Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-03-01
HERE AND THERE IN BOSTON.
For the orroRp DEMOCRAT.


Ladies' who visit Boston, viii find much
to interest them, IL they viii devote few
hours to the examination OF the various
articles of needlework, displayed for sale,
at the rooms Of the Society Of Decorative
Art. The walls of the apartments, which
consist OF two large parlors made one oy
opening the folding doors, are completely
covered with table covers, d'oylies, chair-
backs, fans. sofa pillows and portfolios,
many OF them so beautifully decorated with
the needle, that they resemble fine paint
ings in effect and finish. The materials
used are silk, satin, linen and felt, EN-
broidered In what are known as long and
short stitch, Kensington and outline, win
crewels and floss; and the patterns are
mostly wild flowers, reeds and grasses, al
though occasionally may be seen carica-
ture. like that OF Mr.. Parker and MT.
Weller, or Old Mother Hubbard, or fruit
and other designs appropriate for napkins.
The prices asked for the work would seem
exorbitant to one who did not observe its
microscopic and innumersble stitches
one chairbsck of old gold brocade, deco
rated with thistles in shaded floss, was
marked thirty-five dollars. A table cover
OF gray felt, with lunches of ferns, scarlet
poppies, oxeye daisies, and here and there
a dragon fiy lowering over them, In centre
and corners, was priced at twenty dollars
IL was certainly thing of beauty and a
ioy To the beholder. A portfolio of olive
satin. decorated with sumac and golden
rod. was sold for thirty dollars. sofa
pillow of brown linen ornamented IN out
line with pine cones or twigs. and especial
" recommended as being stuffed with pine
needles, provoked inquiry and elected the
information that in these days OF scientihc
discovery, pine leaves are considered a
papacea for rheumatism, neuralgia and
nervous diseases, and quite an extensive
business is now carried on in making mat
tresses OF them for those who suffer from
such complaints They may be a. eiiica-
ciouS in inducing rest. as the motto,
Hush. NV dear, lie siill and slumber."
beautifully embroidered on an Infants pill
ow sham, that hung near by.
In Park Square, Just beyond these rooms
of art decoration, Is the monument given
20 the city OF Boston by Morris Kimball.
It represents Lincoln standing with hand
out-stretched towards kneeling African,
rom whose wrists the broken chains are
falling. On one side OF the finely polished
Scotch granite pedestal is carved "A
race made free. The Nation at peace.
Lincoln rests from his labors.
Holman Hunts famous picture, the
Shadow OF Death. which has been on ex-
hi5ition in the gallery Of Williams and
Eyeretts was sent to Europe last week.
Critics have differed in their criticisms OF
this work. a. judgments always differ ana
incline in the direction the mind has been
cultivated. II seemed 10 me as II each
hour OF study developed some new mean
ing aud beauty, until the locker on was
transported 10 the hills OF Galilee, felt the
mothers horror, and heard the words OF
whispered PRAYER that fell from the Mas
ter's lips and a picture that can have
such an effect, must possess artistic merit
In the highest degree In spite OF bubbles OF
Inconsistencies and technical inaccuracies.
| gathered some facts ia relation 10 the
work which was new 10 me. Mr.. Hunt
took up his residence in the Holy Land in
lS67. and for five years he studied scenery
climate, natives aud costumes; even after
he returned 70 Europe with the picture, he
placed IL in his own studio that he might
Judge deliberately OF his success In carry
ing out his original design. At last II was
sold 70 London bookseller for $1,000,
large sum TO be paid for a canvass. which
when framed is only six by eight feet.
The picture can be described In a few
words, but days or study are necessary TO
appreciate the nicely OF detail aud beauty
OF Specification. The scene Is laid in
carpenters shop: on the walls are seen
racks for tools aud the floor Is covered
with shayings. At the right, near Golfer
containing the gifts 10 the infant Jesus,
kneels Mary examining its contents; at
the left stands Christ, who has just raised
himself from his work and lifts his hands
10 the setting sun, whose rays, coming
through the window, casts the shadow
behind the Master as II he was nailed TO
cross. which arresting the attention OF the
mother, causes her TO recoil in alright.
fremont Temple was crowded even TO
the third gallery, TO hear Mrs. J. L. Fos-
ter OF Iowa, lady formerly Of Boston
now practicing law in Burlington, who
was advertised TO reply 10 DR. Crosby's
lecture on temperance. Mr.. Bishop, presi-
dent OF the Senate, introduced the speakers,
and the Mayor and many members OF the
legislature were seated on the platform.
Miss Frances Willard first addressed the
audience. She has lost none OF her tender
ness and grace, although her face has
grown thin and wan In these years OF bat
Ting with the demon Of alcohol. She
seemed the embodiment Of good spirit
striving TO save men from ruin and dis
grace, and women from sorrow, as she
stood in the midst OF that vast crowd and
her sweet voice rang out so pleadingly
through the immense building. Mrs. Fos-
ter is an attractive figure in the lecture
room. She has fresh, fair face, and wore
on this occasion q rich black satin dress,