OYSTER SOUP.

To two quarts of oysters add a pint of water, and let them set an
hour. Then take them out of the liquor. Grate and roll fine a
dozen crackers. Put them into the liquor with a large lump of
fresh butter. When the grated biscuit has quite dissolved, add a
quart of milk with a grated nutmeg, and a dozen blades of mace;
and, if in season, a head of celery split fine and cut into small
pieces. Season it to your taste with pepper.

Mix the whole together, and set it in a closely covered vessel
over a slow fire. When it comes to a boil, put in the oysters; and
when it comes to a boil again, they will be sufficiently done.

Before you send it to table put into the tureen some toasted bread
cut into small squares, omitting the crust.