For some two or three years past the shawl trade
has been in rather a languishing condition, which is attributable to the very general adap- tion of the use of mantles by our fair countrywomen. Some years back made up garments were the exception, save that cloaks, generally with circular capes,' were made during the winter season ; but lately, as a rule the mantle "department" has sprung up in our city warehouses.
In the spring of last year, a few shawlmen, with the laudable inten- tion of getting the goods in which they are interested again into more general use, endeavoured to make a compromise with fashion, and rounded the corner of the shawl, placing a fringe on its edge. The sale of these, however, was not very extensive, but it was a beginning. We can acquaint our fair readers who are looking out for novelties that we have been favoured with a sight of some goods that are in course of being produced this year, and can inform them that the manufacturers are getting them up in the same shape. The material is of a light and silky description ; round the edge runs a deep fancy border, with hand- some fringe ; while a small portion of the top corner of the shawl, to -which a silken tassel is attached, falls gracefully over the back. The in- troduction of these, together with a more decided leaning towards shawls manifested by fair society, will, no doubt, cause rather more activity in this branch of commerce than it has lately exhibited.
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