The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1831-1858, 1832-05-16
THE SALTED PUDDING.

on TOO MANY COOKS SPOIL THE BROTH
l had been journeying all day with my
merry OLD friend. Uncle Jacob, as every one
cans MN, and BOTH of US had become COM
ple'eiy ,Jogg'd out" At length we came
10 public house having the sign of a gold
Gu oaii' Here" said my droll companion,
we sna'i IND small potatoes, or lose my
guess Tor L never had any great opinion of
these Punkln taverns." But, fatigued as
we were, Indifferent accommodations would
ne acceptable, rather than to push on far
thef. 30, after seeing to our heast. which
was pretty well provided for, we called for
refreshments for ourselves. We soon found
mat Uncle Jacobs guessing was not far out
1t the way, for all the house seemed TO he
III state of ,lishablle. "All slattern and
silpshod," said he, as he passed from bar
iooih 70 Kitchen, reconnoitering. They
PROMISED 10 pick US up something to STAY
our stomachs. 1t was Saturday evening,
and the landiady had commenced the work
OF making hasty pudding, according to New
England custom AS my companion and |
were seated by the bar-room fire, stout
strapplng wench, not the sweetest and most
delicate in all the world, brought in a dish
OF hashed meat, and, placing it upon the
heath, left it uncovered. There was a great
nun dog IN one corner and three cats in the
other. Jowler scented the savory morsel
and made for the dish. l was about to
drive him of, but uncle Jacob, shaking his
head Significantly pushed me back. So the
dog commenced operations and soon finish
ed the work licking the platter CLEAN
uncle Jacob watched him attentvely all
the while, and when he had done his meal,
ne went TO the kitchen door, and, all grave
as churchman, addressed the lady. Mad
am, the dog has done, and, suppose, it is
our turn next: There was most terrible
hurry burly in the family; and father and
mother and daughter were all by the ears
The canine gentleman had disposed of all
their fresh meat, and, by way OF aiding his
digestion, Dolly had made him feel the
force OF one of her ponderous hoofs, and
sent him headlong out doors. To ease the
matter and comfort our poor hostess we
told her that we would set down with the
family, if she pleased, to dish of hasty
pudding, which was ii favorite of both.
| Fondly now ! waited the ENJOYMENT of
this charming Yankee repast. Uncle ia
cob, however, was moi all satisfied with their
slovenly appearance about house, and,
though now in no fear of the dog, he chose
to take peep into the kitchen, lest all
would not go on in SO clearly style, as
our own worthy grandmothers were wont
to have it. "John," said the landlady to
the boy, "Pm going to run over to Mr..
Darby's minute. Tell Dolly 10 remem-
Der TO salt the pudIen" But John heard
only the three last words. and SO admins
tered the salt himself Next came Dolly.
intent on seeing the cookery well attended
to- and gave 1t another seasoning. By and
ny the mother returned, and the family be-
ing all out, concluded nothing had been
done as she directed, and so she dashed in
another handful, ami giving it hearty stir,
went up stairs, Presently the old man
came boiling in from the stable. He stood
enjoying the smoking mush for minute. an,
muttered over to himself I'll bet a peese
there's no sal: in t." and then goino to the
salt box he took fist full and shook it into
the pudding. "Our turn next" exclaimed
Uncle Jacob, as the landlord passed into
the bar room, and in went the fifth handful /!
Now, reader, behold us all around the
Old pine table with each bowl of milk nd
a pan of homanv foamng in the centre
All, but the rogue, Jacob, anticipated a
charming feast. The landlord took the lead.
He made ont to gebble down one spoonful.
when, as soon as his throat was at liberty.
he dashed his spoon upon the table with
violence and vocferated aloud-"In the
name of Lots wife, Cape Cod and Turks
Island, what have you got here /? Who
sailed the pudden, Dorcas 2" q" Why? WHY !?
what's the matter Mr.. Baney ? 1t was
that sailed it," "Why, mother" saws Dolly,
at Was | that sailed the puddenr' "Well,
| know granny told me TO salt it, and so |
did, by Jnks," says the boy. "Gallows
take it =" cried the old man, "did YOU all
salt the pudden? What a pother is here
| was determined the business should moi
he neglected. and so l chucked in hand.
full" And | too" said Uncle Jacob, "sup.
posing it to be custom of the family, fol-
lowed suit" 80, flanders and famation ~
calculated our host. "What shall be done
Dow;" | really felt sympathy for the dis
appointed people, and determined to get
rid of as much trouble as possible, so I cal.
led for bread and cheese. and with this we
made out a tolerable supper, washing i,
down with small beer. undertook to scolc
uncle Jacob, after we retired to lodgings
for carrying his fun to such pitch; but i
was to no purpose. II was determined t
eat none of their flummery," said he, L" an,
was clad to experience the truth of the oil
adage, that too many cooks will spoil tn,
broth. "-.NeV York Constellation.
About thirty years since, farmer in
neighboring town, went to his barn earl,