98 THE HOME OF A NATURALIST. 



These branched candles were carefully kept until Yule 

 morning, when they were lit for a grand illumination 

 in honour of that royal time. 



No sooner were the candles disposed of than the 

 geese were brought to yield their lives for winter pro- 

 vender, a sacrifice which they did not make willingly 

 or without noise. After death and dissection the geese 

 were quartered, salted, and hung up to " cure " in the 

 peat-reek; and then for six long months the family 

 supply of fresh meat would be an occasional fowl, 

 an accidental fish, tinned meats, rabbit, and snipe. 

 So much for the butcher. 



The baker's substitute was a more simple affair, for 

 bread of various kinds could be easily manufactured 

 from the meal always kept in store, and Shetland 

 housekeepers are famous for their "fancy breads." 

 Leavened bread was also made. A small piece of 

 baker s dough was mixed with flour and water, and 

 left to ferment. When it had reached the proper 

 stage it was kneaded into rolls or loaves. A piece of 

 the dough was always reserved, and set to " rise " for 

 next baking; but if by any chance the dough became 

 exhausted or spoilt, an excellent substitute was made by 

 simply mixing flour into batter with a little salt, and 

 with a tablespoonful of sugar added. The mixture was 

 poured into a jar, flour sprinkled on the top, a tight 

 cover tied over it, and the jar set in a warm place to 

 ferment. After a few days it was ready for use. The 

 addition, when kneading the dough, of a pinch of bi- 

 carbonate of soda removed the slight acidity, and the 



