=The Jacobean Cradle.=--The specimens of this type of furniture always exhibit, in the oak variety associated with farmhouse use, a plainness as a noticeable factor. They are usually panelled, but the panel has received no carved ornament and is especially simple. Of course they always have rockers. In the examples illustrated the slight variation in these rockers will be observed. Sometimes they are plain and sometimes they have slight ornamental curves. The only other ornament may be found in the turned knobs at the foot and sometimes at the head. Sometimes there are fine knobs on the hood. The hood is sometimes shaped and exhibits a naïve attempt at symmetrical design. These cradles have long been familiar objects in cottagers' homes, but are now being displaced by modern wicker cradles. The picture _A Flood_ (1870), by Sir John E. Millais, shows one of these cradles floating in a flooded meadow. The baby is crowing with delight, and a black cat sits at the foot of the cradle. The holes in the example illustrated (p. 149) are intended to receive a cord stretched across the cradle to protect the occupant. [Illustration: OAK CRADLE. With shaped hood and turned knobs at head and foot.] [Illustration: OAK CRADLE. With shaped hood with turned ball ornaments. Holes on each side to fasten rope to protect occupant.] [Illustration: YARN-WINDER AND SPINNING-WHEEL.] [Illustration: BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BOBBIN'S. Turned wood bobbins with coloured beads to identify the bobbins from each other. (_In the collection of the author._)] =The Spinning-wheel.=--To this day the spinning-wheel is used in Scotland, in the Highlands. The wool or yarn winders are usually in windlass form with six spokes. The turning upon these winders and spinning wheels resembles the spindles on the spindle-back chairs. There is in Buckinghamshire bobbins a similar turning, individual in character and exhibiting considerable artistic beauty. In spinning-wheels there is considerable scope for the use of fine touches of ornament, in such practical objects dear to the housewife. Bone sometimes was used in the turned knobs. The making of these spinning-wheels was undertaken by persons desirous of winning the esteem of those who used them. Many of them have come down as heirlooms in families and have not been held as objects of art, to be regarded as curiosities, but as articles of everyday use.