80 



not sell it,' as dirt in straw braid cannot be cleansed by anything 

 I ever tried or heard of. Dirt entirely spoiled it, and it must be 

 thrown away. This led to a great change, in a short time, in 

 many families. The children, who commenced braiding when four 

 or five years old, learned neatness and order. Thus we see, from 

 a very small beginning, what God has wrought. To Him be all 

 the glory." 



The avails of straw braiding were the means of greater advance- 

 ment in education to many ; they have been the means of support 

 to others. To others they have laid the foundation of future suc- 

 cess in life, and been the staif and stay of declining years. They 

 have aided in many of the benevolent enterprises of their day. 

 Mrs. Baker told me that a small society of females, in Dedham, 

 which was formed by her, had, from the avails of their braiding at 

 their regular monthly meetings, contributed more than $1000 to 

 the cause of missions among the Indians of this country. The 

 ladies in Wrentham supplied their meeting-house with an organ. 

 Other meeting-houses were repaired and beautified, and their pas- 

 tors in part supported by the avails of braiding bees." 



REPORTS ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 



Metals and Wood. 

 To H. E. Jordan of Dedham, for sawed Fretwork, a diploma. 

 To Edwin A. Morse of South Dedham, for small chairs, carved, 



a diploma. 

 To H. E. Bailey of Stoughton, for Horn Walking Canes, a 

 diploma. 



ADDISON BOYDEN, Chairman. 



Iron Fencing., Stoves, Horse and Ox Shoes. 

 To James Wallcy of Dedham, for Horse Shoes, a diploma. 

 HENRY S. CLARKE, Chairman. 



Carriages, Wagons, Carts, <fc. 

 Whole number of contributors, &c., two. 



To Messrs. Cushman, Baker & Co., for the best covered Wagon, 

 a premium of $5. 



And a gratuity of $B for the best Family Carriage. 

 To Messrs. Walley k Ilennehan, for the best Express Wagon, 

 a premium of $4. 



SANFORD CARROLL, Chairman. 



