To Bake Fish
Dress and stuff the fish and sew up the opening with a trussing needle; then cut three slits in its sides and insert strips of salt pork, in each. In order to have the fish cook evenly it is better to keep it upright by passing a piece of twine through the head, the middle of the body, and the tail, and thus drawing the fish into the shape of a letter S which gives it a broader base. Place a fish-cloth in the bottom of a baking-pan, strew upon it minced salt pork, a few slices of onion and tomato, then the fish itself. Dredge with salt, pepper, and flour and lay on more salt pork; place in a hot oven, add a cup of boiling water, and cover. Cook ten to fifteen minutes to each pound, basting frequently and adding more water after each basting.