55 



of various kinds occupied one side and end of the hall above 

 the gallery floor. The increasing interest in this department is 

 worthy of appreciation by the society. Au addition of ten dol- 

 lars could have beeu worthily bestowed in gratuities. 



The exhibits of Fancy Work and Works of Art always fur- 

 nish the greatest attraction to visitors, the larger portion of 

 whom are ladies, who desire to see and examine the articles in 

 these departments. If the exhibition should be held in the 

 same hall another year as is usual, more of the space in the 

 galler} T should be used for fancy work, and if possible, the space 

 for visitors be made wider. This would in part relieve the 

 crowded condition of the passage. It is important that all 

 small articles of fancy work that cannot be hung on the walls, 

 and all small articles in the art department not hung should be 

 placed in glass cases, or in some wa} T be protected from injury. 

 Several cases were kindly loaned for that purpose, but it is 

 difficult to find as many as are needed. It is recommended that 

 a certain number of cases be made and covered with wire in- 

 stead of glass. The cost would be much less than glass and 

 the needed protection would be secured. 



The entire front of the balcony was hung with Quilts and 

 Afghans, and an equal space occupied in the exhibition of Rugs. 

 Both of these departments were quite full; 68 Rugs and 111 

 Quilts and Afghans were entered. Most of the articles exhibited 

 in each were well worthy of notice, with only a few exceptions, 

 and it cannot be desired that articles should be exhibited unless 

 they are in some respect more than commonplace articles made 

 for home use, without any especial exhibition of taste or skill. 

 This criticism will not apply to any considerable number of 

 articles exhibited. Some were of excellent design and work- 

 manship. 



In the department of work by children under twelve years of 

 age, 40 articles were exhibited. 



In the Plant and Flower department quite a liberal amount is 

 offered in gratuities, and a fine exhibit was made. The quantity 



