We should endeavour as much as possible to keep the colours distinct.

If strawberries or raspberries form part of the compote, the syrup will get red.

Should black currants be present, avoid breaking them, as they spoil the appearance of the syrup.

In summer the compote of fruits is much improved by the addition of a lump of ice and a glass of good old brandy.

Should the compote of fruits, as is often the case, be intended for a garden party, where it will have to stand a long time, if possible get a small bowl, like those in which gold and silver fish are sold in the street for sixpence, and fill this with ice and place it in the middle of the larger bowl containing fruit, otherwise the melted ice will utterly spoil the juice that runs from the fruit, which is sweetened with the syrup and flavoured with the brandy.