405 



As chcapnefs is chiefly consulted, in the Irtjh editions of books ; it 

 cannot be fuppofed, they (hould contribute much to the improvement or 

 profperity of the paper manufacture. In faft, the type and the paper 

 of thcfe publications are, in general, fo execrable, and they are fo mi- 

 ferably executed, in point of correftnefs, that they are a difgrace to the 

 country ; and thus it will be, while literary property remains unpro- 

 tefted. 



The article of paper-hangings, in the prefent mode of fitting up 

 houfes, is become a very confiderable part of the paper manufafture. 

 As the excellence of this branch chiefly confifts, in the elegance of 

 pattern and brilliancy of colouring, the ftudy of drawing and defign, 

 and the knowledge muft contribute greatly to an excellence iti this de- 

 partment ; and in this refpcft, we are vaftly inferior, as yet, to the 

 manufafturers of Engla7id ; and they, I believe, are inferior to the ma- 

 nufailurers of France. This being a matter, merely of tafte and fci- 

 ence, the country is inexcufable that acquiefces, for any length of time, 

 under an inferiority which can only proceed from want of genius, or 

 want of induflry. At prefent there is a very large import of paper- 

 hangings, as well as of all the other branches of the paper manufac- 

 ture. ■ 



It is to be obferved, as a confideration, which ought to ftimulate the 

 exertions of the /r//% people, in this branch of indufliry, that it would 

 aflFord them, were it extenfively carried on, through all its fubdenomi- 

 nations, the materials of a very profitable commerce, with America and 

 the Wejl-Indies ; particularly in printed books, maps, prints, and en- 

 gravings of all kinds, and paper-hangings. In particular, it is incredi- 

 ble with what avidity, the people of America call for cheap editions 

 of printed books ; and for all kinds of engravings, which I underftand 

 are much fought for by the people of America. 



In the manufadure of paper, there may be a variation of procefs, 

 according to the various deftinations of the paper, for writing— printing 

 — engraving — drawing — furniture, or hangings. This variation may, per- 

 haps 



