Historical information

Dry foods for domestic use were packaged in cloth bags from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century. As the bags contain the name Parsons' it could be presumed that they were oat bags as the Parsons Company packaged a variety of groceries for the Australian market including oats.

Significance

The bags provide an example of calico bags used to store dry goods. Being presented as a ‘Farm Animal Series’ gives them added value as a collectable item and may have been an advertising ploy used by the company.

Physical description

A set of two calico bags from the Parsons' company - most likely bought as oat bags. The two are: No 1. (Clydesdale) and No 3. (Suffolk) from the Parsons' Farm Animal Series. Each bag has a multicoloured ink picture and written information about the horse described on the bag.

Inscriptions & markings

8650.1 PARSONS' FARM ANIMAL SERIES No. 1, CLYDESDALE, The Clydesdale originated in the valley of the Clyde, Scotland. The main characteristics of the Clydesdale are ability to acclimatise in all parts of the world and perform all types of draught work. Clydesdale breeders lay emphasis upon bone, quality, weight, and action. The feet must be proportionate to the size of the horse, the hoof-head should have a full crown, with heels wide and quarters strong.
8650.2 PARSONS' FARM ANIMAL SERIES No. 3, SUFFOLK, The Suffolk, often known as the Suffolk Punch, originated in the County of Suffolk, England and is noted for its hardiness. From 15 to 16 hands in height, the Suffolk in general is smaller than the Clydesdale. The head is rather coarse, with the neck short. The body long, deep and wide with a round full appearance. The croup is straight, the legs short and free from feather. The invariable colour is chestnut, varying from light to dark.