_Cleaning Coots._—The recipe for this, is, after picking them, to take off all the black down, by means of powdered white rosin and boiling water, and then to let them soak all night in cold spring water; by which they are made to look as delicate as a chicken, and to eat tolerably well; but, without this process, the skin, in roasting, produces a sort of oil, with a fishy taste and smell; and, if taken off, the bird becomes dry, and good for nothing. After all, however, these birds are in no way delicate, except when skinned; and after being soaked twenty-four hours in cold spring water, repeatedly changed, made into a pudding, by which, as with all such birds, when in puddings, pies, or soup, you can get rid of their strong skins without losing the juice of their flesh; and their fishy taste is, in a great measure, drawn off by steam. Moor-hens may be cleaned in like manner, and, if in good condition, they will then be nearly equal to any wild fowl.—_Hawker._ COPPER, _s._ One of the six primitive metals. COPPER-CAP, _s._ A metallic covering fixed upon the nipple of a percussion gun, containing a fulminating composition, which explodes by the action of the cock and ignites the powder in the barrel. _Vide_ PERCUSSION. COPPERAS, _s._ A kind of vitriol. COPPICE, _s._ Low woods cut at stated times for fuel. COPSE, _s._ Short wood. COPSE, _v._ To preserve underwood. COPULATE, _v._ To come together as different sexes. COPULATION, _s._ The congress or embrace of the two sexes. CORACLE, _s._ A boat used in Wales by fishers. CORDIAL, _s._ A medicine that increases the force of the heart, or quickens the circulation; any medicine that increases strength; any thing that comforts, gladdens, and exhilarates. Cordials are useful to give a temporary energy to the stomach and bowels, and stimulate the nervous system. White says, “There is not a better cordial than about half a pint of good strong beer, with a little ginger grated into it. A wineglassful of brandy in half a pint of water is stronger, and may, on some occasions, be more useful; but I wish to impress on the reader, that, whenever a cordial appears necessary, we should give one of no greater strength than is sufficient to produce the desired effect; and it will be found, I think, that a much better effect may be produced by three or four small doses, or weak cordials, than by giving only one large dose.” CORDIALS. 1. From half a pint to a pint of the best old mild beer, with a little grated ginger. 2. Best Cognac brandy, from 2 to 4 oz. Warm water 6 to 12 oz. 3. Anodyne carminative tincture 2 oz. Water 6 or 8 oz.