NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. 347 seven shillings and sixpence a yard, still retaining their ancient name of “ points.” Many other descriptions of grounds were made. Wire (Fig. 129), double, and trolly, in every kind of quality and width. In the making of the finer sorts of edging as many as 200 threads would be employed. Fisr. 129. Wire ground. Northampton. On the breaking out of the war with France, the closing of our ports to French goods gave an impetus to the trade, and the manufacturers undertook to supply the English market with lace similar to that of Normandy and the sea-coast villages ol France ; hence a sort of “fausse” Valenciennes, called the“ French o-round.” But true Valenciennes was also fabricated so fine (Fig. 130) as to rival the products of French Hainault. It was Fig. 130. Valenciennes. Northampton. made in considerable quantities, until the expertness of the smuggler and the cessation of the war caused it to he laid aside. One-third of the lace-workers of Northampton were employed, previous to the introduction of machine-made net, in making quillings on the pillow. A “ point ” lace, with the “cloth” or “toile on the edge, for many years was in fashion, and, in compliment to the prince,