Périgord is the only place renowned throughout the world as the
favourite soil for this recherché vegetable, and our celebrated
diplomatist, Talleyrand de Périgord, was indeed a worthy owner, for he
was not only a great diplomatist but likewise a great gourmet. Having an
interview with any distinguished personage upon any question of
political importance, after patiently hearing, his usual reply was, I
will consider of it after dinner; perhaps your excellency will favour me
with a call to-morrow morning;--and ringing the bell often call for his
bill of fare and order some of his most favourite dishes. But in
eulogizing Talleyrand and the produce of his estate I must not forget to
mention that the truffles of Piedmont though partly white are very
excellent, likewise in Burgundy, and many very good ones are now found
in the southern counties of England, especially in Hampshire, but none
are equal to those from Périgord. The white are dressed the same as the
black.