64 HAMPSHIRE. HAMPDEN AND 



and ragged, that it is painful to see them in the highway, or 

 even on the farm. To some mechanics, also, our remarks will 

 apply equally well. And especially to those Avomen whose per- 

 sonal apparel, the products of whose dairies, and every thing 

 else usually made or fashioned by woman at home, are so mise- 

 rable in their appearance. 



But the number of such persons in our community is small, 

 as the great number of beautiful as well as useful articles, ex- 

 hibited at the fair, abundantly shows. 



The specimens of broadcloth from the Northampton Woollen 

 Company, fully met the expectations of the committee. Though 

 from the same mill we have seen superb pieces, yet, we believe, 

 two of the pieces this year are better than any ever before offered. 

 Eighteen pieces of fancy vestings were also entered by the 

 same company. The committee suppose them to be the first of 

 the kind ever manufactured in the country. They will compare 

 well with the finest imported. 



The fancy cassimeres and cloakings, presented by Gilbert & 

 Stevens, of Ware, were exceedingly good, and cannot be too 

 highly praised. Also, pieces of dressed flannels, from the same 

 firm, were uncommonly fine. 



A large assortment of counterpanes were exhibited. There 

 were twenty entries. For variety and beauty, the committee 

 believe them to surpass those of any previous year. A splendid 

 one was offered by Mrs. J. W. Curtis, of Hadley ; and a very 

 tasteful one of cotton, needle work, by Miss Miriam Pomeroy, 

 of Northampton. 



Fine specimens of sewing silk, fancy colors, by J. Conant & 

 Co. and Edward Valentine, of Northampton; also twenty-five 

 pounds of raw silk, raised and reeled by O. D. Paine. The 

 cocoons offered by Dr. Stebbins were very fine. Some of them 

 were thought by the committee to be of unusually large size. 



A great assortment of agricultural implements, by Augustus 

 Clarke, manufactured to order, all of them superior. Also, a 

 plough of Prouty & Mears's manufacture, by Wm. Clark. One 

 of its excellencies is in its having a self-sharpening point. We 

 recommend it to the notice of farmers. 



The edge tools presented by C. W. Hannum, of Norwich, 



