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GENERAL REPORT OF THE JUDGES OF GROUP IX. centuries ago. The only change is in the fineness of the wools used, and the perfection of the face of the goods, due to better processes of shearing and pressing. This fabric will doubtless always occupy the first rank among woolen tissues. In this typical product of the woolen manufacture, the broadcloths from the West of England still occupy the eminent position accorded to them in all other Inter national Exhibitions. The thickness and solidity of these cloths were not less conspicuous than their fineness and beautiful face. This was especially noticeable in the scarlet military cloths. All these cloths bear the designation of Electoral, signifying the kind of wool of which they are made; and, in fact, they are made of the highest- priced Silesian wool. The prices at which they were marked corre sponded with their quality. The contrast of these goods with certain others made in England for export was remarkable. These fabrics are made chiefly for home consumption by the wealthy classes. For the class of consumers who use these goods, the competition among the manufacturers is in excellence rather than in cheapness. But the Judges had the proof within their own group that the skill required to produce these fine cloths is not an exclusive monopoly. One of our colleagues, Mr. Lang, who commenced the manufacture of broad cloths in 1814, exhibited, though not for competition, samples of blue and black broadcloths, made in 1853, at Vassalboro’, Maine. The wool was selected Silesian, costing, with duties and charges, about three dollars per pound. The cloth had one hundred and twenty picks to the inch. The cloth, in fineness and perfection of finish, was admitted to surpass even the West of England broadcloths. The comparatively low position of the United States in the manu facture of fine broadcloths cannot be denied. It was manifested by the absence of any notable exhibits, except by a single establishment, the Burlington Mills, of Vermont. Their exhibits showed that our apparent inferiority in this manufacture was not due to any want of skill or capacity, but to other causes. This mill produces annually some $300,000 in value of broadcloth, and it is known that another mill in Massachusetts, which did not exhibit, has shown equal proofs of its skill in this manufacture. The products of the mill first re ferred to would undoubtedly suffer in comparison with the West of England standards, for the goods, beautiful in face and fineness, were lacking in weight. But they were intentionally made to con form to the prevailing fashion of the higher standard of the German light weight goods, with which they bore a favorable comparison. It would be erroneous to make the position of the broadcloth industry a reproach against the American woolen manufacturer.