The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-26


unr1valled by any other fabrics Of the kind. Be
sdes there are displayed plain and rich figured pop
lns all of which rank with the richest silks in beauty
and value The tartan plaid of this kind of goods il
much admired, and in Scotland finds an ex
tensive sale among the wealthier classes
But the most beautiful piece exhibited by these
manufacturers is called tissue brocade popln manu-
factured from the same material as the rest, but
woven with beautiful flowers most naturally define
ated. The ornamental part of this article appears
like raised figures, although interviewer through the
piece This exhibition is embellished with roses,
and account of the exceedingly rich gloss of the
material, each flower appears as if painting. Dub
lin is the great manufacturing city of these goods,
and finds an extensive market for them in England
and on the Continent In this country no agency
for their sale yet been established although
of our largest merchants have imported them to q
small extent. The exhibitors of this fabric in the
Crystal Palace intend to take measures to effect
its permanent introduction and use in this country,
where, when it is fully known, it will be largely pa
tronized.
ORNAMENTS IN BOG OAK, ETC.
In the gallery near the stands containing the Eng
lish silverware, are some rare and beautiful orna-
ments made of Irish bog oak. This wood is Of q
black color, and in its general appearance somewhat
resembles ebony, but we believe it is much softer
1t is found, its would indicate, in the bogs
Of Ireland, which extend over 2,sOO,OOO acres, and
furnish an almost nexhaustible supply of peat The
oak is found in great abundance in some Of these
bogs, and is used principally for the manufacture of
ornaments, such breastpins, bracelets, earrings
picture frames DC.
Immediately under the dome, as you enter
- A.
observe q singular looking centre table. This
sone of the articles of the Irish collection but it is
more attractive curiosity than from any particu-
lar merits it possesses work of art. It was de-
signed and executed expressly for the Cork National
Exhibition by John Fletcher, of that CITY, The ma
terial of which it is constructed consists of no less
than thirteen different kinds of the rarest description
of Irish timber The top represents the national en-
blem in nine kinds of wood while in the centre is
figure of Erin in white chestnut, inlad in bog oak
She is represented leaning pensively on harp, and
underneath is the following inscription, in Irish
"LoDg hath oeeo thy sleep my harp"
The pillar Of this table is formed of limb
of an oak tree exactly in the same shape as
it was found, and branching from it are three
stems, which, by curious whim Of nature
unite above, forming an excellent support for the
top leaf Of the table. One of the branches bears
a remarkable resemblance to the stem of the sham
rock when the top is placed in perpendicular in
stead of horizontal position. The whole rests on
walnut tripod plnth on which are carved in lime
tree wood three figures representing al Irish bard
with his harp inciting to deadly conflict two war
riors, one of whom has already fallen, mortaly
wounded by an arrow; while the other, on bendcd
knee, draws his bow in the act Of shooting at the
enemy. The three figures are intended to partially
illustrate of those Irish battle sceaes in the
feudal period, when the weaker party was wont to
fly to the old oak for shelter and defence.
IRISH LAoEs-rHE ORIGIN AND MANUFACTURE OF
LACE.
There are some very beautiful specimens of Irish
lace and muslin exhibited in case belonging to Hg
gins & Co., of Dublin aud which is situated near the
organ, in the east gallery. One Of these is exceed
ingy valuable being worth four hundred dollars. 1t
is the skirt OF dress MADE of Limerick lace, exqui
sitely wrought with the needle. The Others are not
SO costly, but they possess many attractions for fe
male visiters, who would do well to examine the va
rous articles Of work. A young lady who is in
charge of the case, describes the manner in which
this Kind Of needlework is performed. The history
Of the manufacture of lace is 50 interesting that we
cannot allow this opportunity to pass without giving
a sketch, which are certain will be read with
pleasure by the tairer portion of our readers
Its origin, though involved in some obscurity is con-
sidered OF very ancient date as we find it used in
the costumes Of Grecian females in the palmy days
OF the old Greek repucbc and it is thought that its
manufacture VA, ais, known to the Romans. Mary
de Medcis has received tue credit Of being the first
To introduce il into France from Venice here as
also in the neg gborng States Of Italy, it long
previously worn. In England, however, as early as
l4S3, laces OF thread, and silk and gold' were
enumerated among the articles TO be imported. From
this is but fair presume that the manufa cture OF
lace was commenced in England prior to this period,
as tins and mauy subsequent acts We're passed for
the encouragement and protection of the British
manufacturers According to tradition, the Eng.
sh were first distracted in the art Of making
lace by the Flemish refugees who, for a long time
were superior to any people IN the manufacture oi
this beautiful fabric Mr.. McCulloch to whom we
are indebted for these interesting facts, says that
! pillow lace, which is the original manufacture, is
worked upon hard stuffed pillow, with silk, flax, or
| cotton threads, according to a parchment pattern
| placed upon II 10y means of pins, bobbns. and spl.
dies which ae placed and displaced, twisting aad
Intervening the threads, as to initiate the pat
| tern designed. This manufacture has been long
puTsued il almost every town and village in the
midland counties Of England IL is also made
| throughout France, the Netherlands, and at va
iious places in SPAN and Portugal. In the city 0.
Brussels alone ten thousand persons engaged
in its mapuacture. Limerick one Of toe chief cites
Of Ireland, has long enjoyed high reputation for
tie quality Of Its laces, in which it was considered
L a. 4 a..
Ia England However this may be, W. will not un
derfakc 10 dec mIe; butt is certain that Limerick
laCes have always been in great demand both in
Great Britain aud IN Ireland. The following table
OF imports loi the year 1851 shows til, extent to
which we arr dependent upon Europe or laces Of all
| de.crp ons-
hahse ioWhs ''''.'' '''..,........, sI5,644
breht bitaln und iicdHd. .......,........ 9I3,7ag