ery, and their numerous
modifications cannot be fully discussed in the limit we have
prescribed to ourselves. It is sufficient to observe that the
instruction we have tried to impart is that which it is absolutely
necessary for the needleworker to master thoroughly before she
attempts to cope with the artistic element of her work. That it is a
creative art is undoubted, for no two pieces of embroidery are alike
unless executed by the same hand, and from the same design.

For the advanced artist there is a store of instruction in the fine
collection at South Kensington, which, seen by the light of Dr. Rock's
invaluable "Catalogue of Textile Fabrics," is an education in itself,
of which the ethnological as well as the artistic interest cannot be
over-estimated, and it is within the reach of all who can find time to
bestow upon it.

STRETCHING AND FINISHING.

Always avoid using an iron to embroidery. It flattens the work, and is
apt to injure the colour. For embroidery on linen, unless very badly
done, it will be found quite sufficient to stretch the work as tightly
as possible with white tacks or drawing-pins on a clean board, and
damp it evenly with a sponge. Leave it until quite dry, and then
unfasten it, and, if necessary, comb out the fringe. If it is new
work, it should not be fringed until after it has been stretched.

For crewel work on cloth or serge, it is sometimes necessary to rub a
little shoemaker's paste on to the back of the embroidery, while it is
tightly stretched. When pasting can be avoided, it is always better to
do without it; but it serves to steady the work in some cases, and
makes it wear better. Unless it is absolutely necessary, it is better
not to paste the back of screen panels, whatever may be the materials
on which they are worked; but more especially satin or velvet, as it
interferes with the straining of the work by the cabinet-maker.

* * * * *

We give a recipe for EMBROIDERY PASTE, which is said to be
excellent:--Three and a half spoonfuls of flour, and as much powdered
resin as will lie on a half-penny. Mix these well and smoothly with
half a pint of water, and pour it into an iron saucepan. Put in one
teaspoonful of essence of cloves, and go on stirring till it boils.
Let it boil for five minutes, and turn it into a gallipot to cool.

N.B.--Let the gallipot have in it a muslin bag: the
water can then be drained out from time to time, and