Halliday of Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. George F. Cook of Richmond, Virginia, and the Misses Allen of Deerfield, Massachusetts. To many friends, and many strangers, who have secured for me single articles or single photographs, I bere repeat the thanks already given for their kindness. There were two constant obstacles in the path: An article would be found and a name given by old-time country folk, but no dictionary contained the word, no printed description of its use or purpose could be obtained, though a century ago it was in every household. Again, some curiously shaped utensil or tool might be displayed and its use indicated; but it was nameless, and it took long inquiry and deduction, the faculty of " taking a bint,” -to christen it. It is plain that different vocations and occupations had not only implements but a vocabulary of their own, and all have become almost obsolete; to the various terms, phrases, and names, once in general application and use in spinning, weaving, and kindred occupations, and now half forgotten, might be given the descriptive title, a "bomespun vocabulary." By definite explanation of these terms many a good old English word and phrase bas been rescued from disuse. ALICE MORSE EARLE. Suydam House, Bushwick, Long Island, 1700. Sabin Hall, Virginia Frontispiece Page 4 7 13 20 21 22 26 28 29 30 White-Ellery House, Gloucester, Massachusetts, 1707 Birthplace of John Adams and John Quincy Adams . Knocker from John Hancock House Knocker from Winslow House, Marshfield. Massachusetts |