No. 215 - THE PENNY MAGAZINE - Aug. 8, 1835

Silk-Trade of France.--The very rapid production of new patterns is the real source of French superiority in the silk-trade. It is estimated that not more than twenty-five pieces are, on an average, manufactured of the same design; and there are a great number of patterns woven for samples, which, not being approved, are never transferred to the piece. For the most part, the fancy trade of Lyons is a trade of orders; the patterns having been exhibited to the buyer before the manufacture of the article is undertaken. Hence stocks are low, as are average profits, on account of the smallness of the risk. There are, of course, many remarkable exceptions in these regions of taste and fashion, where a large price is willingly paid for any production that is pre-eminently beautiful. But the capitals employed in the silk-manufactures of France are, for the most part, on a small scale: there is little concentrated labour. Almost every stage of production is independent of the rest. The mulberry-tree grower, the silkworm-trainer, the reeler, the throwster, the winder, the dyer, the artist, the companion, the master-weaver, the manufacturer, the merchant, each stands (for the most part) isolated from the rest; and there is no general superintendence exercised in the production of a piece of silk goods. It may be doubted if the division of labour in France is altogether judicious; whether the relationship between the throwster and the silk-grower, between the loom-proprietor and the compagnon, between the manufacturer and the dyer, might not be improved by change. In some parts links appear to be wanting, and in others to be crowded by excess. Increasing capital, and the pressure of foreign competition, will inevitably lead to many beneficial changes. Experiments are already being made. At St. Vallier, silk is reeled, thrown, and woven, on the same premises. In Lyons, we are told, only four manufacturers wind, warp, and fold their own goods.--Dr. Bowring's Report on the Commercial Relations between France and Great Britain.