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a very large species of the hare-colour, having much bone,
length and depth of carcase, large and long ears, with full
eyes, resembling those of the hare: it might readily be taken
for a hybrid or mule, but for the objection to its breeding. Its
flesh is high-coloured, substantial, and more savoury than that
of the common rabbit; and, cooked like the hare, it makes a good
dish. The large white, and yellow and white species, have whiter
and more delicate flesh, and, cooked in the same way, will rival
the turkey. Rabbits are divided into four kinds, distinguished
as warreners, parkers, hedgehogs, and sweethearts. The warrener,
as his name implies, is a member of a subterranean community,
and is less effeminate than his kindred who dwell _upon_ the
earth and have "the world at their will," and his fur is the
most esteemed. After him, comes the parker, whose favourite
resort is a gentleman's pleasure-ground, where he usually breeds
in great numbers, and from which he frequently drives away the
hares. The hedgehog is a sort of vagabond rabbit, that, tinker
like, roams about the country, and would have a much better coat
on his back if he was more settled in his habits, and remained
more at home. The sweetheart is a tame rabbit, with its fur so
sleek, soft, and silky, that it is also used to some extent in
the important branch of hat-making.
RABBIT A LA MINUTE.
980. INGREDIENTS.--1 rabbit, 1/4 lb. of butter, salt and pepper to
taste, 2 blades of pounded mace, 3 dried mushrooms, 2 tablespoonfuls of
minced parsley, 2 teaspoonfuls of flour, 2 glasses of sherry, 1 pint of
water.
_Mode_.--Empty, skin, and wash the rabbit thoroughly, and cut it into
joints. Put the butter into a stewpan with the pieces of rabbit; add
salt, pepper, and pounded mace, and let it cook until three parts done;
then put in the remaining ingredients, and boil for about 10 minutes: it
will then be ready to serve. Fowls or hare may be dressed in the same
manner.
_Time_.--Altogether, 35 minutes. _Average cost_, from 1s. to 1s. 6d.
each.
_Sufficient_ for 4 or 5 persons.
_Seasonable_ from September to February.
RABBIT PIE.
981. INGREDIENTS.--1 rabbit, a few slices of ham, salt and white pepper
to taste, 2 blades of pounded mace, 1/2 teaspoonful of grated nutmeg, a
few forcemeat balls, 3 hard-boiled eggs, 1/2 pint of gravy, puff crust.
_Mode_.--Cut up the
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