Schwabe
introduced, and Mr. Henry Houldsworth improved and perfected, the
embroidering machines invented by Mr. Heilmann of Mulhausen. The
improvements are so great that the original inventor cannot compete with
them. Rows of needles elaborate the most tasteful designs with a degree of
accuracy to which hand labour cannot approach.

Messrs. Winkworth and Proctor are also producers of high class silks for
ladies' dresses and gentlemen's waistcoats.

Manchester is particularly celebrated for plain silk goods of a superior
quality at a moderate price. There are also manufactories of small wares,
which include parasols and umbrellas. A parasol begins at 4.5d. wholesale.

In Manchester the tastes and costumes of every country are consulted and
suited. The brown cloak of the Spaniard, the poncho of the Chilean, the
bright red or yellow robe of the Chinese, the green turban of the pilgrim
from Mecca, the black blanket of the Caffre, and the red blanket of the
American Indian may all be found in bales in one Manchester warehouse.

In passing through the streets, the sign "Fents" is to be seen on shops in
cellars. These are the odd pieces, of a yard or two in length, cut off the
goods in the manufactories to make up a certain even quantity; and
considerable trade is driven in them. Selections are sometimes bought up as
small ventures by sea captains and emigrants.

Paper-making is carried on extensively in the neighbourhood of Manchester
from cotton waste. This was formerly thrown away; scavengers were even paid
to cart it away. After a time, as its value became quietly known among
paper-makers, parties were found willing to take on themselves the expense of
removing it. By degrees the waste became a regular article of sale; and now,
wherever possible, a paper-mill in this part of the country is placed near,
or worked in conjunction with, a cotton-mill. The introduction of cotton
waste has materially reduced the price of paper. No doubt, when the excise
is abolished, many other articles will be employed for the same purpose.

To describe the railroads, which are every hour departing for every point of
the compass, would take up too much space. But the railway stations, several
of which have been united by works as costly, and almost as extensive, as the
Pyramids of Egypt, are not among the least interesting sights. At these
stations barrels of flour will be found, literally filling acres of warehouse
room, and