HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 87 



of great patience and perseverance in their manufacture ; and 

 the fact that some of these articles, which required the most 

 labor, were made by persons in the extremes of life — the first 

 and second childhood — induces the committee to bestow upon 

 them the highest measure of commendation. 



In the department of fine broadcloths, there was no competi- 

 tion. The agent of the Northampton Woollen Mills, Mr. Mus- 

 grave, made the only entry of this quality of cloth, and exhib- 

 ited four specimens of fine and superior manufacture. One piece 

 of black broadcloth particularly excited the admiration of the 

 committee, as possessing a beautiful texture, with a face of su- 

 perior lustre. These cloths received the first premium, as among 

 the best specimens of American manufacture, at the late Exhi- 

 bitions in New York. 



There was a large entry of undressed flannels, of counter- 

 panes, and bed-quilts. A pair of woollen blankets, by Mrs. 

 Almon B. Ludden, of Westhampton, with the corners embroid- 

 ered with tasteful worsted work, were, without exception, the 

 most beautiful specimens of the kind ever presented to the 

 judgment of the Committee. 



Dr. Stebbins, of Northampton, presented one card of cocoons, 

 of which he raised sixty-five pounds in the year 1846 ; also 

 specimens, from A. P. Van Eppes, of ninety pounds of cocoons, 

 in circular enclosures, raised at his own cocoonery, in North- 

 ampton ; also a specimen of ten pounds very superior reeled 

 silk. Mrs. Sophia Wright presented one pair of silk hose, from 

 the waste of perforated cocoons. 



Specimens of fine scythe-stone, from a quarry in Cummington, 

 were exhibited by E. Jordon, of that place. This is a new and 

 excellent article ; never in the market until the present year. 

 The grain is very fine, pure and soft, and of active grit. The 

 examples were mostly got out, and worked with superior shape 

 and finish. 



A Yankee turbine water-wheel was introduced by Hiram 

 Munger, of Springfield. This is a new invention of his own, 

 and is spoken of in terms of the highest praise by mechanics 

 who are best acquainted with its qualifications. It is capable 

 of any extent of power, from one-horse power to fifty. 



WILLIAM O. GORIIAM, Chairman. 



