Preheat oven to 350° F.
Put the bread slices in a 4- to 5-quart earthenwarecasserole with cover. Truss thechicken but do not stuff it. Placeon top of bread. Smear the top ofthe chicken with the butter and salt. Addthe bay leaves.
Surround the chicken with the unpeeled garlic cloves.
Cover the casserole and bake in 350° F. oven for 1 1/2hours. Since the garlic skinsharden in the cooking, the centers of the cloves can easily be removed and willbe soft. Either spread them on thebread and serve with the chicken or put in a small dish and pass along with thebread.