ST. JOHN'S BREAD

the pod of the Carob Tree, which flourishes in Palestine and all along the Mediterranean. The pulp is sweetish in flavor, succulent when fresh, but quite hard when dry. The title "locust bean" is probably derived from its similarity to the pod of the domestic Locust Tree. A resultant singular mixture of ideas leads many to suppose that the food in the Wilderness was not grasshoppers or "locusts," but locust beans. They are actually the husks with which the prodigal son would fain have filled himself, and which he was feeding to the swine-the original text of the scriptures reading "carob" for the "husks" in our translation. They are extensively imported into England as food for cattle, but are only sold in this country as a curious fruit for little prodigals who are generally very ignorant of their history.

STOCK-For Soup. As a culinary term, the word "stock" signifies a strong soup or broth which serves as the foundation of most soups, sauces, etc., in all professional and many home kitchens. It is made variously of meats, vegetables and other appropriate items. Lean meats only should be used and a fair proportion of bones is essential, as these supply the gelatinous ingredient which acts as a natural thickening. The trimmings of roast and baked meats are especially desirable additions to the stock-pot because of the rich, meaty flavor they possess.