There is no mechanical employment in this country yielding so good
returns to the industrious as a good worker in glass, of the present
day, can secure in the exercise of his skill. And we may still further
say that there is no mechanical branch of industry offering such
advantages for the full manifestation of a workman's real skill and
industry, if the conventional usages which restrict the work could but
be abrogated,--usages tending to a limited amount of work, and
consequently making the workman to realize but a limited amount per
week. Such workmen, of all others, should be allowed the inherent and
inalienable right to work as long, and at such times, as the individual
may deem for his comfort and interest.
We have expressed the opinion that the manufacture of glass is as yet
but in its infancy. The experience of every day confirms the assertion,
and illustrates the maxim that "life is short, art is long."
The time is not far distant when this country will become, we think,
the largest exporter of glass, and the manufacture compose a most
important item in every assorted export cargo. In this connection a
hint to ship-owners may not be amiss. It is well known that in England,
when a ship is put up for a foreign port, it is the custom to rate the
freight according to the value of the merchandise,--dry goods paying
the highest freight, hardware the next highest, earthen and glass ware
the lowest. If our merchants would adopt this plan, very many of our
bulky manufactures would find a market abroad; when, however, the same
rate is required for a cask of glass ware as for a case of silks or
prints, it taxes the latter a small percentage, but practically vetoes
the export of the glass.
Our task is now ended; our object has been to give a simple and
succinct outline of the characteristics and progress of the Glass
Manufacture, to suggest such hints as might bear upon the further
advance of the art, and the preservation of those practically
identified with the manufacture, and, if possible, to attract the
attention of those hitherto unacquainted with its nature and history.
If we have neglected the maxim that "_those who live in glass houses_,"
&c., it has not been from the want of honest endeavors to remember it;
and if we have contributed either to the instruction or the pleasure of
any reader, (and this is our hope,) we shall not regret the hours spent
in the preparation of this little work.
APPENDIX.
RECEIPTS, ETC.
There are plenty of receipts for the composition of flint or crystal
glass, but no mixture that we know can secure a uniform shade in each
pot. The component parts of glass are well known, and the mixer's sure
guide is to watch the effect of heat on each pot, for he soon finds the
mixture that gives good color in one pot will in another in the same
furnace prove bad. If he possesses sufficient knowledge of the chemical
causes, he can correct the evil.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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