2 8 Mr. Henry on the Conftfiency of , &c. 
would moft probably fupply them with the means 
of improving and fixing their dyes ? 
This fubjeCt would afford matter for very ex- 
tenfive difquifition; but I fear I have already 
trefpafled on the patience of the fociety. Suffer 
me, therefore, only to requeft your indulgence 
while I point out one other fource of improve¬ 
ment and pleafure, confident with the purfuits, 
and frequently advantageous, and even neceflary 
to the bufinefs of the tradefman. 
A tafte for the Polite Arts, efpecially thofe of 
drawing and defign, fhould appear a defirable 
acquifition to the manufacturer of the finer and 
more elegant wares. If not poflefled of this, 
he is always dependent on others for the patterns 
of his fabrics. Whereas, were he capable of 
inventing them himfelf, he would poflefs con- 
fiderable advantages over his lefs accomplifhed 
neighbours. His imagination would continu¬ 
ally fupply him with fomething new; and of 
what importance novelty is, in thefe times of 
fafhion and fancy, every day’s experience furnifhes 
convincing proofs. It is this fupereminent tafte 
that has diftinguilhed the productions of a Wedg¬ 
wood and a Bentley above all their competitors 
in the fame line of bufinefs. Such a tafte would 
doubtlefs be equally beneficial to the manu¬ 
facturer of the fine cotton and filk goods of 
Manchcfter; and he would be enabled to equal 
in 
