188 ON THE SILKS OF JAPAN. 



perfectly made. There is no doubt that great improvements might be 

 effected in their manufacture, and render them an important and lucra- 

 tive article of export. 



We also noticed some specimens of the Turkish pastilles called hours, 

 which are round, flat, gilt discs, used in the harem for sweet fumigations, 

 or by smokers to increase the aroma of the tobacco. Chaplets and brace- 

 lets made of scented paste, kohl for darkening the eyelids, and various 

 other cosmetics used by Turkish ladies, are likewise exhibited. All these 

 preparations are of a very primitive form, and exhale a strong odour of 

 musk, ambergris, and sandalwood^ which appear to be the prevalent per- 

 fumes in the East, but are generally considered too strong and oppressive 

 for European nerves. 



In 1851 the United States sent nine exhibitors of perfumery, which 

 number has dwindled down to two in the present Exhibition — a fact 

 easily explained by the present disturbed state of that country. These 

 two show essential oils of American production, comprising peppermint, 

 spearmint, sassafras, and winter-green. The first is not equal in quality 

 to the English oil, but sells at about one quarter of the price ; the other 

 three are largely used by perfumers for scenting common soaps. 



ON THE SILKS OF JAPAN. 



BY COMMODORE LORD JOHN HAY, C.B. 



The collection shown in the International Exhibition, containing spe- 

 cimens of every description of silk that can be obtained in Japan, was 

 made up by H.M. Consul at Kanagawa (Captain H. Vyse) and myself. 

 We were assisted by that well-known and very greatly respected gentle- 

 man Monsr. Jaquemont, of Yokohama, who has been for some time past 

 engaged in the silk trade with Japan, where his industry, intelligence, 

 and probity in all his dealings are thoroughly appreciated. On reference 

 to the appended table it will be seen that of the great varieties of silk in 

 Japan the larger proportion have never been permitted to reach the 

 European market ; and any one conversant with the subject will observe, 

 in a glance at the specimens, that five or six of the best qualities of silk 

 have never before appeared in England. This restriction upon the ex- 

 port of the better qualities of the raw silk, no doubt arises from the 

 action of the Government of Japan, always most jealous of Foreigners 

 and of any increase to the Foreign trade : but it is gratifying to find that 

 the supply of these better qualities, although at present limited, could, 

 under more liberal government in trade, be indefinitely increased. 



