14 



DOMESTIC DEPARTMENT. 



In our special department, only seventy-eight checks were 

 issued, — one check including several articles, chough -we 

 received ninety-five contributions. 



Of stockings and mittens, there were thirteen pairs. Mrs. 

 M, S. Chandler of Marshfield, age ninety-one, a pair of white 

 cotton stockings, very nicely knitted. A fact in knitting, not 

 generally understood by younger people, is that one cannot be 

 a good and rapid knitter who commences at an age later than 

 four or five years. In our mother's day, girls as young as four 

 years knit stockings and mittens, and sold them. In those 

 days knitting and weaving were almost the sole occupations 

 open to girls and women for money making. 



Mrs, H. S. Pratt of Hanson, seventy-eight years old, had 

 several nicely knitted pairs of stockings, one of which was 

 long, like those worn in the days of knee breeches. 



Mrs. Betsey Turner of Hanson, who is eighty-eight, sent 

 nice yarn stockings. We could see no difference in the excel- 

 lency of knitting to that of former years. One can hardly 

 expect so good work at such advanced age as in the years 

 gone by. She also sent a pair of double mittens, beautifully 

 knitted. Only those who have knit such can appreciate the 

 work. It requires constant attention, and the knitting is 

 much harder than the single thread. At her age, it is surpris- 

 ing she is able to do so well. By her efforts, she shows a 

 degree of interest in the Fair it would be well for younger 

 people Jo emulate. A beautifully made chemise by her hands 



