Books on the subject of textiles have usually been written from the standpoint of the manufacturer or of the textile chemist. It has been the purpose of the writer to bring together in this book the general facts of most interest to the consumer. Those points have been chosen which will give a broader understanding of the textile market and aid in the selection and use of textile fabrics. Technical terms and manufacturing processes have been given only in so far as they give a general understanding of the conversion of fibers into cloth and throw light on the possibilities of adulteration.

Information has been gathered from many sources, from books, government reports, visits to factories, shops, and museums. Suggestions and references for a more extended study have been given.

The study of textiles is related to many other subjects, which can merely be suggested in a work of this size. The writer has endeavored to give that information which the lay student may understand and which may lead to a larger field of investigation.

A chapter on the Arts and Crafts movement has been included to give a broader appreciation of the field of textile art.

It is hoped that the book may serve as a text in high school courses in textiles and, with supplementary reading, as an outline for college work.

The author wishes to express her appreciation to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts for the photographs of old textiles: to the curator of Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts, for photographs of implements used for spinning and weaving: to the Lowell Textile School for the picture of the Jacquard loom and the worsted card; and also to Mr. Fenwick Umpleby, of the Bradford Durfee Textile School, Fall River, for reading certain chapters in proof.

Charlotte M. Gibbs.

July, 1912.