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382 HISTORY OF LACE. haps, under the patronage of the present respectable duchess, the manufacture of Hamilton lace may again become as flourishing as ever.” 1 “ The Duchess of Hamilton,” says the “ Edinburgh Amuse ment” of 1752, “has ordered a home to be set up in Hamilton for the reception of twelve poor girls and a mistress. The girls are to he taken in at the age of seven, clothed, fed, taught to spin, make lace, etc., and dismissed at fourteen.” The work of the fair duchess throve, for, in 1754, we read how—“ The Duchess of Hamilton has now the pleasure to see the good effects of her charity. Her Grace’s small orphan family have, by spinning, gained a sum of money, and lately presented the duke and duchess with a double piece of Holland, and some suits of exceeding fine lace ruffles, of their own manufacture, which their Graces did them the honour to wear on the duke’s birthday, July 14, and which vied with anything worn on the occasion, though there was a splendid company present. The yarn of which the ruffles were made weighed only ten drops each hank.” 2 It was probably owing to the influence of this impulsive Irish woman that, in the year 1754, was founded the Select Society of Edinburgh for encouraging the arts and manufactures of Scotland, headed by the Duke of Hamilton. This society was contemporary with the Anti-Gallican in England and the Dublin Society, though we believe, in this case, Dublin can claim precedence over the capital of North Britain. At a meeting of the society it was moved that “ The annual importation of worked ruffles and of bone lace and edging into this country is considerable. By proper encouragement we might be supplied at home with these ornaments. It was therefore resolved— “ That a premium be assigned to all superior merit in sucli work; such a one as may be a mark of respect to women of fashion, and may also be of some solid advantage to those whose laudable industry contributes to their own support. “ For the best imitation of Dresden work, or a pair of men’s ruffles, a prize of 51. 5s. “ For the best bone lace, not under twenty yards, 51. 5s. The gainers of these tw'O best articles may have the money or a gold medal, at their option.” 1 “ Statistical Account of Scotland.” Sir John Sinclair. Edinburgh, 1792. Vol. ii. 198. 2 “Edinburgh Amusement.”