A young fox, fattened on grapes, and roasted on the spit, is a tidbit for a king during the autumn.[XIX_109] Such was the idea of the Roman peasants; but we must be allowed, however, to differ from their opinion.
THE HEDGEHOG.
The Greeks willingly eat the hedgehog[XIX_110] in a ragoût—a dish the Romans never envied them.
THE SQUIRREL.
This charming little animal, which ought never to please but when alive, often appeared at Rome among the most elegant dishes of the feast.[XIX_111] At first it was only eaten by caprice: unfortunately for the little animal, it was found to be very nice.
THE CAMEL.
Aristotle gives the greatest praise to the flesh of this useful animal, and places it without hesitation above the most delicate viands.[XIX_112] The Greeks, his countrymen, thought it worthy of being roasted for the table of sovereigns,[XIX_113] and the inhabitants of Persia and Egypt partook of the same enthusiasm. Rome thought the camel fit for the solitude of the Desert, but not for the ornament of banquets; and really, for this once, Rome appears to have been right.