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The objects most worthy of notice here are the manufactories. The
chief of these are of Kendal cottons (a coarse woollen cloth) of
linseys, toilonets, kerseymeres, callicoes, and of knit worsted
stockings. Also a considerable tannery is carried on in this
town. The less (sic) manufactures are, of fish hooks, of waste
silk (which is received from London, and after scouring, combing,
and spinning, is returned) of ivory combs, and of wool cards, in
which branch considerable improvements have been made by the
curious machines invented here for that purpose. There are other
articles of industry well worth seeing; as the mills for
scouring, fulling, and frizing cloth, for cutting and rasping
dying wood, &c. But what is most to the credit of this place, is,
that notwithstanding many inconveniences, which this town has
laboured under, the manufactures have all along continued to
flourish, and have of late years been greatly increased by the
spirit and industry of the inhabitants. These manufactures are
particularly noticed so early as the reign of King Richard II,
and Henry IV. when special laws were enacted for the better
regulation of Kendal-cloths, &c. [1]
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[1]
About a mile and a half from Kendal, on the road to Ulverston, is
Scout-scar, a high rock, on which is a terrace of about a mile in
length, facing the west, from which there is a most extensive and
surprising view, which you come upon all at once as you approach
the top, and is equal, if not superior, to most of the views in
this romantic country.
At Mr. Todhunter's Museum, in Kendal, may be seen a large
collection of fossils, and other articles of natural history,
mostly of this country, as well as various articles of antiquity,
ancient armour, coins, medals, sculpture, carvings in wood, and
various other curiosities well worth the attention of tourists.
A quarry of marble has lately been discovered near this town,
which produces quite a new variety. It is of different colours,
beautifully variegated, and takes the highest polish. When inlaid
in statuary marble it has the best effect, and is equal, if not
superior, to any imported from Greece or Italy. Chimney-pieces,
and other ornamental works are made of it, and of the common
limestone of the country, which also polishes very fine, in a
good style, by Mr. Francis Webster, in Kendal, who has erected a
mill for sawing and polishing the same.
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