222 KIDDERMINSTER.

This will be included in the borough when the Boundary Commissioners make their report. These societies have had a share in causing many old houses to become worthless, as the best tenants removed out of the town to the suburbs, while others from worse built houses take their place, and the worst houses became empty.

It is satisfactory to find that the manner in which Kidderminster was represented at the Paris Exhibition was entirely worthy of the skill and enterprise of the leading manufacturers. An immense improvement has taken place since the Exhibition of 1851, both in colour and design, by the application of chemical science to dyeing and the establishment of a local School of Art, which trains youths specially with a view to their becoming carpet designers. An entirely new fabric in carpets was shown at the above Exhibition, called " Indian Axminster," which is rich and luxurious in its texture, capable of great perfection so far as the working up of design goes, affords a wide field for colouring effects, and is capable, moreover, of being made in an entire piece without seams, for use in saloons of any dimensions of shape. Messrs. Brinton and Lewis gained the gold medal for their carpets; Messrs. Morton and Sons a silver medal for carpets, and Mr. H. B. Willis for Smyrna and other rugs. These were designed principally by Digby Wyatt, Owen Jones, and Mr. J. K. Harvey. The whole of Messrs. Morton's carpets were designed by Mr. Harvey. Messrs. Humphries and Son, Messrs. Woodward, Palmer, and Radford, and Messrs. Woodward and Grosvenor, gained bronze medals. These results ave highly creditable to Kidderminster, as most of the designs were furnished by native or resident designers, among whom are Mr. Owen Maylott, Mr. Christie, Mr. Jean Bouet, &c.

Other industries besides carpet weaving have been set to work in the town of late. Chenille rugs are made by Messrs. Brinton and Lewis, Messrs. R. H. Willis and Co., and Mr. R. Smith, and there is more doing in this branch than at any