2^6 



in the woollen, than in moll other manufaftures. It is alfo applicable 

 to fo many diflerent purpofes of life, affumes fuch a variety of forms, 

 as I have faid, and puts forth fo many different ramifications from each 

 of its branches, that there is endlefs fcope for the inventive genius and 

 Ikill, of the intelligent workman. 



The different kinds of excellence, at which the woollen manufafture 

 may aim, are almofl as varied and numerous as the branches of the 

 manufafture. — Softnefs — lightnefs — warmth — firmnefs of texture — durabi- 

 lity — brilliancy of die — according to the various purpofes, for which 

 the manufafture is intended. A philofophic obferver will be (truck with 

 aftonifliment and delight, when he confiders the woollen manufacture j 

 for there is none, in which the ingenuity of the commercial fpirit, in 

 which the triumphant induftry of man appears fo confpicuous. 



The woollen manufafture, though it fometimes facrifices to fafliion, 

 and minifters to vanity, deals, for the mod part, in articles of the firft 

 neccflity ; indifpenfable requifites of wearing apparel for both fexes, of 

 houfliold furniture, as blankets, carpets, curtains, hangings, and many 

 other things, the linings and trimmings of carriages ; fuch things, as in 

 every part of the world, in all changes of times, and variations in the 

 manners of men, mufl be in univerfal demand. 



The boundlefs capabilities and incalculable value of this manufaflure ap- 

 pear, from what it has effectuated in England and France : and the jealous 

 folicitudc of the former country, to engrofs it to herfelf, was fuch that 

 fhe confidered it as a more valuable objeft, in itfelf, than the linen 

 manufacture, as may be collefted, from the addrefs of the Englifli Houfe 

 of Commons, on the fubjeft, to King William ; and from her fuffering 

 Ireland to retain pofleffion of the latter manufafture, by compaft. To 

 the beneficial eftefts of this manufafture, we may chiefly attribute the 

 profperous fituation of Ireland, at the time of the revolution, and for 

 fome years after; which was fuch, that in the year 1698, the balance 

 of import and export was 419,442/. in favour of Ireland — a great fum 



in thofe days I 



The 



* See the able and ufefu! pamphlet of the late Provoit HutclAnfon, on the commer- 

 cial rellraints of Inland. 



