SHEEP'S HEAD BROTH.

THIS national dish is of great antiquity, and only differs from the above in the addition of a sheep's head; in which case, the quantity of meat in the broth must be diminished. The head must be singed at the blacksmith's with a red hot iron, till not a single particle of wool remain. This operation requires much attention, as the iron must not be allowed to make any impression upon the skin. When singed, put the head into a tub of soft water for a whole night. After being well scraped and washed, split it asunder and take out the brains. Then put it into the kettle with the ingredients abovementioned, for making broth; but take care that the head be boiled sufficiently tender. Some persons add the feet after being singed, and . washed in cold water.

.OBS.

THIS wholesome dish is of great antiquity, being supposed by some to be the black broth of Lacedæmon. It can only be

objected to in

point of colour, as all the ingredients are known to be perfectly clean. Were objections to be raised against colour, what can we say in defence of a curry, or a custard ?

A HAGGIS.

TAKE the large stomach of a sheep. After being nicely cleaned, put it to soak in cold water for a night. Boil the pluck of a sheep till it become very tender; mince it small, and season with pepper, salt, and a small portion of onion shred small; add a handful of oatmeal previously toasted, and a quart of the liquor in which the pluck was boiled. These being well mixed, put them into the stomach, which must be firmly sewed, to keep out the water. Then boil the bag so filled for three hours, and serve it up in a deep dish. Though the pluck is here mentioned generally, we must observe that neither the liver, nor what is called the "cat's piece," is to be used It is the perquisite of the cat. Anatomists call it the spleen. Its use in the animal economy is unknown to physiologists. I shall venture to name

it "Archæus's Store-room," till a better use can

be found for it.

meat.

OBS.

NICE persons object to the appearance of the bag when served up at the table; but surely this is an ill-founded prejudice. To compare small things with great, the objection holds equally good against a sausage, which is no other than a haggis in miniature. The bag is not otherwise used than as being made to contain the minceThe Romans had a dish similar to this; but the bag they used, was the stomach of a sow; an animal grateful to them in all its parts. The haggis admits of being made with expensive ingredients; in which case, the contents should be sent to the table without the bag. Meat prepared by the heat of boiling water, without being actually exposed to it, is a mode of cooking not generally practised with us. The Romans knew it by the title of vas duplex. Fowls trussed as for boiling, when put into a sheep's stomach, with oysters and their liquor, and no water, are deliciously stewed; as in that mode,

the animal juices are preserved instead of being drawn out by boiling water. As the Scotch in early times held swine's flesh in great detestation, we here find a proof of it in the preference given by them to a sheep's stomach. For this remark, I expect to have the thanks of, the learned Society of Antiquaries. The haggis may be defended on the principle of frugality, for which the Scotch have ever been remarkable, and long may they continue to be so. For the moment that the peasantry of that country depart from the frugality of their ancestors, luxury, with her horrid train, will bring misery upon them, and put them into the situation of their neighbours in the southern parts of this happy island, who are rapidly advancing towards a considerable degree of debasement! In Scotland heavy taxes and high rents are kept down by national frugality; but the reverse is the case with their southern neighbours. Without economy, heavy taxes and high rents, must sap the foundation of English agriculture. So prophecies Cassandra. On the marriage of a daughter of England with a Seottish king, her attendants from England in

troduced a more luxurious mode of living among the nobility and gentry, than they had ever been accustomed to. 'The wisdom of the nation saw the danger; and at the instance of the bishop of St. Andrew's, an act of parliament was passed, forbidding the nobility and gentry to live otherwise than as their forefathers had done. When our peasantry find it necessary to lay before parliament their situation in regard to the increased farming expenses, let them look at home, and there they will be sure to find a permanent relief. To serve the farmer by raising the price of corn at the expense of the public, is very unsound policy, at a time when a general inclosure bill, and an equitable commutation of tythes, would effectually answer the purpose of relief.

As the greatest part of this digression was sent to Ignotus by a gentleman possessed of the "Second Sight," it is here inserted as a corner dish, in compliment to him.