Rush-and flag-bottomed chairs and chairs with seats of twisted rawhide--the frames often gilded and painted-- sometimes took the place of wrought mahogany, except in the best rooms of great houses.

Many of these are of excellent shape and construction, and specially interesting as an adaptation of natural products of the country.

Undoubtedly, with our ingenious modern appliances, we could make as good furniture as was made in Chippendale and Sheraton's day, with far less expenditure of effort; but the demon of competition in trade will not allow it.

We must use all material, perfect or imperfect; we cannot afford to select.

We must cover knots and imperfections with composition and pass them on.