116 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1919. 



The most important accession of textile specimens received during the 

 year was a collection of thirty-one samples of pile fabrics andamohju 

 automobile rug, contributed by Sidney Blumenthal & Co, (Inc.), 

 of New York City, in addition to the numerous specimens from their 

 looms already on exhibition. These beautiful fabrics for dress and 

 upholstery use, comprise all silk chiffon velvets ; fur fabrics of mohair 

 and artificial silk, made in imitation of mole, fox, beaver, and seal 

 furs; novelty dress fabrics of artificial silk and combinations of wool, 

 artificial silk, schappe silk, tussah, and cotton. The specimens com- 

 prising this accession were carefully chosen, and though difficult to 

 install, present a very fine appearance. 



To the Hewlett & Hockmeyer Co. (Inc.), New York City, the 

 Museum is indebted for ten specimens of cotton corduroys, twilled 

 suitings, and leather cloth; the last-named being adapted for army 

 trench coats, submarine coats, aviators' costumes, pocketbooks, and 

 military novelties. Other types of waterproof textiles extensively 

 used during the war with Germany were included in a series of coated 

 cotton fabrics and articles made therefrom, which were contributed 

 by the Standard Textile Products Co., New York City. 



H. E. Mallinson & Co. (Inc.) , New York City, replaced the samples 

 of printed silk dress goods, formerly contributed by them, with four- 

 teen specimens of their " La Victoire " silks illustrating the influence 

 of the war upon textile design. From J. A. Migel (Inc.), also of 

 New York City, were received two specimens of novelty dress silks. 



The Museum's collection of oriental shawls has been enriched by 

 the acquisition of two cashmere shawls of wonderful beauty due to 

 the unusualness of the patterns and exceptionally fine workmanship, 

 one received as a loan from Mrs. Ralph Cross Johnson, and the other 

 deposited by Mrs. C. D. Walcott, both of Washington, District of 

 Columbia. 



A popular exhibit and one which attracted a great deal of attention, 

 contributed by S. B. & B. W.Fleisher, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was 

 of timely intrest, for the reason that it was received at a time when the 

 American Red Cross, by various methods of publicity, were pointing 

 out to the women of the United States a method by which they could 

 be of service to their country and add to the comfort and welfare of 

 American soldiers, who were enduring hardships g^nd dangers of 

 warfare on land and sea, by knitting articles of wearing apparel. 

 This exhibit consists of a series of knitting and crocheting yarns of 

 wool, wool and silk mixtures, and mohair, in various weights, together 

 with a crocheted or knitted square of each specimen, to show the 

 different pattern stitches. Also handmade garments for both per- 

 sonal and service wear, as well as afghans and a blanket. 



For the purpose of calling attention to the importance and wide 



