67 



see the improvements both in quality and quantity of our 

 domestic manufactures. The whole community was delighted 

 and astonished." 



Tiiis, in connection with the recollection of exhibitions of 

 the Essex Agricultural Society thirty years ago, and various 

 other considerations, lias led your committee to the conclusion 

 that the exhibition, in the department containing "Women's 

 Handiwork," was not what might have been expected. We 

 siiall all allow, that, in most, if not in all, other departments, 

 a marked improvement has been visible. Now, no sensible 

 person of the present day, supposes for a moment, that it is 

 true that women's work has not progressed. Why, then, is it 

 that the same sort of work, but of poorer quality, both in 

 taste and execution, is presented, year after year ? Either 

 give up this part of the Exhibition, or, for the good name of 

 the women of our county, make it better. 



We would like to call the attention of the Society to an- 

 other subject. According to the rules " no premium or gratu- 

 ity shall be awarded for any article manufactured out of the 

 county, or previous to the last Exhibition of the Society." 

 Now, the judges can not decide upon this point ; therefore, 

 would it not be advisable to require contributors to state on a 

 card attached to each article, when and where the same was 

 made. 



A great many women in Essex County, work on children's 

 clothing. We submit that such an industry might be stimu- 

 lated by our society. Lace making has also been suggested, 

 as an enterprise that might be wisely fostered. 



James F. Almy, for Committee. 



ARTICLES MANUFACTURED FROM LEATHER. 



The Committee award as follows : — 



Charles P. Spencer, Salem, carryall harness, gratuity, $1.50. 



