The great interest with which the publication of our first series of patterns of openwork on linen was received, and the requests addressed to us for a new collection, induced us to issue a second series comprising patterns which are sure to interest our readers. This new publication consists of insertions of Slav design (plate I), and old Italian character (plates II and III), of Reti cella openwork (plate IV), and old Spanish openwork (plate V), besides edgings in cut stitch (plates VI, VII and VIII). These are followed by plain grounds (plates IX and X), a ground with rosettes, resembling Teneriffe lace (plate XI) and a ground in cut stitch, with Reticella motives (plate XII). This collection also contains patterns of checked openwork, closely resembling the patterns of embroidered net, which in fact can be used equally well for this kind of openwork; ?owers and animals most often form the subjects of these motives in the Renaissance style, and these can be adapted to squares and borders. Plates XXIX to XXXII consist of simple openwork patterns, worked in Pearl cotton on coarse coloured linen; this kind of work is quickly done and produces a new and very original effect. The uses to which openwork on linen can be put are many, occupying an important place in ladies' dress, household linen and furniture. The patterns on plates I to III are suitable for ornamenting little finger napkins and tray-cloths, they may also be used for trimming blouses and aprons, collars, cuffs, caps, &c. The edgings on plate V, easy to work, lend themselves exceptionally well to the trimming of such articles as deep collars, scarves, dress widths, &c. On the other hand the patterns on plate IV, more laborious to work, are better adapted for the decoration of church linen and fine table and bed linen. For napery, table-centres, dresser — cloths, towels, pincushions, night — dress bags, waistbands, &c., we recommend the patterns in cut stitch on plates VI to VIII, as well as the grounds on plates IX to XII.
