acquaintance, and it has been very aptly said that the fact of its
having survived enthusiasm should vouch for its worth. Porcelain has a
good glaze which does not readily crack or break. Advancing in the
scale of cost and fineness, we come to that most beautiful of all
chinas--the gold-and-white--which can be had at from $50 a set up to as
high as $1,500. The gilding is in coin gold, the effect of richness
tempered with chastity being carried through all grades in varying
intensity. It "expresses itself beyond expression," and is an honor to
any table.



COURSE SETS

When it comes to the purchase of course sets, different tastes can find
instant gratification in numberless colorings and designs.
Overdecoration and large floral devices must be avoided, but any
delicately expressed pattern is good, and here again the gold-and-white
seems to fulfill all demands. Soup, salad, tea, butter, and other
plates can be had in china from 30 cents apiece up. Articles of this
kind, in a standard pattern, may be bought one or two at a time, and
added to as ability permits until the set is completed. Any unusual
design runs through two years, after which it can be obtained only from
the factory. A dozen of each is a good number to aim at, for there
will be many occasions which will call out one's whole dish brigade and
keep it actively engaged. The old joke about having to wash dishes
between courses, and sending the ice cream afloat on a warm plate,
really loses its amusing aspect when it becomes an actual experience.
Unless the mistress prefers to serve her soup at the table, a tureen is
not a necessity, but if used, it must match the soup plates. It is a