PREFACE.
A FEW words may be expected from the author of this volume to explain the reasons of its appearance. A very few will suffice for this object. It is a part of the duty of American Consuls and Consular Agents abroad to prefix or append to their reports of the trade of their respective districts with the United States other facts bearing upon the productive capacities, industrial character, and natural resources of the communities embraced in their consulates. These annual reports are published by the Department of State at Washington, and constitute a volume of considerable value and interest. In preparing such a report for the Birmingham Consulate, including the Black Country, the author found that it would be impossible to give any approximate idea of the resources and industries of that remarkable district in the space of a few pages
