Both corner and square washstands have an opening in the top, into which was set the washbowl, and two—sometimes three—small openings for the little cups which were used to hold the soap. Hepplewhite’s book, published in 1789, shows designs of “night tables” like the one in Illustration 49, but they are not often found in this country. [Illustration: Illus. 47.—Towel-rack and Washstand, 1790-1800.] This table is of mahogany, with tambour doors, and a carved rim around the top, pierced at each side to form a handle. The wood of the interior of the drawer is oak, showing that the table was probably made in England. It is owned by the writer. [Illustration: Illus. 48.—Washstand, 1815-1830.] There are several drawings in the books of Hepplewhite and Sheraton of washstands and toilet-tables with complicated arrangements for looking-glasses and toilet appurtenances, but such pieces of furniture could not have been common even in England, and certainly were not in this country. [Illustration: Illus. 49.—Night Table, 1785.] In Illustration 288 upon page 294 is shown a piano which can be used as a toilet-table, with a looking-glass and trays for various articles, but it must have been, even when new, regarded less from the utilitarian side, and rather as a novel and ornamental piece of furniture. [Illustration: Illus. 50.—Washstand, 1800-1810.] A washstand of different design is shown in Illustration 50. The front is of bird’s-eye maple and mahogany, and the top is of curly maple with mahogany inlay around the edge. The sides are mahogany. The two drawers are shams, and the top lifts on a hinge disclosing a compartment for a pitcher and bowl. The tapering legs end in a spade foot, and a large brass handle is upon each side. The other handles are brass knobs. This stand was made after instructions given by Sheraton thus, “The advantage of this kind of basin stand is, that they may stand in a genteel room, without giving offense to the eye, their appearance being somewhat like a cabinet.” The washstand is owned by the writer. CHAPTER III BEDSTEADS [Illustration]