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great, or hired when music was wanted, and the amusements generallywere more boisterous and less refined than those of the present day, therecould have been but little occasion for variety in this class of movables.*

needle-work practised by our indefatigable grandmothers,” says Mr. Douce, “ if enumerated,would astonish even the most industrious of our modern ladies. Many curious books ofpatterns for lace and all sorts of needle-work were formerly published; some of which,”adds that gentleman, “ are worth pointing out to the curious collector.” Among others,he mentions of English works, Vincentio’s, under the title of “ New and singular Patternesarid Workes of Linnen , serving for patternes to make all sorts of Lace, Edginges, and CutWorkes. Newly invented for the profite and contentment of ladies, gentilwomen, and othersthat are desireous of this art. 1591.” Another with this title: “ Here foloweth certainePatternes of Cut-workes: new invented and never published before. Also sundry sortes ofspots, as flowers, birdes, and fishes, §c.; and will fitly serve to be wrought some with gould,some with silke, and some with crewell in coullers: or otherwise at your pleasure." No date.And “ The Needle’s Excellency, a new booke, wherein are divers admirable workes wroughtwith the needle. Newly invented, and cut in copper, for the pleasure and profit of theindustrious."

* At Hengrave Hall, “ in y e chamber where y c musicyons playe,” were

i. “ horded chest with locke and key, w h vj. vialls.i. borded chest with six violenns.i. case of recorders, in nomber vij.iiij. cornutes, one being a mute cornute.i. great base lewte, and a meane lewte, both w th out cases,i. treble lewte, and a meane, with cases.

i. bandore, and a sitherne with a dooble case.

ii. sackboots, w th ther cases.

iii. hoeboys, w 01 a curtail and a lysarden.ii. flewtes w th out cases.

i. payer of virginalls.

i. wind instrument like a virginall.

i. great payer of dooble virginalls.

i. payer of great orgaynes.” — Mn. Gage’s History.