Two bracelets, made for a wealthy English lady, are also described, and, as there is a mania for this description of ornaments, we copy it for those ordering hair-work from a distance, or who are curious in these matters. One, made of very fair, soft, glossy hair, is in the form of a serpent, having the rings on its back, distinctly marked by a peculiar method of plaiting the hair. This serpent is represented as creeping gracefully on a long reed leaf, made of green enamel in natural shades, the head being studded with emeralds. The other bracelet consists of a flat band, formed of plaited hair of various shades, and the shades so disposed as to intersect each other transversely, forming a kind of chequered pattern. Five medallions are affixed to this band, each opening by a spring in the manner of a watch-case, and within are a name and date, or any inscription appropriate to those whose tresses have formed the memento. For plain bracelets, there is the round elastic band, fastened by a broad gold band or link, to which is attached a single medallion, inclosing hair too short to be braided. Two of these bands, twisted or roped together, make a heavier bracelet. There is another, inclosing a steel spring, having the head or tail of a serpent in gold, and thus appearing to coil about the wrist; a common device, but one we do not much fancy. Brooches are made in the form of knots, bows, clasps, etc. Plain flat rings, with a gold band just wide enough for initials, or fastened by a tiny gold knot or buckle, are great favorites, and make a simple, tasteful love-token. Pendents for bracelets or brooches, in every shape, are worn, and tipped with gold, lyres, harps, baskets, acorns, etc. etc., all of fairy-like delicacy and proportions. Ear-rings in globes, as described above, acorns, harps, baskets, etc., are also worn. The Swiss style, once thought so tasteful—flat flowers, feathers, landscapes, and funeral urns, pictured on a white ground, and set as cameos—are almost entirely out of date.
The changes of the present month in outside garments are by no means important. More furs are seen of the usual variety, from ermine and sable down to the equally comfortable Siberian or gray squirrel and fitch. The tippets are giving place almost entirely to the large round capes of twenty years ago; muffs are still small, and cuffs worn as much as ever. Velvet and cloth circular, or Talma cloaks, are again in favor, of several new varieties in trimming. Some of them consist of two and three capes, one above the other, like the horseman's cloak capes, once so fashionable for gentlemen. The favorite trimming which has replaced the narrow velvet ribbons of last year is broad satin galoon of different patterns. Beaver bonnets for children, at Oakford's and Genin's, are trimmed principally with satin bands and plaited satin ribbons, making a glossy contrast. We consider beaver as most suitable for the little people. Satin and velvet are the favorite materials for ladies' hats, and close plumes will be worn as much as ever, feathers being used in inside trimming for the brim, mixed with knots of ribbon.
DESCRIPTION OF CHILDREN'S DRESSES.
(See Cuts in front of Book.)
No. 1.—Boy's skirt and jacket of dark cashmere, the latter open, with a front in imitation of a vest, of pale buff kerseymere. Plain linen collar and undersleeves, with a small ribbon necktie.
No. 2.—Street coat of dark green pelisse cloth, trimmed with velvet to correspond, suitable for a boy from three to six years old.
No. 3.—Little girl's dress, with basque and tunic skirt, trimmed with scalloped frills of the same material. Short pantalettes, with narrow tucks.
No. 4.—Dress and loose sacque jacket, of embroidered fawn-colored cashmere; the sleeves have a deep cuff, and, for cold weather, a plain plaited muslin chemisette may be worn to protect the neck. Fashion.