According to one Graham Tulloch, and he is probably right, Scotland is a relatively poor society where the creed of Nothing Wasted is reflected in dishes like the renowned haggis, more about which in a second.

Tulloch also mentions, to substantiate his waste-not-want-not thesis, the less well-known powsoudie (sheep's head broth), crappit-heads (stuffed haddock heads), and crowdie (oatmeal and cold water eaten raw).

I might add, from childhood experience in Caledonia, pigeons eggs, congealed fat drippings on toast with pepper, and blood pudding. However, it is haggis with which we, along with Mr. Ramgunshoch, are concerned with here today.

This national favorite consists of the heart, liver and lungs of a sheep minced together with a large onion, half a pound of oatmeal, a pound of suet, salt, pepper and half a teaspoonful each of mixed spice, mace and nutmeg. These ingredients are combined with lemon juice and some good stock, and placed inside a well-washed sheep's stomach, which is then securely sewn up, and left to boil for about three hours.

The famous poet Robert Burns called haggis "great chieftain o' the puddin' race," and so it is fitting that this magnificent dish should be the centerpiece of a supper hosted by the Farmington Robert Burns Appreciation Society (membership - 1) slated for Saturday, Jan. 21, to celebrate the poet's birth.

Mr. Ramgunshoch, for he is that member, in an uncharacteristic fit of generosity, has thrown open the doors of his supper to the winner of a competition that appears exclusively in Farmington Corner. The rules of this contest are simple - on a sheet of blank paper write down, in 100 words or less, just why haggis is your favorite dish. Entries should be mailed to the Rochester Courier, clearly marked Haggis Competition, and arrive by Monday, Jan. 16, 1989.

Judges will then wade through what is expected to be a heavy mailbag, to select the victorious citizen based on the originality, ethnicity and, most importantly, credibility of the entry. After being informed of his/her good fortune, the lucky guest, apart from gorging on haggis at the Burns Supper, will also be able to writhe to the wailing of bagpipe music and fidget to the drone of a poetry contest.

And so, give yourself fighting chance of enjoying Farmington's premier social event of the year by getting those entries posted. You have nothing to lose but your postage stamp.

Goodwin Library news

Entering its fourth exciting month in the Goodwin Library kidney-shaped showcase is the Glass Paperweight Exhibition. These 15 glass paperweights opened to rave reviews from the critics back in October of 1988, and have been playing to full houses ever since. Scarce a week goes by without some awestruck citizen gazing upon them, and then bugging Dorinda with a Question.

But it is sad news from another corner of the Library. Floyd the Gerbil sadly passed from our midst. No more will the flurry little scamp squeak his treadle wheel, and disturb people trying enjoy the Zen-like serenity of glass paperweights. He is survived by Lloyd, also a gerbil, but of a rougher, surlier disposition. As Lloyd used to savage Floyd, we may console ourselves with the thought that the latter is probably in a happier place, for, verily, blessed are the meek.

Finally comes a reminder, from Dorinda, for all local artists and craft-persons, to start thinking about their exhibits in the Annual Art Show staged by the Goodwin Library in February.

At a recent meeting of Farmington Country Club, Fred Chesley was elected president. Treasurer will once more be Steve Goodwin, and secretary will be Walter LeFebvre. Sam Gray again heads the Grounds Committee, with the other members being John "Biff" Silvia and Dick Nichols. Fifteen men sit on the Board of Directors, and the professional is Warren Tickle of Wolfeboro. When it was pointed out to Chesley that women seemed to play no leadership role in Farmington Country Club, he, in turn, pointed out that the club was over 60 years old, and they hadn't needed them yet. He did add that the clergy could play free.

In recent elections at the Farmington Woman's Club, men were elected to no significant positions of authority. Spokesperson Beulah Thayer said that in the organization's 78 year history, no useful purpose had been found for them.

President is Blanche Magee, a poet of distinction, vice president is Mary Kibbe of Milton Mills, and 2nd vice president is Sandra Pierce. Lois DiPrizio has been voted treasurer, Bernice Woodside is corresponding secretary, and Marjorie Hunt is recording secretary. Publicity is the responsibility of Betty McArthur.

On Jan. 11 the club will enjoy a card party in the Goodwin Library, where there is currently a fascinating exhibition of paperweights. This falls under the triumvirate rule of Sandy Canney, Shirley Eaton and Betty Mros.

At a meeting on Jan. 12, the F.B.A. (which seems to be an organization in which men and women happily share the reins of power), will harken to guest speaker Michelle Sweet.

The F.B.A. recently paid a tribute to Ruth Tuttle for the gift of the town Christmas tree, which was so big that it couldn't be hoisted up the pole, and had to sit at ground level. Never mind. It still looked very nice.