care must be
taken not to mar the evenly ribbed effect, which is one of the
characteristics of tapestry.

[Illustration: Fig. 186.]

This weaving is a most fascinating kind of work, as will be found upon a
trial. The simplest patterns look very interesting when woven, and, on
the other hand, the work can be carried to any degree of complexity that
the worker desires. For a first trial a piece might be done with no
attempt at shading; even one such as that illustrated at fig. 186 would
be suitable. This example happens to be a form particularly easy for
carrying out in weaving. The worker should begin at the lower right-hand
corner and work the successive flights of steps diagonally, as shown by
the unfinished portion of the diagram.

In the way of actual technique there is in the art of tapestry weaving
not nearly as much to be learnt as there is in embroidery, for there are
no varieties of methods and of stitch to be acquired; still for a person
to become a skilled weaver, capable of carrying out large wall hangings,
is a thing very difficult of attainment--indeed it is said that it takes
as long as fifteen years of constant application to acquire the
necessary knowledge and skill. To carry out designs of less magnitude
and intricacy is a very different matter; success in this smaller way is
far more easily attained, and is well within the reach of unprofessional
people.

NOTES ON THE COLLOTYPE PLATES

PLATE I.--_A Detail from a XIVth Century English Cope._--The figure of
Christ which is shown in this plate is taken from a central group,
representing the coronation of the Virgin, in a famous cope in the
possession of Colonel J. E. Butler-Bowdon. The ground is of rich red
silk velvet; the face, hands, and linings of the draperies are worked in
silk in split stitch; the drapery, crown, and surrounding architectural
decoration are in gold thread couched by the early method. The twisted
column with oak leaves and the five lobed arch are both characteristic
of English work of this period. Note the use of pearls in the lion's
head and in the acorns, also the charmingly drawn bird. An interesting
technical point displayed in this example is that the work is done
directly on to the velvet ground, instead of being first worked upon
linen and afterwards as a completed piece of embroidery applied to the
velvet. The method in use here, if at all possible, is always the most
satisfactory.

Size of detail, about elev