After the Christmas festivals, geese may be had somewhat cheaper than
usual. Take eight fresh fine geese, clean picked and drawn, wash them
in strong salt and water, then take
Coarse sugar 1 lb.
Bay salt ¾ lb.
Saltpetre 2 oz.
Sage 1 handful
Three eschalots, sliced
Bay leaves 2 handfuls
Water 2 quarts
Boil these fifteen minutes, and skim well, and when cold, rub the birds
well inside and outside, and let them lie, being turned and rubbed
with the pickle three days; then wipe them dry, and with two ounces of
ground black pepper, rub the insides until the spice adheres firmly.
Hang them up in a free current of air for two days, and then smoke them
a fortnight with
Oak sawdust 2 parts
Fern 2 parts
Beech chips 2 parts
Keep them in paper bags well defended from the fly.