24 



of cotton. Those receiving the first premiums were made by a lady 

 of eighty-five years, and were worthy examples of what could be ac- 

 complished by aged fingers, and possibly the owners of younger ones 

 would blush at their inability to do as much. 



The first premium mittens were thick and heavy as leather, but 

 wanner and much more pliable, and might be coveted by any man 

 compelled to work or drive when the mercury is retiring to the bot- 

 tom of the thermometer even though people do slyly dub the mit- 

 tens as "young man's horror." A large number of the mittens 

 shown were for ladies' and childrens' wear, made of fine wool or silk, 

 and the backs knit in fancy designs. 



Seven afghans were exhibited and examined. Only the one re- 

 ceiving the first award was made in afghan stitch, and it was much 

 heavier than any of the others. The design was black stripes, alter- 

 nating with delicate Roman ones. The others were also well made. 

 Four were crocheted, two knit in plain knitting and embroidered. 

 While other stitches give a pretty effect, require less wool, and are 

 more quickly accomplished, the afghan stitch makes the best robe, 

 being handsome, warmer, and keeping its shape better. In making 

 an Afghan the selection and combination of colors that harmonize, 

 and produce an artistic result, require much care and are of equal con- 

 sequence with the manner in which the work is done ; an article that 

 does not please the eye may keep one warm, but he is likely to feel 

 a trifle more comfortable under a thing that can elicit admiration. 

 A work of beauty is restful to the eye and soothing to the spirit. 



Best Afghan or Lap Robe, Miss Carrie Chapin, Sheffield, $3 



2d do., Mrs. L. L. Atwood, Pittsfield, 2 



3d do., Mrs. Stephen Hatch, Great Barrington, 1 



Best three pounds White or Colored Woolen Yarn, E. R. Smith, New Marlboro, 3 

 2d do., Mrs. R. H. Bradford, Egremont, 2 



Best four pairs Woolen Hose, Mrs. Almeda Fitch, New Marlboro, 3 



2d do., Mrs. Charles Crosier, Washington, 2 



3d do., Mrs. A. D. Van Deusen, Great Barrington, 



Best three pairs Woolen Mittens. Mrs. CD. Codding, Egremont, 

 2d do., Mrs. William Abbott, Sheffield, 



DISCRETIONARY. 



Woolen Mittens, Mrs. L. Lockwood, West Stoekbridge, 



Woolen Mittens, Miss Lizzie Nichols, Richmond, 



Woolen Mittens, Miss Lettee Hurlbut, Great Baarington, 



Woolen Mittens, Mrs. L. S. Huntley, Great Barrington, 



Woolen Hose, E. R. Smith, New Marlboro, 



Woolen Hose, Mrs. H. Roys, Sheffield, 



Woolen Hose, Mrs. Cora Blow, Becket, 



Woolen Hose, Mrs. Francis Crozier, Washington, 



Woolen Hose, Mrs. Charles Crozier, Washington, 



Woolen Hose, Mrs. Maria Kelley, Washington, 



Woolen Hose, Mrs. H. W. Snow, Becket, 



Afghans, Mrs. C. C. Beecher, Great Barrington, 



Afghans, Mrs. C. P. Bond, Lenox, 



Afghans, Mrs. Henry Goodhind, Great Barrington, 



Committee. — F. S. Ay mar, Mrs. George Kellogg, Miss Cora Potts. 



THIRD DIVISION. 



Whole number entries, 57. Bed Spreads, 13 ; Quilts, 13 ; Silk Quilts, 13. 

 Patchwork by girl not over 12 years, 18. 



