The Wilmingtonian., 1823-12-18

sort came from Sdguntum. An eXceiieht
sort Of red earth was found at Cume ;
and Surrentum supplied vases of remarka-
BILE lightness and beauty. Monte Tesla
clio in Rome, is entirely formed Of the frag-
lments of earthen vessels collected during
the course of ages.
Clay gradually fell into tisuse after the
Invention of glass, which occupied its
place at public festivals, temples and the
tables of the rich. Even the poor were at
length able to obtain the latter in the time
of Martial, when two goblets OF glass were
sold for an ass, (about one cent? In the
time of Strabo, the price was twice as
great.
Blown glass, however, was still very ex-
pensive. 1t was manufactured with great
skill in Egypt, and often colored ike pre-
cious stones, and sometimes cut aud GIL
lded. A vase is mentioned In history
which contained an amphorea. This art
passed into PhGnecia, where the Venl-
clans learnd the secret during the crusades
and enjoyed the benefit of it for four cen
|turies, when it was introduced into France
and Germany. A mandatory was estab-
Ilshed in Cos by Colbert near Cherbours.
The French now consider their manufac-
|ture of this article, as superior to that OF
the English.
Porcelain was brought from India to
Constantinople long before it was known
in the north of Europe. 1t is curious to
read in Pancirole, who wrote at the end
of the 10th century. the strange opinions
ent rtained at that time, by the wlsest
men. concerning the materials and the
qualities of porcelain. The learned Sal
muth, commentator on Pancirole, was
no less childish in his ideas on this sub
ject. He regarded it as the happest event
in his life, that he had been permitted to
drink out of china cup, sent as curlo-
sity to Leipsc, and which the owner would
not exchange for golden vessel OF the
same weight.
In 1859, there were but five or six ma
|nufactories of Porcelain in France, four
of which were in Paris; and in 1906 there
were no less than thirty-three in the ca
pital alone. The annual amount Of the
exports of this article are now nearly
30000O dolars-and this great improve
ment is owing principally to the manu-
factory at SevIes, which under the direc-
ton of Mr.. Brogniard has furnished mo-
dels to all the others.
Lthography has lately been made to
answer in ornamenting porcelain; and some
elegant chimney ornaments, ba skets, lamps,
trays, and even tables made of porcelain,
were seen at the exhibition. This article has
also been applied to some new purpose. 1t
may be substituted for stone n!lithorograh-
phic drawings. In Bayeux, the names OF
their streets are written in black upon
white porcelain slabs at the corners; and a
schooner has been supplied with sheeves
made Of the same material.
J A lady proud Of her rank and title was
one day descanting on the superiority o'
the nobility over the rest Of mankind. to
large company of visitors. She observed
A" think we may very well compare thu
-. three classes of people, nobility, gentr,
and commonalty, to the three classes o
sltea-drinking utensils--china, delf ant
lcrockery.' A few minutes elapsed, wheI
fIone CT the company expressed wish II
see the lady's little girl, who, it was men
'Itioned was n the nursery. "Tell the maid
John" said she to the footman, "to brln!
. the little dear" The fellow wishing to ex
!, pose his mistress's ridiculous pride, cried
oud enough to be heard by all the com
: pany- Cpockery! bring down little China