The oak desk illustrated (p. 139), dated 1696, is similar to the one at Abbotsford, in which Sir Walter Scott mislaid his manuscript of "Waverley," where it lay among his fishing-tackle for eleven years. Another piece of the same period is the cupboard with carved doors and drawers beneath (illustrated p. 140). [Illustration: OAK DESK. WITH INITIALS "L. G." AND DATED 1696. (_From the collection of T. E. Price Stretche, Esq._)] Some pretty effects were now obtained by veneering, which was largely coming into practice. The pieces with the burr-walnut panels, marked in a series of knot-like rings, are especially sought after. This pattern was obtained from the gnarled roots of the walnut-tree, and applied in a decorative manner with excellent result. [Illustration: _By permission of T. E. Price Stretche, Esq._ OAK CUPBOARD. SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. Metal handles of drawers, eighteenth century. (Height 6 ft. 7 in.; width, 4 ft. 6 in.)] [Illustration: _By permission of Messrs. Brown & Bool._ Cabinet closed; showing fine mottled figure of burr walnut. Cabinet open; showing drop-down front and nest of drawers. QUEEN ANNE WALNUT CABINET.] [Illustration: DUTCH MARQUETRY CHAIR. QUEEN ANNE CHAIR. _By permission of Messrs. Hampton & Sons._] [Illustration: QUEEN ANNE WALNUT ARMCHAIR. BLACK AND GOLD LAC CHAIR. _By permission of Messrs. Waring._] In the fine cabinet, the illustration of which is given (p. 141), the style is typical of this period. The panels of the doors are of exquisite finish, and show a beautiful walnut grain of peculiarly-pleasing mottled appearance, and the mellow effect which time has given to this specimen cannot be imitated with any degree of success in modern replicas. In the illustration showing this piece when open, the rich effect of the walnut in the middle panel may be noticed; the contemporary brass handles to the nest of drawers are typical of this style. In chairs and in tables the elegant cabriole and colt's-foot legs were now commonly adopted, and apparently, simple as is the construction, it is only when Queen Anne pieces come to be repaired that it is found how expensive an undertaking it is, owing to their ingenious construction and the patient labour that was expended upon them, to produce unpretentious and harmonious effects. The assertively English spirit which was the dominant note of the furniture of the early eighteenth century continued up till the early years of the reign of George II. During this period, which covers half a century, walnut was the wood mostly used in the manufacture of furniture, and this walnut period shows a quiet dignity of style and a simple proportion, reticently elegant and inornate without being severe.