Dr. Shepherd now said, "As a proof of the nourishing quality of
parsnips, I was reading in a history book this very day, that the
American Indians make a great part of their bread of parsnips,
though Indian corn is so famous; it will make a little variety too."

A CHEAP STEW.

"I remember," said Mrs. White, "a cheap dish, so nice that it makes
my mouth water. I peel some raw potatoes, slice them thin, put the
slices into a deep frying-pan, or pot with a little water, an onion,
and a bit of pepper. Then I get a bone or two of a breast of mutton,
or a little strip of salt pork and put into it. Cover it down close,
keep in the steam, and let it stew for an hour."

"You really give me an appetite, Mrs. White, by your dainty
receipts," said the Doctor. "I am resolved to have this dish at my
own table." "I could tell you another very good dish, and still
cheaper," answered she. "Come, let us have it," cried the Doctor. "I
shall write all down as soon as I get home, and I will favor any
body with a copy of these receipts who will call at my house." "And
I will do more, sir," said Mrs. White, "for I will put any of these
women in the way how to dress it the first time, if they are at a
loss. But this is my dish:

"Take two or three pickled herrings, put them into a stone jar, fill
it up with potatoes, and a little water, and let it bake in the oven
till it is done. I would give one hint more," added she; "I have
taken to use nothing but potatoe starch; and though I say it, that
should not say it, nobody's linen in a common way looks better than
ours."

The Doctor now said, "I am sorry for one hardship which many poor
people labor under: I mean the difficulty of getting a little milk.
I wish all the farmers' wives were as considerate as you are, Mrs.
White. A little milk is a great comfort to the poor, especially when
their children are sick; and I have known it answer to the seller as
well as to the buyer, to keep a cow or two on purpose to sell it by
the quart, instead of making butter and cheese."

"Sir," said Farmer White, "I beg leave to say a word to the men, if
you please, for all your advice goes to the women. If you will drink
less gin, you may get more meat. If you abstain from the ale-house,
you may, many of you, get a little one-way beer at home." "Ay, that
we can, farmer," said poor Tom, the thatcher, who was now got well.
"Easter Monday for that--I say no more. A word to the wise." The
farmer smiled and