Smothered Chickens.
Split a pair of tender chickens down the back, as for broiling. Lay in a dripping-pan; pour over them a cup of boiling water, in which has been dissolved a great spoonful of butter. Invert another pan over this one, to keep in the steam, and cook, basting often, until the chickens are russet-colored all over, and very tender. Baste twice with butter at the last. Dish the chickens; thicken, season, and boil up; then pour part over the chickens, the rest into a boat.