I've just finshed reading this lovely book that was written by Vincent M. Holt and first published in 1885. When I saw the title I knew I just had to buy this book.It's only about 100 pages long and it's an interesting insight into the victorian diet. To quote the preface....
"In entering upon this work I am fully conscious of the difficulty of battling against a long-existing and deep-rooted public prejudice. I only ask of my readers a fair hearing, an impartial consideration of my arguments, and an unbiassed judgment. If these be granted, I feel sure that many will be persuaded to make practical proof of the expediency of using insects as food. There are insects and insects. My insects are all vegetable feeders, clean, palatable, wholesome, and decidedly more particular in their feeding than ourselves. While I am confident that they will never condescend to eat us, I am equally confident that, on finding out how good they are, we shall some day right gladly cook and eat them."
It is a valid point though about the strange prejudice people have toward eating unusual foods. The book comments on how some people rave about the joys of eating lobster and oysters but turn their nose up at the idea of eating woodlice (which is a relative of the lobster.) It has a few recipes and mentions techniques used to catch the tasty little critters. So in summary if you got a few quid spare and want a l bit of a laugh buy this book it's great read.
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Originally Posted by Bushwhacker
Although later on in the book it does mention making a 'snail preserver', which is a little area in your garden surrounded by bricks and covered by fine netting. Then whenever you find a snail in your garden you put it in the perserver along with some herbs for it to eat. After a while you will have built up quite a healthy snail population and can eat them when ever you need to. Also by feeding them herbs you eliminate the chance of the snail having poison in its system.
