Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-09-26
VERY TOOrHSOME DISH

From the Boston Journal.


what can you expect Of those fellows who
eat frogs?" was the uncomplimentary exclama-
ton of noted writer when he heard of the
failure of certain French dictionary but he
little realized that the intended slur which he
cast Unon the people of France would before
long be applicable to the citizens of America
Boston people alone call for more than two hun
dred dozen of these delicious little tit-bits every
day, while New York and the cities to the west
call tor eve2 larger supplies In the towns
OF Maine, notably Belfast and Warren and
on Cape Cod, in Barnstable, Centrevlle and
Yarmouth, men are devOting their entire
time to catching these dutch nightingales'
for the Boston market. Early in the morning
the fisherman. or perhaps more properly
speaking reptileman starts for the green
marshes with his long pole and net. The
frogs have just emerged from their dark
Shiny beds and are sitting contentedly perched
in some sunny spot ready to begin the overture
OF their morning serenade. Suddenly whish
comes the net into their midst, and the next mo-
ment their director, big pound-and -a-half fell
low, Is. to the great establishment of his frog
ship, whrled through the air and landed a cap
tive at the feet Of his arch enemy. Down plump
the other singers. tenor, base and baritone
struggling and crOakng in startled discord, into
their safe retreats, only to return few minutes
later and yield another victim to the unrelent-
ing net. good frog fisherman will catch four
teen or fifteen dozen day, but an inexperienced
amateur will find this apparently easy sport
difficult job when he attempts to rival the pro-
fessiOnal. Sometimes shooting is resorted to
instead OF netting, and, again, the little red
flannel bait on the end of a hook is used to
entice the frog from his rereat.
The frogs are then sent, some alive and some
dressed ready for the table, to the Boston mar
kets. In Faneull Hall market, at the fish stands.
heaps Of little shining pearl-white frogs legs
are offered to the public at from forty to sixty
cents a dozen. The season lasts from June till
October, July. however, being the busiest time
As to the taste Of this luxury. those who have
never partaken of the frog meat cannot realize
its delicious flavor and tenderness. The taste
Is not fishy One but resembles most that of
young spring chicken. When served as a fried
or boiled dish it IS especially delectabe, and
at one hotel eight dozen day are called
even now the average is from two to three
dozen.
Among the curious live specimens brought to
the Boston markets one, amOnster fellow, weigh
ing nearly two pounds, would sit in his tank and
cry exactly like baby. The customers would
look around in establishment. wondering where
the weeping child was hidden. Another twilight
minstrel, kept IN private aquarium, reminded
one OF the famous frog "whO would a-wOOing
CO." This fellow conceived violent attachment
tor young lady visitor. Every time the lady
approached the glass abode of the singer he
would strike up his most tuneless lay and dart
circed about the aquarium. One day. to her
great astOnishment, he made prodigiOus leap
and jumped square upon her shoulder, where he
sat in triumph. The exertiOn was too much for
him. however, and q few DAYS afterWard he died
lamented by all who knew him.