Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/132

106 of Moravia, they have to thank the wearing of hair nets for the employment of thousands of hands, let us hope the fashion will continue. In this part they do a good trade in sale of hair and variety of hair-made articles.

The staple industry in the East of Bohemia is the leather in its several branches from saddlery to portemonnaies. Brushes are also made in this district.

Amongst the least profitable of occupations is the making of thread buttons, and so it is well that the labour of children can be employed in their production.

Of all our home-industries; the most common is that which is concerned with the production of embroidery and lace, this demands a high standard of natural intelligence combined with patience and good taste. Our people possess the necessary good qualities and from many years have succeeded in producing laces and embroideries that can stand comparison with the work of other lace-making countries. But the authorities, imperial, provincial and municipal, have determined that the work people shall not be permitted „to rest on their laurels“, and therefore, for insuring continuance of progressive improvement in the condition of the people and the products of their labour, schools have been established by the various authorities throughout the country for the special training of workers.

Lectures on technical subjects are delivered, and lessons in drawing and original design imparted to all who show a special aptitude for art work. While new designs are continually being produced, the study and reproduction of the antique is encouraged especially the patterns of old Bohemian lace which are highly esteemed by all who appreciate fine work and beautiful design.

Linen and cotton under-wear, ladies’ robes, cravats, umbrellas, sunshades and gloves are made in Prague and the adjacent neighbourhood. The workers engaged in the production of the articles named, have benefited by the tendency in this age of hurry, for purchasers to prefer a ready-made article.

Many of the towns in their rapid extension, show the beneficial effects of the development of our home and factory industries. This is especially marked in the moun-