CONSIDERATIONS, ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE MANUFACTURE OF WOOL IN GREAT BRITAIN. Written a few years ago. 1 For the Bee. THE advantages that have accrued to these kingdoms, from the introduction of large machines for spinning cotton, are so numerous and so conspicuous, as to render any encomiums on such machines unnecessary; yet it may be proper to mention one or two circumstances, that have not been generally attended to: they have served to convince the public of what vast service the use of machines is, in carrying on great works, and have fully demonstrated the tutility of every argu nent, adduced with a design to how that they tend to diminish the number of hands employed in any manufacture, or lefsen the profits of the industrious labourer: If any one yet retains such an opinion, let him examine the counties of Lancaster, Cheshire, Derby, Nottingham &c. where such machines have been most generally established, and he will find his suspicions totally without foundation; the number of hands employed. in the cotton works being increased beyond credibility, and the earnings of the industrious, both men and women, raised much higher than they used to be. These are facts which admit not of dispute; and if the spinning cotton by engines on a large scale, has been productive of such general good, how much more benefit will arrise from the preparing and spinning wool by a like method! I fhall endeavour to point out some of those advantages, leaving the reader's mind to furnish many others, which the space I allow myself will not permit me to enlarge upon. 1. Cotton being an article of foreign growth, may be imported by any other commercial nation, as the French, Spaniards, c. in any quantity required, whenever they fhall have introduced such machines as have been already used in England; and that attempts to obtain and introduce them into foreign countries have been made, is well known; but wool, which is peculiarly the growth of this country, and considered the staple commodity of it, can hardly be worked to advantage elsewhere, if, by increasing the consumption of it in our own manufactures, a stop is put to the practice of smuggling it into other countries, by which illicit practice only, foreigners have been enabled to undersel us in distant markets. 2. The land holder would be greatly benefitted by the introduction of large machines in the manufacture of wool; for as the demand for that article may reasonably be expected to increase as much, at least, as that for cotton has done, the breeding of sheep will increase, and the value of land rise in the same proportion. The whole nation will indeed be benefitted in a mode distinct from the enlargement of its commerce; for from the quantity of sheep bred, provisions will be lowered, and from the cheapness at which all woollen goods may be manufactured, they will be brought at lower rates to market. Thus every individual in this country will find the advantage resulting to the whole kingdom, from such a wise and truly politic measure. The laudable attention which the society institu ted at London for the encouragement of arts, has constantly paid to the promoting the manufactures of these kingdoms, deserves the highest commendation, and has been attended with the most beneficial effects. Happy would it be, if that society were in such circumstances, as to enable them to offer a premium of sufficient value, to stimulate the ingenious mechanics of this country, to perfect a machine equally well adapted to the preparing and spinning wool, as those in use in the cotton works are to the preparing and spinning that article; but whoever shall be fortunate enough to complete such an engine, will richly merit a reward far beyond the abilities of the society to grant. After having considered various modes of raising a sufficient sum of money to reward the person who fhall produce such a machine as will effectually answer the intention required, I beg leave to suggest the expedient of an adequate premium being offered for it by parliament, as was formerly done for the discovery of the longitude, or any other manner as to their wisdom fhall seem more proper; and as there is every reason to believe, that the first hint of machines for spinning a number of threads of wool; cotton, c. by one hand, at one time, originated with the society for encouragement of arts, see the first volume of their transactions page 33. it 321 may be presumed if that body, afsisted by the advice of other able mechanics, were to superintend the working such machines as may be produced, till their merits were fully ascertained, and the comparative excellence of one over the others, decidedly proved; it is, I say, to be presumed, under such circumstances, this most desirable end, might, in the compass of a few years, be obtained, to the universal benefit of this country. The parliament have already bestowed rewards on ingenious persons for their discoveries; but no object hitherto brought before them, whether considered with respect to magnitude or utility, has been in any degree comparable with this now mentioned; the reward therefore fhould be proportioned accordingly: and if it succeeds, there is not a doubt but the staple trade of these kingdoms, will receive from it such benefit, as will eternize the memory of those who proposed it, or in any degree contributed to the bringing it to perfection*. D. G. * The great object pointed at in the above disquisition is now accomplished. A machine for spinning wool is now going in Edinburgh, and performs its work much better, than it ever could be done by hand. Add to this that the society instituted of late for the improvement of British wool, by turning the attention of the nation to this impor tant branch of economics, promises to effect the happiest improvements. When this society first hinted that as fine wool might be reared in Scotland as in Spain, some manufacturers in the south of England sneered at the proposal. The fact is now ascertained experimentally beyond a doubt; and I have just now in my possession as fine wool of the fhort Spanish sort reared inScotland, as perhaps any that ever came out of Spain. The only perceptible difference in the quality of this wool VOL: XVii. SS + READING MEMORANDUMS. In the course of human life, weakness will always happen. "From Malborough's eyes the streams of dotage flow, There is certainly more virtue in discharging ve ry burdensome and painful duties with the strictest fidelity, than in merely acting from the impulse of an ardent affection. Jealousy, of all the passions baneful to the peace of mortals, is the hardest to conquer, and its affects the most difficult to be eradicated. With jealousy no peace can dwell, or joy inhabit. In every part of the globe, it is, to its unfortunate victims, the grand enemy of happiness. from the Spanish is, that it seems to be softer to the touch: whether this be only accidental, a little time will fhow. Other advantages that will result from the institution of this society will be developed from time to time in this work. The only thing now wanted to render this improvement of general utility, is to adopt some plan by which work-men may be instructed in the manner of working and taking care of this machinery, so as to enable those who may encline to begin in various parts of the country, to find persons qualified to direct them, and instruct others in the different branches of the business. A plan of this sort we understand has lately been laid before the honourable trustees for improving arts, manufactures, and fisheries in Scotland. And, as few objects can be more deserving the attention of the board than this is, it can scarcely be doubted, but they will consider it with attention, and bestow upon it that encouragement which it fhall be found to deserve. Edit. |