D. J. Maégowan on Chinese and Aztec Plumagery. 59 
_ The foregoing examples, drawn from the popular encyclope- 
dias, throw no light on the mode of manufacturing this elegant 
the same description were also brought from Hohlih [a state de- 
scribed by geographers as being adjacent to Samarcand, perhaps 
Pokhara] made of birds’ feathers ; they were twilled, the crimson 
colored being most valued. The article was too heavy for gar- 
ments. ‘Ihe Cantonese also learned to imitate this, making it 
like plain silk, and inferior to that from abroad. Peacock feath- 
ers are employed by Canton manufacturers in making variegated 
threads which are used itr making beautiful capes for females.” 
Another writer states that a tribe of the Miaut, in Kwangsi, man- 
ufacture clothes from the fine down taken from the abdomen of 
ese. The down and tufts of birds were probably the materi- 
als which were woven into textile-like fabrics. 
From the above, it would appear that the Chinese have lost the 
art of weaving feathers. Plumagery is still practised, however, in 
beauty to the silversmith’s elaborate filagrees. The art appears 
upation is 
