266 DIFFERENT MODES OF 



When too hard, some good still remains, for it can 

 be softened by immersion in water, and, at any 

 rate, will answer for ground-bait. The best roe 

 for preservation is that which is the largest and 

 got from the fish two or three weeks before spawn- 

 ing time. Roe that is smaller or not so near the 

 season of depositing is only good for paste. Some 

 persons preserve salmon roe by slowly drying it, 

 without any salt at all. They pick away the mem- 

 branous covering with great care, taking great 

 pains not to cause any of the eggs to burst ; they 

 then press it between two boards, and preserve it 

 by keeping it for some days between layers of 

 cotton, or wadding for dresses, in a state of pressure. 

 This would be a very good plan if a little fine salt 

 and nitre were scattered over the roe at first. 

 Sprinkling sugar over it has been recommended, 

 and will, no doubt, preserve the spawn. 



The following (Mr. Elaine's) is the modern 

 method : A pound of good large spawn is im- 

 mersed in water as hot as the hands can bear it, 

 and is then cleared of membranous films, &c. It 

 is now to be rinsed with cold water, and hung up 

 to drain for twenty- four hours ; after which put to 

 it two ounces of rock or bay salt, and a quarter of 

 an ounce of saltpetre, and again hang it up for 

 twenty-four hours longer. Now spread it on a 

 dish and gently dry it before the fire or in the sun, 

 and, when it becomes stiff, pot it down. We 



