142 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY. 



The accompanying statements were then examined, and it 

 was found that some of the bread was made with milk, some 

 with water, some with skim-milk, some with milk and water ; 

 some contained cream ; some lard or other shortening ; some 

 saleratus, and one or two a small quantity of sugar. 



Taken as a whole, and with very few exceptions, the speci- 

 mens offered were of great excellence, and creditable to the 

 skill of the housewives and maidens of Middlesex. By the 

 marks given by the committee, two of the specimens were de- 

 cidedly superior to the rest ; and there was noting found in the 

 mode of making or baking, to disturb this conclusion. 



The premiums were accordingly awarded, as follows : — 



For the best bread, made by a girl under 20 years of age, and 

 unmarried, to Miss Catharine McNulty, of Concord, 17 years 

 of age, $5 00 



For the best made by women over 20 years of age, or 

 married, to Miss Betsy Caliban, of Concord, - 4 00 



For the next best, to Mrs. Elizabeth H. Gleason, of 

 Wayland, - - - - - 2 00 



The next in excellence to the two which received the first 

 two premiums, was made by Miss Adeline L. Stratton, of Wes- 

 ton, 16 years of age ; but as the society had offered only one 

 premium for which she could be a competitor, none could be 

 awarded. A gratuity of $2 is recommended to be given to Miss 

 Stratton. 



In conclusion, the committee believe that the experiment of 

 offering premiums for bread, has been successful ; that it is 

 more appropriate to the objects of the society, to encourage ex- 

 cellence in a product of such prime necessity, than it is to pro- 

 mote the manufacture of many of the elegant trifles for which 

 premiums have been heretofore awarded to the women and girls 

 of the county, and they recommend that the premiums be con- 

 tinued. 



For the Committee, 



E. R. HOAR. 



