tear it out by attempting to disentangle it, take 
 the scissors and cut the knot out. Do not wear too much false hair. 
 Do not use heavy hair-pins, and if you wear your hair crimped, use 
 rubber pins or bands to put it up on. They will not break the hair 
 so easily nor hurt the head so much, nor be so likely to become 
 undone during the night. 
 
 There are few women who do not crimp, curl or Avave the hair in 
 some way, and yet if they knew how lovely the hair looks, when it 
 is healthful, drawn s/noothly from the face and twisted in a knot 
 behind, one cannot but think that smooth hair would pi'ove the rule 
 and not the exception. A wondrous picture shows the head of a 
 woman who is sleeping — the eyes are closed, so that you can only 
 guess at their color and depth; but the shape of the head has been 
 a study for all the art-loving world for a long time. Could this be 
 seen if the hair were arranged in crimps or frizzes? Oh! no. And 
 yet it is wonderful hair, too. Black, glossy and thick, drawn back 
 from the wide brow and coiled in the way in which Venus coiled 
 hers. 
 
 This does not mean to all the world, "Go, fix your hair perfectly 
 plain; you, who need the framing of soft waves or coquettish curls, 
 cast them aside, and fix your locks as did the ancient goddesses :" 
 but it does mean, " Study the shape of your head, and if you can 
 afford to have it fully displayed, do so." 
 
 The blessed rule which governs hair-dressing to-day, that the 
 "most suitable is the most fashionable," means just what has been 
 
570 THE CARE OF THE HAIR. 
 
 said, and the wise woman will think of it and know how to arrange 
 her hair properly. Do not attempt to dye your hair, for if Mother 
 Nature has been so beneficent as to crown you with silver threads, 
 be thankful to her for her great love for you. Many, whose faces 
 would otherwise be commonplace and inexpressive, are made to 
 have a striking individuality by the possession of just such gray 
 locks as Marie Antoinette gained when she powdered her hair, or as 
 came to her after the " night of terror," No matter how young 
 you may be, prize your gray hairs as you never would golden ones, 
 and as their possessors never do. A frequent wail among " golden 
 locks " is that their hair will always remain that shade or else fade 
 into a neutral tint, the bliss of respected gray hairs being denied 
 them. 
 
 The change produced by a hair dye is usually 'palpable to the 
 world at large, and she who uses the dye is generally laughed at. 
 It will neither suit your complexion nor your eyes, and if a striking 
 contrast is achieved, it will only be pleasing for a short time. As- 
 tonishing things grow to be very tiresome when they are often 
 seen. And just so it is with feminine beauty; we love best that 
 which pleases evenly — not once with a great wonder and unbounded 
 delight, but that which is always pleasing. And to the attainment 
 of this beauty, the crowning ornament of beautiful hair becomes 
 necessary; poets sing of it, and yet it is generally braided hair, 
 long hair, or locks in picturesque disorder. One is certain that all 
 womankind would be willing to sleep a hundred years, if, like Ten- 
 nyson's Princess, they could be sure that in time some prince would 
 find them and some poet-laureate describe them, truthfully saying, 
 
 " Year after year unto her feet, 
 
 She lying on her couch alone, 
 Across the purple coverlet 
 
 The maiden's jet black hair has grown, 
 On either side her tranced form 
 
 Forth-streaming from a braid of pearl. 
 The slumbrous light is rich and warm, 
 
 And moves not on the rounded curl." 
 
CHAPTER XLVIII. 
 
 HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 ;T is related of one of England's greatest statesmen, that some 
 one calling to see him unexpectedly on grave political affairs, 
 found him, not absorbed in state papers and official documents, 
 but on all fours in his nursery, with his children romping upon and 
 around him. And of another eminent man, the late Earl of Derby, 
 it has been recorded, in a graceful tribute paid to his memory, that 
 while at times he would seek recreation from political labors in 
 the translation of Homer, at others he loved to find it in 
 
 "Making some wonder for a happy child." 
 
 The dark evenings of winter and early spring call into request 
 games for round parties, and we shall devote the present paper to 
 some of these. To commence with a very simple one, we will 
 describe a game of German origin, known as 
 
 The Ball of Wool. 
 The party are seated round a table, from which the cloth must be 
 drawn. A little wool is rolled up into the form of a ball, and 
 placed in the middle of the table. The company then commence 
 to blow upon it, each one trying to drive it away from his own 
 direction, and the object of all being to blow it off, so that the per- 
 son by whose right side it falls may pay a forfeit. The longer the 
 ball is kept on the table by the opposing puffs of the surrounding 
 party, the more amusing the game becomes, as the distended cheeks 
 and zealous exertions of the players afford mirth to lookers-on as 
 
 well as to themselves. 
 
 en 
 
572 HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 Similar to this is a game called " Blowing the Feather," in which 
 a small feather set floating in the air answers the same purpose as 
 the ball upon the table. The forfeit falls to the individual whose 
 puff is ineffectual in keeping the feather afloat, or who suffers it to 
 drop when it reaches him. 
 
 Of a different character, and still more comic in its results, is a 
 game called 
 
 Shadows. 
 This game, sometimes called " Shadow Buff," is productive of 
 much amusement in a round party. It consists in the detection of 
 the individuals who compose the company by their shadows; but 
 these they are at liberty to disguise as much as possible. The 
 following is the method pursued: A white tablecloth or sheet is 
 suspended on one side of the apartment, and at a short distance 
 before this sheet, one of the party, chosen for the purpose, is seated 
 upon either the floor or a low stool, with his face directed towards 
 the cloth. Behind him, on the farther side of the apartment, the 
 table is placed, and upon it a lamp or taper, all other lights in the 
 apartment being extinguished. Each of the company in turn 
 passes before the lamp and behind the person who is gazing upon 
 the cloth, which thus receives a strong shadow. If the individual 
 seated can name the person whose shadow is thus thrown, the 
 latter has to pay a forfeit, or to take the place of the guesser, as 
 may be agreed upon. 
 
 The Messenger. 
 
 The party are seated in line, or round the sides of the room, and 
 some one previously appointed enters with the message, " My 
 master sends me to you, madam," or " sir," as the case may be, 
 directed to any individual he may select at his option. " What 
 for?" is the natural inquiry. "To do as I do;" and with this the 
 messenger commences to perform some antic which the lady or 
 gentleman must imitate — say he wags his head from side to side, 
 or taps with one foot incessantly on the floor. The person whose 
 
HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 573 
 
 duty it is to obey, commands his neighbor to the right or to the 
 left to "Do as I do," also; and so on until the whole company are 
 in motion, when the messenger leaves the room, re-entering it with 
 fresh injunctions. While the messenger is in the room he must see 
 his master's will obeyed, and no one must stop from the movement 
 without suffering a forfeit. The messenger should be some one 
 ingenious in making the antics ludicrous, and yet kept within mod- 
 erate bounds, and the game will not fail to produce shouts of 
 laughter. 
 
 Another game, of much the same character, is known by the 
 title, " Thus says the Grand Seignor." The chief difference is that 
 the first player is stationed in the centre of the room, and prefaces 
 his movements, which the others must all follow, by the above 
 words. If he varies his command by framing it, " So says the 
 Grand Seignor," the party must remain still, and decline to follow 
 his example. Any one who moves when he begins with " So," or 
 does not follow him when he commences with " Thus," has to pay 
 a forfeit. 
 
 Magic Music. 
 
 In this game a player is seated at the piano, and one of the 
 others leaves the room, while the company decides what the last- 
 mentioned is to do on his return. When called in, he is given a 
 hint, but only a hint, of what he is expected to do. We will 
 suppose that he is told that he is to " make an offering to a certain 
 lady." He is left to himself as to what the offering may be, but' 
 he must guess the lady to whom it is to be offered, and offer to 
 each in succession until he discovers the individual selected. The 
 musical part of the performance is this : When he re-enters the 
 room, the person at the piano commences to play some piece, with 
 a moderate degree of vigor. As the guesser approaches the right 
 lady, or the right thing to be done, whatever its nature, the music 
 becomes louder or quicker; but if he appears to be going farther 
 and farther from his appointed task, the music becomes softer and 
 softer, until it is scarcely heard. This gives him a clue' as to 
 
574 HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 whether he is on the right scent, or otherwise. If there be no piano 
 in the room, the " magic music " may be of another character. It 
 may consist in the tinkling or clashing together of any articles that 
 will emit either a harmonious or a discordant sound, according to the 
 degree of hilarity or boisterousness to which the age and other cir- 
 cumstances of the company dispose them. But, played with a little 
 tact, the game in any of its forms will be found amusing. 
 
 The Courtteks. 
 
 One of the company is selected to be king or queen, and occupies 
 a chair in the center of the room, the rest being seated round the 
 sides of the apartment. Whatever movement may be made by the 
 monarch must be imitated by the courtiers; and it is the gist of the 
 game that this should be done without any one losing that assump- 
 tion of decorous gravity which becomes the scene. The monarch may 
 yawn, sneeze, blow his nose, or wipe his eye, and the courtiers must 
 all do the same; but if any one of them is so deficient in self-control 
 or so presumptive as to grin or to laugh, he or she must pay the 
 penalty of a forfeit. It is rarely, however, that penalties are few 
 or far between. 
 
 The Dumb Orator. 
 
 This is a very amusing performance, enacted by two persons for 
 the benefit of the rest of the company. One of the two recites a 
 speech, or any popular piece of declamation — "My name is Norval," 
 or the like — keeping all the while perfectly motionless, and without 
 a quiver upon his countenance, while the other, standing silent by 
 his side, gesticulates furiously, according to the emotions called up 
 by the passage recited. Of course, the more closely he follows and 
 burlesques the action natural to the words throughout, the greater 
 the amusement created. There is another way of performing the 
 same oratorical show, namely, by the two players enveloping them- 
 selves in the same cloak or wrapper, and the arms of the one — which 
 are all the company are allowed to see of him — keeping up an action 
 suited to the narrative of the other; but this is more awkward in 
 the performance, and less effective than the method first described. 
 
HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 575 
 
 Speaking Buff. 
 At this game, the eyes of one of the players are bandaged, as in 
 ■" blind man," and he is seated in the center of the room, the party 
 then taking their places, " Buff " holds a wand or stick in one 
 hand, and, when all are seated, he points with this to one side of 
 the room, or touches one of the players, at the same time uttering 
 three words according to his fancy. The person towards whom he 
 points must then repeat these words; and if "Buff" can discover 
 his or her identity by the tones of the voice, he is released from hig 
 position, and the person detected takes his place. 
 
 The Shopkeepers. 
 This is a good game to exercise a knowledge of the various pro- 
 ductions of nature. Each person in the company represents a shop- 
 keeper or merchant, who has some goods on hand which he wishes 
 to dispose of; but no two persons may choose the same trade. Any 
 one may start the game — say, for instance, the draper — and he com- 
 mences, we will suppose, by observing to his next neighbor, " I have 
 some silk for sale; is it animal, vegetable, or mineral?" To this the 
 reply would be, "Animal, for it is the production of the silkworm.'* 
 The correct answer having been given— we will assume by the chemist 
 — the latter turns to the person next him, with an inquiry suited to 
 his trade; say, "I have some glycerine for sale; is it animal, vege- 
 table, or mineral?" The rejoinder may be, "Either animal or 
 vegetable, for it may be obtained from either vegetable or animal 
 fat." The merchant, in his turn, may say, " I have some shell-lac 
 for sale; is it animal, vegetable, or mineral?" and should receive 
 the reply, " Animal, for it is obtained from an insect." So the 
 game goes on, the ingenuity of each, as it proceeds, being taxed to 
 mention some article of his stock, the origin of which may not be 
 within the knowledge of the person addressed. A round or two of 
 the game will rarely proceed without some of the company finding 
 that they have added to their store of general knowledge, as well 
 as derived amusement. 
 
576 HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 Twirling the Trencher. 
 This is a brisk game, requiring activity without ingenuity. 
 A circle is formed in the room, and a good space is left 
 clear in the midst. A trencher or round wooden platter is 
 obtained, or, if such a thing is not available, a small round 
 tray or waiter will best answer the purpose. When all 
 the party are seated, one of the company stands up in 
 the center and twirls the tray round upon the floor, at the 
 same time calling out the name of any other person present, who 
 must rise and pick up the trencher before it falls to the ground, 
 otherwise he or she pays a forfeit. The person who twirls the 
 trencher returns to his own seat immediately, and the one who 
 picks it up, or has been called upon to do so, has the privilege of 
 making a call afterwards. 
 
 Proverbs. 
 Proverbs is a game of a more intellectual character. In this, one 
 person volunteers, or is chosen by the company, to leave the room, 
 and in his or her absence a proverb is fixed upon by the remaining 
 party. The person outside is then called in, and the first person 
 whom he addresses with any remark or inquiry, is bound to reply to 
 him with an answer in which the first word of the proverb is intro- 
 duced. The second person to whom he goes must reply in such a way 
 as to bring in the second word; and so on until the proverb has been 
 repeated. He is then informed that he need not proceed further, 
 and is left to guess the proverb chosen. If he fails in three attempts, 
 he must again retire, and his ingenuity is tried by the selection and 
 repetition of another proverb. Any one making an answer in which 
 the right word in turn is not introduced, pays the penalty of a for- 
 feit, and the company are, therefore, on the watch to see that each 
 person addressed duly performs the part. The great art of the 
 game is in so wrapping up the word in the course of the reply as to 
 made it difiicult for the guesser to discover the proverb which was 
 chosen. Some proverbs are far more easy of detection than others. 
 
HOUSEHOLD Ai^IUSEMENTS. 577 
 
 from the forcible or peculiar words comprised in them, or the diffi- 
 culty which the answerers find in concealing the words which fall to 
 them in rotation. "Still waters run deep " may be taken as an 
 exampl(! of the class difficult of concealment, for " waters " and 
 "deep" are awkward words to introduce, and will easily connect 
 themselves in the mind of the guesser, who is on the watch for his 
 clue. "Where there's a will there's a way "is more capable of 
 disguise, but " will " and " way " will reveal themselves to a person 
 quick of apprehension. None of the proverbs chosen should consist 
 of very many words, or the guessing may become tedious. When 
 the proverb is detected, the guesser is entitled to claim that some 
 one else shall take his place, and may, if he pleases, select for that 
 purpose the person whose insufficient disguise of the allotted word 
 gave him his first clue. Or he may name any one else in the com- 
 pany for the purpose. If the guesser tries his skill two or three 
 times without success, he may claim relief from his office, and some 
 one else may be appointed. In this, as in all other games, it must 
 be remembei'ed that when weariness on any side commences, amuse- 
 ment is at an end; and where there are symptoms of a game I'each- 
 ing that point, it should be relinquished for another. 
 
 The Newspaper. 
 This may be played either as a forfeit game, or otherwise. One 
 of the party is appointed to " read the newspaper," the others, 
 seated before him, assume to be members of different trades and 
 professions — lawyer, doctoi', draper, grocer, etc. The reader takes 
 up any paper that may be at hand, and selects some passage for 
 perusal. The peculiarity of the game is, that whenever he pauses 
 and looks at any member of the company, that person must make 
 some suitable observation appropriate to his particular trade — the 
 more incongruous to the narrative or dissertation which is being 
 read by the first player, the better. The penalty of a forfeit may 
 be exacted from any person who does not reply when appealed to, 
 or who makes a remark not connected with his own pursuit. 
 
 37 
 
578 HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 To give our readers a clear idea of the mode of playing the game, 
 we will suppose the reader lights upon a narrative of the visit of 
 the Duke of Edinburgh to Calcutta. He proceeds thus — 
 
 "A guard of honor composed of" (here he looks, say, at the 
 Oilman) — 
 
 Oilman — " Tallow candles " 
 
 " Was drawn up on the quay, and his Royal Highness on landing 
 was received with a round of" — 
 
 Butcher. — " Marrow bones," 
 
 " Delivered in true British fashion. A salute of twenty-one guns 
 was fired from the" — 
 
 Dra])er. — " Band-box," 
 
 " And the ships and forts hoisted their" — 
 
 Lawyer. — " Affidavits." 
 
 " Every house in the vicinity was decorated with" — 
 
 Grocer.—" Treacle," 
 
 "And the windows were filled with elegantly dressed" — 
 
 Surgeon. — " Compound fractures." 
 
 "Escorted by the Governor General, his Royal Highness pro- 
 ceeded to the" — • 
 
 Confectioner. — "Mince-pies," 
 
 "And gracefully bowed his acknowledgments to the" — 
 
 Ironmonger. — " Fire-shovel." 
 
 So the reading continues, until each member of the company has 
 responded, or the paragraph is closed, when another extract may 
 be commenced. The passages most suited for perusal are those 
 which possess Some degree of gravity in tone, without being too 
 serious to serve as a foundation for the ridiculous interpolations to 
 which the game will naturally give rise. 
 
 Comical Combikatioks. 
 
 This is a game which can be made a source of considerable 
 amusement by a party of young people who have some skill, how- 
 ever slight, in drawing. It is not known under any especial name, 
 
HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 579 
 
 and is played in the following way: Those engaged in it sit round 
 the table, and each is supplied with a piece of writing paper folded 
 into three parts, and a lead pencil. In the first place each sketches 
 a head and neck — that of a man or woman, or that of some inferior 
 animal, taking care that his neighbor does not see what he has 
 done, then each refolds the paper, so as to hide his or her sketch, 
 but leaves indications of where the neck is on the blank part of the 
 paper which is folded over it. The papers then change hands all 
 round, and each proceeds to sketch a body for the head he has not 
 seen. When this has been accomplished the papers are again 
 refolded as before; another change takes place; and all proceed to 
 supply legs to the bodies they have not seen, just as before they 
 supplied bodies for the heads they had not seen. When all this 
 has been done, another change of papers takes place, and then each 
 writes the name supposed to belong to the figure thus curiously 
 compounded, after which the papers are unfolded, and the result is 
 usually bursts of laughter at the address or the absurdity of the 
 combinations. 
 
 Another game, very like this, is for each to write aline of poetry, 
 folding it under as before, passing it to the next and telling him 
 the last word of the line written, to which he must write a line 
 which will rhyme. Upon being read it will be found that many of 
 the stanzas will have a very amusing construction. 
 
 Buz. 
 
 This is a forfeit game, and partakes of the nature of an arith- 
 metical exercise. The party repeat in order any number of figures, 
 from one to fifty, or one to one hundred, as may be agreed upon, 
 but every seven that occurs, and every multiple of seven, is repre- 
 sented by the word " Buz !" Thus, the first player says " One," the 
 next " Two," and so on until the seventh, who must say " Buz !'* 
 instead; he who has " fourteen " in his turn must also repeat " Buz," 
 and the same with those who come to seventeen, twenty-one, 
 tweuty-seven, etc. It is not so easy to avoid mistakes, when the 
 
080 HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 figures are being quickly repeated round the circle, as may be 
 imagined. Every time seven occurs as part of the number, as in 
 twenty-seven and thirty-seven, the players may be sufficiently on 
 their guard; but they will generally be found tripping thoughtlessly 
 as the multiples of seven, such as forty-two and fifty-six, come in 
 order, and so there will be no lack of forfeits. Seventy-one is called 
 " Buz-one," and seventy-seven " Buz-buz." 
 
 The Kxight of tite Whistle. 
 This is a sort of modified " blindman's buff," played, however, 
 •without a bandage over the eyes, and without the romping element 
 ■which sometimes makes that well-known game objectionable. A 
 small whistle is suspended from the coat collar or the dress. of one 
 of the party by a piece of twine or thread, about half a yard long, 
 which hangs down between the shoulders. The " knight " or the 
 *'lady " of the whistle, as the case may be, then stands in the centre 
 or walks slowly round the circle of the company; some one, watch- 
 ing an opportunity, seizes the whistle and blows it shrilly, when 
 the knight immediately turns to detect the offender, and if he hits 
 wpon the right person, the latter must take his place. As the 
 player turns to find out one whistler, another gives a blow, and 
 thus the game proceeds merrily, until some one, less dexterous than 
 the rest, is caught. 
 
 Catch the Ring. 
 This is another modern invention, which is. considered an im- 
 provement on the boisterous game of "hunt the slipper," and is, 
 therefore, taking its place. The players are seated in a circle or 
 semi-circle, and hold a string, on which a finger-ring is placed. One 
 of the company undertakes the task of finding this ring, which is 
 passed rapidly along the string from hand to hand, as the players 
 see an opportunity of moving it unobserved. If the first player 
 can at any moment pounce upon the ring, the person in whose 
 possession it may be is called on to take his place, and, if so agreed 
 on, to pay a forfeit in addition. 
 
HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 581 
 
 Scandal. 
 
 This is a more intellectual game, and while amusing enough, 
 serves at the same time to point a moral, as it illustrates the 
 growth of scandal, or the variations which arise in a story, Avhen 
 commonplace facts are repeated from mouth to mouth. The plaver 
 seated at one end of the room whispers something to his next 
 neighbor, who repeats it as nearly as ho can remember it, and a^-ain 
 in a whisper, to the person seated by his siae. So the tale passes 
 from end to end of the room, and when it reaches the last person, 
 the latter has to repeat the story aloud; the first player then gives 
 Lis original version, and much amusement is usually created by the 
 difference between the two. In starting the tale, it is well to 
 introduce some word or words which are capable of being taken in 
 more senses than one, as this affords the more opportunity for 
 variation. 
 
 The Wild Beast Show. 
 
 A screen must be placed at the end of the room; behind it is 
 placed a large mirror and a light. The showman stands before the 
 screen, and offers to exhibit his wild animals to any person Avho 
 will promise not to describe what he has seen when he comes out. 
 Then the person who gives the promise and demands admittance is 
 asked what animal he wishes to see. On liis naming one, the show- 
 man proceeds to describe it. The description should be very wilty, 
 and should have some application (either complimentary or satirical) 
 to the person who wishes to see the show. The person is then 
 admitted behind the screen, and is shown himself m the looking- 
 glass. 
 
 The Genteel Lady Always Genteel. 
 
 For this French game, which is a very funny one, you must have 
 a certain number of spills, or twisted pieces of paper, intended to 
 represent horns. Whoever makes a mistake in the game, which is 
 really difficult, has for each mistake a paper horn stuck in her hair, 
 so placed that it will shake when she moves. 
 
582 HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 The game begins by one of the party saying to her right-hand 
 neighbor, "Good-morning, genteel lady always genteel. I, a gen- 
 teel lady always genteel, come from that genteel lady always gen- 
 teel (here she points to the young lady on her left hand), to tell 
 you that she owns an eagle with a golden beak." 
 
 The next player bows, turns to the one on her right hand, and 
 says, "Good-morning, genteel lady always genteel. I, a genteel 
 lady always genteel, come from that genteel lady always genteel, 
 to tell you that she has an eagle with a golden beak and silver 
 claws." 
 
 The young lady bows and turns to her neighbor, saying, " Good- 
 morning, genteel lady always genteel. I, a genteel lady always 
 genteel, come from that genteel lady always genteol, to tell you 
 that she owns an eagle with a golden beak, silver claws, and a lace 
 skin," 
 
 It is very likely that this speaker will make one or two mistakes 
 in repeating the sentence. If so, she must be dressed in one or two 
 paper horns, and the next speaker has to say, "Good-morning, 
 genteel lady ahvays genteel. I, a genteel lady always genteel, 
 come from that two-horned lady always two-horned, to tell you 
 that she owns an eagle with a golden beak, silver claws, lace skin, 
 and diamond eyes." 
 
 Probably this speaker will make several mistakes, and receive 
 four paper horns on her head. 
 
 Then the speaker after her must say, " Good-morning, genteel 
 lady always genteel. I, a genteel lady always genteel, come from 
 that four-horned lady always four-horned, to tell you that she owns 
 an eagle with a golden beak, silver claws, a lace skin, diamond 
 eyes, and purple feathers." 
 
 Each of these sentences goes round the entire circle, always tak- 
 ing in more "horned ladies," till at last the sentence will become: 
 
 "Good-morning, four-horned lady, always foui'-horned. I a 
 three-horned lady always three-horned, come from that two- horned 
 lady always two-horned (pointing to her left), to tell you that she 
 
HOUSEHOLD A^IUSEMENTS. 583 
 
 owns an eagle with a golden beak, silver claws, lace skin, diamond 
 eyes, and purple feathers," 
 
 Every mistake (even the difference of a word, or omitting to point 
 to the left, or to bow after each speech) incurs a horn. The best 
 plan for playing this game is to let the same player commence each 
 fresh sentence — for instance, to send " the eagle with the golden 
 beak" round first, then the "silver claws," and so on. No lady 
 must be called "genteel" who wears the paper horns, and any 
 mistake in the number she wears incurs another horn for the 
 blunderer. At the end each horn is ransomed, as forfeits are. 
 
 Dumb Crambo. 
 Half the company leave the room. While they are absent, the 
 others fix on a verb Avhich the absent ones are to guess and per- 
 form. By-and-by, when their decision .is made, they call in the 
 leader of the outside party, and say, "The verb we have chosen 
 for you rhymes with pie " (or any other word chosen). The leader 
 retires, and discusses with her followers what the verb can be. It 
 is best to take those which will rliyme with the noun given, in 
 alphabetical order. " Buy " would come first for " pie." The 
 party enter and begin to buy of each other. If right (that is, if 
 "to buy" was the word chosen), the spectators clap their hands; if 
 wrong, they hiss. Speech on either side would entail a forfeit. If 
 hissed, the actors retire, and arrange what next to do. "Cry" 
 would be the next in rhyme, or "dye," or "eye," or "fly," or "hie," 
 or "sigh," or "tie," all of which are acted in turn, till the clap of 
 approval announce that the guess is a successful one. Then the 
 spectators go out, and become in their turn actors, in tho same 
 manner. A great deal of the fun of this game depends on tho 
 acting and on the choice of the verbs; but it is almost sure to cause 
 
 great amusement. 
 
 The Giantess. 
 
 This is a very amusing deception. A tall young l;^d is dressed 
 in a petticoat. Then a large umbrella i.5 covered over its silk ribs 
 with a gown and cloak; a ball, for a head, is tied on the point of 
 
584 HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 
 
 the umbrella-stick above the dress, and a bonnet and thick veil 
 put on it. .The umbrella is partially opened, so that its sticks set 
 out the dress and cloak as a crinoline does. The player gets under 
 it, and holding the handle up as high as he can grasp it, appears 
 like a gigantic woman. Somebody knocks at the hall door to pre- 
 tend that there is an arrival; and a minute or two afterwards the 
 footman is to open the drawing-room door and announce " Miss 
 Tiny Littlegirl." The giantess then walks into the drawing-room, 
 to the amazement of the company, bows, etc. It has a good effect 
 to enter holding the umbrella-handle naturally, and then to raise it 
 by degrees, which will give a comical appearance of growth. We 
 have seen the giantess thus appear to rise till she peered over the 
 tops of the highest pictures in the room. The effect is exceedingly 
 funny. She may talk to the company also, bending her head down 
 towards them, and speaking in a shrill tone of voice. In clever 
 hands, the giantess causes a great deal of fun. 
 
 A Blind Judgmext. 
 A young lady is blindfolded. The leader of the game then 
 brings the players, one by one, up to her, and requires her opinion 
 of them. She is not restored to sight until she has given a just 
 opinion of some one in accordance with the judgment of the com- 
 pany. Those presented must be quite silent, and endeavor to step 
 lightly, so as not to let her guess whether she is giving her opinion 
 of a young lady or a gentleman. 
 
 The Great Orator. 
 A leader of the game is elected; he invites the guests to come 
 and hear Mr. Blaine, Mr. Phillips, or any other distinguished 
 orator, on any given subject. It requires two persons to deliver 
 the oration. The one who is to speak, puts his arms behind his 
 back; a shorter friend (well concealed by the window curtains) 
 places his arms round the speaker's waist, and supplies with his 
 own the latter's Avant of hands. He is then to gesticulate to his 
 friends words, and the fun of the performance consists in the singu- 
 
' HOUSEHOLD AMUSEMENTS. 685 
 
 lar inappropriateness of the action to the speech, the invisible 
 gcsticulator making the orator absurd by his gestures. A table 
 placed before the speaker, and a good arrangement of the curtains, 
 makes the illusion very perfect. The speaker must be able to keep 
 his countenance, as his gravity is likely to be severely taxed by his 
 friend's pantomimical illustration of his speech. 
 
 This and That. 
 
 This game, also, is a trick. Two players agi-ee what to do. 
 One leaves the room, but before she does so her <;ompanion whis- 
 pers to her, that when she says the word ^^ that" the right object 
 will be indicated. 
 
 Fanny leaves the room. 
 
 Ada. Now one of you must touch something in the room, and 
 Fanny will tell us what it was. 
 
 Mabel touches the sofa-cushion. 
 
 Ada. Very well; now call Fanny in. 
 
 Fanny enters. 
 
 Ada. Mabel has just touched something, Fanny; was it this 
 (touching a book) ? 
 
 Fanny. No. 
 
 Ada. Is it this (touching her mamma's work)? 
 
 Fanny. No. 
 
 Ada. Is it this flower-pot? 
 
 Fanny. No. 
 
 Ada. Is it this basket? 
 
 Fanny. No. 
 
 Ada. Is it that cushion? 
 
 Fanny. Yes. 
 
GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN COOKING. 
 
 Aspic— A savory jelly. 
 
 AssiKTTiis.— Small eutr6es not more than 
 a plate will contaiu. 
 
 Atelet. — A small silver skewer. 
 
 Au Bi.EU.— A French term applied to fish 
 boiled in white wine with flavors. 
 
 Au GiiAS. — Dressed with meat gravy. 
 
 An Jus.— In the natural juice, or gravy. 
 
 Au Naturkl.— Plain, simple cookery. 
 
 Baba.— Very light plum-cake, or sweet 
 French yeast cake. 
 
 Bain -Marie.— An open vessel which has a 
 loose bottom for the reception of hot water. 
 It is used to keep sauces nearly at the boil- 
 ing point without reduction or burning. 
 
 Baudk. — A thin slice of bacon fat placed 
 over any substance specially requiring the 
 assistance of fat without larding. 
 
 Battkrie Dii Cuisine.— Complete set of 
 cooking apparatus. 
 
 Bavaroisb a l'eau.— Tea sweetened with 
 syrup of oapillaire, and flavored with a little 
 orange-flower water. 
 
 B.vvAROisi: AU Lait. — Made in the same 
 way as the above, but with equal quantities 
 of milk and tea. 
 
 Bechamel. — .\. rich white French sauce. 
 
 Bkignet, orFuitter {see Fritter). 
 
 Bisque.— A soup made of shcll-flsh. 
 
 Bi.AN'C. — White broth used to give a more 
 delicate appearance to the flesh of fowl, 
 lamb, etc. 
 
 Blanch.- Placing anything on the fire in 
 cold water until it boils, and after straining 
 it off, plunging it into cold water for the 
 purpose of rendering it white. Used to 
 wliiten poultry, vegetables, etc. 
 
 Blanquutt!!:.— A fricass6e usuallv made of 
 thin .siloes of white meat, with white sauce 
 thickened with egg yolk. 
 
 Blonde de Veau.— Double veal broth used 
 to enrich soups and sauces. 
 
 BouniN.— A delicate compound made of 
 quenelle foi'cemeat. 
 
 BouiLH.— Beef which has been boiled in 
 making broth. 
 
 BjUillie.— A French dish resembling that 
 called hasty pudding. 
 
 Bouillon.— The common soup of France. 
 
 Bjuquet of Herbs. — Parsley, thyme, and 
 green onions tied together. 
 
 Bouquet Garni.— The same thing as Fa- 
 got, which see. 
 
 Bouuguiq-vote.— A ragoilt of truffles. 
 
 Braise.— Meat cooked iu a closely-covered 
 stewpan to prevent evaporation, so that the 
 meat retains not only its own juices, but 
 those of any other articles, such as bacon, 
 herbs, roots and spice put with it. 
 
 Braisiere— A saucepan with ledges to the 
 lid, so that it will contain firing. 
 
 Brideh.— To truss fowls with a needle and 
 thread. 
 
 Brioche. — A sponge cake similar to Bath 
 buns. 
 
 Buisson.— A cluster or bush of small pastry 
 piled on a dish. 
 
 C.iLLiPASH.— The glutinous portion of the 
 turtle found in the upper shell. 
 
 Callipee.- The glutinous meat of the 
 turtle's under shell. 
 
 Cannelons.— Small rolls or collars of 
 mincemeat, or of rice and pastry with fruit. 
 
 Capilotade.— A hash of poultry. 
 
 Casserole.— The form of rice to be filled 
 with a fricass6e of white meat or a pur6e of 
 game; also a stewpan. 
 
 Civet.— A dark, thickish stew of hare or 
 venison. 
 
 CoiiprtoNE.— Sweet French yeast cakei 
 with fruit. 
 
 Compote.— Fruits stewed in syrup. There 
 are also compotes of small birds. 
 
 CoNFiTURES.-Sweetmeats of sugars,fruits» 
 syrups, and essences. 
 
 586 
 
GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN COOKING. 
 
 587 
 
 CoxsoMMfi.— strong, clear gravy obtained 
 by stewing meat for a considerable length 
 of time. 
 
 CouLis.— A rich, smooth gravy used for 
 coloring, flavoring, and thickening certain 
 soups and sauces. 
 
 Croquettes. — A savory mince of flsh, 
 meat, or fowl, made with a little sauce into 
 various shapes, rolled in egg and bread- 
 crumbs, and fried crisp. 
 
 CouiioN.vE, En. — To serve any prescribed 
 articles on a dish in the form of a crown. 
 
 Ceoustacles. — Also known as Dresden 
 patties. They are composed of mince en- 
 cased in paste, and moulded into various 
 forms. 
 
 CiiuUSTADES.— Fried forms of bread to 
 serve minces or other meat forms. 
 
 CuouTox.— A sippet of bread fried, and 
 used for garnish. 
 
 CuisixB Masquee.— Highly seasoned or 
 unusually mixed dishes. 
 
 CuissoN.— Method of cooking meats, or 
 the liquor in which they have been boiled. 
 
 Dariole.— A sweet pat6 baked in a mould. 
 
 Daube.— Meat or fowl stewed in sauce. 
 
 Daubiere. — An oval stewpan. 
 
 Dejeuxer a la FouacHETTE.— Breakfast 
 with meats, wines, etc. 
 
 Desosser.— To bone. 
 
 Dorure.— Yolks of eggs well beaten for 
 covering meats and other dishes. 
 
 Extuee. — A corner - dish for the first 
 course. 
 
 E.\ti{Emet.— A side-dish for the second 
 course. 
 
 Esc A LOPES.— Collops. 
 
 EsPAGXOLE. — A rich brown Spanish sauce. 
 
 Fag t.— a small bunch of parsley and 
 thyme tied up with a bay-leaf. 
 
 Farce.— Forcemeat. 
 
 Feuii.letage. — Puff paste. 
 
 Finaxciere.- An expensive, highly fla- 
 vored mixed ragout. 
 
 Flamber.— To singe fowl or game after 
 picking. 
 
 Flan.— A French custard. 
 
 Flaxcs.— The side-dishes of large dinners. 
 
 FoNCER. — To put in the bottom of a sauce- 
 pan thin slices of veal or bacon. 
 
 FoxuuE.— A light and pleasant prepara- 
 tion of cheese. 
 
 Fricanueaux may be made of any boned 
 pieces of veal chiefly cut from the thick 
 
 part of the fillet, and of not more than two 
 or three pounds weight. 
 
 Fricassee. — Chickens, etc., cut in pieces 
 in a white sauce, with truffles, mushrooms, 
 etc., as accessories. 
 
 Fritter— Anything encased in a covering 
 of batter or eggs, and fried. 
 
 Gateau.— A pudding or baked cake. 
 
 Gauffres. — A light, spongy sort of biscuit. 
 
 Glaze. — Stock boiled down to the thick- 
 ness of jelly, and used to improve the ap- 
 pearance of braised dishes. 
 
 GoDivEAus. — Various varieties of force- 
 meat. 
 
 Gras.— With, or of meat; the reverse of 
 maigre. 
 
 Gratin.— Au Gratin.— A term applied to 
 certain dishes prepared with sauce and 
 baked. 
 
 Gratiner. — To cook like a grill. 
 
 Haricot.— So called from the French 
 word for beans, with which the dish was 
 originally made. Now understood as any 
 thick stew, or ragout of mutton, beef, or 
 veal, cut in pieces, and dressed with vege- 
 tables and roots. 
 
 Hors-d'ceuvres. — Small dishes of sar- 
 dines, anchovies, and other relishes. 
 
 Lardiniere. — Vegetables stewed down in 
 their own sauce. 
 
 Lardon.— The piece of bacon used in lard- 
 ing. 
 
 Liaison. — The mixture of egg and cream 
 used to thicken white soups, etc. 
 
 Lit.— Thin slices in layers. 
 
 Luting. — A paste to fasten lids on pie- 
 pans for preserving game. 
 
 Madeliexes. — Small plum cakes. 
 
 Maigre. — Without meat. 
 
 Marinade.— The liquor in which fish or 
 meat is steeped. 
 
 Mask.— To cover meat with any rich sauce, 
 ragout, etc. 
 
 Matelote. — A rich flsh stew with wine. 
 
 Mayonxaisk.— Cold sauce, or salad dress- 
 ing. 
 
 Mazarines, or Turbans. — Ornamental en- 
 tries of forcemeat and fillets of poultry, 
 game, or fish. 
 
 Menu —The bill of fare. 
 
 Meringue.- Light pastry made of sugar 
 and the white of .eggs beaten to " snow." 
 
 MiGNoxNETTB Pjbppkb.— -Coarscly ground 
 peppercorns. 
 
588 
 
 GLOSSARY OP TERMS USED IN COOKING. 
 
 MiROTON.— Small thin slices of meat about 
 as lai-RO as a crown piece inade into ragouts 
 of various kinds, and dished up in a circular 
 form. 
 
 MouiLLER.— To add broth, water or other 
 liquid while the cooking is proceeding. 
 
 NouiiAr.— Almond candy. 
 
 NouiLLES. — Strips of paste made of eggs 
 and flour. 
 
 Panad.\.— Soaked bread used in the pre- 
 paration of French forcemeat. 
 
 Pani:i{. — To cover with bread-crumbs fried 
 or baked food. 
 
 Papillote, En. — The pieces of paper 
 greased with oil and butter, and fastened 
 round a cutlet, etc., by twisting it along the 
 edge. 
 
 PATfi.— A small pie. 
 
 Paupiettes.— Slices of meat rolled. 
 
 PiEca DE Resistance. —The jarincipal 
 joint of the dinner. 
 
 Pilau.— A dish of meat and rice. 
 
 Piquer. — To lard with strips of bacon fat, 
 etc. 
 
 Poel^e. — Stock for boiling tnrkeys, fowls, 
 vegetables, instead of water, so as to render 
 them less insipid. 
 
 PoTAGK.— Soup. 
 
 Puintaniers. — Early spring vegetables. 
 
 Profiterolles.— Light pastry creamed 
 inside. 
 
 PuKfeE.— The name given to soup, the in- 
 gredients for thickening which have been 
 passed through a sieve, then thinned with 
 broth to the proper consistency. Meat and 
 fish are cooked and pounded in a mortar, 
 roots and vegetables arc stewed till soft in 
 order to prepare them for being thus con- 
 verted to a smooth pulp. 
 
 Quenelles.— Forcemeat of various kinds 
 composed of fish cr meat, with bread, yolk 
 of egg, and some kind of fat, seasoned in 
 different ways, formed with a spoon to an 
 oval shape, then poached in stock and used 
 either as garnish to entries, or to be served 
 separately. 
 
 RAnouT.— A rich sauce, with sweetbreads, 
 mushrooms, truffles, etc., in it. 
 
 EEi.Evfis. — The remove dishes. 
 
 Kemoulade.— Salad-dressing. 
 
 PlIfacimento.— Meat dressed a second 
 time. 
 
 Rissole. — A mince of fish or meat en- 
 closed in paste, or foimed into balls and 
 other shapes. Used either as side-dishes or 
 garnish. (,Sce also Fricassees.) 
 
 RoTi.— Roast meat. 
 
 Roux.— A mixture of butter and flour 
 used for thickening white soups and gravy_ 
 
 Salmi. — A hash of game cut up aud 
 dressed when only half roasted. 
 
 Santon.— To dress with sauce in the sauce- 
 pan by keeping it in motion. 
 
 Sauce Piquast. — A sharp sauce in which 
 lemon and vinegar predominate as a flavor. 
 
 S.\ut£-pax.— A thin-bottomed, shallow 
 pan for quick frying. 
 
 Sauter.— To toss over the fire in a saut6- 
 pan with a small quantity of fat only. 
 
 Sei.viette, a la. — Served in a napkin. 
 
 Sippets.— Small pieces of bread cut into 
 various shapes, either soaked in stock, 
 toasted, or fried, to serve with meats as 
 garnishing or borders. 
 
 SouFFLf;.— A light pudding. 
 
 Stock.— The broth of which soups are 
 made. 
 
 Tamis or "Tammy."— a strainer of fine 
 woolien canvas, used for straining soups and 
 sauces. 
 
 TniDALE.— A sort of pie made in a mould. 
 
 TuuRTE.— A tart baked ia a sliallow tin. 
 
 Trifle. — A second-course dish, made of 
 sponge cake, macaroons, jams, etc., brandy 
 or wine, and liqueurs. 
 
 Trousser.— To truss a bird. 
 
 TunBANS (see Mazarines). 
 
 Vanxer, T'\— To make a sauce smooth by 
 rapidly lifting it high in large spoonfuls,and 
 allowing it to fall quickly agaiu for some 
 time. 
 
 VELOUTfi.— Rich sauce used to heighten 
 the flavor of soups and made dishes. 
 
 Vol-au-vent.— A li"ht puff paste, cut 
 round or oval, enclosing any delicate mince- 
 meat. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 I. Bread-Making. Page 
 
 liread 7 
 
 Yeast that will not sour 8 
 
 A good reliable yeast 9 
 
 Another good yeast 9 
 
 Good home-made bread 9 
 
 Yeast bread 10 
 
 p..tatobread (2) 11 
 
 Wilk-sponge bread 11 
 
 Salt-rising bread (-i) 12 
 
 Corn bread 12 
 
 Corn bread (3) 13 
 
 Grand rjiother's Indian bread 13 
 
 Quick Graham, bread 13 
 
 Baking-powder Graham bi-ead 13 
 
 Brown bread of Graham flour 14 
 
 Graham bread (2) 14 
 
 Brown bread 14 
 
 Brown bread 15 
 
 Boston brown bread 15 
 
 Rye bread 15 
 
 Rye and Indian Bread 16 
 
 Rye bread with baking-powder 16 
 
 Hoyleton bread 16 
 
 Norwegian bread for dyspeptics 16 
 
 Oatmeal bread 17 
 
 Rice bread 17 
 
 IT. Brej^fast and Tea Caees. 
 
 Light biscuit 18 
 
 Butter biscuit 18 
 
 Soda biscuit 18 
 
 Dixie biscuit 18 
 
 Baking-powder biscuit 19 
 
 Cream of tartar biscuit 19 
 
 English biscuit 19 
 
 Graham biscuit 19 
 
 Cold biscuit 20 
 
 Buns (3) 20 
 
 Cinnamon cake 20 
 
 Graham cakes 21 
 
 Bye drop cakes 21 
 
 Corn c ;kes 21 
 
 Johnny cake 21 
 
 Newport breakfast cakes 21 
 
 Potato cakes 21 
 
 Griddle Cakes. 
 
 Stale bread griddle cakes 22 
 
 Corn meal griddle cakes 22 
 
 Rice griddle cakes 22 
 
 Flour griddle cakes 22 
 
 Green corn griddle cakes 22 
 
 Hominy gridUlo cakes 22 
 
 Paqk 
 
 Crumb corn cakes 22 
 
 Flannel cakes 23 
 
 Buckwheat cakes 23 
 
 Graliam grid<lle cakes 23 
 
 Squash, pumpkin, and apple griddle 
 
 cakes 23 
 
 Berry griddle cakes 23 
 
 Egg cracknels 24 
 
 Oatmeal crackers 24 
 
 Graham crackei's 24 
 
 Crumpets 25 
 
 London crumpets 25 
 
 Kentucky corn dodgers 25 
 
 Fr liters. 
 
 Green corn fritters (2) 26 
 
 Apple fritters .. 26 
 
 Celery fritters 26 
 
 Oyster fritters 20 
 
 Ciam fri! ters 27 
 
 Lobster fritters 27 
 
 Rice fritters 27 
 
 Blackberry fritters 27 
 
 Gems. 
 
 Graham gems (3) 28 
 
 Cold water gems 2'^ 
 
 Mixed gems 28 
 
 Oatmeal gems 28 
 
 Mujjins. 
 
 Muffln« (3) 29 
 
 Kice Hour muffins 29 
 
 Rice muffins 29 
 
 Graham muffins (2) 30 
 
 Corn meal uiufflns 30 
 
 Mush. 
 
 Cornmeal mush 30 
 
 Oatmeal mush 30 
 
 Cracked wlieat mush 30 
 
 Crack(^<l wheat mush 31 
 
 Fried mush for breakfast 31 
 
 Hominy 31 
 
 Pujs. 
 
 Puffs 31 
 
 Graham puffs (2) 31 
 
 Oatmeal i>ufrs 33 
 
 Potato puffs 32 
 
 Creani puffs 3- 
 
 Puffets 32 
 
 Proverbs ;j* 
 
 Pocket books J" 
 
 689 
 
590 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Rolls. 
 
 Paqe 
 
 How to make rolls (2) 33 
 
 Cinnamon rolls 33 
 
 Parker House rolls 33 
 
 "White Mountain rolls 3 4 
 
 Oatmeal rolls 3t 
 
 Vienna tuist rolls . 31 
 
 Italian rolls 35 
 
 Oraham breakfast lolls 35 
 
 French rolls 35 
 
 Tremont House rolls 35 
 
 Eosettes 36 
 
 Rusks. 
 
 Sweet rusks (2) 36 
 
 Rusks 3(j 
 
 Baking-powder rusks 37 
 
 Scones 3i' 
 
 Scotch scones 37 
 
 Sally lunn 37 
 
 Sally lunn 33 
 
 Plain short cake 38 
 
 Scotch short cake 38 
 
 Sandwiches. 
 
 Ham sandwiches 38 
 
 Egg sandwiches 3) 
 
 Sardine sandwiches 3.) 
 
 School lunch sandwiches 3) 
 
 Oyster sandwiches 39 
 
 Tongue or ham sandwiches SO 
 
 Toast. 
 
 Cream toast 40 
 
 Breakfast toast 40 
 
 Cheese and agg toast 40 
 
 Ham toast 40 
 
 Spanish toast 41 
 
 Fried bread 41 
 
 Waffles. 
 
 Waffles (4) 41 
 
 Bread waffles 40 
 
 Eice waffles 42 
 
 Graham wafers 43 
 
 Sweet wafers 42 
 
 in. Cake. 
 
 Almond cake (2) 4.3 
 
 Adelaide cake 43 
 
 Apple cake 44 
 
 Angel's food 44 
 
 Andalusia sponge cake 44 
 
 Black fruit cake 44 
 
 Bride cake (2; 45 
 
 Bread cake 4,5 
 
 Black cake 46 
 
 Bridgeport cake " 46 
 
 Butternut cake 46 
 
 Boston cream cake 46 
 
 Cocoanut cake 46 
 
 Cocoanut cake 47 
 
 Chocolate cake 47 
 
 Corn starch cake (2) 47 
 
 Coffee cake 4S 
 
 Chocolate eclaires 48 
 
 Charlotte cachee 4S 
 
 Cider cako 48 I 
 
 ^ Page 
 
 Cake without eggs 49 
 
 Cream puffs 49 
 
 Citron cake 49 
 
 Cream cake 49 
 
 Chocolate cake 49 
 
 Christmas cake 50 
 
 Cinnamon cake 50 
 
 Cinnamon cake 51 
 
 Cup cake 51 
 
 Cocoanut pound cake 51 
 
 Clove cake 51 
 
 Delicate cake 5i 
 
 Delicious cake 53 
 
 Drop cake 52 
 
 Dough cake ,53 
 
 Dover cake 52 
 
 Dundee cake 53 
 
 Dried apple cake 53 
 
 Election cake 53 
 
 Every-day fruit cake 53 
 
 Eggless cake 53 
 
 English Cliristmas cake 53 
 
 Fruit cake from dough 54 
 
 Fruit cake (2) 54 
 
 Fruit jelly cake 54 
 
 Favorite lemon jelly cake 55 
 
 Fig cake (2) . 55 
 
 French loaf cake 55 
 
 Feather cake 55 
 
 Feather cake 56 
 
 Gold cake 56 
 
 Gentleman's cake £6 
 
 Ginger drop cake C6 
 
 Ginger-bread loaf 56 
 
 Ginger-bread 57 
 
 Soft ginger-bread (2) 57 
 
 Ginger cup cake 57 
 
 Groom's cake 57 
 
 Graham cup cake 53 
 
 Hickory-nut cake 58 
 
 Hickory-nut drop cake 58 
 
 Huckleberry cake 58 
 
 Honey cake 58 
 
 Imperial cake 59 
 
 Ice cream cake 59 
 
 Jelly cake 59 
 
 Jell V rolls 59 
 
 Kaffee Kuchen 59 
 
 Knickerbocker cake 60 
 
 Lemon cake (2) 60 
 
 Lemon jelly cake 60 
 
 Lady cake 61 
 
 Lunch cake 61 
 
 Light cake 61 
 
 Loaf cake 61 
 
 Marbled cake 61 
 
 Mountain cake 62 
 
 Madeira cake 62 
 
 IMolasses cake (2) 63 
 
 Marbled chocolate cake 63 
 
 Moreton farm cake 63 
 
 Nut cake 63 
 
 Nut cake 64 
 
 White nut cake 61 
 
 Neapolitan cake 61 
 
 Lady fingers 64 
 
 ( >range cake (2) 65 
 
 IVrfectioa cake 65 
 
 Pork cake 66 
 
 Portuguese cake 66 
 
 Puff cake 66 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 691 
 
 Paoe 
 
 Pine-apple cake 66 
 
 Pound cake without soda 67 
 
 Cocoanut pound cake 67 
 
 Pound cake 67 
 
 Plum cake 67 
 
 Quincy cake ^ . . . 67 
 
 Queen cake 68 
 
 Railroad cake 68 
 
 Reception cake 68 
 
 Rice cake 68 
 
 Rochester jelly cake 6S 
 
 Silver cake 69 
 
 Snow cake 69 
 
 Swiss cake 69 
 
 Sponge cake, Delicious 09 
 
 Sponge cake with hot water 70 
 
 Sponge cake 70 
 
 Sponge cake, White 70 
 
 Sultana cake 70 
 
 Spice cake 71 
 
 Seed cake 71 
 
 Tunbridge cake 71 
 
 Taylor cake 71 
 
 Wedding cake 71 
 
 Wedding cake 73 
 
 Vainlla cake 74 
 
 Washington cake 74 
 
 Wine cake 75 
 
 Webster cake 75 
 
 Watermelon cake 75 
 
 White cake 75 
 
 Yule cake 75 
 
 Crullers (3) 76 
 
 Cookies, Jumbles, and Snaps. 
 
 Almond cookies 70 
 
 Almond cookies 77 
 
 Cocoanut cookies 77 
 
 Cookies (2) 77 
 
 Cream cookies 77 
 
 Cookies (2). 78 
 
 Eggless cookies 78 
 
 Ginger cookies 78 
 
 Graham cookies 78 
 
 Molasses cookies 78 
 
 Sugar cookies 79 
 
 Hickory-nut cookies 79 
 
 Sand tarts 79 
 
 Jumbles (2) 79 
 
 Ginger snaps (5J) 79 
 
 Ginger snaps 80 
 
 Doughnuts 80 
 
 Doughnuts without egg 80 
 
 Doughnuts raised 80 
 
 Cream doughnuts 80 
 
 Fried cakes 81 
 
 Snow balls, white 81 
 
 IV. Creams and Costards. 
 
 Apple snow 82 
 
 Apple float 82 
 
 Almond cream 82 
 
 Bavaroise 82 
 
 Blanc mange 83 
 
 Cream a la mode 83 
 
 Coffee cream 83 
 
 Bavarian cream 83 
 
 Chocolate Bavarian cream 84 
 
 Caledonia cream 84 
 
 Paob 
 
 Charlotte Russe elegante 84 
 
 Charlotte Russe (2) 84 
 
 Fruit Charlotte 85 
 
 Genoese cream 85 
 
 Italian cream 85 
 
 Manioca cream 86 
 
 Russe cream 86 
 
 Rock cream 86 
 
 Spanish cream 86 
 
 Tapioca cream 86 
 
 Whipped cream 87 
 
 Whipped cream sauce 87 
 
 Almond custard 87 
 
 Apple custard 87 
 
 Boiled custard 87 
 
 Baked custard 88 
 
 Chocolate custard 88 
 
 Coffee custard 88 
 
 Corn starch custard 88 
 
 Cocoanut custard 88 
 
 Cold cup custard 89 
 
 Caramel custard 89 
 
 I-emon custard 89 
 
 Bloonshine 89 
 
 Floating island (2) 90 
 
 Irish moss 90 
 
 Quaking custard 90 
 
 Orange snow 91 
 
 V. Confectionery. 
 
 General directions 92 
 
 Almond candy 92 
 
 Almond creams 92 
 
 Bon Bons 92 
 
 Butter Scotch 93 
 
 Boston caramels 93 
 
 Cream cocoanut candy 93 
 
 Cocoanut candy 93 
 
 Cocoanut caramels 93 
 
 Chocolate caramels 93 
 
 Chocolate cream drops 94 
 
 Chocolate kisses &4 
 
 Fruit candy 94 
 
 Hickory-nut candy 94 
 
 Horehound candy 94 
 
 Lemon cream candy 95 
 
 Lemon and peppermint drops 95 
 
 Molasses candi' 96 
 
 White molasses candy 96 
 
 Peanut candy 96 
 
 Pop corn balls 97 
 
 Taffy 97 
 
 Efferton taffy 97 
 
 Vinegar candy (2) 98 
 
 Walnut candy 98 
 
 Meringues 98 
 
 Cream meringues 99 
 
 Macaroons 99 
 
 Bachelor buttons 99 
 
 Corn starch ratefles 99 
 
 VI. Catsups. 
 
 Currant catsup 100 
 
 Cucumber catsup 101 
 
 Gooseberry catsup 101 
 
 Plum catsup 101 
 
 Tomato catsup 101 
 
 Tomato catsup 102 
 
 Mushroom catsup (See " Mushrooms.") 
 
692 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Vn. Desserts. Page 
 
 Puddings .103 
 
 To youiijiT housekeepers 105 
 
 Arrowroot pudding 1^6 
 
 Almond pudding 1^6 
 
 Pie-plant Charlotte lOii 
 
 Croquettes of rice 107 
 
 Bombes au riz . . l'J7 
 
 Green corn pudding 103 
 
 Cottage pudding 108 
 
 Cranberry roll 108 
 
 Delinouioo pudding 1.8 
 
 Eve's pudding 109 
 
 Fig pudding 109 
 
 Fruit pudding 109 
 
 Baked facina pudding 109 
 
 Plain fruit pudding 109 
 
 Florentine pudding 110 
 
 Gelatine pudding 110 
 
 Ginger pudding 110 
 
 Honeycouib pudding 110 
 
 Huckleberry pudding Ill 
 
 Hen's nest Ill 
 
 Indian pudding Ill 
 
 Apple pudding Ill 
 
 Apple batter pudding Ill 
 
 Apple float 112 
 
 Apple slump 113 
 
 Baked apple dumplings 112 
 
 Apple surprised 112 
 
 Amber pudding 113 
 
 Ambrosia 113 
 
 Apple omelette 113 
 
 Apple Charlotte 113 
 
 Bancroft pudding 114 
 
 Bread pudding 114 
 
 Banana and apple tart lU 
 
 Bird's nest pudding (2} 114 
 
 Cabinet pudding 115 
 
 Cream batter pudding 115 
 
 Cracker pudding 115 
 
 Chocolate pudding 115 
 
 Charlotte pudding 115 
 
 Cottage pudding 116 
 
 Custard bread pudding ll(j 
 
 Cocoanut pudding 110 
 
 Cream pudding 116 
 
 Crumti pudding 117 
 
 Irish roek 117 
 
 Jelly rice 117 
 
 Jelly custard US 
 
 Jelly tartlets U>i 
 
 Kiss pudding 118 
 
 Lemon pudding Il8 
 
 Lem)n trifle 118 
 
 Lemon pudding 119 
 
 Meringue rice pnddhig 110 
 
 Malagan pudding 119 
 
 Mitchell pudding 110 
 
 Maud's pudding 119 
 
 Orange pudding 13) 
 
 Christmas plum pudding 120 
 
 Pluiu pudding 120 
 
 English plum pudding 121 
 
 Plum pudding 121 
 
 Rich plum pudding 121 
 
 Baked plum pudding 123 
 
 Poor man's pudding 122 
 
 Raisin puffs 122 
 
 Roly poly pudding 122 
 
 Page 
 
 Rice pudding 123 
 
 Sago pudiling 133 
 
 Suet pudding 133 
 
 Steamed pudding 1£i 
 
 Snow pudding 123 
 
 Steamed pudding 13t 
 
 Strawberry short-cake (2) 124 
 
 Tapioca pudding (2) 125 
 
 To jook rice 1 25 
 
 Vegetable pudding 125 
 
 Whipped syllabubs 125 
 
 Yankee pudding 126 
 
 Pudding Sauces. 
 
 Sweet sauce 126 
 
 Fruit sauce 136 
 
 Fruit pudding sauce 126 
 
 Arrowroot sauce 127 
 
 German custard sauce 127 
 
 Pudding Sauce • 137 
 
 Pies. 
 
 Puff paste 127 
 
 Pie crust 138 
 
 Good and cheap pie crust 128 
 
 Pie crust glaze 129 
 
 Pie crust for four small pies 120 
 
 Tart crust 129 
 
 Icing pastry 129 
 
 Puft' paste with beef suet 130 
 
 Apricot pie 130 
 
 Apple pie 130 
 
 Apple custard pie I'W 
 
 Boiled cii ler pie 130 
 
 Banana pie 130 
 
 Cracker pie . . 131 
 
 Chocolate pie 131 
 
 Cocoanut pie 131 
 
 Jelly custard 131 
 
 Custard pie 131 
 
 Cream pie (2) 132 
 
 Custard for cream pie. . . 133 
 
 Delicate pie 132 
 
 Lemon pie 132 
 
 Fruit pie 133 
 
 Lemon pie 133 
 
 Mince meat (2) 133 
 
 Mince pie 133 
 
 Mince pie 134 ' 
 
 Mince meat without meat 134 
 
 Jlarlborough pie 134 
 
 Orange pie 135 
 
 Cream peach pie 1 35 
 
 Pine-apple pie 135 
 
 Pumpkin pie 135 
 
 Potato pie 136 
 
 Sweet potato pie (2) 136 
 
 Apple or peach meringue pie 1-7 
 
 Peach pie 137 
 
 Quince pie 137 
 
 Cream raspberry pie 137 
 
 Raisin pie 138 
 
 Rhubarb pie 1"^ 
 
 Rice pie 138 
 
 Squash pie 138 
 
 Vinegar pie 138 
 
 Tarts... 139 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 593 
 
 VTH, Dunnes. Page 
 
 Coffee ] ;0 
 
 Coffee substitutes 143 
 
 Novel mode of making coffee l-ti 
 
 Tea 144 
 
 Iced tea 145 
 
 A good summer drink 145 
 
 Cottage beer 145 
 
 Ginger beer 145 
 
 Spruce beer ] 46 
 
 Iced buttermilk 14G 
 
 Claret cup 14C 
 
 Fruit cup 146 
 
 Cream of tartar drink 147 
 
 Jelly drinks 147 
 
 Simon-pure lemonade 147 
 
 Jelly lemonade 147 
 
 Ginger lemonade 148 
 
 Berry sher^^et 148 
 
 Excellent mead 148 
 
 IX. Eggs and Omelettes. 
 
 Remarks 149 
 
 Breaded eggs 150 
 
 Egg a la mode 150 
 
 How to bake eggs 150 
 
 Egg baskets ino 
 
 To pickle eggs 151 
 
 Scrambled eggs 151 
 
 To poach rggs 151 
 
 Stuffed eggs 153 
 
 Omelette (d) 152 
 
 Apple omelette 153 
 
 Oyster omelette 153 
 
 Omelette souffle 153 
 
 French omelette 153 
 
 Omelette with" ham 154 
 
 Eggs a la bonne femme 154 
 
 X. Fresh Fruits. 
 
 Pine-apples 155 
 
 A nice way to prepare apples 155 
 
 To stew apples 155 
 
 Bananas anil cream 155 
 
 To crj'stallize fruit 155 
 
 To keep grapes 156 
 
 Melons l."6 
 
 Oranges 156 
 
 Candied cherries ir,6 
 
 Stewed pears ]."7 
 
 Glace cherries 157 
 
 Candied lemon-peel 157 
 
 XI. Cannxng Fruit. 
 
 General directions 159 
 
 Table for canning fruit 16') 
 
 Applesauce 160 
 
 Canning pine-apple 16 ) 
 
 Canning pine-apple Hil 
 
 Canning berries 16! 
 
 Canning pears 161 
 
 Canning peaches lOt 
 
 Dried peaches 16:3 
 
 XII. Ices and Ice-Creaus. 
 
 Remarks 163 
 
 Berry cream 164 
 
 Bui'nt sugar ice-cream lt>4 
 
 38 
 
 ^, Pagk 
 
 Chocolate ice-cream i64- 
 
 Uoffee ice-ci earn ]64 
 
 Lemon ice-cream i6t 
 
 Peach ice-cream ] 05. 
 
 Pine-apple ice-cream ]65 
 
 Orange ice-cream 105. 
 
 Strawberry and raspberry ice-cream .. . 165 
 
 Vanilla ice-cream ] 65 
 
 Cocoanut ice-cream ]65 
 
 Frozen tapioca custard 166 
 
 Frozen rice custard 166 
 
 Frozen sago custard 166 
 
 Water-ices 166 
 
 Cherry water-ice and nut cream 166 
 
 Strawberry water-ice 167 
 
 Itaspberry water-ice 167 
 
 Burnt almond ice-cream and orange ice. 167 
 
 Biscuit glaces las 
 
 Rateffe biscuit cream ]68 
 
 Tutti frutti ]68 
 
 Gelatine paste for ornamenting ices. . 16!) 
 
 I'ine-apple sherbet 169 
 
 To color ice creams or water-ices 169 
 
 Xm. Icings. 
 
 Remarks 171 
 
 Almond icing 171 
 
 Boiled icing (2) 171 
 
 Chocolate icing (2) ]7i 
 
 Chocolate icing 173 
 
 Clear icing for cake 173 
 
 Icing for cakes 172 
 
 Tuti i frutti frosting 172 
 
 Lemon fiosting 172 
 
 Ornamental icing 173 
 
 Yellow icing i'.'Z 
 
 Rose coloring 173 
 
 XTV. Jams and Jellies. 
 
 Remarks 174 
 
 Apricot jam 175 
 
 Marmalades and jams 175 
 
 Apple jams 175 
 
 Berry or currant jam I7ft 
 
 Grape, gooseberry, or plum jam 176 
 
 Apple marmalade l';6 
 
 Orange marmalade 17S 
 
 Pine-apple marmalade 177 
 
 Peach marmalade I7r 
 
 Quince marmalade 177 
 
 Plum marmalade 178 
 
 Pumpkin marmalade 178 
 
 Apple jelly 178 
 
 Blackberry jelly 179 
 
 Cranberry jelly ] 79 
 
 Crab-apple jelly 179 
 
 Currant jelly 179 
 
 Cm-rant jelly 180 
 
 Grape jelly ISO 
 
 Peach jelly 181 
 
 Pieplant jelly 181 
 
 Quince jelly (2) 181 
 
 Coffee jelly 182 
 
 Lemon snow jelly 182 
 
 Lemon jelly 182 
 
 Orange jelly 183 
 
 Wine jelly 183 
 
 Mouldiness 183- 
 
594 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 XV. MnsHROOMS. Page 
 
 Remarks 184 
 
 Mushrooms au gralin 184 
 
 Mushrooms a la proviucale 183 
 
 Mushrooms a la creme 18.3 
 
 Mushrooms, baked 185 
 
 Mushroouis, breakfast 18) 
 
 Mushrooms, currieJ — 1' l) 
 
 Mushrooms en eaisse 18ti 
 
 Mushroom catsup 180 
 
 Mushrooms en ragout 18(j 
 
 Mushrooms with bacon 18/ 
 
 Mushroom stems IST 
 
 Mushrooms, to stew l^ 
 
 Muslirooms, to pot 188 
 
 Mushrooms and toast (2) 188 
 
 Mushrooms, to pickle {2) 18k) 
 
 XVI. Pickles. 
 
 Remarks 100 
 
 Pickled artichokes 1 JI 
 
 Pickled butternuts and walnuts 101 
 
 Pickled beans 10^ 
 
 Pickled beets 10^ 
 
 Pickled broccoli IJ^ 
 
 Bottled pickles 103 
 
 Mary's pickled blackberries lOJ 
 
 To put up cucumbers in brine VXi 
 
 Pickled cabbage {2) l;)t 
 
 Pickled cauliflower (2) 191 
 
 Pickled cucumbers 194 
 
 Cliow-chow (2) 105 
 
 Pickled cherries 105 
 
 French pickles 106 
 
 Pickled grapes (2) 106 
 
 To harden pickles 106 
 
 Lemon pickles 106 
 
 Mangoes of melons i'J7 
 
 Imitation pickled mangoes 197 
 
 Pickled nasturtiums 107 
 
 Pickled onions (2) 197 
 
 Pickles 108 
 
 Stuffed peppers 108 
 
 Mixed pickles (2) 198 
 
 India pickles 190 
 
 Py per pickles 199 
 
 Kagan pickles 199 
 
 Sweet pickles 199 
 
 Sweet apple pickles 200 
 
 Sweet tomato pickles 200 
 
 Green tomato pickles 200 
 
 Picalilli 201 
 
 Picklette 201 
 
 Spiced vinegar for pickles generally 201 
 
 Pickled peaches 201 
 
 Pickled peaches that will keep 202 
 
 To pickle plums 202 
 
 Green tomato soy 202 
 
 To keep tomatoes whole 203 
 
 Pickled toijuioes 203 
 
 XVII. Presbeves. 
 
 Apple preserves (2) 204 
 
 Apricot preserves 204 
 
 Citron preserves 204 
 
 Currant preserves 205 
 
 Citron preserves 205 
 
 Lemon preserves 205 
 
 Brandied berries or cherries 205 
 
 Page 
 
 Proserved oranges 206 
 
 P.-eserved pine-apple 206 
 
 i'reserved plums or cherries 206 
 
 Preserved purple plums 207 
 
 Preserved pt;ars 207 
 
 Preserved peaciies #. 207 
 
 Brandy peaches 207 
 
 Quince pieserves 208 
 
 Pieserving strawberries 208 
 
 Green tomato preserves 209 
 
 Ripe tomato preserves 209 
 
 Spiced ciirrauts. 209 
 
 Spiced gooseberries 209 
 
 Spiced giapes 210 
 
 Spiced nutmeg melons 210 
 
 Spiced peaches 210 
 
 Spiced plums 210 
 
 Spiced plums 211 
 
 XVIII. Vegetables. 
 
 Remarks 213 
 
 Potatoes, how to cook 216 
 
 Artichokes, fried 216 
 
 Asparagus, boiled 216 
 
 Asparagus, fricassfied 217 
 
 Egg broccoli 217 
 
 Beets and potatoes 217 
 
 Beans, Lima 218 
 
 Beans, string 218 
 
 Brussels sprouts 218 
 
 Carrots, stewed 218 
 
 Celery 219 
 
 Celery, fried 219 
 
 Cf lery , stewed 219 
 
 Cabbage, cream 219 
 
 Cabbage a la cauliflower 219 
 
 Cabbage, boiled 219 
 
 Cabbage, baked 220 
 
 Hot slaw 220 
 
 Cauliflower 220 
 
 Cauliflower a la Francaise 221 
 
 Cauliflower with stuffing 221 
 
 Cauliflower with sauce 221 
 
 Corn, for winter use 221 
 
 Corn, baked 222 
 
 Corn, green on the cob 222 
 
 Corn oysters 222 
 
 Corn, stewed 222 
 
 Cucumbers, stewed 223 
 
 Celery 223 
 
 Celery, fried 233 
 
 Carrots 223 
 
 Carrots, boiled 233 
 
 Dandelion 224 
 
 Endive, stewed 224 
 
 Egg plant (3)........ 224 
 
 Egg plant, fricasseed •«24 
 
 Egg plant, stuffed 225 
 
 Garlic 225 
 
 Greens, stewed 225 
 
 Horse-radish as garnish 226 
 
 Lettuce 226 
 
 Lettuce, stuffed 236 
 
 Macaroni 226 
 
 Macaroni as a vegetable 2-'6 
 
 Macaroni with oysters 227 
 
 Macaroni with tomatoes 227 
 
 Macaroni, stewed 237 
 
 Onions, boiled 238 
 
 Onions, ormaloo 228 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 595 
 
 Paoe 
 
 Onions, scalloped '^j^ 
 
 Okra, boiled ~fl 
 
 Vegetable oysters ^f^ 
 
 Mock stewed oysters ~*° 
 
 Parsley if 
 
 Parsley, crisp 5~j^ 
 
 Parsley, fried ~5^* 
 
 Parsnips ~~° 
 
 Parsnips, fried ~^" 
 
 Parsnip stew ^^f 
 
 Pease, canned • •. f-^Y 
 
 Pease, Krench way of cooking ^W 
 
 Pease, green g^J 
 
 Potato balls ~;^} 
 
 Potato bulls, English f-i\ 
 
 Potatoes, browned '^^^ 
 
 Potatoes, southern baked 
 
 Potatoes, cream 
 
 Potato croquettes ^-^ 
 
 Potato cake *^.* 
 
 Potatoes, fried (2) • • • f*^ 
 
 Potatoes, mashed ^*j 
 
 Potatoes, surprised *^* 
 
 Potato puff ^1* 
 
 Potato pie 2o i 
 
 Potato, purSeof ~*i 
 
 Potato loaves ^:p 
 
 Potatoes, Saratoga ^'W 
 
 Potatoes, Lyoimaise *■» 
 
 Potatoes, old ^ 
 
 Potatoes, tossed ^. 
 
 2:« 
 
 Potatoes, sweet. 
 
 236 
 
 Potatoes, sweet, baked ^36 
 
 A fanner's dainty dish ^;50 
 
 Rice as a vegetable g;* 
 
 Succotash ^ii 
 
 Spinach • ~'.^i. 
 
 Spinach, cream of ^^i. 
 
 Squash, winter ^^' 
 
 Squash, stuffed *• ' 
 
 Turnips i^ 
 
 Turnips, mashed *'5" 
 
 Tomatoes a la creme ^^» 
 
 Tomatoes, browned g;" 
 
 Tomatoes, baked fj^ 
 
 Tomatoes, baked g^» 
 
 Tomatoes, broiled 
 
 Tomatoes, fried 
 
 Tomatoes, scalloped 
 
 Tomatoes, stuffed ■ • ■ • 
 
 French butter for frying vegetables 240 
 
 Rules for cooking vegetables «J4U 
 
 239 
 231) 
 239- 
 239 
 
 XIX. Fish. 
 
 242 
 
 Page 
 
 Mackerel, salt 248 
 
 Cod, baked ^9 
 
 Pike, boiled 249 
 
 Turbot 250 
 
 Whitefish, to fry 250 
 
 Salmon 250 
 
 XX. Shell Fish. 
 
 Clams 251 
 
 Clam bake ^-^J 
 
 Clam chowder g°l 
 
 Clam fritters f^^ 
 
 Clams, fried *^~ 
 
 Clam pie J^^ 
 
 Clam stew *?* 
 
 Clam soup ~E'* 
 
 Crabs J,?^ 
 
 Crabs, soft ~^^ 
 
 Crabs, scalloped ^2* 
 
 Frogs *?* 
 
 Lobster croquettes *■?* 
 
 Lobster cutlet *?^ 
 
 Lobsters, fried *°* 
 
 Lobster patties ^^ 
 
 Lobster rissoles *^^ 
 
 Lobster salad ~?* 
 
 Lobster, broiled f^° 
 
 Lobsters en brochette ^o» 
 
 Lobsters, i oastod *5~ 
 
 Lobsters, gratin of ■ ■ • *?^ 
 
 Oysters, broiled 'f^ 
 
 Oyster chowder f^' 
 
 Oyster croquettes *?' 
 
 CH-sters, fricasseed g^/ 
 
 Oysters, fried ~-?' 
 
 Oysters, fried ^2% 
 
 Oyster and chiqken pie ^?o 
 
 Oysters t>calloped gO» 
 
 Oyster stew. Park Row... ■f^ 
 
 Oysters, Maryland stewed ^?» 
 
 Oysters, plain stew *'^» 
 
 Oyster sauce f^ 
 
 Oyster pie...... ^^ 
 
 Oysters, pickled 5°" 
 
 Oyster patties • f°" 
 
 Oyster pot-pie. ^°^ 
 
 Oysters, roasted *°" 
 
 Oysters, fancy roast ^w 
 
 Oysters a la l^oulette *oj 
 
 Oysters, raw *°J 
 
 Oysters with toast *oj 
 
 Oyster flavor f°\ 
 
 Oysters, new way of preparing f^i 
 
 Scallops ••■•:• 1; Sfio 
 
 Terrapins, or water turtles <"■' 
 
 Remarks XT, 
 
 Fish, baked ^Il 
 
 Fi.sh, to boil STT 
 
 Fish, boiled 571 
 
 Fish, baked black *t: 
 
 Trout, brook "ti 
 
 Flounders ^1- 
 
 Halibut V •••■•,;•• :, ^5 
 
 Perch, eels, and small pike f^j 
 
 Eels, potted fyVl 
 
 Eels, collared *;!" 
 
 Sturgeon Xlf 
 
 Cod's head t.a 
 
 Codfish, fresh JIR 
 
 Codfish, salt ■^ 
 
 Codfish balls '**° 
 
 XXI. Game. 
 
 Game, to select 
 
 Birds, to pot 
 
 Birds, reed ••:••,■ :<. 
 
 Birds, reed, k la Lmdentnorpe 
 
 Prairie cliickens, roast 
 
 Prairie chicken • ■.;„■;„ 
 
 Partridges, pheasants, and quaUs, to 
 roast 
 
 Quail on toast • • ■ • • 
 
 Quail, or woodcock, to broil 
 
 Pigeon pie 
 
 Pigeon, roast (2) 
 
 Pigeon compote 
 
 264 
 265 
 265 
 265 
 266 
 266 
 
 266 
 266 
 267 
 267 
 267 
 867 
 
596 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Page 
 
 Duck, wild ~U -i 
 
 Goose, wild JitH 
 
 Hare, roast iiO.) 
 
 Hare, a nice way to prepare cold ^f) ) 
 
 ilabbit, mast ati'J 
 
 iRabbit, with herbs 2ii9 
 
 Venison chops 26J 
 
 Venison, epicurean 2,0 
 
 Venison patties 270 
 
 XXII. Marketing. 
 
 Remarks— beef 271 
 
 Sections of bullock.. . .' 2;2 
 
 Sections of sheep and lamb 273 
 
 Mutton 273 
 
 Pork 274 
 
 Veal 274 
 
 Veal, section of 27> 
 
 Turkeys 275 
 
 Fowls 275 
 
 Geese 2;6 
 
 Ducks 276 
 
 XXIII. Meats. 
 
 Beef, aitchbone of, to carve 277 
 
 Steak, to make tough tender 277 
 
 Beef, brisket of, to carve 278 
 
 Sti^ak, broiled (2) 278 
 
 Steak, rump, with oyster sauce 278 
 
 Steak, to trv 279 
 
 Ste ik, German way of frying .% 27'9 
 
 Steak smothered with onions 279 
 
 Steak pie 279 
 
 Bi-ef, ribs of, to carve 28i) 
 
 Beef, ribs of, to roast 28) 
 
 B'^'f, sirloin of, to roast 280 
 
 Bjef, sirloin of, to carve 281 
 
 Bet- f balls 281 
 
 Beef, flll6t of 2-<l 
 
 Beef, a good and cheap way to cook ... 28 J 
 
 Beef a la mode 282 
 
 Beef pounded 283 
 
 Bei'f croquettes 28S 
 
 Bi-ef, deviled 283 
 
 Beef sausages 283 
 
 Beefaugratin 284 
 
 Beef heart 281 
 
 Bi'ef, dried, in cream 281 
 
 Beef omelette 281 
 
 Beef tongue, broiled 28 1 
 
 Beef, to boil S8"> 
 
 Beef tongue, roasted ;i85 
 
 Tripe 285 
 
 Tripe a. la Lyonnaise with tomatoes 2'^5 
 
 Bullock's heart, roasted 286 
 
 Calf's heart, roasted 286 
 
 Calf's heart, fried 286 
 
 Sheep's heart, baked 287 
 
 Sweetbreads 287 
 
 Sweetbreads, fried 287 
 
 Sweetbreads, baked 287 
 
 Sweetbreads, broiled 288 
 
 Sweetbreads and cauliflower 288 
 
 Sweetbreads, tomato 288 
 
 Kidne3S, broiled or roasted 289 
 
 Kidneys, stewed 289 
 
 Liver," fried 289 
 
 Liver, fried 290 
 
 Lamb, roast quarter of 290 
 
 Lamb chops, fried 290 
 
 Lamb chops, broiled 291 
 
 Lamb, stewed with green pease 291 
 
 Lamb cutlets yyi 
 
 Mutton, boiled breast of 291 
 
 Mutton, liaunch of, a la venison 291 
 
 Mutton, breast of, with pease 292 
 
 Mutton, curried 29i 
 
 'Mutton chops 293 
 
 Mutton cutlets k la minute 293 
 
 Mutton cutlet and pur6e of potatoes 293 
 
 Mutton, boiled leg of 293 
 
 Mutton kebobed 294 
 
 Mutton leg of, to carve 294 
 
 Mutton, leg of, roast 295 
 
 Mutton cutlets with Provencale sauce.. 295 
 
 Pork, to keep fresh in summer 296 
 
 Pork, to cook 296 
 
 Pork, belly, rolled and boiled 297 
 
 Pork brawn 297 
 
 Pork chops, broiled 298 
 
 Pork cliops. fried 298 
 
 Pork cutlets, broiled 298 
 
 Pork, leg of. good as goose 298 
 
 Pork cutlets, fried 299 
 
 Pork, boiled leg of, with pease pudding. 299 
 
 Pork pies 299 
 
 Pork, roast loin of 300 
 
 Pork cake 300 
 
 Pork sausage 300 
 
 Pork and beans 300 
 
 Pressed head 301 
 
 Pig's feet, boiled 301 
 
 Pig's feet cheese 301 
 
 Pig, to roast a sucking .303 
 
 Hams, to cure 303 
 
 Ham pie 302 
 
 Ham boned 303 
 
 Ham baked 303 
 
 Ham and eggs 303 
 
 Ham boiled 303 
 
 Smoked meat on toast 303 
 
 Ham balls 304 
 
 Ham garnished and ornamented 304 
 
 Ham, to glaze 3i)l 
 
 Veal, collared breast of 3iV4 
 
 Veal, boiled breast of 305 
 
 Veal, ragout of breast of 305 
 
 Veal, roasted breast of 305 
 
 Veal, bubble and squeak of 3i)6 
 
 Veal cake 306 
 
 Veal scallop 306 
 
 Calf's head, boiled 306 
 
 Calf's brains el la ravigote 307 
 
 X5IV. Poultry. 
 
 Chicken saute d, la Marengo 308 
 
 Capon ranaque 309 
 
 Chicken f ricass§ed 310 
 
 Chicken pie 3 
 
 Chicken, frying 31 1 
 
 Chicken salad 311 
 
 Chicken croquettes 311 
 
 Chicken, baked 312 
 
 Chicken, a nice way to cook 313 
 
 Chicken pudding 3i2 
 
 Chicken or veal jellied 312 
 
 Chicken scalloped 313 
 
 Chicken pot-pie 313 
 
 Chicken broiled 313 
 
 Ducks a la Fransaise 313 
 
CON'^ENTS. 
 
 597 
 
 Page 
 
 Ducks 3, la mode 314 
 
 Ducks, baked 314 
 
 Ducks, braised 314 
 
 Chicken, pressed 314 
 
 Ducks braised with turnips 315 
 
 Ducks, fricass6ed 315 
 
 Ducks, mock 315 
 
 Fowls, minced 315 
 
 Fowls, roast, to carve 316 
 
 Croquettes 316 
 
 Goose, roast, to carve 317 
 
 Goose, to boil r 317 
 
 Goose, roast 317 
 
 Stuffing 318 
 
 Turkey 318 
 
 Turkey, carving of 319 
 
 Turkey or capon, boiled 319 
 
 Turkey, roast (2) 320 
 
 Turkey, boiled 321 
 
 Turkey dressed with oysters 3<;i 
 
 Turkey, deviled 321 
 
 Turkey scallop 322 
 
 Stuffing, plain 322 
 
 Stuffing, apple 322 
 
 Stuffing, potato 323 
 
 Stuffing, chestnut 323 
 
 XXV. Salads. 
 
 Salad, anchovy 324 
 
 Salad, artichoke 324 
 
 Salad, beetroot 324 
 
 Salad, chicken 324 
 
 Salad, chicken 325 
 
 Salad, cabbage 325 
 
 Salad, fish 325 
 
 Salad, hot egg 325 
 
 Salad, endive with winter 326 
 
 Salad, lettuce (2) 326 
 
 Salad, lobster 326 
 
 Salad, game 327 
 
 Salad, orange 327 
 
 Salad, potato 327 
 
 Salad, salmon 328 
 
 Salad, Russian .328 
 
 Salad, summer 328 
 
 Salad, Sidney Smith's dressing for 329 
 
 Salad and vegetables 329 
 
 Salad, water-cress 3.30 
 
 Salad dressing (2) 330 
 
 XXVI. Sauces, Soups AND Forcemeats. 
 General remarks 331 
 
 Stock ms 
 
 Soup, bean 334 
 
 Soup, asparagus 334 
 
 Soup, beef 335 
 
 Soup, common 3.35 
 
 Soup, clam 335 
 
 Soup, corn 3-36 
 
 Soup, French vegetable 336 
 
 Soup, egg 336 
 
 Sou|», chicken 336 
 
 Soup, cabbage 337 
 
 Soup, green pea 337 
 
 Soup, gumbo 337 
 
 Soup, gumbo, plain 3.38 
 
 Soup, lobster .338 
 
 Soup, macaroni (2) 338 
 
 Soup, mock terrapin 339 
 
 Soup, mock turtle 339 
 
 Paob 
 
 Soup, mutton 339 
 
 Soup, mushroom 340 
 
 Soup, ox-tail 340 
 
 Soup, oyster 340 
 
 Noodles for soup 340 
 
 Okra gumbo 340 
 
 Soup, potato 341 
 
 Soup, tomato 341 
 
 Southern gumbo fela .341 
 
 Soup, tomato ,342 
 
 Soup, turkey 342 
 
 Soup, green turtle .342 
 
 Soup, Soyer's cheap ,343 
 
 Soup, Soyer's cheap 344 
 
 Aspic jelly for garnishing 345 
 
 Aspic jelly, slock 345 
 
 Sauce, bechamel 345 
 
 Sauce, anchovy .346 
 
 Sauce, bread 346 
 
 Sauce, brown 346 
 
 Sauce, cucumber .346 
 
 Sauce. Chili 347 
 
 Sauce, caper ;M7 
 
 Sauce, celery 347 
 
 Sauce, egg 347 
 
 Sauce, fish 347 
 
 Sauce, Hollandaise 347 
 
 Sauce, hot, for meats 348 
 
 Sauce, horse-radish 348 
 
 Sauce, mushroom 348 
 
 Sauce, mint 348 
 
 Sauce, mustard 349 
 
 Mustard, prepared 349 
 
 Mustard, made .349 
 
 Sauce mayonnaise 349 
 
 Sauce maitre d' hotel 3.")0 
 
 Butter maitre d' hotel 3.50 
 
 Sauce, oyster 350 
 
 Sauce, piquant 350 
 
 Sauce, tomato 351 
 
 Forcemeat, almond 351 
 
 Forcemeat, chestnut 351 
 
 Forcemeat balls 3.52 
 
 Forcemeat for fish, etc 352 
 
 Forcemeat for game 3.52 
 
 Forcemeat for turkey . . .352 
 
 Forcemeat, oyster 353 
 
 XXVII. Fdrnituke. 
 
 Furniture covers 354 
 
 Use of varnish 354 
 
 How to make an ottoman 355 
 
 To render new mahogany like old 355 
 
 To clean furniture 3.55 
 
 Dirty or stained furniture 3.56 
 
 To clean paint .3.56 
 
 To make glue .356 
 
 To revive gilt frames 3.57 
 
 Magic furniture polish 357 
 
 XXVIII. House Pests. 
 
 Camphor a remedy for mice 3.58 
 
 Rats, t o drive away alive 3.59 
 
 Rats, how to deal with 359 
 
 To destroy bed bugs, moths, and other 
 
 vermin 3.59 
 
 To prevent red ants 360 
 
 How to get rid of flies 360 
 
 Mosquitoes 361 
 
698 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 XXIX. Toilet. Page 
 
 Cleaning gloves 362 
 
 Hair receivers 362 
 
 Toilet cushions 362 
 
 Shaving cases 363 
 
 To clean hair-brushes and combs 363 
 
 To clean jewelry 363 
 
 Cologne water (2) 364 
 
 Cold cream 364 
 
 Lip salve 364 
 
 Lavender water 364 
 
 To clean gold chains 364 
 
 To clean gill jewelry 365 
 
 To remove a tight ring 365 
 
 Grease eraser 365 
 
 Cure for chapped hands 365 
 
 Care of the teeth 365 
 
 Offensive feet 366 
 
 For freckles 366 
 
 Care of the nails 366 
 
 XXX. Kitchen. 
 
 Care of silver 367 
 
 New kettles 36;' 
 
 To purify water 367 
 
 Washing dishes 368 
 
 Cleaning tinware 363 
 
 The griddle 36S 
 
 Coal ashes good to scour with 368 
 
 How to triumph over absent-mindedness 368 
 
 An economical crumb-cloth 363 
 
 Scraping kettles 363 
 
 How to keep lamp chimneys clean 369 
 
 How to start a fire 370 
 
 To make fire kindlings 370 
 
 How to polish a stove easily 370 
 
 How to use the oil stove 370 
 
 Blacking stoves 371 
 
 How to clean mica 371 
 
 To clean knives 372 
 
 To keep a kitchen table clean 372 
 
 XXXI. The Laundry. 
 
 To clean colored fabrics 373 
 
 Muslin dresses 374 
 
 Laces 375 
 
 To bleach laces, etc 3)6 
 
 To stiffen linen 376 
 
 To clean cloth 377 
 
 To clean black silk 377 
 
 To clean black merino, etc 378 
 
 To renovate crape 378 
 
 Washing clothes 378 
 
 Washing chintz 379 
 
 To remove spots of wax (2) 379 
 
 To clean carpets 379 
 
 For bleaching cotton cloth 379 
 
 To clean light kid gloves 379 
 
 To clean white silk lace 380 
 
 Starch polish 3S0 
 
 Washing fluid 380 
 
 Gem washing fluid .381 
 
 Hard soap 381 
 
 Soft soap 381 
 
 How to wash flannels 381 
 
 How to keep black gloves from crocking 382 
 
 To remove scorches 332 
 
 Washing towels 382 
 
 How to do up shirt bosoms 383 
 
 XXXII. Sewing Room. Page 
 
 Saving thread 384 
 
 Window shades 384 
 
 Scrap bags SSi 
 
 Sewing on buttons 385 
 
 Marking handkerchiefs 385 
 
 Table covers 385 
 
 Taking care of stockings 388 
 
 Putting away stockings 386 
 
 To preserve old stockings ,386 
 
 Home-made work baskets 386 
 
 XXXIU. Dyeing, Etc. 
 
 Remarks 388 
 
 Silks- 
 Black 388 
 
 Brown— very beautiful 388 
 
 Crimson 388 
 
 Green— very handsome 388 
 
 Light blue 389 
 
 Old gold 389 
 
 Orange 389 
 
 Purple 389 
 
 Skv blue 389 
 
 Yellow 389 
 
 Woollen goods- 
 Blue- quick process .390 
 
 Chrome black— best in use 390 
 
 Green 390 
 
 Madder red 393 
 
 Orange 390 
 
 Pink 390 
 
 Scarlet— very fine 391 
 
 Snuff brown— dark 391 
 
 Snuff brown — any shade 391 
 
 Wine color 391 
 
 Crimson 391 
 
 Dove and slate 391 
 
 Purple 391 
 
 Salmon 392 
 
 Yellow— rich 392 
 
 Cotton goods- 
 Black 392 
 
 Green 302 
 
 Orange 302 
 
 Red 392 
 
 Sky blue 393 
 
 Yellow 393 
 
 Cotton carpet rags- 
 Blue 393 
 
 Yellow 393 
 
 Orange 394 
 
 Green 394 
 
 To remove stains — 
 
 Ink stains (3) 394 
 
 Port wine stains 394 
 
 To remove mildew 39 4 
 
 Stains in silk. 304 
 
 Acid, tea, wine, and other stains 394 
 
 Stains caused by scorching 395 
 
 How to restore stained muslin 395 
 
 Stains caused by mildew 396 
 
 Linen 306 
 
 Stains on mahogany, etc 396 
 
 Silver and electro-plate stains 396 
 
 To take ink stains from mahogany. . 396 
 Oil stains 397 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 699 
 
 XXXIV. Odds and Ends. Page 
 
 How to protect the dress 398 
 
 Putting up curtains ^•'" 
 
 Window gardens, ••■•••v ono 
 
 To keep boys and girls at home dJJ 
 
 Lining stair carpets • ^^^ 
 
 Putting away Vv>ollen goods rfJJ 
 
 Pretty and simple ornaments. ... ... . • . . o^J 
 
 How to mike au old Japanese umbrella 
 
 400 
 400 
 
 403 
 404 
 40.5 
 40.5 
 
 useful . . 
 To remove paint and putty from wm- 
 
 dow glass 
 
 To preserve natural flowers 400 
 
 Eggs, to preserve for wmter use 400 
 
 Charcoal for flowers 401 
 
 To revive gilt frames wi 
 
 Floor-cloths ^Xj 
 
 To pot butler for winter use 40i 
 
 To prevent rust 4U1 
 
 X ilSCtJ ■ •" •••••• Af\^y 
 
 French polish • ; • ji~ 
 
 To preserve steel ornaments from rust. 40- 
 
 To preserve flowers 40J 
 
 Incombustible dresses 4"* 
 
 Home-made table syrup 4U.J 
 
 The chromograph 
 
 Lime water 
 
 Preserving autumn leaves, 
 
 Skeleton leaves 
 
 To restore frozen plants 4Ub 
 
 For crystallizing grass fJ^ 
 
 Frosting for windows •.•••• 4^ 
 
 Black tracing paper w< 
 
 Sympathetic ink ^' 
 
 Valuable cement *"i 
 
 Diamond cement •••"■,: lin^ 
 
 Cement for rubber or leather 40^ 
 
 "Weights and measures 40» 
 
 XXXV. The Sick Room. 
 
 Remarks ^ 
 
 Pp.nada J'Sf. 
 
 Arrowroot jelly %' 
 
 Beef tea(2) «0 
 
 Chicken panada *^o 
 
 Egg c ream ^^'j' 
 
 Soup for mvalids ■'•^i 
 
 Gruel 431 
 
 Egg gruel jf.!: 
 
 Gruel for infants. *i] 
 
 Beef jelly for invalids 4di 
 
 XXXVI. Health Items. 
 
 Becipe for cold 432 
 
 Cough mixture ji-- 
 
 To remove warts ■ ■ • ■ *^~- 
 
 To prevent nails growing into the toe. . . 4.^.- 
 
 To prevent the nightmare 4.H 
 
 The use of a raw egg +;;j 
 
 How to make a sand bag f'-j 
 
 Worm remedy : jlV* 
 
 Sleep as a medicine *^ 
 
 New cure for wounds *]? 
 
 A mu.-staid plaster ^-jo 
 
 A cure for diphtheria *;^° 
 
 BiUous headache ^:™ 
 
 A remedy for cold feet «^ 
 
 . The opium habit *^° 
 
 Antidotes for poisons *>• 
 
 Page 
 
 External use of castor oil 4:38 
 
 Treatment of the supposed drowned — 4o8 
 
 Cure for burns '139 
 
 Grandmother's salve for everything 440 
 
 Cholera remedy 440 
 
 Fig paste for constipation 440 
 
 Cure for chilblains 440 
 
 For canker sore mouth 441 
 
 Cure for corns 441 
 
 Ring- worm 441 
 
 Cure for rheumatism and bilious head- 
 ache 441 
 
 For felon (2)! '.'.'. 441 
 
 Toothache 441 
 
 Cure for neuralgia 442 
 
 Tincture of iodine for corns 442 
 
 Small-pox remedy 442 
 
 For hydrophobia 44.i 
 
 Flannels for fomentations 443 
 
 For hoarseness 444 
 
 For sore throat 444 
 
 Healing lotion 444 
 
 To prevent contagion 444 
 
 For toothache ^44 
 
 For headache • • • 444 
 
 To stop bleeding 44^ 
 
 To restore from stroke of lightning 445 
 
 Salve for chilblains 445 
 
 To remove discolorations from bniises . 445 
 
 Cure for wasp stings 445 
 
 Cure for summer complaint 44o 
 
 The best deodorizer 445 
 
 XXXVII. Cake and Ctn^TURE of Children. 
 
 446 
 
 4,51 
 454 
 
 Sleep . . 
 Exercise 
 
 Food ..„ 
 
 RicejeUy 456 
 
 Arrowroot ^-i' 
 
 Milk and bread 457 
 
 Wheaten grits 4af 
 
 Hominv and milk 43f 
 
 Graham hasty pudding 4..>» 
 
 Rice flour hasty pudding 4oS 
 
 Milk porridge 45a 
 
 Mush and milk ,- 45a 
 
 Condensed milk 403 
 
 Moral influence— obedience 4oo 
 
 XXXVm. The DiNiNa-RooM. 
 
 General remarks - • • ■ 463 
 
 Decoration of the dmner table 4b5 
 
 Company dinner 4, J 
 
 Menu for company dmner 4'^ 
 
 Party dinner Jij 
 
 Menu for party dinner *'* 
 
 A word to the guest 4/.t 
 
 Home dinner ^'' 
 
 Coffees and luncheons 4»" 
 
 Luncheons ■ • *''^ 
 
 Menu for company dinner for eacn 
 
 month •••I-.-- '*»'« 
 
 Allowance of suppUes for an entertam- 
 
 ment - ■■•■ 4*=6 
 
 Cold limches for wash days, or other 
 
 days of extra labor 4^' 
 
 Economical dinners ^°' 
 
600 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 XXXIX. The Aquarium. Page 
 
 Fresh water aquarium 488 
 
 Marine aquarium 496 
 
 XL. Care op Canaries. 
 
 Remarks 505 
 
 Choosing the birds . . 505 
 
 Taming 506 
 
 Cages 51)6 
 
 Batlis 506 
 
 Food and water 507 
 
 Breeding canaries 507 
 
 XLI. Floriculture. 
 
 Remarks 509 
 
 Trelhsed windows 510 
 
 Arbors and rockeries 514 
 
 Rockeries 519 
 
 Indoor gardens 5d0 
 
 Ferneries 5;i9 
 
 XLII. The Picnic 534-39 
 
 XLIII. Garden Parties 540-45 
 
 XLIV. Camping Out 546-51 
 
 XLV. Daughters 552-55 
 
 XLVI. IIousE Painting. 
 
 Remarks 557 
 
 Mixing paints— 
 
 A lieautiful white paint 559 
 
 For a pure white paint 5(0 
 
 To mix common white paint 5i,0 
 
 For knotting 560 
 
 Common flesh color 560 
 
 Fine flesh color 5ti0 
 
 A beautiful color for carriages, etc. 560 
 
 Cream color ■ 560 
 
 Pearl gray 560 
 
 Fawn color 560 
 
 Blue 560 
 
 Buff 560 
 
 Straw 561 
 
 Drab (2) .^361 
 
 Steel 561 
 
 Purple 561 
 
 Violet 561 
 
 French gray 561 
 
 Silver 561 
 
 Gold 561 
 
 Dark chestnut 561 
 
 Salmon 561 
 
 Peach blossom , . , 661 
 
 Pagb 
 
 Lead 561 
 
 Chocolate 563 
 
 Dark red for common purposes 562 
 
 Orange 562 
 
 Bright yellow for floors, etc 562 
 
 Dark yellow 562 
 
 Light yellow 562 
 
 Olive green (4) 562 
 
 Olive green 563 
 
 Light green 563 
 
 Grass green 563 
 
 Invisible green for outside work 563 
 
 To paint a bronze 563 
 
 A good imitation of gold 563 
 
 Tar paint for fences, etc 563 
 
 Paint driers 563 
 
 Milk paint for indoor work 564 
 
 Lime whitewash 564 
 
 Italian marble 564 
 
 To imitate granite 565 
 
 A cheap oak varnish 565 
 
 Common oil varnish 565 
 
 Transparent varnish for pictures. . . 565 
 For varnishing on wood, unpainted. 565 
 Waterproof varnish for linen or 
 
 calico 566 
 
 Instructions 566 
 
 XLVII. The Care of the Hair 567-70 
 
 XLVIII. Household Amusements. 
 
 Remarks 571 
 
 The ball of wool 571 
 
 Shadows 572 
 
 The messenger 572 
 
 Magic music 573 
 
 The courtiers 574 
 
 The dumb orator 574 
 
 Speaking buflC 575 
 
 The shopkeepers 575 
 
 Twirling the trencher 576 
 
 Proverbs 57'6 
 
 The newspaper 577 
 
 Comical combinations £78 
 
 Buz 579 
 
 The knight of the whistle 580 
 
 Catch the ring 580 
 
 Scandal 581 
 
 The wild beast show 581 
 
 The genteel lady always genteel 581 
 
 Dumb crambo 583 
 
 The giantess 583 
 
 A blind judgment 584 
 
 The great orator 584 
 
 This and that 585 
 
 Qlossart 1 1 1 • • 586 
 

 .( ln'io».-»i