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and have been transmitted to the present generation. 

 Progressive science and practice distinguish the age, as 

 most fruitful in mechanic invention and their application 

 to manufiictures. In these displays the ladies of Berk- 

 shire have presented powerful claims to public admiration 

 and respect. They early delighted to seek *' the wool 

 and the flax, and to work willingly with their hands"- — 

 their clothing is of the fabrics of their own hands : " their 

 husbands are known in the gates, when they sit among 

 the elders of the land." Never did this or any country 

 behold a more splendid and delightful exhibition of fe- 

 male industry, science and ingenuity, than tliat which 

 succeeded the first anniversary meeting of the Society. 

 Though pressed with embarrassments, and subjected to 

 severe privations, never were families better clothed, or 

 houses rendered more comfortable. Fabrics were trans- 

 formed from plain to elegant — from elegant to ornamen- 

 tal. Never did our fair country women appear more at- 

 tractive, than when clad in the manufactures of their own 

 hands. At no period have they preferred so strong and 

 valuable claims to the best regards, and to all tlie tender 

 charities of the other sex. Happy — thrice happy would 

 have been our country, had their example been vigorous- 

 ly supported and continued. Then would our country 

 have been saved from half its burthens. Then would each 

 family have occupied a proud and happy pre-eminence ; 

 its possessions unencumbered, and its resources plentiful 

 and increasing. However much speculation may deride 

 this system of economy, and however much our dealers 

 in foreign manufactures may teach a contempt for it, or 

 impose the delusion of jmrchasinr^ cheaper of them, rest 

 assured it is the only safe course i-cv our fellow-citizens to 

 pursue. Adhere to this course, and avoid the purchase 

 of every article which you can create, then is a broad 

 ioundation laid for private wealth and independence ; then 



