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Koumiss

Strictly speaking, koumiss is fermented mare's milk, and it is a favourite drink among the nomadic tribes who inhabit Siberia and Chinese Tartary. But a very good substitute for it is made from cow's milk, and is highly recommended as an article of diet for the sick. It is made thus. Dissolve a pennyworth of German yeast in a little water, and mix it with a quart of perfectly fresh milk and a table-spoonful of sugar. Put the mixture into champagne bottles, cork them down, and wire them. Shake the bottles for a minute to mix the ingredients thoroughly, then place them on end in a cool place to ferment slowly. After three days lay the bottles on their sides, and turn them occasionally. In five days the koumiss will be at its best, but it will keep for an indefinite time in a refrigerator.