the year 1854, amounted to upwards of 45,000."

Since this time W. & J. S. have sold, under their patent, Umbrellas
to the number of nearly four millions.

These facts we will leave to our readers to draw their own inference
from; but the very kind reception which the Alpaca Umbrellas have
hitherto received, justifies us in asserting, that no material has
yet been brought forward which has so thoroughly fulfilled the
required conditions. The weight of the Umbrella has also been
diminished, and, last not least, the price has decreased in a
corresponding ratio. This latter fact is of the very greatest
importance, when we remember the immense quantity of Parasols and
Umbrellas manufactured during the year in London, and estimated at
the enormous value of 500,000 Pounds. In addition, a very great
number are made in Manchester and Birmingham.

To those who wish to keep their Umbrellas safe and sound, we may
commend the following extract from Cassell's _Household Guide_:--

"Umbrellas are articles which generally suffer more from careless
treatment than from legitimate wear and tear; an Umbrella, when
properly treated, will last twice as long as one that is not so used.
When wet, an Umbrella should neither be distended to dry, which will
strain the ribs and covering, and prevent its ever afterwards folding
up neatly, nor at once rolled and tied up, which would tend to rust
the frame and rot the textile fabric; neither should it, if of silk,
be carelessly thrust into an Umbrella-stand, nor allowed to rest
against a wall, which would probably discolour, and certainly crease
the silk injuriously. It should be shut, but not tied up, and hung