MANUFACTORV AT BENENDEN. 103 



established for some years, through the exertions of one of the 

 Members for the county* 



HENRIETTA. 



But where did he get the straw? 



MRS. F". 



Being familiar with its mode of cultivation in Tuscany, he 

 pursued the same method for its production here. The infe- 

 rior seed (what is usually denominated tail wheat} was sown 

 very thickly (20 bushels to the acre) upon the most barren 

 soil, and the straw produced, is hardly inferior to the Tus- 

 can.* By unpicking a Leghorn hat, the plait was ascer- 

 tained, and was first taught to a p'oor crippled pauper in the 

 workhouse, who instructed the children in the same art, until 

 a school was gradually formed. A hat w^s exhibited at the 

 Society of Arts some years since, and was rewarded with a 

 medal; and since then the demand for these hats has so 

 rapidly increased as to afford the means of occupation to a 

 considerable number of persons. Thus have the benevolent 

 exertions of its founder been crowned with success; and thus 

 should we all endeavor, when acquiring knowledge ourselves, 

 to turn it to its only true account that of promoting the 

 welfare and best interests of our fellow creatures. 



HENRIETTA. 



Aunt, you say that you were once at Florence; did you see 

 the Mosaic work there? 



The pietra dura manufactory, you mean: yes; I saw it 

 among the other objects of curiosity in Florence, and was 

 much interested in the exhibition. The establishment belongs 

 to the Grand Duke, and works only for him. We went into 

 a large gallery which had cabinets around it, all filled with 

 agates and other fine stones employed in the work. There 



* At Benenden the process of sorting the straws is effected by pass- 

 ing them through wire sieves of different degrees of fineness. 



