Page:History of the Anti corn law league - Volume 2.pdf/346

there was a large supply at many of the stalls, but we are unable to speak as to the demand for them. There were also autographs, ad libitum, of Mr. H. Smith's 'Stanzas on the Bazaar,' and of the most renowned free-traders. Near these, and returning on the right, are the six stalls assigned to Manchester, three of which are in recesses illuminated by transparencies representing stained glass windows. These stalls contain a very elegant assortment of fancy articles, chiefly made by ladies. Among others, we particularly noticed some elegant painted satin and velvet cushions. One or two magnificent chairs, having backs and seats covered with beautiful needlework, some elegant shawls, and children's fancy dresses. There was also a nautilus cradle, in imitation of that made for the royal nursery, which excited general admiration. Opposite the Manchester stalls were those of Staleybridge, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Bury. At the Ashton stall were several curiosities, from an old black-letter volume of 1568, entitled 'The Dial of Princes,' price £6, to a prize shoe made without seam or stitch by some ingenious local artist. Bury, also, was not without its curiosities, for it contributed a huge bear's paw, with a goodly collection of children's frocks, carpeting, and paintings and engravings. Return ing still, we have on either hand the Scotch stalls and those of the Midland Counties. The tributary towns in Scotland are Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paisley, Shetland, and Dunfermline. Edinburgh sends chiefly miscellaneous toys, Paisley Shawls, and the other ladies' work, toys, shawls, and table-linen. On the other hand, the Midland Counties also send chiefly their staple manufactures, as Nottingham, lace; Leicester, lace and hosiery; Coventry, ribbons, and a newly-invented gimp for bonnets: Birmingham, a handsome collection of hardware and fancy goods, in every respect of very superior quality; Bolton supplies a number of handsome footstools, slippers, and articles of that description, with autograph letters