determination. For the first half century the wire was imported from Spain and Germany; after that time the English makers began to draw their own wire. At first it was cut to the length of the intended needle, then flattened at one end, in which was punched a square eye. This square-eyed needle continued in vogue up to 1800, when the stamp press with its dies was first introduced. Successive improvements followed, bringing the art to its present perfection. But the sleepless eye of prejudice looked with hostile suspicion at many of the improvements that were to work to the benefit of the workmen themselves. For instance, in 1840, one of the Redditch manufacturers revived the practice of hardening needles in oil instead of water, by which process they came out straight instead of crooked. The crook straighteners took alarm, and something worse at this new process, which was to supersede their old occupation, and the unhappy manufacturer was mobbed and driven from the town. Another improvement, entirely designed to render one operation less detrimental to the health of those engaged in it, was opposed by them on grounds that will seem incredible to the next generation of working-men. The pointing of the needles on the grindstone was one of the most dangerous of occupations, and short were the lives of those who followed it. A fine steel dust was generated, which permeated the
