Up: Glassmaking
Reminiscences 52 of 123
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It is a difficult task to describe the curious
and interesting operations of the glass-blowers; for the present we may
say, that there is no other employment so largely dependent upon steadiness
of nerve and calm self-possession. The power of manipulation is the result
of long experience. The business of the glass-blower is literally at his
"fingers' ends." It is more interesting to witness the progress of his
labor, from the first gathering of the liquid metal from the pot, and the
passing it from hand to hand, until the shapeless and apparently
uncontrollable mass is converted into some elegant article. Equally
interesting is it to witness with what dexterity he commands, and with what
entire ease he controls the melted mass; the care, also, with which he
swings it with force just enough to give it the desired length, joins
it to other pieces, or with shears cuts it with the same ease as paper.
The whole process, indeed, is one filled with the most fascinating interest
and power.
Of all the articles of glass manufacture, none
command a greater degree of attention than the article called the
salver, and no other develops so pleasing and surprising
effects in its processes. When seen for the first time, the change from
a shapeless mass, the force with which it flies open
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