[ i€ 7 I 



MANUFACTURES. 



About a century aga the woollen manufactories in the town of 

 Taunton were in a very flourishing condition, and of course some 

 of its benefits devolved to the agriculturist ; but of late years the 

 warmth of party at the elections of their representatives in Parlia- 

 ment has ran so high, that it has not subsided from one election to 

 another ; by which means manufactures declined, and have been 

 removed to Wellington and other places. So that it may fairly be 

 inferred, that if the right of election to members in Parliament 

 has been injurious to any borough in the kingdom, it has been so 

 to this. 



There are, however, some hopes that trade may revive here, as 

 the carding and spinning machinery have been lately introduced 

 with considerable spirit, and perseverance. Some gentlemen in 

 this town have lately formed a connection with the patentees pos- 

 sessing the secret of making cloth without either spinning, or weav- 

 ing ; and it must be acknowledged, that the samples they have ex- 

 hibited, give flattering prospects of success. 



Though the trade of Taunton has declined, yet considerable 

 manufactories are carried on at Wellington, Wiveliscombe, and 

 other places ; and many thousand hands are employed therein. 



Before I quit this rich, and delightful vale, I must not pass by 

 unnoticed, their orchards, from which cyder is made in the highest 

 perfection. There are many gentlemen in the neighbourhood of 

 Taunton, who sell their best cyder for five or six pounds per hogs- 

 head ; and it is supposed that they possess an art, peculiar to them- 

 selves, of conducting the fermentation, and thereby preserving a 

 rich, and delicious flavor. The best fruit delights in a strong 

 clayey soil, and it is common to mix a certain quantity of bitter 

 apples, which add much to its quality for keeping; but unless 

 great attention be observed in making, the labor is in vain; for 

 cyder requires much greater nicety of management, than malt li- 

 quors. The apples are suffered to fall off the trees, or when tho- 



Y 2 roughly 



