No. 149.] 151 



The best authority ascribes the discovery to the Plicenicians. 

 The beautiful glass made by the inhabitants of Sidon and Alex- 

 andria, A. D. 79, was cut, engraved, gilded, and stained of the 

 richest colors in imitation of precious stones, and exported to all 

 parts of the then civilized world. From thence it was carried 

 to Rome where it was practised for a long period. Venice sub- 

 sequently excelled in tlie manufacture of glass, and enjoyed a 

 monopoly of it for many years. 



The first window glass manufactory in England w^as begun in 

 1757. Sheets of blown glass for looking glasses and coach win- 

 dows were made in England in 1673 by Venitian artizans. About 

 1688 tlie casting of mirror plates commenced in France, and 

 such was the progress and perfection of its manufacture there, 

 that for near a century France held a monopoly in this depart- 

 ment of the art Immense improvements have been made in 

 the manufacture of glass, and it has been supposed to have 

 reached perfection only in England and Bohemia. 



English flint glass has been celebrated for many years. Tlie 

 beautiful crystal appearance of the vessels made of it, particu- 

 larly after having been cut; such as tumblers, wine glasses, 

 decanters, and dishes of various kinds, have obtained for it 

 almost universal admiration ; and it constitutes an article of vast 

 amount in the annual exports of Great Brittain. The name of 

 flint glass originated in th« fact that formerly the silicious portion 

 of it consisted of flint, which was calcined and ground. The use 

 of flint has been entirely disccntinued, and sand, of a peculiar 

 quality, substituted. 



In Bohemia, one of the Austrian States, witli a population of 

 four to five millions, one fourtli of the whole are engaged in 

 manufactures. Few of their products are mucii known in foreign 

 countries, except their linen and glass. The Bohemian glass, 

 though not so j^ure as that of England or France, has stood un- 

 rivalled for the beauty of its gilding, staining, painting, and its 

 lightness and rich appearance. 



The peculiar properties ol glass are exceedingly interesting ; 

 some of which we will state It is highly elastic, sonorous, and 



