The most curious Continental punch-bowl that I have ever seen is the great bowl which is here shown. It is now owned by the Washington Association of New Jersey, and once belonged to Colonel Richard Varick, aide to Washington. It is a beautifully-proportioned vessel of Lowestoft or Canton china, about eighteen inches in diameter. It has a dark blue border with festoons of gilt, and bears on the side, in well-chosen colors, all the words and design of the full certificate of membership of the Society of the Cincinnati. The winged figure of Fame, and the other symbolical figures are carefully painted, and all the lettering, including the fine text of the Latin mottoes on seal and crest, is clear and exact. Doubtless a certificate of membership was sent to be copied when the bowl was ordered by Colonel Varick. It is in perfect condition, and is one of the finest historical relics of early Federal times that I have ever seen. It plainly shows the pride and delight of Revolutionary heroes in their new country and new associations. There are in the same building—Washington’s Headquarters—half a dozen other punch-bowls, all of historical interest, and all large enough to show the vastly hospitable intent of the new-made citizens of the new Republic. How pleased good, plain American Republicans were with that Society of the Cincinnati, and how it tickled their pride to wear the Order! Adams and Franklin were seriously alarmed at the powerful hold and influence the decoration seemed to have, and used argument and ridicule against it. One patriotic and vain citizen had his portrait painted in the bottom of his punch-bowl, with the Order proudly displayed around his neck. Around him encircled that favorite emblem, the thirteen-linked chain; great black links these were, with the name of a State in each. On the side of the bowl the Order was again displayed in larger size. There is a gallant ten-gallon bowl in Upper Faneuil Hall, which belongs to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery of Boston. Captain Ephraim Prescott, when in China in 1795, procured this great bowl as a suitable present for his companions at arms. The generous captain died during the voyage home, and on its arrival in port the punch-bowl fell into strange hands. Thirty years later Hon. Jonathan Hunnewell heard of its existence, bought it for $15, and gave it to the military company for whom it was originally purchased. Curious old orders and entries exist about the purchase of wine, rum, sugar, and “sourings” for the manufacture of the ancient and honorable punches. “But if sowrings be scarce & dear, wine & rum only.” You might make a punch without lemons, on a squeeze, but not without wine and rum.