Letters From An American Farmer By Hector St. John De Crevecoeur



















































































































































 -  I must confess, that I have
never seen more ingenuity in the use of the knife; thus the most
idle - Page 190
Letters From An American Farmer By Hector St. John De Crevecoeur - Page 190 of 291 - First - Home

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I Must Confess, That I Have Never Seen More Ingenuity In The Use Of The Knife; Thus The Most Idle Moments Of Their Lives Become Usefully Employed.

In the many hours of leisure which their long cruises afford them, they cut and carve a variety of boxes and pretty toys, in wood, adapted to different uses; which they bring home as testimonies of remembrance to their wives or sweethearts.

They have showed me a variety of little bowls and other implements, executed cooper-wise, with the greatest neatness and elegance. You will be pleased to remember they are all brought up to the trade of coopers, be their future intentions or fortunes what they may; therefore almost every man in this island has always two knives in his pocket, one much larger than the other; and though they hold everything that is called fashion in the utmost contempt, yet they are as difficult to please, and as extravagant in the choice and price of their knives, as any young buck in Boston would be about his hat, buckles, or coat. As soon as a knife is injured, or superseded by a more convenient one, it is carefully laid up in some corner of their desk. I once saw upwards of fifty thus preserved at Mr. - - 's, one of the worthiest men on this island; and among the whole, there was not one that perfectly resembled another. As the sea excursions are often very long, their wives in their absence are necessarily obliged to transact business, to settle accounts, and in short, to rule and provide for their families.

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