BISQUE

or Bisk. (1) ‘‘Cream’’ soup of shellfish—see the general article on Soups. (2) Ice cream containing crushed macaroons or similar additions. BLACKBERRY (see the color-page of Brrnries opposite), the fruit of a bushy rambler, growing wild in woods and fields, which is sold in large quantities in the early summer months. Cultivation has greatly improved its size and quality in recent years and has extended its fruiting season to the end of September. In addition to its consumption as a fresh fruit, large quantities are used in cooking, and made into jelly and jam. Dried blackberries, principally from the South, are wild berries dried in the sun. The quality is generally poor. For the ‘‘Logan (red) blackberry’? see Locannerry. See also the reference in Frvuir Juices and the article on the Dews Berry.