14 



never yet proved a failure, we thiuk we can safely leave it with 

 the children to make it a snccess from year to year. 



Every year we miss some names that have become familiar 

 to us, and we have in mind now, some who have for years been 

 regular and valuable contributors, who have made their last 

 article for this department, but we feel sure that their places 

 will be well filled by some of the little ones who are just 

 beginning. 



We notice that about the same number every year try their 

 skill at making patchwork quilts. There were nine this year, 

 and generally the work was well done. Some are more careful 

 than others in matching the squares, and in binding and finish- 

 ing off neatly. 



The rugs, made in various ways, it seems to us, must have 

 been the hardest work for little hands, and done so well too, of 

 any in this department. 



Of the mottoes — which were about twenty-five in number — 

 perhaps not much needs to be said, as they have become such 

 a common article in both this and the " Fancy Department." 

 Most of the work was very good, and they certainly added to 

 the attractiveness of the tables Some very little children 

 tried their hand at this work, and we think their mottoes were 

 excelled by none in the whole collection. We want to encour- 

 age these nice little workers, of whom there were quite a num- 

 ber from four to seven years of age, for we think they give 

 promise of being a great help to this department in the years 

 to come. 



The tidies were fewer in number than usual, and cardboard 

 work in great variety seems to have taken their place. The 

 little girl who brought the rice and shell boxes and the worsted 

 flowers and other articles, shows good taste and ingenuity in 

 her careful work. 



