Small oysters are most fashionable for this purpose, but many epicures cannot forego the pleasure of seeing and eating the large, luscious bivalves which have made the American oyster famous through the world.

If not served upon the half-shell - as is always best - lay each oyster carefully upon a bed of pounded ice in the cavity intended to receive him in your oyster-plate. Put a slice of lemon in the centre of the plate. If you use the half-shells, set them also upon pounded ice. This is better than scattering bits of ice over them, which in melting make the oysters insipid.

Raw Clams

Use the Little Neck Clams when you can get them, and serve as you would oysters.