FROG. 299 
FROG. 
As is well known, Frogs are esteemed for the table in France, 
their thighs being chiefly eaten there, though in Germany the 
other muscular parts are similarly used. Even amongst 
ourselves, an edible Frog is found about Cambridgeshire, and 
Norfolk, which is of admirable nourishing use. The flesh is 
mainly gelatinous, and closely resembles that of delicate white 
chicken. Fried with tomatoes, or mushrooms, and bacon, these 
English Frogs are simply delicious ; so says the Tramps’ Hand- 
book (1902). It is to an historical dish of Frogs served to Madame 
Volta, we owe the important discovery of voltaic electricity. 
The creatures yield a bland broth rich in mucin, and when cooked, 
together with edible snails, they afford a mucilaginous and 
gelatinous potage, which greatly comforts raw, sore, denuded 
lining surfaces of the mouth, and throat, serving to restore the 
lost protective covering of which these parts have become 
morbidly deprived. For such broth, hay saffron is the orthodox 
condiment, and colouring addition. The edible Frog is olive- 
green in appearance, with yellow stripes on its back; there is 
no valid reason why we should regard it with aversion, as it 
lives on insects, and slugs, varied with vegetable matters, just 
in the same way as many birds, animals, and fishes which we 
are quite willing to consume. Frog-farming in Canada is made 
quite a profitable business; no fewer than 5,000 pounds in 
weight of Frogs’ legs prepared for table use, was the output of 
one Ontarian farm alone during last season, and still the demand 
exceeds the supply. . | 
Frog pies were introduced into England from Italy by Thomas 
Coryate, (Furcifer)—(see Coryate’s Crudities, 1602). “ I did 
eate fried Frogges in this citie, which is a dish much used in 
many cities of Italy.” They were highly esteemed in London 
from James the First’s time till the death of Charles the Second. 
If fricasseed in white wine, the Frog has been long found more 
delicate than chicken, and an easily digested dish. 
“ Muse, sing the man that did to Paris go, : 
That is nahh taste their soups, and mushrooms know. 
Oh ! how would Homer praise their dancing dogs, 
Their fetid cheese, and fricassee of frogs. 
Dr. Hutchison pronounces to-day that the Rana esculenta, 
or edible Frog, is readily digested, and of a delicate flavour. The 
