Phenix Gazette

Palm Leaf Hats.—This description of hats
which have recently come into extensive use
in this city and elsewhere, are manufactured to a
surprising extent in New England, but principally
in Massachusetts.

A gentleman who deals
extensively in them, informs us that the manufacturing
of them commenced in 1826, in consequence
of the encouragement afforded by the duty
laid on imported Leghorn, straw and grass
hats. It is believed that in this year alone upwards
of two million of hats will be made, the
average value of which is about three dollars a
dozen, amounting to half a million of dollars.
In Worcester county it is supposed half the quantity
will be made. The leaf is imported from the
island of Cuba; last year about six hundred tons,
worth $50,000 dollars, was received. The hats
are all made at the dwellings of the inhabitants,
by girls of four years old and upwards, are then
sold to the country merchants, who collect them
together and send them to the Boston, New York,
and other markets.

They are made of every quality, varying
from 25 cts. to $2.00 each, and suited to the man
of fashion or the laborer.

This is another instance
of the enterprize and industry of the New
England people, who are enabled to commence
the manufacture of a new article, from which
they are greatly enriching themselves, and furnishing
the public with a cheaper and better commodity
than they had before received.

N. Y. Daily Adv.