Rub the fur off with a coarse cloth, and prick each peach with a fork.
Heat in _just_ enough water to cover them until they almost boil; take
them out, and add to the water sugar in the following proportions:—
For every 7 lbs. of fruit
3 lbs. of sugar.
Boil fifteen minutes; skim, and add—
3 pints of vinegar.
1 tablespoonful (each) of allspice, mace, and cinnamon.
1 teaspoonful celery-seed.
1 teaspoonful cloves.
Put the spices in thin muslin bags. Boil all together ten minutes, then
put in the fruit, and boil until they can be pierced with a straw. Take
out the fruit with a skimmer, and spread upon dishes to cool. Boil the
syrup until thick, pack the peaches in glass jars, and pour this over
them scalding hot.
You may pickle pears in the same way without peeling.