Add the sugar to the milk and crumble in the yeast.
Sprinkle a little flour on top, cover, and put in a warm place for about 15 minutes to begin rising.
Sift the rest of the flour into a warm bowl, with the salt.
Rub in the lard.
Add the sugar, fruit, and spice, and then the yeast mixture.
If necessary add more milk to make a soft dough.
Knead well.
Cover and leave to rise until double in bulk.
Knead lightly, shape into buns, and place on greased trays.
Cut a cross on the top of each with a sharp knife and leave to rise until double the size.
Bake until they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
While still hot brush with the glaze made by mixing the sugar and water and bringing it to the boil.
Use while hot.