4 oz Bacon ; cut small pieces
1 c  Onion ; minced
2 ts Parsley ; fresh flat leaf
-        finely chopped
1/2    Bay leaf
2 c  Celery ; minced
1 c  Green pepper ; minced
3 c  Minced clams ; 16 oz cans
16 oz Clam juice ; bottled
28 oz Italian-style tomatoes
-      drain (saving liquid)
-      and chop
4 c  Potatoes ; peel/dice
2 ts Butter
8 c  -water
1/2 ts Black pepper ; freshly groun
-salt to taste
-parsley, fresh ; chopped
-         for garnish

In a heavy pot cook bacon with onion, parsley, and black pepper for about 5
minutes. Add the 1/2 bay leaf, minced celery, and minced green pepper;
cook for 15 minutes. Add juice from minced clams, 1 eight-ounce bottle of
clam juice, reserved liquid from tomatoes, diced potatoes and water; simmer
for 25 minutes longer. Add the clams, tomatoes and second eight-ounce
bottle of clam juice; correct seasoning. Add butter; sprinkle top with
parsley. Serve with crusty garlic bread or oyster crackers.