I at once realized that in its technique were
the possibilities for the development of a crafts-
manlike rug. Though certainly the appearance
of the one I first saw was anything but hope-
ful. It came from Prince Edward Island, Can-
ada. The maker had evidently been carried
away by the enthusiasm for her skill in hook-
ing and had ingenuously and likewise ingen-
iously, worked in a pattern of raised roses in
the center panel of her rug. This pattern was
padded from underneath to give the roses the
appearance of reality. It was very solidly con-
structed and much above the average level of
the rug's surface. It was a real obstruction,
but there its reality ended. It made the rug
inartistic and unserviceable. First of all, inar-
tistic because nature cannot be reproduced in



THE HOOKED BUG 105

woolen thread. It can be represented only in
any medium "with artistic reality. Second, be-
cause of this inappropriate plan the rug could
not last well. The raised portions being more
exposed than the lower portions would wear
out sooner.
One of the greatest benefits which come from
founding village industries is raising the stand-
ard of public taste. This influence comes di-
rectly through the individual worker, who in
connection with rug-making begins to study a
little design. So besides the benefit- to the
community, the individual worker has a keener
interest in the work because of being able to
plan it well.
