Combine sugar, eggs, lard and salt. Cream well.

Mix baking soda into 1/4 cup of buttermilk. Stir well.

Add all buttermilk to mixture. Mix well.

Add nutmeg and vanilla. Mix well.

Begin stirring in flour, one cup at a time. Use only enough flour to handle, but as little as possible. Dough will be slightly sticky.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. (May be refrigerated up to 24 hours.)

On floured surface, roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters.

Bake at 400°F until golden brown.