"Dr. JAMIESON was the first person who introduced the umbrella into Glasgow: this was in the year 1782. He brought it from Paris, and when he commenced unfurling it on our streets, crowds of people followed him in amazement at the spectacle.

"About the year 1786 an attempt was made to manufacture umbrellas by Mr. John Gardner, father of the present (?) Mr. Gardner, optician.

I have had in my hands; writes ‘Senex,’ ‘the first umbrella that was ever made in Glasgow. It was indeed a very clumsy article. The cloth was heavy oil or wax-glazed linen, and the ribs were formed of Indian cane, such as shortly before this time ladies were accustomed to use as hoops to extend their petticoats. The handle was massy and strong, and altogether it was a load to carry.’