The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-07

as yet, we have not commenced its manufacture In
this form. With the exception Of the braid or laces
obtained from Switzerland and the rice straw from
England, all descriptions Of plat are made from
wheat straw. The Canton straw is imported in the
form Of hats, some of which have br,ms foot in
width, while the crowns are not more than four
Inches in diameter. As the fashion here, however
differs somewhat from that in China, they are all
taken apart and the braid worked into form more
consonant with our barbarian taste. OF the
wheaton straw there are many varieties, each
of which is known by a different name Some
is called lutin, some pedal, some Leghorn'
some Dunstabe- SO on, according to its
quality or the place from which it comes.
There are we may safely say, without the slightest
exaggeraton, at least fifty different kinds of straw,
but of all these the Leghorn is the most valuable.
Hats imported from that part Of Italy have been sold
here when in fashion, for one hundred and fifty dol
lars but they have been superseded by another de.
scripton Of straw. They are very durable, and last
with care five six years. There of course infe
ror qualities of Leghorn hats, which can be pur-
chased for onetenth part Of the price we have staed
During the past two years there has been con-
siderable reduction in the amount of the importatons
from England, and corresponding increase in Swiss
goods, which consist principally of laces. These
laces are made of grass, which is first twisted and
afterwards woven into any required pattern. They
considered by some superior to the ordinary straw
plat, from which they differ very much in appearance
and in width some kinds being five inches wide. That
in most common use however is not more than two
three inches in width. Sewers make larger num-
Der of hats Of this material in day than OF any
description of plait One who was more rapid at her
work than the generality, we were told could make
thirty hats but the average number does not exceed
fifteen. Swiss laces have been very fashionable dur
ing the last few years. but next year it is expected
that they will be superseded by kind Of straw
plat Leghorn it is thought will be resusctated in
stead and will continue in demand till fashion grows
again tired of it and substitutes some other.
Besides those kinds Of straw which we have emu
merated there is another description which we get
from Canada, but it is of quality and is prin
cipay used for making into mems hats. Then there
is hair plat, which is generally worked up with
the straw braid, and which is procured from Eng
land. The Panama hats are imported from Guaya
quill and Maracaibo, where they are made. Those
obtained from the latter place are of finer qua
lily, but the material from which they are ma
nufactured is the same. They are not stitched
like the ordinary straw hats made in this city,
but are woven, and as natural consequence last
much longer
The manufacturers purchase the straw plat from
the importers, and at action sales, held during the
spring and fall at which they obtain it at greatly
duced prices. But the amount disposed of in this
way very small in proportion to what is sold in the
regular line of trade.