g of a much redder colour is not so satisfactory in embroidery
unless a warm shade is desirable for a particular work.

* * * * *

_Gold and silver passing_, a very fine kind of thread, can either be
used for working through the material, or can be laid on like the
Japanese gold. They are suitable for "raised gold or silver
embroidery."

* * * * *

_Bullion, or Purl_, is gold or silver wire made in a series of
continuous rings, like a corkscrew. It is used in ecclesiastical work,
for embroidering official and military uniforms, and for heraldic
designs. It should be cut into the required lengths--threaded on the
needle and fastened down as in bead-work. Purl is sometimes
manufactured with a coloured silk twisted round the metal though not
concealing it, and giving rich tints to the work.

* * * * *

_Spangles_ were anciently much used in embroidery, and were sometimes
of pure gold. They are but little used now.

* * * * *

_Plate_ consists of narrow plates of gold or silver stitched on to the
embroidery by threads of silk, which pass over them.

* * * * *

The French and English gold thread is made of thin plates of metal cut
into strips, and wound round strands of cotton in the same manner as
the Japanese gold. If the metal is real, the cost is of course great.
It is sold by weight, gold being about 20s. per oz., and silver, 10s.
per oz. In addition to its superiority in wear, it has this advantage,
that old gold or silver thread is always of intrinsic value, and may
be sold at the current price of the metal whatever state it may be in.
Many varieties of gilt thread are manufactured in France and England,
which may be used when the great expense of "real gold" is objected
to. But although it looks equally well at first, it soon becomes
tarnished, and spoils the effect of the embroidery. Gold and silver
threads are difficult to work with in England, and especially in
London, as damp and coal-smoke tarnish them almost before the work is
out of the frame. Mrs. Dolby recommends cloves being placed in the
papers in which they are kept.

[Decoration]

RECIPES FOR PRESERVING GOLD.

We give here two recipes, which may be found serviceable. They are
from different sources; the first is a very old one. They may preserve
gold for a certain time.

1. Isingla