many strangers, who have secured for
me single articles or single photographs, I here 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 hint,"--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 "homespun vocabulary." By
definite explanation of these terms many a good old English word and
phrase has been rescued from disuse._

_ALICE MORSE EARLE._

Contents

Page

I. Homes of the Colonists 1

II. The Light of Other Days 32

III. The Kitchen Fireside 52

IV. The Serving of Meals 76

V. Food from Forest and Sea 108

VI. Indian Corn 126

VII. Meat and Drink 142

VIII. Flax Culture and Spinning 166

IX. Wool Culture and Spinning, with a Postscript on Cotton 187

X. Hand-Weaving 212

XI. Girls' Occupations 252

XII. Dress of the Colonists 281

XIII. Jack-knife Industries 300

XIV. Travel, Transportation, and Taverns 325

XV. Sunday in the Colonies 364

XVI. Colonial Neighborliness 388

XVII. Old-time Flower Gardens