THE happiest combinations of the artistic with the mechanical are found in Sheraton's library and bedroom furniture. Some of the former is designed mainly for usefulness, as in the case of his drawing-tables and tables with library steps. A drawing-table is on four taper legs, has a drawer with fittings in the frame, and a movable slanting top. On the right-hand side is a slide for a candlestick stand. The library steps, by an ingenious arrangement, double up and disappear inside the frame of the table upon which their upper part, when extended, rests. The table is on serviceable casters, so that the whole affair was perhaps less cumbersome than it might appear at first. A still more elaborate type replaces the simple pole hand-rest of the first by a hand-rail on the right side of the steps, and a desk projecting at the top, upon which a book for reference may be temporarily placed. The whole is a very clever piece of folding mechanism, and is hidden, when closed, under the top of the table, which lifts up with a hinge on one side.

The only indication of its peculiar use is the fact that the legs are thicker than usual.

This system of disappearing steps and book-rests is a favourite one with Sheraton. An oval library table considerably adorned with inlay is based upon a pair of cupboards with open space between them, and has drawers in the frame above. In two of these drawers are concealed book-rests. Another of similar general shape, but without the open knee-space, has a complete secretaire with the usual pigeon-holes in its central part, and drawers below. From the oval ends shaped drawers pull out, as in the first instance, but instead of the book-rests there is a large drawing-board, which lifts up from the top and can be slanted to any angle.

I must not omit to mention the Universal table and the Harlequin Pembroke table. The former is plain and severe, with interior 'surprise' fittings ; but the Harlequin (of which it is well to remember that Shearer made a pretty version) is a very elegant table, the chief characteristic of which is a series of pigeonholes and small drawers which rise and fall in the top of the table as required.

In bedroom furniture some very charming designs were made by Sheraton. Their chief aim is, of course, to appear anything but what they are, in consideration of the constant use then made of a bedroom as a reception or sitting room. A lady's 'Dressing Commode 'has a centre, bow-fronted, and two flat wings. The top of the centre lifts up on a hinge, and discloses the usual 'furniture drawer' fittings with an adjustable mirror. In the top of the right, wing is a small writing-desk, adjustable also, with ink-pots and other fittings. On the left wing is the exiguous basin which seems to have been all that our grandmothers required for ordinary use. The bow centre shows double folding doors, and the wings a tier of four drawer fronts, as to which we may conclude that the interior was the exact opposite of what it appears to be.

All these appliances, without the artistic adornments, are to be found on more severe and rectangular bedroom pieces; but even these, though when open for use rather too machine-like, are, when closed, most pleasant to look at. The fine wood, the fine workmanship, and the pretty ring handles, are sufficient in themselves to be attractive (Plates cliii., cliv.).