COOKERY. 405 



and I am not aware that he is ever eaten raw. But some 

 people do eat hira^ and profess to like him; they must have 

 stupendous powers of mastication and digestion. I have been 

 told thatj roasted whole in the ashes, just as he comes from the 

 water, he is savoury and tender — sed credat Judceus ! I once 

 did eat him, prepared as follows — He was split through the 

 back, put upon the gridiron, there grilled enough to cook a side 

 of pork ; his flesh was removed from the skin, boned, chopped 

 up into dice, probably with a cleaver, and stewed with milk, 

 butter, pepper and salt. I must say that, though it was meat 

 of great tenacity, and might well be likened unto India-rubber, 

 it had much sweetness." 



