boil the parsley. _Average cost_, 4d.

_Sufficient_ for 1 large fowl; allow rather more for a pair.

_Seasonable_ at any time.

_Note_.--Sometimes, in the middle of winter, parsley-leaves are not to
be had, when the following will be found an excellent substitute:--Tie
up a little parsley-seed in a small piece of muslin, and boil it for 10
minutes in a small quantity of water; use this water to make the melted
butter with, and throw into it a little boiled spinach, minced rather
fine, which will have an appearance similar to that of parsley.

[Illustration: PARSLEY.]

PARSLEY.--If there be nothing new under the sun, there are, at
any rate, different uses found for the same thing; for this
pretty aromatic herb was used in ancient times, as we learn from
mythological narrative, to adorn the head of a hero, no less
than Hercules; and now--was ever fall so great?--we moderns use
it in connection with the head of--a calf. According to Homer's
"Iliad," warriors fed their chariot-steeds on parsley; and Pliny
acquaints us with the fact that, as a symbol of mourning, it was
admitted to furnish the funeral tables of the Romans. Egypt,
some say, first produced this herb; thence it was introduced, by
some unknown voyager, into Sardinia, where the Carthaginians
found it, and made it known to the inhabitants of Marseilles.
(See No. 123.)

FRIED PARSLEY, for Garnishing.

494. INGREDIENTS.--Parsley, hot lard or clarified dripping.

_Mode_.--Gather some young parsley; wash, pick, and dry it thoroughly in
a cloth; put it into the wire basket of which we have given an
engraving, and hold it in boiling lard or dripping for a minute or two.
Directly it is done, lift out the basket, and let it stand before the
fire, that the parsley may become thoroughly crisp; and the quicker it
is fried the better. Should the kitchen not be furnished with the above
article, throw the parsley into the frying-pan, and when crisp, lift it
out with a slice, dry it before the fire, and when thoroughly crisp, it
will be ready for use.

[Illustration: WIRE BASKET.]

WIRE BASKET.--For this recipe, a wire basket, as shown in the
annexed engraving, will be found very useful. It is very light
and handy, and may be used for other similar purposes besides
that described above.

PARSLEY JUICE, for Colouring various Dishes.

495. Procure some nice young parsley; wash it and dry it thorough