Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 117, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 May 1911 — DECLINE OF TASTY TERRAPIN [ARTICLE]

DECLINE OF TASTY TERRAPIN

Prediction !« Made That Delicious Reptile Will Boon Be Exterminated by New Methods. Philadelphia.—Warning comes from Baltimore that the public must not be deceived by the sudden plenty of terrapin in the markets. They are in abundance now. but the sad prophecy Is made that pretty soon Bre’r Terrapin will be no more found on the tables of even the richest epicures. A new method has been found for harvesting these > delectable' reptiles which has caused the sudden plenty. It appears that about this time of year the diamond backs come up out of the deep mud In which they have Mbernated to rest awhile on the upper stratum before beginning the season’s a<£ tlvities. A Yankee genius has invented a sort of rake which sweeps the bottom of the sounds and rivers and thus gathers bushels of the animals Into the steam dredges which are how at work. But we are solemnly informed that three seasons of this sort of work will make an end of the species. ” It is not a great issue, but It la Interesting to that small body of persons who consider terrapin the most delicious dish that can be served on the table. Some cannot abide It; others pay willingly the high price demanded. Many persons do not like reptile food at all. In the south rattlesnake is considered a great delicacy. If one can forget Ms prejudices it must be admitted that the flesh is tasty and quite as refreshing as dried codfish, for instance. An ancient colonial law of Maryland \ -•. *-» 111. I •!> ‘s -S*** ■ w .*•**«*

has just been dug up. It shows that slaves were not treated ks well as they deserved, particularly in the matter of food; hence it was ordered in council that no slave should be fed on terrapin more than four times a week! Think of that, ye epicures who have to be content with a few portions each season! Things have changed mightily since terrapin was considered unfit food for slaves a# a steady diet. It seems likely, however, that' part of the duty of the slave was to bustle for his terrapins after working hours, and this may have been the greater part of his injury, ft gray be considered by some In the nature of a gastronomic calamity thta the terrapin is to disappear, As ff fact, most persons find snapper just as good, or would If it only cost enough. Imagination has a lot to do with our likes and dislikes even In the fashions that pertain to the things we eat