NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. Although this county presents some remarkable features in respect to the boot and shoe manufacture, it must be regarded as an agricultural county. The soil is generally adapted to produce both corn and pasture of a superior quality. The pastures are both rich and sound, and the cattle grazed in them in summer repay the capital laid out on them with good interest. The fattening of cattle is a principal object of the Northamptonshire farmer.
Among the towns there are a few in which manufactures are carried on. At Kettering wool-stapling and wool-combing are carried on ; there is a considerable manufacture of shoes ; and that of silk shag for hats has been also introduced. At Northampton the prin cipal branch of trade carried on is boot and shoe-making ; the articles are sent to London and other parts of England, or are exported ; and considerable business is also done in currying leather. Stockings and lace are made. There are iron foundries. The trade
of Wellingborough, and of other towns in this county, is dependent mainly on the boot and shoe manufacture. The only reasonable explanation of the settlement of this branch of industry in this county seems to be that Northamptonshire is a grazing county, and yields hides fit for tanning; but whether this be the correct explanation or not, it is a well known fact that the ready-made boots and shoes of the London shops are supplied to a very large extent by the county of Northampton shire. The work is done on the piece-work system. There are not large factories where men are employed at weekly wages ; but the manufacturers give out leather cut to the proper shapes to the workmen, who return the finished or partially finished boots and shoes, and receive so much per dozen pairs for their labour. Competition between these workmen has brought down the wages to a very low average.