It has been seen what crisp and attractive decoration may be accomplished by the use of simple and generally most inexpensive fabrics: when others from medium cost to a fair degree of expense are added, our facilities in the directions of colour, pattern, and richness of texture are greatly increased. Still omitting the most costly stuffs there are such things as armures, mohair-velvets, corduroys, the always delightful taffeta silks, the cheaper tapestries, damasks, brocades, and velvets, which nevertheless are exceedingly good, charming designs and colourings in poplins and the better class of printed linens, cretonnes and chintzes.

Such a settee as that in Plate 2 when upholstered in ruby mohair-velvet or tapestry becomes a handsome piece. On the simple styles corduroy is excellent; while the armures, silks, damasks, and brocades may be used upon mahogany or some decorated furniture. Not only does the type of furniture determine the character of its covering, but the "genius" of this type of furnishing being simplicity and modernity it is better to avoid designs that are intricate or decidedly historic. It is difficult to lay down a boundary line in the latter respect, especially as many modern textiles have at least a period basis; one must trust a good deal to his own sense of fitness.

In drawing-rooms (perhaps small rooms of this character may best be termed reception-rooms) where handsome coverings are employed, it is a good plan to supply slip-coverings of figured or plain glazed chintz for informal use; these are attractive in themselves, are a great protection to the upholstery, and afford variety.

PLATE 55. PLAIN CHECK CRETONNE, BLOCK-PRINTED, 31 INCHES WIDE.

Grey, Dark Rose,. Gold, and Mulberry checks on White ground.

Pattern shown here one-third actual size.

Both Printed in England exclusively for B. Altman & Co., New York.

PLATE 55. MOHAR VELVET IN QUIET ORANGE WITH BLACK STRIPE 2 1/8 INCHES WIDE.

By Courtesy of L. C. Chase & Co., Boston, Mass.

PLATE 56. FRENCH CHINTZ IN ODD COLOURING.

Sold by A. L. Diament & Co., Philadelphia and New York.

Background, yellowish grey. Figures, cerise and purple, Flowers, cerise and burnt orange, Leaves, green.

56 in. wide. Half breadth shown.

PLATE 56. FRENCH GLAZED CHINTZ.

Background, bright rose pink. Figures and some details, yellow, Touches of light blue, red-brown and white. 50 in. wide. Half breadth shown.

It is in the nature of things that stocks of textiles, and particularly of imported textiles, should continually change; but it is also to be said that usually there is something of similar nature to take the place of anything discontinued and unobtainable. The materials illustrated act as a guide, even though in course of time they may be succeeded by other designs; and without reference to actual goods it would often be impossible to be sufficiently concrete for real helpfulness. Writing of unusual designs, not to be found in every shop, would be entirely useless without giving the reader an opportunity of seeing their character and appreciating their difference; when they are illustrated he may purchase something of like nature if he does not choose these or if the stocks have become exhausted.

Mere fashion - the demand and the decree that there shall constantly be something "new", though perhaps no better - is responsible for much annoyance in this respect. Intrinsic style is a different affair and the last words of this volume will be given to this very subject.