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Kernels, Glands and Such Matters
Many small animals of the "varmint" kinds have kernels or glands under the forelegs and along the saddle near the spine that will permeate the flesh with their strong musky flavor if not removed. Locate them and cut them out before cooking your muskrat, woodchuck, etc. Even a skunk is said to be a feast if its two defense weapons near the tail are skilfully separated from it.
The oil of many birds, carried in the two little oil sacks above their tail feathers, is too strong to be pleasant although it is used only for the innocent purpose of waterproofing their feathers. Ducks and other aquatic birds need considerable of this oil to keep them afloat and much duck meat has been spoiled for the finical by careless cooks who forgot to cut out the objectionable little triangular piece of flesh containing these glands.