254
EXPOSITION AT VIENNA.
became deformed by its weight, drawing it away from the sides of the mould. To overcome this difficulty the large moulds were encased in an air-tight jacket of sheet iron, within which the air was exhausted previous to the decantation, thereby causing the deposited film to adhere firmly to the sides of the porous plaster. This improvement was cited in 1867, by M. Dommartin, as one of the advances made in the art of manufacturing hard porcelain.* A large vase made in this manner was exhibited at Paris in 1867.
Extent of the Industry in France.
The following data regarding the pottery and porcelain industry of France are drawn from the report by Messrs. Salvetat and Dommartin in 1867. Clay, for pottery purposes, is found in almost every part of France. The best china clays are found at St. Yrieix, near Limoges ; but the kaolins of the Pyrenees, the Cher and the Allier are largely used. The manufacture of porcelain is carried on in three districts. 1..Limousin, which comprises Haute Vienne and the Creuse. At Limoges, in this district, there were more than thirty white china works. 2. Berry, including the works of Cher, Allier, Nievre and Indre. These works produce chiefly white china and articles of Common use. 3. Paris and its environs and Champagne. The productions of Paris are varied. The fancy articles known as Articles de Paris , such as flowers, cups, baskets, etc., are made by several small makers. Others produce biscuit-ware, or articles tor mounting in ormolu, bronze or carved wood, such as lamps and tazzas. Many persons receive white porcelain from the trade, and decorate it according to the demand of the day* Although not confined to Paris, it may be regarded as essentially Parisian.
Earthenware is made in Paris, at Beauvais, and in some parts of Normandy. Fine faience is made chiefly at Creib Muntereau, Sarreguemines, Choisy le Roi, Gien and Bordeaux. Artistic faience has its centre in Paris and its environs. In 1867, Messrs. Salvetat and Dommartin pointed out that in the manufacture of faience, steam power tended to
* Rapports du Jury Internationale, iii. 171.