Few firms have as rapidly grown into the favor and confidence of the community as the one referred to above. They possess an enviable reputation throughout the South and West, both as elegant manufacturers, and as prompt and efficient men of business. Neither Beebe of New York, nor Rousto of Paris, are better known or more prized as hatters by the residents in the valley of the Mississippi. This is proven in the fact that their sales at wholesale reach the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, while their retail trade adds to this the sum of fifty thousand dollars more. Their manufacture is chiefly confined to the finest quality of hats. They employ from twenty-five to thirty hands. This house also deals largely in furs, their purchases in this article amount to about thirty-five thousand dollars annually. Their market for these furs is found in London and Leipsie. POLLARD, PRATHER & SMITH, LATELY P. S. BARBER & CO. MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN HATS, CAPS, FURS, AND STRAW GOODS, No. 455 MAIN STREET. This establishment, the oldest in the city, also commands a very prominent position in the western country. What has before been said with reference to the hat business, applies equally well to this establishment. The energy and promptness of this firm as manufacturers, the extended character of their business relations, and the high position which they occupy at home as well as abroad, have not only insured their own prosperity beyond any usual contingency but have added to the fame, the business and the resources of the city. Some idea may be formed of the increase in this department of business, when it is asserted that the sales of this house alone now reaches an amount greatly beyond what five years ago were the entire sales of the city. Hats made in Louisville always find the preference with western and southern purchasers over those made elsewhere. Not only are the qualities greatly superior, but the styles are far preferable; and for a similar class of goods, the prices are equally as low as those of any other market. In these remarks, reference is of course had to the best quality of hats. There is no department of trade which has increased, and still promises to increase more rapidly than this. The purchase and export of furs and peltries is also extensively carried on by this house. The two examples of this business given in this volume will bear favorable comparison with any other hat houses in the West; if indeed they do not surpass all their compeers. NEEDHAM'S MARBLE SHOP AND WARE ROOMS, Jefferson St. between 3rd & 4th, North Side.