78 MitchiWs View of the Manufactures 
der tlie head of sheep, for example, we learn that Vermont 
contains a stock of 450,000 ; Massachusetts 899,188 ; 
Connecticut 400,000 ; and Pennsylvania 1,466,918.— 
Among these are included the individuals of the merino 
breed, and of the mixed race derived from their commu- 
nication with the ordinary kind. From these premises 
we deduce favourable conclusions as to the food derived 
from their carcasses, the leather from their skins, and 
above all the clothing from their fleeces. 
The number of looms, and of carding and spinning 
machines, almost exceeds belief, as does also the amount 
of cloth prepared by the inhabitants. The woollen ma- 
nufacture has prodigiously increased, as well in the qua- 
lity and variety, as in the quantity of the goods. Such 
advances are already made toward supplying domestic 
fabrics enough to clothe the people, that but few years 
more will be necessary, under the existing commercial re- 
strictions, to effect that important object. 
The progress made in the preparation of cotton-twist, 
and of the articles into which it may be manufactured by 
the weaver, has been still more rapid and surprising. 
From a perusal of these papers, the most comfortable as- 
surance is derived of the amount and fitness of these pro- 
ducts of the loom, to afford a covering to man, and fur- 
niture for his habitation. 
The fabrics of flax are also so far extended, and so 
much on the increase, as to excite the most cheering 
prospects of an augmented supply to our citizens, from 
their own proper labour and skill. The superior excel- 
lence of homespun linen is the strongest of all recom- 
mendations. 
These papers contain a more distinct and interesting 
exhibition than we ever had before of the saltpetre ma- 
nufactured in the states. Thus Virginia prepares 59,175 
pounds : Kentucky 801, 987 5 Massachusetts 88,600 $ 
