The Temple.
MY DEAR DOROTHY.--You do not often favour me with your correspondence,
so that I was particularly pleased and flattered by the receipt of your
letter asking for my opinion, as a rising barrister, on the following
important legal points, which I will now proceed to deal with. As you
have approached me without the intervention of a solicitor, it may
possibly gratify you to know that I am not entitled to make any charge
(even were I disposed to do so) for my professional opinions. This
statement will, I am sure, remove a great weight from your mind; but a
truce to jesting, now to business.
In your first question you ask me to decide whether you or Mr.
Anstruther were right on the question of paying excess fares on your
return from the Crystal Palace the other evening.
So far as the arguments adduced on either side are concerned, I can
tell you frankly that you were both wrong; but let me have the facts of
the case clearly stated before me. It appears that Aunt Anne, Robert
and yourself went down last Wednesday to the Crystal Palace, where
you met Miss Anstruther and her brother; and I have no doubt enjoyed
yourselves immensely, wandering through those lovely grounds, gazing at
the antediluvian monsters on the lakes or listening to the bands in the
rosary or on the terrace.
In my opinion the Crystal Palace is just the place to spend a happy
day. This, however, is a digression.
Instead of dining at the Palace, Aunt Anne invited the Anstruthers to
return to town with you and to take their chance of getting--what I
from personal experience can vouch for as certain to have been--an
excellent impromptu meal.
On the return journey--we are getting to the point at last--the tickets
were collected at Battersea Bridge, your tickets were returns to
Victoria, but the Anstruthers had returns to Clapham Junction only, and
accordingly Mr. Anstruther was invited to pay excess fare on them.
As a matter of fact the price for a return ticket from Victoria to the
Palace is exactly the same as a return from Clapham Junction to the
Palace, and such being the case, you considered that the collector had
no right to demand an excess fare on Mr. Anstruther's tickets. You were
wrong. Mr. Anstruther, you say, paid the excess on the ground that it
was merely a concession on the part of the Company to those booking
at Victoria to charge them the same fare as those booking at Clapham
Junction; this may or may not be the case, it is beside the question.
The matter is entirely one of contract between yourself and the Railway
Company. They contract to carry you for a certain sum to a certain
place; in your case it was from Victoria to the Palace and back, and
in the case of Mr. Anstruther and his sister from Clapham Junction to
the Palace and back. On their return, therefore, to Clapham Junction,
the contract between themselves and the Railway Company was completed,
and on their remaining in the train and travelling up to Victoria a
new contract was commenced between themselves and the Company. Mr.
Anstruther was right, therefore, in paying the excess demanded,
although his reason for doing so was not the right one.
To turn to quite another matter, I see that you want my advice on a
point in connection with bicycles. So you also have not escaped the
cycling craze of the day. Oh, Dorothy, after this I shall not be
surprised to hear that you have taken to golf!
I am very sorry that you should have been annoyed by the insolence of
the cabman; I am afraid our London jehus are not called "growlers"
without reason, and some of them are only too ready to take advantage
of ladies, when travelling without male escort, to insult them with
impunity.
In offering the man twopence extra for carrying your bicycle on his
cab, Aunt Anne was paying him not only more than he deserved, but more
than he was legally entitled to demand.
It may appear to be very ridiculous to the unlegal mind, such as yours,
my dear Dorothy, but it has been decided by the London magistrates that
a bicycle is not luggage.
The result of this decision is that a cabman is not entitled to charge
anything extra for carrying a bicycle on his cab, unless he has
previously made an arrangement with his fare.
This piece of legal information you might bear in mind and make use
of on a future occasion; if, therefore, a cabman ever behaves rudely
towards you again when you are paying him extra for carrying your
bicycle, just give him his correct fare, and if he is troublesome, take
his number and send it to your legal adviser, or, in other words, to
Your affectionate cousin,
BOB BRIEFLESS.
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
MEDICAL.
MARIAN.--So many different affections are included under the term
"nervous disease of the heart," that it is quite impossible to say
whether any one case is dangerous or not, without knowing for certain
which of the various forms of "nervous heart" the patient suffers from.
The commonest of these ailments is that arising from indigestion. It is
also the least serious, for it is fairly easy to cure. It is impossible
for us to tell what is the cause of your friend's illness without
knowing more about her. You should have told us her age, which is a
most important point in coming to a conclusion as to what is wrong with
a patient. Some forms of "nervous heart" are very serious, but most
kinds can be cured.
MAJORIE.--What you have got is, in all probability, merely a slight
attack of chronic catarrh of the throat following upon an acute nasal
catarrh. Get a spray and thoroughly spray out your throat three times
daily with the following paint--solution of menthol in paroleine, sixty
grains to the ounce. Take an astringent lozenge occasionally, and avoid
highly spiced food. It is almost certain that your complaint will
disappear within a few weeks.
MIGNON.--Of course quinine and iron made your indigestion worse. Both
drugs are exceedingly indigestible, and should not be taken unless the
stomach is in good condition. Your neuralgia is probably due partly
to anæmia or indigestion, or both. You should therefore persist in
your treatment of dyspepsia, the cure of which would do you much more
good than quinine and iron ever could. Locally you might apply to the
nerve a very small blister, or a liniment of soap and camphor. Menthol
applied locally gives temporary relief. We think that caffeine would
be the best drug for you to take internally. You can get tabloids of
caffeine citrate (5 grs.), one of which may be taken when the pain is
especially severe.
KATHERINE RUSSEL.--Yes; we advise you to obtain the advice of a
specialist about your daughter's eyes. It is probably nothing very
serious, but it ought to be seen to at once.
F. ROGERS.--Unfortunately, the physician mentioned by "Ada Wright" is
no longer alive, so that we are afraid that we cannot help you.
SWEET BRIAR.--We do not think that there is anything seriously wrong
with you, and there is no reason to alarm yourself with groundless
fears. If, as you say, your health is good, you need not worry yourself
about your neck. Follow the advice that we gave to "A Mother."
ANXIOUS ONE.--Use a hard, opaque toilet soap. Any of the really good
soaps before the public (which are _not_ patent soaps) will suit you.
The opinion held by many that, in scented soaps, the scent is added to
cover the smell of bad fats, is not correct. Wash your face about once
a week in borax and hot water (one teaspoonful of borax to a pint of
water). Soft water is preferable to hard for washing purposes.
ARTHUR.--We advise you to give up tea entirely for a time, and to
carefully attend to your digestion. You will find all about indigestion
in the medical articles and correspondence in last year's GIRL'S OWN
PAPER. Read the answer to "Fair Isobel," which appeared some months
ago, and contained a long account of acne. We would however suggest
ichthiol rather than sulphur ointment in your case. Otherwise, follow
all the advice given in the above-mentioned answer. You are at the age
for acne, and although it is sure to disappear in time, you will have
to persevere in your treatment.
MARY NOBLE.--Undoubtedly you do suffer from chronic nasal catarrh. It
is the rule for persons afflicted with this malady to be subject to
constantly recurring attacks of acute inflammation of the nose. You
must get the following powder made up and use it three or more times
a day:--Chlorate of potash, bicarbonate of soda and borax, of each,
one part; powdered white sugar, two parts. Dissolve one teaspoonful of
the powder in half a tumbler of tepid water, and use it as a nose wash
and gargle. Wash out your nose thoroughly with this lotion, and then
apply the following paint with an "atomiser" or nasal spray--menthol in
paroleine, sixty grains to the ounce.
FLUFF.--Wash your head in borax and water once a week, and then rub
a little sulphur ointment into the roots of the hair. It is quite
impossible for us to answer any correspondent in less than six weeks'
time from receiving her letter. Often, at this time of the year, it is
two or three months before a letter can be answered.
A READER.--See answer to "Fluff" for scurf on the head. Scurf on the
face is usually secondary to that on the head. Apply sulphur ointment,
made with lanoline, for a week or so. Be careful of the soap you use.
THROAT.--Catarrh of the throat is of course at the bottom of your
trouble, and if we can cure this, we will probably at the same time
improve your hearing. You should treat your throat in the same way
that we advised "Mary Noble" to do. The great secret of success is to
thoroughly and completely wash out the nose and throat while you are
about it. We would advise you to syringe out your left ear to make
certain that there is no wax there.
ST. CECILIA.--The reason why you so frequently suffer from "colds" is
most probably because you are the subject of chronic nasal catarrh.
Read the answer to "Mary Noble" above, and do the same as we advised
her to do.
SYLVIA.--Inhalations of steam impregnated with medicinal substances are
exceedingly useful, especially in bronchitis or catarrh of the throat.
If you have an inhaler handy so much the better; if not, you can make
an excellent inhaler out of a jug. Fill the jug or inhaler with hot
water, add the drugs prescribed (most probably, compound tincture of
benzoin or camphor), place your face over the jug, being careful not to
scald yourself, and cover your head with a large dry towel, shrouding
yourself with the jug beneath its folds. Inhale for about half an hour
or less. Be very careful to keep out of draughts after inhaling. Very
severe colds, if nothing worse, may occur from carelessness in this
respect.
FAIR JAPAN.--No; it will do you no harm to ride a bicycle. If you sit
well on the machine, and do not ride too fast, bicycling is a good and
healthy exercise. All girls of thirteen and fourteen "grow very fast."
We do not quite understand your second question--"When a girl leaves
school, what science ought she to know best?" The only science commonly
learnt at school is mathematics. If you want to know which science
is the best to study after leaving school, it depends entirely upon
yourself. That science in which you have greatest interest is the best
to learn. Whatever science you take up, you must study for many years
before you can become proficient in it.
STUDY AND STUDIO.
C. A. E.--We have read your rhymed fairy tale with interest. It is not,
however, sufficiently good for publication. We will criticise any story
you like to send, but it should be short. On the first page of _The
Valour of Veramon_ a line ending with "deem" finds no rhyme, and on the
last page:
"Their rescuer married one; the rest found husbands at his court,"
is a halting line. The verse does not run smoothly enough, and this
from no fault of the "recurring letter S." We applaud, however, your
choice of a fairy tale; it is a far better subject than sentimental
woes and afflictions. You will find the rules in a recent number. We do
not return MSS. unless a stamped envelope is sent for the purpose.
F. H.--We only accept the work of experienced writers for THE GIRL'S
OWN PAPER. The sentiment of your elegy on Mr. Gladstone is excellent,
but it is not very poetical. Your rhymes, however, are usually correct.
B. C. D. QUIXADA (S. Australia).--1. Your "lullaby" is irregular in
metre. Such a poem should flow smoothly throughout. "The Orphan's Song"
is also incorrect in metre. Every poem should have a certain metre in
which it is written, the lines being of regulated lengths. You will
observe that there are more syllables in
"Mother, mother you have left me"
than in
"Angels they will sing around,"
yet they are both "first lines."--2. We believe the sound in a shell
held close to the ear is due to the imprisoned air. The same sound can
be observed when the hand is curved over the ear.
ADELINA GRILLO.--You will ere this have seen your request in print, and
we hope you have found a correspondent.
A READER OF THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER.--Many thanks for your note. We will
consider the point you raise.
MISS NELL.--1. "Thematic" means, connected with the theme; _e.g._,
a _thematic_ catalogue of musical works is a catalogue in which the
first few bars--the _theme_--of the whole work, or of each movement, is
given. You can apply this explanation to the instances you give.--2. We
do not wish to discourage you, but the "Associated Board" Examination
you name, is not supposed to qualify for advanced teaching. If you pass
in honours, it is of course more valuable. You could not expect a high
salary with only this certificate, if, indeed, you could obtain a post
as pianoforte teacher in a good school; but we cannot name any sum
without more knowledge of your capabilities.
KATE CREGEEN.--1. Your quotation:--
"Because right is right, to follow right,
Were wisdom in the scorn of consequence,"
is from Tennyson's _Ænone_.--2. Your writing is very good for a girl
of sixteen. To improve it, never let yourself scribble or write
carelessly, and copy any model you admire.
SWEET SULTAN.--Spenser's "Faerie Queen" is not to be had in
nineteenth-century English, but it is easy to read and understand in
its original form; and in the "Globe Edition" published by Macmillan &
Co. at 3s. 6d., there is a glossary to explain the obscure words. You
can also get some of the books with valuable notes in the Clarendon
Press edition, published at 2s. 6d. the volume.
A. D. S.--We give the whole poem of which you quote two lines:--
TO DAY.
So here hath been dawning
Another blue day:
Think wilt thou let it
Slip useless away?
Out of Eternity
This new day is born,
Into Eternity
At night will return.
Behold it aforetime
No eye ever did:
So soon it forever
From all eyes is hid.
Here hath been dawning
Another blue day:
Think wilt thou let it
Slip useless away?
It is one of the few poems by Thomas Carlyle, and is to be found in his
"Miscellaneous Essays."
A LOVER OF NATURE.--Your verses are correct in metre and rhyme. We
cannot say that they are particularly original, for the same thought
has been frequently expressed already; and there is nothing very
poetical in them. But to write poetry is a difficult art. Many thanks
for your kind little letter. We may add that we are pleased to know the
beauty of June gives rise to the thoughts you embody in your lines.
"ONE WHO KNOWS" writes to correct a statement in a recent answer. "B.
M." is the daughter of the late Dr. Miller of Rothesay, and her married
name is Macandrew. ERIN kindly adds that her Christian name is Barbara.
ADELINA GRILLO (Italy).--Many thanks for your kind card and words of
praise. We are glad you have found a correspondent.
IVY.--We are inserting your request. As to the delinquencies of your
French correspondent in not writing oftener, we are unable to help you.
It is not an unusual thing for correspondence to flag; but if you feel
that "every three or four months" is not sufficiently often to receive
a letter, the best way is to write a kind and pleasant note telling her
so, and close the correspondence. We do not think it is worth while
to be "annoyed" about the matter, as she may, owing to some change of
circumstances, be quite unable to command her time.
OUR OPEN LETTER BOX.
"GÉNIE" writes to inform Lilian that the author of "The Mill will never
grind with the water that has passed" is Sarah Doudney. The fourth
verse is--
"Work while yet the daylight shines,
Man of strength and will!
Never does the streamlet glide
Useless by the mill.
Wait not till to-morrow's sun
Beams upon thy way,
All that thou canst call thine own
Lies in thy 'to-day';
Power, and intellect, and health
May not always last,
'The mill cannot grind
With the water that is past.'"
"Génie" wishes to know if anyone can tell her the author of the hymn
beginning, "The righteous dead--they dwell with God."
GUINFRID refers Mademoiselle Nemo to page 315, No. 164, February, 17th,
1883, of THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER.
CATHERINE M. ROBERTSON writes kindly sending "Adelaide" the poem she
inquires for. It is by Mrs. Norton. We transcribe the first verse:--
THE KING OF DENMARK'S RIDE.
Word was brought to the Danish King (Hurry!)
That the love of his heart lay suffering,
And pined for the comfort his voice would bring;
(Oh! ride as though you were flying!)
Better he loves each golden curl
On the brow of that Scandinavian girl,
Than his rich crown jewels of ruby and pearl;
And his Rose of the Isles is dying!
Doubtless the poem will be found in any collection of Mrs. Norton's
works.
"A FAITHFUL FRIEND OF THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER" writes in reply to C.
Pegler that "The Faithful Negro Boy" was a favourite poem of her own
as a child, and appeared in _My Little Friend_ for August, 1876. If
C. Pegler will forward her address to Miss L. S. Coleby, 6, Brunswick
Terrace, Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells, she will receive a copy.
"YUM-YUM" is very anxious to know who is the author of the following
lines:--
"If you are tempted to reveal
A tale someone to you has told
About another, make it pass,
Before you speak, three gates of gold.
Three narrow gates, first, "Is it true?"
Then, "Is it needful" in your mind,
Give truthful answer, and the next
Is last and narrowest, "Is it kind"?
And if to reach your lips at last
It passes through these gateways three,
Then you may tell the tale, nor fear
What the result of speech may be."
INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.
MISS EDYTH K. STEER, Grove House, Evesham, Worcestershire, wishes to
correspond with an educated French girl. She suggests that each should
write in the other's language and that the letters should be returned,
corrected, to the sender. Any French girl correspondent would find Miss
Steer's writing exquisitely clear, and her letters well composed.
CISSIE had better send her full address and further particulars, as her
letter is somewhat vague.
LILIAN DOUGLAS, 32, Medina Road, Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury, London,
would like to correspond with either P. or H. Pierson, the Dutch girls
who asked for correspondents. She is, however, not yet twelve years
old, and cannot write in French.
MISS FRANÇOIS, à Auzier (Nord) France, being a French girl of eighteen,
and a collector of stamps, would be most pleased to correspond in
English with girls living in New Zealand, New South Wales, or other
foreign countries, who also collect stamps. She, will send twenty-five
or fifty French stamps in exchange for the same number of Australia,
Asiatic or African stamps.
MISS MARGARET E. WESTLAKE, 40, Union Street, Plymouth, would much like
to have letters from, and write to, a French girl.
E. B., The Limes, Berners Street, Ipswich, aged 20, would like to
correspond with a French girl.
"IVY" would like a young lady of the same age (21) interested in
painting, to correspond with her. She thinks they might be of use to
one another in lending studies and suggesting new ideas.
MISCELLANEOUS.
DAFFY-DOWN-DILLY.--The pronunciation of surnames is often so arbitrary
and contrary to ordinary rules that, excepting in well-known names,
such as Cholmondeley (pronounced Chumley), Leveson-Gower (pronounced
Luson-Gore), Marjoribanks (Marchbanks), and others, you should obtain
your information from one of the family. In the case of the name
"Haworth," we should be disposed to pronounce it as in Ha-therton,
certainly not "Horth." We know little about the town of that name in
the W. R. of Yorkshire. It has a population of about 3820. Charlotte
Brontë's father was rector of the parish, and she married his curate,
and died in March 1855.
LOVER OF THE "G.O.P." (Northampton).--The story called "Robina Crusoe,"
which appeared in serial form, can only be had in our magazine. It has
not been re-published apart from it. If you write to our publisher (56,
Paternoster Row, E.C.) and request him to send you the numbers that
contain it, naming the year in which it appeared, and enclose the money
due for them, he will send them to you. Should you send the exact days,
he would supply the weekly numbers, instead of the monthly ones, which
would cost you much less.
TIBBIE.--If accompanied by your sisters (or one at least) you need feel
no scruple in accepting the rector's Sunday hospitality, as you are
helping his services by playing the organ.
POMPEY inquires whether the modern Romans wear the same picturesque
flowing robes at the present day that were worn at the time of Christ?
There is no difference between their dress and that of the rest of
Europe. As to the history of Rome and its ancient buildings and
churches, there is a new book called _Mediæval and Ecclesiastical
Rome_, published by Black. The first volume might add something to the
information you say you have obtained in _The Story of the Nations_
series, _The Last Days of Pompeii_, and a few others--which you do
not specify. The book we name is reputed to be an excellent, and very
exhaustive guide-book, and the best yet written.
JOICE M.--We recommend you to get a little book on _Leather Work_,
by Rosa Baughan (Gill: 17, Strand, W.C.). This will give you all the
direction you can require.
JANIE.--The term "Black Letter," as used in reference to printing, only
means what we call "Old English" type, which is often used on visiting
cards. But old books, such as that interesting historical chronicle
of current events, by Stowe, is all printed in that type, and in the
spelling of that century. It is known elsewhere as the "Flemish, or
German type." Ancient illuminated missals, such as those exhibited in
the British Museum, are in "Black Letter," and most beautifully written
by pen in this style of lettering.
LILY.--Nothing is known of Jannes and Jambres, named by St. Paul in 2
Timothy iii. 8, beyond the fact that they existed, and withstood Moses
before Pharaoh--statements of divine authority. But, according to
very ancient tradition, they were two sons of the rebel, Balaam--who
died fighting against Israel--and, furthermore, that no real miracle
was wrought by them, but that they practised mere jugglery. The name
"Jerusalem," means "the City of Peace," though its history shows the
name very inapplicable. It was the site of the stronghold Jebus, taken
from the native tribe, and made that of the Israelitish capital.
The ancient name was revived by David, for a cuneiform tablet found
at Tel-el-Amarna (in 1890), written centuries before the Hebrew
conquest, appears to refer to that place under the form of Urusalem.
Our authority is that of Robert Anderson, whose interesting work on
_Extinct Civilisation_ is worth your study.
AMY.--You seem to have overlooked our many advertisements of the _Asile
des Billodes_, C. de Neuchâtel. If you look through old numbers of the
"G.O.P.," you will find them in the answers to correspondents. Some of
our earliest writers for this magazine have been taking out stamps for
the institution for many years past, every year, in large quantities.
GEORGIE.--The colour of the Red Sea is due to a thin brick-dust layer
of infusoria, which is slightly tinged with an orange hue. The water
placed in a white glass bottle is changed to a deep violet, but the
surface of the sea shows a brilliant rose colour.
C. M. C.--It is the duty of the clergyman to call on all his
parishioners, but this is almost impossible in extensive, closely
populated parishes. Of course, if attending the services of a church
not in his parish, he can know nothing about you. Should you desire
work under him, you only have to call at the vestry and offer your
services, telling him that you attend his church.
MIMOSA.--You could not call on your intended husband, unless with your
mother as a chaperon, as you say he has no lady relative living with
him.
NARCISSUS.--The plural of the name you have adopted is "Narcissi."
DAY-BOOTS.--1. A cane is only an adjunct to the military uniform. A
man when well dressed in civilian style always carries a stick or
an umbrella, and the latter would be quite unsuited for military
dress--and most men would look awkward had they no use for either
hand.--2. In striking a light you produce combustion, which makes a
noise.
[Illustration]
THINGS IN SEASON, IN MARKET, AND KITCHEN.
NOVEMBER.
November is one of our months of plenty, and a walk round the great
wholesale provision markets gives us a very bright picture. However
gloomy the weather may be outside, there is "good cheer" abounding
here. We have game and poultry in abundance and just in their prime;
the bag that sportsmen take delight in filling is here emptied for the
benefit of those who rarely or never breathe the air of the moors where
the birds flourished so happily. Rabbits and hares, once so fleet of
foot, hang limply from every available hook, and even the barn-door
fowl is a finer specimen than earlier in the season, while geese,
turkeys, and Surrey capons tempt their purchase, whether we intended it
or not.
* * * * *
Freshwater fish appear among their sea-born brethren, and help in
giving us variety. Of fruits and nuts we have large choice, and the
ripe grains and pulse foods are all garnered, while most of the root
vegetables are ready too. Of a truth at this time of the year there is
no lack of food stuffs.
* * * * *
Neither is there any lack of other material wherewith to make our
tables gay. Dahlias and chrysanthemums, rich foliage, hedgerow
gleanings and late grasses, these will stay with us until close upon
Christmas, if we take the precaution of sheltering our plants from
frost, and of drying our leaves, giving a touch of gum to either flower
or leaf, when we see one that is inclined to fall.
* * * * *
None who are able to cultivate a flowering plant, or to take a walk on
to a piece of waste land or in a lane, need ever plead excuse for an
ungarnished table, and much pleasure is missed by those who think the
table can do as well without garnishing as with it, providing there
be plenty of good food upon it. We are not of their opinion. "A table
well-set is half spread." Care in pleasing the eye will do a vast deal
towards aiding good digestion.
* * * * *
Let us look more particularly at what we might call the distinctive
features of the month's provisions. Pike and tench among the freshwater
fish, before mentioned; oysters, skate, and gurnet among the ordinary.
Grouse, snipe, teal, pheasants, hares, and rabbits, also venison
amongst game; while geese and turkeys are rapidly advancing in size and
quality.
* * * * *
Celery is fast getting to perfection, Scotch kale is fine, so are
savoys and salsify.
* * * * *
Chestnuts, filberts, walnuts, figs, and grapes, in addition to the
grand autumn wealth of pears, apples, quinces, and golden oranges, not
to mention the preserved fruits which are just beginning to be shown in
the windows.
* * * * *
What we will call our characteristic menu of the month ought, then, to
be an easy one to compile. We give an alternative one for those who may
find themselves unable to provide the first-named.
* * * * *
MENUS.
Let us take for soup: A _purée_ of chestnuts, or cream of celery.
For our fish course: Skate _à la crème_, or baked tench.
For an _entrée_: Baked ham with wine sauce, or curried rabbit.
For a roast: Wild duck and orange sauce, or roast pheasant and fried
potatoes.
As an _entremet_: Scalloped salsify, or Jerusalem artichokes.
As a sweet: Apple mirotons and quince jelly.
* * * * *
The recipe for chestnut soup has been given in these columns before.
To recapitulate it as briefly as possible is to remind our readers
that the chestnuts must be first boiled until the husk and peel can
be easily removed, and then to boil them again with minced onion, a
few herbs, a carrot, and an ounce or more of butter, and sufficient
water to just cover them. This should afterwards be rubbed through a
sieve until a _purée_ is obtained, a pint of boiling milk added, and a
teaspoonful of cornflour (previously wetted) stirred in to thicken it.
Boil up once more, then serve at once. It should be of the consistency
of cream.
* * * * *
Cream of celery soup is made by stewing a couple of heads of celery,
cut fine, with one or two onions and any garden herbs in a little
water until thoroughly soft, then rubbing all through a sieve, adding
sufficient milk to make up the requisite quantity, a spoonful of
cornflour to thicken, seasoning, butter, and after this has boiled add
a little cream and a few croutons of fried bread.
* * * * *
Skate is a cheap fish and one that is somewhat despised in our country,
abroad it is better understood. Young skate are called ray or maids,
and their flesh is very delicate. Skate is improved by being kept for a
day or two in cold weather. Cut it into neat pieces and simmer in white
sauce until done, then lay the pieces on a hot dish, sprinkle crumbs
and a little grated cheese over with a touch of cayenne pepper, and let
them slightly brown in the oven, then pour the sauce around the fish.
Serve very hot.
* * * * *
Tench, being a pond-fish, and apt to have a slightly muddy flavour,
should lie in salt water for a few hours. Rub it all over with
lemon-juice, put it into a tin with one or two minced shalots, some
parsley, crumbs, and a little dab of butter, and bake for half an hour
or more if the fish is large. Serve in the same dish.
* * * * *
A rabbit jointed and cooked slowly in good gravy made from stock
thickened and flavoured with a spoonful of curry-paste or powder,
onions and any other vegetable liked, seasoning and a _soupçon_ of
vinegar, makes a delicious variation from the more ordinary stew of
rabbit. Serve boiled rice in a separate dish.
* * * * *
Orange sauce, or an orange salad, is the correct accompaniment to roast
wild duck. For the sauce: Squeeze the juice of three or four oranges
and stir in a teaspoonful of arrowroot to thicken; add a little sugar
if liked. Wild duck requires a quick hot oven, but should not remain in
it more than three-quarters of an hour, as the gravy should run from it
as from a rump steak. Serve fried potatoes and browned crumbs with this
as with the roast pheasant; the garnish for the duck would be a lemon
cut in quarters, for the pheasant the crumbs are sufficient.
* * * * *
Those who possess a few scallop-shells or the little fire-proof
chinaware ramequin pans will find no difficulty in making use of
salsify, and this, one of our daintiest, is one of our least-known
vegetables. The roots require scraping, then boiling in salt water
until they are tender enough to mash, adding then pepper, butter, and a
beaten egg. Fill the pans and sprinkle crumbs on the top, then bake in
a quick oven till slightly browned.
* * * * *
For a miroton of apples: Pare and core without dividing six or eight
good-sized apples; cut them in slices to form rings. Place in a
saucepan a piece of butter the size of an egg, a quarter of a pound
of sugar, some grated lemon-rind and the juice. Simmer the apples in
this, and when tender arrange them in the centre of a dish, and when
cool garnish with spoonfuls of quince jelly. A little cream might be
poured around the base. Or the apples might be left whole and steamed,
then coated with the jelly, the place of the core being filled up with
whipped cream, and the dish garnished according to fancy.
* * * * *
As in summer-time we arrange our dishes for cool effects, so in
winter months we may try to make as much contrast of bright colour
as possible. All these things are worth studying, for it is in such
details that the hand of the true culinary artist is shown.