256 



DICKSON ON THE 



warp by the shuttle. In general the Greeks and Romans 

 used an upright loom, not unlike that of the ancient Egyp- 

 tians, but more closely approaching the lightness and neatness 

 the embroidering frames used by modern ladies in working 

 Berlin wool. In fact, such a frame placed erect, having the 

 warp thread wound on the upper bar and then passing the 

 whole length of the frame to the lower bar, with leash rods 

 somewhere about the centre to keep the alternate threads of the 

 warp seperate, would be no inadequate representation of a 

 Roman loom of the upright kind. The weaver, in working 

 at this loom, was obliged to stand and move about in directing 

 the shuttle, especially if the cloth to be woven exceeded a 

 very moderate breadth. The horizontal loom to which 

 weavers sit was, indeed, known in ancient times, but does not 

 appear to be much used before the third or fourth century of 

 the Christian era. In the Egyptian loom the process of 

 weaving proceeded upwards, and the weft, after being shot 

 through, was driven home by an iron bar. In most of the 

 old Grecian and Roman looms, the process of weaving was 

 downwards, and the weft was driven home by an instrument 

 called a spatha, which was similar to a wooden sword. In 

 later times the spatha was superseded by a comb ; and this is 

 the instrument still used by the Hindoos. In our looms the 

 process of driving home the weft is effected by the reed, 

 which is made from cane, and fixed in what are called slays, 

 which work on an axle, and are pulled to by the hand with 

 a double Moid, if strong goods are required; and a single 

 stroke if light goods are wished for, such a cambric, &c. 



Having alluded to the contrivances by which the female 

 Egyptians of the highest rank produced Flax-yarns and fine 

 linens, we must not forget that in Britain the distaff and loom 

 have been also used by females of the highest rank. The 

 daughters of King Edward the Elder were regularly in- 

 structed in spinning and weaving ; and the immortal Alfred, 



