eight o'clock in the
morning
The spinning-bees are great fêtes among the industrious maidens of Prince Edward Island . After the spring shearings are over , the wool washed and carded and made into rolls , there begin to circulate invitations to spinning-bees at the different farm-houses . Each girl carries her spinning-wheel on her shoulder . By eight o'clock in the morning all are gathered and at work : some of them have walked ten miles or more , and barefoot too , their shoes slung over the shoulder with the wheel . Once arrived , they waste no time . The rolls of wool are piled high in the corners of the rooms , and it is the ambition of each one to spin all she can before dark . At ten o'clock cakes and lemonade are served ; at twelve , the dinner , -- thick soup , roast meat , vegetables , coffee and tea , and a pudding .