400 APPENDIX. 



2. Consumption of Silver. 



Silver watches are manufactured chiefly in the mountains 

 of Neufchatel, and in a neighbouring part of the canton of 

 Berne, called Val St. Junier. They export now every year 

 130,000 watches, the mean weight of the silver 

 case being 18 deniers * ; the total consumption of Ounces, 

 silver is . . ... " '.'." . 97,500 



The consumption at Geneva is said by Picot to be 40,000 

 In the last few years a great many silver plates and 

 forks, which were formerly exported from Geneva, 

 have been made at Berne. No mark is established 

 by government in that town, and we have no means 

 whatever of ascertaining the extent of this new 

 trade ; I suppose they melt as much silver as in 

 Geneva, and perhaps much more, say t.^r. 40,000 



Total consumption not under . . ] 77,500 



I believe that the first account (respecting gold) is more pre- 

 cise than this, because there must be in other towns, as Basle, 

 Zurich, and Lausanne, some few goldsmiths, who make com- 

 mon works (forks, spoons, &c. &c.) for the consumption of 

 those towns and not for exportation. I suspect the total 

 consumption is not far from . 200,000 ounces. 



I will add some few observations which may perhaps be of 

 use to you. 



During the 16th century large manufactures of gold gal- 

 loons and laces existed at Geneva, but this branch was gra- 

 dually transferred to Lyons. At the same time watchmakers 

 began to work at Geneva. The first was established in 1587* 

 and the first regulations for that trade were made in 1600. 

 Since this period, the consumption of gold has increased until 

 the year ] 789 ; it then decreased rapidly in consequence of 

 the French revolution, and of our forced union to France. It 

 was gradually decaying, till our watchmakers began to make 

 small watches for ladies. This gave an impulse to their trade, 

 which, however, does not yield the same profit as in 1789. 

 The jeweller's trade has increased since that time; taking 



1 24 deniers in one ounce. 



