Snails as cure for consumption in Ireland (1863)

 Edible Snails.

In a former letter I mentioned the reputation the snail enjoyed in Ireland as a remedy for arresting the progress of consumption. As the snail just now is attracting a large share of the attention of your readers, it may be interesting to them to know how they are prepared when used as a cure. I have had the receipt from a lady, the daughter of a clergyman in the West of Ireland, who has prescribed the remedy with great success. She writes:-

"The snails used for the broth, as you may call my fine syrup, are the common large brown things that creep about the gardens carrying their houses along with them. They are collected and placed on a large dish and plentifully sprinkled with dark sugar. Then another dish is turned over them to prevent them running away; and next morning the syrup which has been made during the night is to be drained off and bottled, and a tablespoonful is to be taken three times a day. A little lemon peel may be added to flavour the broth. The same snails should not be sugared twice. It is really a good thing; but of course will not cure in a day."

I have spoken to a lady who attributes her own recovery from consumption to the use of this receipt, cod-liver oil having failed to strengthen her; and a lady from the County Tipperary tells me she knows snails boiled in veal broth to have effected a perfect cure in a consumptive patient. The subject is, I think, well worthy of attention and inquiry.

 - Field Correspondent.

Cork Examiner, 13th August 1863.