ost all descriptions of habiliments; this has been effected
by M. Bonneau, but not until he had visited the principal manufacturing
towns, and had passed many years in studying the art scientifically,
aided by persevering researches into the depths of chymistry, to which
he is indebted for being able to perform that which has not until now
been accomplished. I have seen instances of a soiled, faded, cashmere
shawl, almost considered beyond redemption, committed to his charge, and
reappear so resuscitated that the owners could scarcely believe it was
the same dingy, deplorable-looking affair they had sent a fortnight
before. The same power of restoring is effected upon all descriptions of
satin, even that of the purest white, which, although so soiled as to be
of a dirty yellow colour, is brought forth perfectly clean and with all
its original lustre; with silks, merinos, gros de Naples of the
tenderest tints, the process adopted is equally successful; blonde,
guipure, and all descriptions of lace, no matter how discoloured, are
restored to their original whiteness. With the apparel of men, the same
advantages are obtained, silk, cashmere, velvet, and other waistcoats
that many would throw aside as totally spoiled, or too shabby to be worn
any longer, by being sent to M. Bonneau, are returned, having the
appearance of being quite new. His establishment, at No. 17, Rue
Lepelletier, just facing the French Opera, is well known to many English
families; but having heard so much of the wonders he performed in
reviving the lost colours of the elaborate borders of ladies' cashmeres,
and rendering them their pristine brilliance, I determined to visit his
premises, upon which he carried on his operations, in the Rue de Bondy,
No. 40. I there found everything conducted upon a most methodical system
of regularity and order, each room was appropriated to its peculiar
department, and heated and ventilated by a certain process, and that
which does M. Bonneau much honour, is, that all is so arranged, with the
utmost consideration for the health of his work-people, by taking care
that they shall be kept as dry as possible, and that a proper degree of
warmth and air shall be admitted into every chamber. When required, M.
Bonneau sends his men to clean furniture at persons' houses, which would
be rather incommodious to remove. When any article is sent to him, the
bearer is informed what day it will be completed, and is sure not to be
deceiv