Year: 1873

Inc 1IatcSt NONeNy AOA


Whatever may be said of the aim or
result of the Vienna exposition, it has
certainly been the means of bringing
together the choicest products OF the
world, and of giving the people OF vari-
ous nations new ideas concerning mat
ters of which they have never before
thought. In no direction has a wider
range been given than in the manufac-
ture of glass, and new forms, designs
and uses of this material are now pre-
sented to the world for the first time.
Conspicuous among these is a lady's
bonnet or head-dress, which, for ele-
gance and beauty, cannot be excelled.
The idea Of a glass hat is certainly nov
ell, and many objections might be made
to it on account of fragile material. but
in reality the glass is much stronger
and more durable than the delicate ma
terials now in use for the same purpose.


These articles, as may be imagined,
come from Bohemia, and they have al
ready gained fair share of popularity.
Specimens have been sent to Paris and
London, and that we should not be be-
hind-hand in 80 important matter, an
enterprising firm in this country have
imported quite a number, and will i'm
mediately begin their manufacture, to
be ready for the fall season.


These hats are of the most delicate
and beautiful designs, and such is their
adaptability to all costumes and Occa-
sions that they will probably soon come
into universal use. The body of the
hat is made of loose pieces of fine glass.
fastened closely together by gutta-
percha band, which allows it to conform
to the head. Inside there is lining OF
silk, which is the only piece OF fabric
used in the manufacture.


The trimmings on the outside are at.
ter the prevailing mode, consisting OF
wreath, flowers, feathers and ribbons,
all made of delicately spun glass OF
Wonderful beauty. Of course, all trim
mings have their natural colors, and by
patent process the CLASSY appearance
is SO we'll subdued that the material is
not suspected. The most beautiful
humming birds and flowers are used
for ornamentation, and co'ored 20 natu
rally that in appearance they are supe.
rior to the usual artificial goods.


It is almost incredible the small
amount of glass that enters into the
construction of one of these hats, fol
the thread il 80 fine that great space
is covered without any perceptible in
crease in the weight. They weigh but
few ounces, or about one-fifth OF the
average weight of the present style.


With the care that is usually given by
a lady to a new hat, these new articles
will outlast twenty of them, for there
is no wear to them; moisture will no
stain them, and if dust should settle t.
dim their beauty, it is readily removed
by one spray of water. The colors ART
also blended that for ordinary occasions
they present general neutral tint, bu
at a small additional expense they cal
be made to flash and sparkle like dia
monds, either in the sunlight for car
riage costume or in the blaze of a bal
room or at the opera. Their cost i
insignificant, and as it is understood
several well-known firms are going int
the business extensively they may sool
be expected upon our streets. 1t
probable, however, they will not b
readily known, as the resemblance t
the genuine materials are so great.