nd as _opus Anglicum_ formed part of church furnishing and
priestly vestments in every great cathedral in Italy, Spain, and France.

It cannot be too soon realised that, as with old furniture, porcelain,
and silver, much of the finest embroideries of England, and a vast
quantity of the ancient laces of Italy, France, and Belgium are being
slowly but surely carried off to the New World. American dollars are
doing much to rob not only the Old Country of the fairest flowers of her
garden, but the Continent of their finest and best examples of the
genius of the past. The Vanderbilts and the Astors, among others,
possess immense fortunes in lace, whilst that omnivorous collector Mr.
J. Pierpont Morgan gives fabulous sums for any fine old relic of
embroidery. Many pieces of both classes of needlecraft have found a
permanent home in the Metropolitan Museum of New York, and are lost for
ever to the English student.

It is, therefore, a pleasant duty to add my little quota of information
to the study of these fascinating and exquisite branches of fine art
which so specially appeal to all women by their dainty grace and
delightful handicraft. I hope I may arouse some little enthusiasm in my
countrywomen in the study of the past glories of both subjects, and in
the possibility of once again becoming first and foremost in the latter
branch.

I beg to acknowledge the pleasure and help I have received from the
perusal of the late Mrs. Bury Palliser's exhaustive "History of Lace,"
and Lady Alford's "History of Needlework," and Dr. Rock's invaluable
books on "Ecclesiastical Embroidery."

EMILY LEIGH LOWES.

HILLCREST,
BRIXTON HILL,
S.W.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

LACE.

The History of Lace. 1 vol. Mrs. Bury Palliser. Sampson,
Marston & Low. 1865. L2 2s.

Dentelles and Guipures. 1 vol. E. Lefebure. Grevil. 1888.

Ancient Needlepoint and Pillow Lace. Alan Sumnerly Cole.
London. 1873.

The Queen Lace Book. London. 1874.

Of Lace. Alan Sumnerly Cole. 1893.

Point and Pillow Lace. A. M. Sharp. George Newnes & Co. 7s. 6d.

Venice and Burano. Ancient and Modern Lace. M. Jesuram. Venice.
1883.

The History of Handmade Lace. Mrs. Jackson. Upcott Gill & Son.
1900. 18s.

Seven Centuries of Lace. Mrs. Hungerford-Pollen. 1st vol.
issued 1908.

NEEDLEWORK.

Textile Fabrics. Dr. Daniel Rock. South Kensington Handbook
Series. 1876. 1s.

Nee