1890: The turkey should be cooped up and fed some time before Christmas. Three days before it is slaughtered, it should have an English walnut forced down its throat three times a day, and a glass of sherry once a day. The meat will be deliciously tender, and have a fine nutty flavor. Mrs. Stephen J. Field, Statesman's Dishes and How to Cook Them >From my favorite fun reference book: The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800s By Marc McCutcheon Have a Happy! (Whatever you eat.) Linda