62 ON DOMSSTIC MANUFACTURES. 



ety of articles submitted to their examination ; and they felt strongly 

 the difficulties of a proper discrimination by which to make a just 

 award to the contributors. 



Among the articles exhibited was one, which, although by the rule 

 of the Society not entitled to premium or gratuity, yet from the 

 associations connected with it, the Committee deem worthy of more 

 than a passing notice. This was a lady's Cloak and Hood a century 

 and a quarter old ! It is made of scarlet cloth, of a superior fine- 

 ness for that period, and is in perfect preservation. This venerable 

 garment could not fail of exciting much interest, not only for its 

 value as an ancient relic, but from the associations it must naturally 

 excite in the mind of the visitor. On viewing such a relic, we are 

 at once led to contemplate the changes which have taken place in 

 the world since its existence. This veritable Red Riding Hood was 

 doubtles worn in a former age by some blooming maiden, and was a 

 familiar object in the streets, churches and dwellings of this City of 

 Peace. Could she but now come back to us, and resume her ancient 

 guise, with what interest would she witness the bright and active 

 scenes of this joyous gala-day ! With what astonishment W'Ould she 

 observe the moving throngs, the gay scenes, and crowded streets of 

 this home of her youth ! What strange sights would meet her eyes 

 in the altered architecture of the buildings, the change of localities, 

 and the quaint dresses of the people ! How sadly would she miss 

 the people, the customs, and the attire of her own palmy days ! — 

 Where, she would ask, are the dashing belles, with their high head- 

 dresses and hoop petticoats, who, on their wooden heeled shoes, once 

 walked these pavements ? How would she be perplexed to find the 

 uses of half the articles in this hall ! As a liege subject of King 

 George II., she would naturally inquire after the Royal Family, and 

 wish to know the present condition of the Colony of Massachusetts 

 Bay. After hearing her expressions of surprise at the political 

 changes of the country, let us conduct her to the interior of one of 

 our dwellings. She is struck with surprise at the odd appearance 

 and richness of the furniture, and at the same time puzzled to know 

 the uses of many of the articles. Instead of the well sanded floors, 

 she finds them covered with carpets. She finds an equable warmth 

 through the house, but sees no fire, and the mystery is only solved 

 when she feels a gush of warm air rise from an aperture in the floor. 

 A young miss sits on a stool before a strange looking machine, where 



