24
'Biting fruit which you do not intend to eat is improper,1
'The wicked borrow and never return; but Christians and
well-bred people make it a rule to return whatever they
borrow, as soon as convenient/
T Be careful not to slam doors hard, nor walk heavy up and
down stairs; itshows a noisy sense.1
'Never be found agazing round and looking over your shoulder,
when you are going through a city or village, or by a house;
if necessary to look then stop and view handsomely; or wait until
you get fairly by, and then turn round and make a business of
looking.'
r Never try to pester any person on account of his form,
features, or complexion; for itis very mean. "
So scrupulously did the Shakers live up to the tenets of their belief,
that "their name became symbolic of thrift,, integrity and sincerity." 12
The order and pattern of their lives and clothing was similarly re-
flected in their buildings and furniture. In their large dwelling house, there
were two entrances and two stairs--one for men, one for women. All mold-
ings were as plain as could be; all woodwork was light in color because it
was not permitted to become dirty. Walls were whitewashed or painted.
Beds were very narrow, low, simple, with low wooden head and footboards,
always painted dark green, and with large strong wooden casters. A Shaker
chair could be slender because it was not misused. The woods usually used
were pine, maple, cherry and butternut--all of which would be found on their
own property. Outside, there would be neat fencing, either granite posts
connected by chains or square white rails, or white picket. Shaker barns

12, O'Brien, Harriet Lost Utopias. Perry Walton, Boston, Mass. ,
c, 1929. p, 34