The plate, which accompanies this article, is a representation of a shew-room, 57 feet long and 21 broad, fitted up with great taste, and forming part of the extensive premises of Messrs. Pellatt and Green, glass-makers to the king, St. Paul's church-yard. In this room is exhibited an elegant assortment of glass, china and earthen-ware, in a word, of all those articles of humble utility, or costly decoration, which are to be found in the principal glass-shops of this metropolis.

The manufacture of glass was not introduced into England till the year 1557. The finer sort was first made in Crutched Friars, and flint glass, little inferior to that of Venice, in the Savoy-house, in the Strand. This manufacture appears to have been much improved in 1635, when it was carried on with sea-coal or pit-coal instead of wood; and a monopoly was granted to Sir Robert Mansell, who was allowed to import the fine Venetian flint glasses for drinking, the art of making which was not brought to perfection till the conclusion of the seventeenth century. Since that period, however, so much attention has been paid to the making of glass of every description, that our manufacturers are allowed to excel those of any other nation, in the superior quality of their productions, as well as in the style and ingenuity of the cutting. Such, indeed, is the perfection which they have attained, that these brilliant articles contribute not a little to the internal embellishment of the mansions of the great and wealthy.

In the manufacture of porcelain also British ingenuity has been lately exercised with such success, as to be making a rapid progress to an equality with other countries, by which it has hitherto been excelled. On the other hand, the superiority of our earthen-ware is universally acknowledged, and is particular attested by the vast quantities which are continually exported to every quarter of the globe. Its utility, indeed, is so extensive, that it would be difficult to devise a substitute equally cheap, elegant, and convenient; and with respect not only to this, but likewise to glass and china, it may be truly affirmed, that they are become articles of necessity as well as ornament.

England has lately derived considerable advantages from the useful inventions of many ingenious men. Among these should be classed Messrs. Pellatt and Green's Glass Illuminators, for admitting day-light into the internal parts of ships and buildings, for which they have obtained a patent. The benefit derived from the application of this invention is incalculable, and its advantages are such as to increase, in a surprising degree, the comfort of our tars in particular, which the following statements sufficiently attest:—

The Rodney, Captain Curtis, arrived at Baltimore in June, 1808, from Liverpool, after a passage of 78 days, 20 of which the crew were on short allowance; and had it not been for the patent illuminators, which were fixed in various parts of the deck, enabling them to see between decks to mend their sails, during the violent storm they experienced, must inevitably have perished, having no sail to carry them to their desired port; and the safety of the ship and crew were wholly attributed to the patent glass illuminators, which gave them ample light below, and completely resisted the force of the sea. This circumstance excited the curiosity of hundreds of people, which, it may be said, literally flocked on board the Rodney to view the effects and utility of the illuminator. Every ship-owner and master in those parts, is anxious to obtain them.

The patentees have also the approbation of the Hon. Captain Blackwood, R. N. Captain Pickford, R. N. and, in short, every other naval officer who has seen their invention applied; and when its advantages are considered, we cannot doubt that it will prove beneficial to themselves in the same proportion as it adds to the comfort of others.