Page:Repository of Arts, Series 1, Volume 01, 1809, January-June.djvu/80

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afford the manufacturer an opportunity of circulating a new article more extensively in one day, than can be done by sending a dozen riders with it through the country. It will likewise afford persons at a distance from the metropolis the means of examining and estimating the merit of the fabric, and of being made acquainted with the tradesman from whom it may be purchased.

Among the fashionable articles for gentlemen’s wear, we have given one of plush, manufactured from mohair, some of which are made in imitation of fur, others rival an article of the same nature made with silk.

The present cold weather has induced our young men of fashion to introduce this article pretty generally. The appearance is genteel and comfortable. The utility of this fabric for vests is sanctioned by sporting gentlemen, who have the lower part of the vest for six or seven inches lined with the same. After a hard chase, the loins do not experience that chill and cold which is often fell in the ride home, owing to the gentle irritation and warmth of the plush, which absorbs the perspiration.

At Coventry, the silk and ribbon manufactures are very much declined, but the introduction of this article, (at present made only by Messrs. Harris’s [sic]) if if it becomes general, bids fair to employ the poor of that place during the winter season. The pattern No. 1, is one among a great variety of colours of this article which we have observed in the shops of Mr. Smith, Prince’s-Street, Soho; Messrs. Maunds, Cornhill; and at the principal men-mercers. It is sold considerably under the silk plush, and looks as well.

No. 2 is the gold-coloured velvet described in the mantle of them morning dress, plate 1, and may be had of D. and P. Cooper, Pall-Mall.

No. 3 is a pattern of brocade or tissue, very much worn for pelisses, from Robarts, Plowman, and Snuggs, Chandos-Street, Covent-Garden.

No. 4 is an entire new flowered satin, for evening dresses, furnished by Harris, Moody, and Co. Pall-Mall.

The three last patterns are the manufacture of Spitalfields. The introduction of silks among our ladies of fashion, has revived the almost declining employment of the silk-weavers, and if it has the effect of excluding the fine fabrics of Indian manufacture, to the increase of our artizans [sic] at home, we shall feel very happy in the exchange.