MECHLIN.

103

advertised in the “ London Gazette,” August 17th to 21st:—“ Lostfrom Barker’s coach, a deal box containing,” among other articles,“ a waistcoat and Holland shirt, both laced with Mecklin lace.”Queen Anne purchased it largely; at least she paid in 1713 44217Z. 6s. 9 d. for eighty-three yards, either to one Margaret Jolly orone Francis Dobson, “ Millenario liegali ”—the lloyal 1M illiner, ashe styles himself. George I. indulges in a “ Macklin ” cravat. 45

“ It is impossible,” says Savary, about this time, “ to imaginehow much Mechlin lace is annually purchased by France andHolland, and in England it has always held the highest favour.”

Fig. 53.

4G eA» —

■A- A- Air Ji-

Mechlin. End of eighteenth century.

Of the beau of 17^7, it is said—

“ Right Macklin most twist round his bosom and wrists; ”while Captain Figgins, of the 67th, a dandy of the first water, isdescribed, like the naval puppy of Smollett in “ Roderick Random,”“ his hair powdered with marechal, a cambric shirt, his Malineslace dyed with coffee-grounds.” To wards 1755 the fashion seemsto have been on the decline in England. “ All the town,” writesMr. Caldenvood, “ is full of convents; Mechlin lace is all madethere; I saw a great deal, and very pretty and cheap. They talkof giving up the trade, as the English, upon whom they depended,have taken to the wearing of French blondes. The lace merchants

44 Or. VVurd. Ace. P. R. O.

4S Ibid.