tests, they are the more remarkable for their hearty spontaneous sociality of disposition to all sects and descriptions of men." There are still traces of the coarse unpolished manners which marked the population of the last and the early part of the present century, but such repulsive exteriors generally possess a full flow of substantial kindness. Original wit and cleverness may frequently be discovered in the conversation of indiscriminate company of all ranks; but the general characteristic of ordinary speech is coarseness rather than refinement. "Other localities may boast of their natural productions, but Oldham has triumphed over the parsimony of nature by effecting every thing for herself. Other communities may boast of superior qualities and loftier endowments of mind, but the Oldham people possess a considerable amount of common sense, which has accomplished a greater number of useful works than many other equally populous and important bodies politic. Other places excel in splendour, Oldham in the usefulness of its achievements. The success with which the inhabitants have converted their moors and marshes into fertile fields, increasing towns and villages, and extensive manufacturing establishments, proves what human industry can accomplish. Wherever the eye turns it is met by objects that excite our admiration. Industry gave birth to the greatness of the place, by industry it continues to flourish, and whenever that industry shall cease, it will fall to decay and ruin."
"Of manufactures, trade, inventions rare,
Steam towers and looms our borough has its share -
We boast of many wealthy traders here,
Who hazard thrice ten thousand pounds a year;
Where more than common minds in more than common trade,
Still gain more wealth than ever student made :
In those huge buildings where incessant noise
Is made by springs and spindles, girls and boys;
Where, 'mid such thundering sounds, the workers' song
Is "Harmony in uproar" all day long.
According to information obtained by the boundary commissioners, in November, 1831, there were at that

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