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ROES, SALTED (a substitute for Caviare)

The roes for this purpose should be taken from fish about to spawn. Wash the roes first in milk and water, and afterwards in cold water, and clear them perfectly from fibre. Drain them thoroughly, and sprinkle a quarter of a pound of salt upon each pound and a half of spawn. Let them lie in the brine for two days, turning them over occasionally. Lay them on a board placed in front of the fire, and distant about a yard from it, and let them remain for ten or twelve hours till they are quite dry. Crush them well with a weight, and press them into a perfectly dry jar. Put on each pound and a half of spawn twelve drops of spirit of nitre and as much pounded saltpetre as can be piled on a sixpence. Cover the jar with writing-paper upon which has been spread a thick coating of cold lard, tie a piece of wash-leather over this, and store the preparation in a warm place. It is used as a relish, and should be served spread thinly on bread and butter or toast.