to that time, it had not come into general use. Amongst other
improvements have been the following:--

The tips are now made in one piece with the rib, instead of being
made of bone, japanned metal or other material, and then fastened on.
The long six-inch runners have given way to the short one two inches
long, and the ferrules are also much shorter than formerly. To keep
the Umbrella closed the old-fashioned plan was a ring fastened by a
string. A tape and cotton superseded this, and in its turn gave way
to the elastic now in use. Sliding caps to fit over the ends of the
ribs and hold the Umbrella closed, have been invented, but until
quite recently do not seem to have come much into use.

Simple as the construction of an Umbrella may appear, there have
been altogether upwards of three hundred patents taken out for
various improvements in their manufacture, in addition to numerous
alterations which have been registered according to the Act, Vic. 6
& 7, Cap. 65. With very few exceptions the inventors have not been
repaid the cost of their patents. This has arisen, partly from the
delicacy of their mechanical construction, unfitted for the rough
usage to which Umbrellas are exposed; but chiefly in consequence of
the increased cost of manufacture not being compensated by the
improvements effected.

The introduction of steel vice whalebone, was opposed by the trade
and the public in general, like many other great improvements; and it
required several years in order to convince purchasers that steel
would not only last much longer than whalebone, but would not be so
liable to break, provided it was properly made and tempered. The
misfortune was that, at the outset, a great number of inferior