The admirer of metal-work finds examples of the early brassworker's art in ecclesiastical edifices. Although in years gone by there has been spoiliation in many churches, and some of the most valued objects in sacred buildings have been taken for secular uses, there are still many treasured relics which are almost unique specimens of the metal-worker's art. It is a wonder so much has been preserved, for too enthusiastic authorities have often displaced the old and substituted newer objects of no antiquarian value. In the past in restoration work much that would have now been venerated as antique has been destroyed. The collector cannot be advised to bring pressure to bear on the ecclesiastical authorities in order that he may obtain such curios for his museum. Oftentimes the brasses in themselves would present no special interest. It is rather in their associations that the antiquary sees much to admire, and to strip brasses from the wall or memorial tablets from tombs is vandalism and sacrilege which cannot be encouraged. There is, however, a peculiar beauty in the metal-work which may be seen and admired in old churches, and the massive grandeur of grilles, railings, and gallery fronts add to the beauty of such buildings as a whole. In addition to these architectural brasses there are many portable antiques, ornate and historical. Ecclesiastical brasses may be divided into two groups. First, there are those which have been consecrated to religious purposes, including the sacred vessels of the altar and the metal symbols used in Divine worship, and then there are the metal objects which serve the purpose of ornament and to some extent utility. Among the more decorative pieces of the first group are processional crosses, many of which are very beautiful, in some cases being ornamented with precious stones and enamels. Then there are the crosses on the altar, if anything still more decorative, for in fashioning them, especially for use in connection with the old Gothic cathedrals and churches in this country and on the Continent in mediæval days, the artists concentrated their best endeavours to produce metal-work worthy of the sacred purpose for which it was to be used. Some of the bishops' and archbishops' crooks in the earlier days were made of ivory; then metal-work, richly chased and jewelled, came into vogue, and latterly some of the crooks are fine examples of the metal-workers' art. Candlesticks.