THE FARM-HOUSE 
161 
step-daughters, after Scotch patterns ; several families of Scotch 
emigrants had settled in the neighborhood some thirty years since, 
and had furnished their friends \^^th the patterns of different 
plaids ; whether these were Highland or Lowland, we coidd not 
say. Some of their twilled flannels were also remarkably good 
in quality and color, but these are apt to shrink in washing. Tliey 
are quite skilful dyers in scarlet, orange, green, blue, and lilac. 
With the maple leaves, they dye a very neat gray for stockings, 
but most of their coloring materials were purchased in the vil- 
lages, dye-stuffs being an important part of the stock in trade of 
all our country druggists. Most of the spinning and weaving was 
in cotton or wool ; the clothing and bedding was wholly of cotton 
or woolen materials. A certain amount of tow was used for tow- 
eling, bagging, smock frocks and pantaloons, for summer working 
clothes for the men. From time to time, a little flax was raised, 
especially to make linen, chiefly for a few finer towels and table- 
cloths, the luxuries of the household. 
Those who live in our large towns, where they buy even their 
bread and butter, their milk and radishes, have no idea of the 
large amount of domestic goods, in wool and cotton, made by the 
women of the rural population of the interior, even in these days 
of huge factories. Without touching upon the subject of polit- 
ical economy, although its moral aspect must ever be a highly 
important one, it is certainly pleasant to see the women busy in 
this way, beneath the family roof, and one is much disposed to 
believe that the home system is healthier and safer for the indi- 
vidual, in every way. Home, we may rest assured, will always 
be, as a rule, the best place for a woman ; her labors, pleasures, 
