Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Muslin

MUSLIN, a kind of fine cloth, loosely woven of the finest cotton yarn.

Formerly, all muslins were imported from India; but, at present, very considerable quantities are manufactured in Manchester, Glasgow, Paisley, &c. which, for fineness and durability, are little inferior to those of the East. It should, however, be remarked, that the British muslins acquire a yellowish cast, after they have been repeatedly washed, while the genuine India-muslins retain their original whiteness.

Plain muslins, Nankin cloths, and also flowered or stitched muslins, when imported, pay, on being deposited in the East India Company's warehouses, the sum of 7l. 10s. per cent. according to their value. They are likewise subject to a farther duty of 19l. 13s. 9d. per cent. on being taken out for home consumption.