Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-05-03

were provided. And a, this present
date, 1899, nn workman is allowed at
the AIeissen china factory, who has not
previously served six years at school
Of AZ; and training for his trade. Think
Of that, yc young Americans who fancy
You know il al in six months or yearl
Think of the difference between doing a
thing slap-dash-"g et.through-a soon
as-you-csn" sort Of way, and being
Obliged 10 study and work and tram for
years before you are considered IN any
way worthy Of acceptance.
The consequence of this work and
training is q degree Of excellence that is
recognized all the world over, and Of a
beauty Of finish that is universally
acknowledged TO be without a rival.
And no wonderl They have earned
their reputation, these pieces of Dresden
china, and they genuinely merit their
high artistic good name.
CASTLE OF ALBREcHTsBuRG.
Upon a high hill in Nielsen stands
the castle of AlJrechtsburg, the main
portion OF which was built by Duke
Albrecht of SgXouy in 1883. 1t is OF
the old Gothic style, and is very i'm.
posing as seen from the river or valley
below. This is the castle that was used
first by Botticher in ITO, and after.
wards by his successors until as late as
1863 for the manufacture Of china.
Later large factory was built on the
outskirts OF the town. We visited this
old monument Of the past, but with the
exception OF the outer spiral stone stair
way, whose curves and arches were
wonders Of beauty, there was little OF
interest inside to attract. All the rooms
where Botticher and lis men first
worked at the making OF china were
renovated and 0rnamcnted with SYM
bolical paintings, and not a trace Of the
original tools, &c., was left. From the
castle we drove down the steep hill
again, into the quaint little town, to
visit the new china factory, to SEQ for
ourselves how this beautiful Dresden
ware was made.
We reached the factory after a short
drive, and were at once shown into the
warerooms, where all the finished pieces
are ready Tor sale. We have been in
many china shops, ana have seen before
large and beautiful collections of china,
but never anything that surpassed the
display In the show rooms Of the factory
at Meisscn. All sorts and styles and
colofs Of lea and dinner sets, thousands
Of vases Of innumerable variety Of de-
sign, groups, figures, chandeliers, mirror
frames, &c., without end seemingly.
Perhaps one OF the most remarkable as
well as beautiful things was mantel-
piece and mirroT.frame above 1t.
scarcely dare attempt TO describe it,
but at the sides, underneath the mantel
shelf, were beautifully formed birds, SO
arranged as to seem to hold up the shelf
| and ia and about them were twisted
vines and stems and flowers of most ex-
| quisite coloring and marvellous construc.
ton, magically true to nature. The
mirror, which was perhaps 5 feet high
by 6 feet wide, was framed by com.
binatjon of birds, flowers and leaves
arranged with that finished simplicity
| only possible to great artist.
This one piece alone was worthy OF
hours of study and admiration. ut:
value?" who can estimate it. Even the
! gentlemanly guide, who showed u:
through the building, shrugged hii
shoulders and said he REALLY did no
| know"
After we left the show-rooms we wert
conducted to the vat rooms, where the
first process begins.
l The chief ingredient in the making o.