_Mode_.--A. leg of mutton for boiling should not hang too long, as it
will not look a good colour when dressed. Cut off the shank-bone, trim
the knuckle, and wash and wipe it very clean; plunge it into sufficient
boiling water to cover it; let it boil up, then draw the saucepan to the
side of the fire, where it should remain till the finger can be borne in
the water. Then place it sufficiently near the fire, that the water may
gently simmer, and be very careful that it does not boil fast, or the
meat will be hard. Skim well, add a little salt, and in about 2-1/4
hours after the water begins to simmer, a moderate-sized leg of mutton
will be done. Serve with carrots and mashed turnips, which may be boiled
with the meat, and send caper sauce (No. 382) to table with it in a
tureen.
_Time_.--A moderate-sized leg of mutton of 9 lbs., 2-1/4 hours after the
water boils; one of 12 lbs., 3 hours.
_Average cost_, 8-1/2d. per lb.
_Sufficient_.--A moderate-sized leg of mutton for 6 or 8 persons.
_Seasonable_ nearly all the year, but not so good in June, July, and
August.
_Note_.--When meat is liked very _thoroughly_ cooked, allow more time
than stated above. The liquor this joint was boiled in should be
converted into soup.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD.--The sheep's complete dependence upon the
shepherd for protection from its numerous enemies is frequently
referred to in the Bible; thus the Psalmist likens himself to a
lost sheep, and prays the Almighty to seek his servant; and our
Saviour, when despatching his twelve chosen disciples to preach
the Gospel amongst their unbelieving brethren, compares them to
lambs going amongst wolves. The shepherd of the East, by kind
treatment, calls forth from his sheep unmistakable signs of
affection. The sheep obey his voice and recognize the names by
which he calls them, and they follow him in and out of the fold.
The beautiful figure of the "good shepherd," which so often
occurs in the New Testament, expresses the tenderness of the
Saviour for mankind. "The good shepherd giveth his life for the
sheep."--_John_, x. 11. "I am the good shepherd, and know my
sheep, and am known by mine."--_John_, x. 14. "And other sheep I
have which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and
they shall hear my voice: and there shall be one fold and one
shepherd."--_John_, x. 16.
BONED LEG OF MUTTON STUFFED.