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Miss Pierce of Rockland sent a tray of bric-a-brac — shells, 

 holding on their inner side a marine view ; stones, found upon 

 the beach transformed into artistic keepsakes for their little 

 stretch of beach an incoming tide and a lazy sail in the offing ; 

 the dainty satchel of silk, or satin, decorated with forget-me- 

 nots or the head of a lady of the old French court. 



There was, also, a necklace whose origin one could not guess, 

 but oriental enough to have clasped about a Cleopatra's neck. 

 Its mechanism was explained to me, and it shows how original 

 are some minds. The beads were the oval shapes found upon 

 seaweed. Drying had hardened them. The holes were punc- 

 tured by a hot knitting-needle. They were then painted in 

 mummy color, and Moorish arabesques in gilt thrown on. 

 Found upon our own Nantasket Beach, art had annihilated 

 their origin and gave them the beauty of the ornament of an 

 Odalesque. 



A large painting in oil, contributed hj Miss Crafts of Marsh- 

 field, was among the excellent displays. 



But we must back to the needle : and, truly, its emanations 

 sometimes rival the pencil and brush. Miss Carrie Eandall of 

 Duxbury exhibited a tablecloth combined of maroon felt and 

 a singular fringe made by thread drawing. Silk floss of gay 

 colors gave brightness to the border. We have learnt to 

 expect pretty, unique things from High street. 



There were several silk quilts with their multitudinous bits ©f 

 color, afghans of fine workmanship, and sofa pillows that 

 deserve specification. There were cushions, toilet sets, under- 

 wear, and tidies. Excellence in its particular line marked all. 

 There were aisles about our fair where the rich floss and wools 

 entered not, but were they devoid of beauty and color? no : 

 and utility personified stood sentinel. It was in the rug and 

 quilt department. Appreciation was rife there. The frivolous 



