Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/134

108 The last named museum is endeavouring to form an industrial company for the purpose of introducing novelties for the benefit of the bead-makers in Trotín. In this laudable endeavour, they are assisted by the Technological museum of the Prague Chamber of Commerce where they are ever ready to assist the labouring classes in their work of self-improvement, by arranging instructive lectures and giving special advice.

The articles on exhibition at Earl’s Court will enable visitors to form some idea of the wonderful development of Bohemian home industries in their several branches.

Thus far, we have dealt with the subject of the trades generally, we shall now endeavour to give some special information concerning the trades separately.

The principal occupation of the men employed in Turnov and its environs is the polishing of rubies and other precious stones. Those known as „cape rubies“ or „almandines“ are imported from India by way of Germany. Before the operator begins his work, the stones are sorted and arranged as to size and quality. The same preliminary is gone through with the finest class of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, topazes and diamonds.

In addition to the stones named, there are others, which are not strictly classed as „precious“ but capable of a very high polish. These are used in the manufacture of the cheaper kinds of jewellery and for a variety of ornamental purposes.

Some of the work is done in the workshops of tradesmen employing labour, but much is done in the homes of the people.

In this stone polishing, 500 men are kept steadily employed throughout the year, but in exceptionally busy seasons as many as three thousand hands are engaged. At such times, they can turn out polished stones to the value of ₤ 42.000.

The tradesmen of Turnov do not depend entirely on the production of their own workshops, but have a conside-