On the 6th of September, the Society for the encouragement of
national industry at Paris, granted to Mr. Chenavard, (Boulevard
St. Antoine, No. 65, Paris) the premium of 1200 francs, which
had been promised to the person who could manufacture, at the
lowest price, the kind of carpet best calculated for low and damp
habitations. The most complete success in the making of this article
rewarded the exertions of Mr. C. whose manufacturing ingenuity, in
a great variety of branches is well known, and who is particularly
celebrated for his rich and tasty _paper and stuff hangings_. Mr.
C. has most satisfactorily fulfilled the proposed object of the
said Society, and it is asserted impossible better to combine, in
that branch of industry, cheapness, elegance and solidity. The new
invented article is a sort of varnished felt, far superior to any
thing of the kind that was ever manufactured in England, with which
stone floors, marbles, mosaics, and even the finest carpets of
Persia can be imitated. It is not dearer than the coarsest mats. A
square foot of it may be purchased for 4 sols: so that the quantity
which is necessary for a room 24 feet by 20, would amount to no more
than 48 francs, or about 9 dollars. 14 cents. Mr. C. is now giving
his attention to a new kind of winter carpet, which its cheapness
and superior qualities will make a valuable acquisition to the
lovers of comfort.
From Jacob's Travels.