St. Landry democrat., 1888-01-14
MARYLAND TERRAPIN.
How They Are Caught and Cooked-Tricks
of Caterers.

How They Are Caught and Cooked-Triclsi
of Caterers.
Baltimore is the leading market in
the world for terrapin. The finest spe'
cies are probably found in Chester
Iiver, although it requires Il connois-
seur of considerable ability to discrim-
mate between those caught in Chester
river and those taken from other wa
tiers and marshes along the Chesapeake.
The implements for catching terrapin
are very simple. They are often taken
by dragging in waters where they are
alternating, or the terrapin hunter,
armed with stick on one end of which
is a hook, will walk around the marshes
inserting it into holes made by musk
rats and other animals, and if the stick
comes in contact with a terrapin the
hook end is inserted and his terrapin-
ship is brought forth. Several are
often taken from one bed. They are in
a state of lethargy when caught in the
winter season. In very cold weather
they will often freeze, and, though
heroically tested, they show no evil
dence of life. If submitted to warmth
they will most likely die when in this
condition, though if placed in a vessel
of cold water they will generally thaw
out.
Although Maryland has the reputa-
ton for serving te"rapin, it is not al
ways that one even here can purchase
a plate of real diamond back at hotels
or restaurants, while in other States it
is next to impossible to purchase it
prepared. The cost of real terrapirl-
and the fact that sliders. a cheaper spe-
cies can be easily worked in when pre-
pairing the dish-otfers an inducement
to caterers to mislead. But in many
cities outside of Baltimore where the
palate of the connoiseur is less culti-
waited, an analysis of a dish of terrapin,
which was billed on the menus as Ter
rapin, Maryland Style,' would disclose
a hash wherein the slider has sup
planted the diamond-back, and veal
and chicken are thrown in for bulk,
with eggs manufactured for the pur-
pose, the whole favored with sherry
wine and spices 1t is not surprising
that people who eat this dish at dia-
mond-back prices go off wondering
why people rave about terrapin.
The true way of preparing terrapin
is simplicity itself, and the requisites
for enjoying the dish are first, purse
that will stand the expense, and sec
ondly, an appreciative palate. The
fact that simplicity in preparing terra
pins is the best method was proved
some years ago at large charitable
fair given in this city. The widow of
a politician from one of the lower co,tn-
ties had charge of the lunch depart
ment, and as she was well versed in
the preparation of delicacies, the
lunch department was success, nota-
bly, the terrapin. for which, from the
first to the close of the faee there was
a rush that nearly depleted tie market,
and the terrapins alone nekcM several
thousand dollars to the faR, for more
were eaten during that month than
ever before in the same time.
As the preparation was the secret of
The demand, it may prove ofinterest to
give the recipe. Itwas as follows: After
killing the terrapin by cutting off his
head and allowing him to bleed, boil
lim until the shell can be removed;
then remove the liver and carefully cut
The gall bladder. which is embedded
herein. then pick the terrapin into
small pieces, reserving every portion ex-
,ept the shells and gall bladder. To this
ldd little salt and pepper, and if de-
'irable, small piece of butter No
water need be added, as sufficient juices
will have accumulated during the pick
ng operation. Then stew over a coal
ire or chatting dish and serve in hot t
'lates. Prepared thus. you will have '
lish that will at all times stand fore
most in the list of delicacies.
Dealers say that the supply of terra l
in has not deteriorated Of late years in a
iaryland waters, though but little has t
cen done in the direction of terrapin
arming Or pounding. The cost of ter t
apin varies according to the supply il
nd the size and condition. For the a
nest terrapin, under ordinary condi- II
ons, $50 to $50 per dozen is paid, il
nough good terrapin can be purchased tt
II considerable less money. Baltimore
IN.
1t seemed at one time as though :,
le construction of the Panama Ship :,
anal would have to be abandoned by :,
|. De Lesseps because it was impossi- = !,
e to procure laborers to carry on the :.
DIRK, inasmuch as the climate is so :,
sadly that a man who worked in the :,
enches was almost sure to die within r
few months. But scientific invention =
IS come to the relief of De Lesseps. -
Id steam excavators and dredges of :, -
lst power have been devised to take 4
e place of men. Of these inventions :
is said: s1'hey do not mind malaria. r