PREFACE. 



There is a saying ' Dumb as an Oyster.' It may 

 be dumb, but that is no reason why its lovers should 

 be so; and therefore, in bringing a little volume 

 before the public on the subject of oysters, and the 

 numerous ways in which they can be cooked, I do 

 not wish to be dumb, and I trust my readers will 

 receive this little work as kindly as they have done 

 my previous ones. 



Personally I agree with the many who consider 

 oysters are best when served in their homely shell ; 

 but there are many who prefer them in gorgeous 

 and fancy dresses, and for these there will be found 

 plenty of oyster costumes in this little book. 



Several of the recipes are original, and I hope 

 that the result of a trial of them will prove as satis- 

 factory to connoisseurs as those which I have culled 

 from celebrated authorities. 



Harriet A. de Salis. 



