Foreword.

The present bulletin is a reprint from The Philippine Craftsman,Vol. I, Nos. 3, 4, and 5, and is issued in this form for the purpose ofplacing in the hands of teachers a convenient manual for use in givinginstruction in this important branch of industrial work. In it arecontained directions for the preparation of materials for mat making,with suggestive color schemes for these materials and details forweaving a number of approved Philippine designs.

The use of mats for sleeping and other household purposes isuniversal through the extreme Orient. Suitable mat materials abound inthese Islands, and when proper attention shall have been given to theartistic and decorative side of their manufacture, the mat industry maywell become a source of considerable revenue in thousands of Filipinohomes.

The Bureau of Education has for some years past been endeavoring toimprove the designs used as well as the workmanship of Philippine mats,in order that the article produced shall be typical of the country,artistic in design, and of real commercial value. It is expected thatthis end will be definitely furthered through the study and use of thematerial contained in this reprint.

A considerable part of the subject matter of this publication is theoriginal work of Mr. Hugo H. Miller, Mr. John F. Minier, Mr. U. S.Andes, Mr. Theodore Muller, and Mrs. Alice Brezina. Credit is also dueto numerous American and Filipino teachers for the submission ofreports and materials used in its preparation.

Frank L. Crone,

Acting Director.

Manila, February 1, 1913.

A high grade Romblon mat.

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