THE MODERN HISTORY OF SILK. 165 



those regions is more congenial to the energies of 

 the insect which produces it. And, moreover, we 

 have seen that it has been an article of dress in these 

 countries from time immemorial, whereas, in Europe, 

 its introduction is comparatively of modern date. 



At the end of the sixteenth century, an absurd 

 prejudice continued to prevail in England against our 

 own silken fabrics ; but still the manufacture of it was 

 steadily pursued, and the texture gradually improved. 

 At this time the Rev. William Lea of St John's 

 College, Cambridge, invented a machine for weaving 

 stockings, which was the first means of setting aside 

 the uncomfortable and unshapely hose which were 

 generally worn at that period. The superiority of 

 these soon attracted universal attention, not only at 

 home, but also abroad ; and silk stockings wrought on 

 these machines were eagerly sought after in Italy 

 and other continental states. Great quantities were 

 exported to Italy, where they long maintained a high 

 character for superiority. Keyslar informs us, that, 

 " at Naples, when a tradesman would highly recom- 

 mend his silk stockings, he protests they are right 

 English." * 



Mr Lea, like many other men of genius, whose 

 inventions have benefited mankind, did not meet 

 with the encouragement in England which his impor- 

 tant discovery merited. That enlightened monarch, 

 Henry IV. of France, hearing of the machine, and of 



* Travels through Europe in the year 1730. 



