BERKSHIRE SOCIETY. 291 



on treadle, twirling the shining black spokes of the little wheel, 

 and with busy fingers dipped ever and anon into water con- 

 tained in a gourd, teased the flaxen fibres from the distaff; 

 while the sturdy matron or the buxom maiden danced a lively 

 measure beside the spinning wheel, transferring, with nicest art, 

 the fleecy rolls to the fast filling spindle. Modern manufactur- 

 ing may have its compensations, but these scenes of cheerful 

 domestic industry will ever remain among the happiest recol- 

 lections of our vouth. 



