The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1894-12-26
About rerrapin.

One hundred dozen terrapiu seems like
large number, and yet this was only
one installmcnt that. A. D. Stockton re
ceived at the Penna. r. Il. freight depot
in this city one day recently from one
party alone. Many of them were re.
shipped Immediately to parties whom Mr..
Stockton had already sold to at different
places,
Having been identified with the terra
pin business for so many years, Mr. Stock
ton is able TO tell at glance about how
old a terrapin is by the wear OF the shell,
and among those received last week were
some whose ages were well up to the huns
dred years, IL not over. Turtles seldom
die except II be by accident, and among
them may be found those who have met
with accidents Of various kinds, exempli-
fed by cracked shells, missing legs, caused
by contact with moving machines when
out bunting food or in journeyiug from
one stream 10 another. Cool mountain
streams are supposed to be the best places
for hunting terrapin and they exist in
largo quantities 10 parts of Bucks and
Columbia counties, Pa, and in adjacent
counties OF New York The salt water
terrapin are different breed altogether
and are not used 10 this section to very
great extent. Years ago there could be
found ieErapla In laige quantities In tho
streams aud brooks of Hunterdon county,
hut Of late years the demand fer tht m has
produced too many hunters and the stock
la very nearly extinct.
The small pond terrapin--" diamond
hack aud speckled-back," as they are
caled--are excellent food, but not often
sold in the market or sought after by those
whose business 1t is to collect them.
Around Tullytown, Pa, and through
PENIS Manor, used to be great places for
small terrspiu ard snappers. David Van
Solver Gan uncle to Capt. Van Solver, Of
this city,, Samuel EstelIow, William sha-
malta Gather of Druggist Shamalia, of this
city, and Richard Force, residents OF Bur
lington, were celebrated hunters and often
bsgged sixty to one hundred dozen In
day. The larger ones were selected out
for the market and the smaller ones were
used for feast at home, when the neigh
bors would be invited and grand good
time enjoyed, aud there was no stint as
to quantity or quality by the beiter-halyes
who prepared the repast.
Terrapiu are considered by epicures 10
be the finest dish which ctn be set before
them. hut there are hundreds aud thou.
sands of people who cannot be Induced to
even taste a morsel Of the meat. The
taste must be cultivated, and once &C
quired il seems almost impossible to sat
isfy the appetite. There are as many diff
fereni ways of preparing terrapin as there
are kinds Of turtles, AMI the recipes are
given names after many Of the prominent
Statesmen from all over the country. The
wholesale dealer who furnished the theme
for the starring Of this article has the
n4me-and, VS. think, the game also--uf
putting up terrapIu Ia style not eqnalle.i
anywhere, and that Is saying good deal
bit those who are connuissenrs and try
Stockton's way are always willing to add
their names to the long list of admirers.
Terrapin, to be tempting, requires the
utmost care In Its preparation aud nicely
IN seasoning. They are not to be eaten
with their shells on nor even on the half
shell, and yet there are people who are
not satisfied unless they get a large guam
tity for small amount, something on the
mush and milk order. To prepare dozen
terrapin properly requires in the neighbor-
hood of hve hours and then comes the
serving up aud extras. One will see at a
glance that high toned food must hav'
accordingly high-toned price. In this
city and New Hope can be found many
lovers OF the toothsome morsel, who,
while the season lasts, are regular Gus
toners, most Of whom require the season
ing north northwest.
--s-p.----s