weaver and brought together with
a small hand comb. The same style of loom, arranged vertically, is that
on which some of the richly figured cotton rugs from the Deccan are
woven.

In some parts of Turkey there are European factories that have adopted
some of the native methods; but as the majority of Turkish rugs are apt
to be crooked, frames that weave them straight are now imported from
Europe.

Mrs. Isabella Bird Bishop describes a tribe of people living at
Biratori, on the Island of Yezo, Japan, and bearing the name of Ainos,
whose women employ their time in weaving mats. Their loom is certainly a
most primitive arrangement. A comb-like frame, through which the threads
pass, rests on the ankles of the weaver. There is a heavy hook fastened
in the ground or floor, and to this the threads at the far end of the
web are sewed. A cord fastens the near end to the waist of the weaver,
who by spinal rigidity supplies the necessary tension. As the work
proceeds, she drags herself along nearer and nearer the hook. This is
slow work, only about a foot being accomplished in a day; as in other
countries, however, the women enjoy the neighborly chats that their work
allows; and often two or more will bring to the house of a neighbor
their simple apparatus, and, hanging the hooks to the roof or to a tree,
will weave all day.

[Illustration: TURKISH LOOM AND WEAVERS]

The power looms of modern civilization are chiefly to be found in the
United States and Great Britain, Philadelphia being the principal
American centre, and Kidderminster, Wilton, Worcester, Rochdale,
Halifax, Dewsbury, and Durham, the English centres. Brussels and
Scotland contain a number of such looms. In all Western countries
schools of art furnish most of the designs, and have done much to
improve taste. This can also be said of good colorists in their branch
of this industry.

[Illustration: A LOOM]

THE WEAVERS

Rug-weaving in the Orient is an industry that, until recent years, has
been carried on almost exclusively by women and girls. From childhood to
womanhood, and on to old age, these weavers are at work. Girls of six
years of age help their mothers, until they become experienced by long
practice. Even ladies of rank and wealth weave rugs of fine quality for
their own homes. In some districts, besides weaving for the market,
girls weave one or two rugs for their dowry; this purpose furnishes them
with enough excitement to keep them interested i