128 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND 



ter means of becoming educated by scientific schools, public gal- 

 leries, and perpetual exhibitions of art, than in France. And 

 precisely in accordance with this fact, we find all the higher 

 branches of manufactures, with which science or design has 

 aught to do, preeminently successful among the French. Com- 

 pared with them, we, in practice at least, confess ourselves mere 

 ; - outside barbarians," trimming every thing, or so many things as 

 we do, to the Parisian mode; and this is simply because the 

 Parisian is a cultivated mode. So, likewise, when our manu- 

 facturers copy French patterns, and forge in market the French 

 Jivery for their goods, they do it from no instinctive felonious 

 intent, but because French design proceeds from an inexhaust- 

 ible classic source, and therefore implies, so far, a more absolute 

 correctness of taste. 



But, not to dwell on a theory which rests upon the testimony 

 of many a scientific artisan and operative, the testimony of work- 

 ers in metals, house-decorators, paper-hangers, upholsterers, silk- 

 manufacturers, and a multitude of others, we pass on, giving a 

 glad welcome to the day when our merchant-princes, and our 

 princely manufacturers, shall find, as they seem to be finding, a 

 more intimate relation between wealth, labor, and the higher 

 arts; and, finding it, shall see and do what enlightened views of 

 their true interest may dictate. 



In the department of woolen cloths, the committee were at 

 first surprised to find so little competition. The mystery was 

 solved, however, when they came to examine six pieces of broad- 

 cloth, manufactured by the Northampton Woolen Company. 

 The superlatively fine finish imparted to their goods, has given 

 to this company a preeminence, which virtually forecfbses com- 

 petition. From what hidden knowledge this superior skill is 

 derived, is more than the committee could divulge. We doubt 

 whether even the delicate texture of the linnet's wing, dyed in 

 the deep dark gloss of the raven's crest, would produce a fabric 

 more soft and lustrous than the body of these broadcloths. We 

 understand the goods of the company have, for years, carried 

 off the first honors, at all our great public fairs. 



Flannels, dressed and undressed, carpetings, hearth-rugs and 

 counterpanes, seem to have engrossed' the industry and ingenu- 



