hear almost in one's sleep. And there were the homes huddled closely
together into which humanity was herded. Even the blue of the sky was
dimmed by a veil of heavy smoke. What wonder that it took all the
Brettons' courage to be cheerful under such conditions; or what marvel
that many a time they sighed in secret for that far-away land where they
had been born? But there must be no looking backward. Resolutely they
crushed the homesickness that surged up within them, and began to learn
all they could of this strange new country which in future was to be
their home.

Paterson, their Uncle Adolph explained, had become the greatest silk
centre of the United States, because it was so near New York, the city
where most of the raw silk from European ports was received.

"But I do not understand why the factories are not built in New York
itself," remarked Pierre.

"Taxes are too high and land is too expensive to afford the necessary
area for such great mills as these," explained his uncle. "Small silk
goods which can be made in little space are manufactured in New York; in
fact, the headquarters for American laces, fringes, trimmings, and
tassels is there. To have an ideal location factories must be so
situated as to be near a large city which will assure the selling of
goods, their shipment, and the chance to secure plenty of labor for the
mills. Moreover, they must be built where, as I said, land is
comparatively low priced and plentiful, and the taxes moderate. Such a
combination is not easy to find. It explains why so many cities have in
them the kinds of manufactures they have. It is an interesting study to
follow out. Here in New Jersey, for example, we have throwing and
spinning mills, large dyeing establishments, and we weave the finest of
ribbons as well as broad goods."

"What do you mean by broad goods?"

"The term applies to dress materials and the silks that are sold in the
shops by the yard," answered his uncle.

"Pennsylvania, too, is a large silk-making community," went on Mr.
Gautier, "because fuel is cheap in that State; and because, since so
many of the Polish, Irish, and German men work in the mines silk mills
afford a livelihood for the great numbers of unemployed women, girls,
and young boys in their families. In fact the State of Pennsylvania
often gives to companies that will come into the mining districts and
put up silk mills not only the land for their factories, but also sites
for the homes