the name of a set of works, or manufactory of a variety of hard-ware, belonging to Mr Boulton, situated on the borders of Staffordshire, within two miles of Birmingham; now so justly celebrated as to deserve a short historical detail.

About 30 years ago the premises consisted of a small mill and a few obscure dwellings. Mr Boulton, in conjunction with Mr Fothergill, then his partner, at an expense of £1,000, erected a handsome and extensive edifice, with a view of manufacturing metallic toys. The first productions consisted of buttons, buckles, watch-chains, trinkets, and such other articles as were peculiar to Birmingham. Novelty, taste, and variety, were, however, always conspicuous; and plated wares, known by the name of Sheffield plate, comprising a great variety of useful and ornamental articles, became another permanent subject of manufacture.

To open channels for the consumption of these commodities, all the northern part of Europe was explored by the mercantile partner Mr Fothergill. A wide and extensive correspondence was thus established, the undertaking became well known, and the manufacturer, by becoming his own merchant, eventually enjoyed a double profit.

Impelled by an ardent attachment to the arts, and by the patriotic ambition of forming his favourite Soho into a fruitful seminary of artists, the proprietor extended his views; and men of taste and talents were now sought for, and liberally patronised. A successful imitation of the French or moule ornaments, consisting of vases, tripods, candelabra, &c. &c. extended the celebrity of the works. Services of plate and other works in silver, both massive and airy, were added, and an affray office was established in Birmingham.

Mr Watt, the ingenious improver of the steam-engine, is now in partnership with Mr Boulton; and they carry on at Soho a manufactory of steam-engines, not less beneficial to the public than lucrative to themselves. This valuable machine, the nature and excellences of which are described in another place (see Steam-Engine), Mr Boulton proposed to apply to the operation of coining, and suitable apparatus was erected at a great expense, in the hope of being employed by government to make a new copper-coinage for the kingdom. Artists of merit were engaged, and specimens of exquisite delicacy were exhibited; but as no national coinage has taken place, the works are employed upon high finished medals and private coins. To enumerate all the productions of this manufactory would be tedious (a).

In a national view, Mr Boulton's undertakings are highly valuable and important. By collecting around him artists of various descriptions, rival talents have been called forth, and by incessant competition have been multiplied to an extent highly beneficial to the public. The manual arts partook of the benefit, and became proportionably improved.

A barren heath has been covered with plenty and population; and Mr Boulton's works, which in their infancy were little known and attended to, now cover several acres, give employment to more than 600 persons, and are said to be the first of their kind in Europe.