The work is in two books: the first of Point Coupé, or {18}rich geometric patterns, printed in white upon a black ground (Fig. 2); the second of Lacis, or subjects in squares (Fig. 3), with counted stitches, like the patterns for worsted-work of the present day--the designs, the seven planets, Neptune, and various squares, borders, etc. Vinciolo dedicates his book to Louise de Vaudemont, the neglected Queen of Henry III., whose portrait, with that of the king, is added to the later editions. Various other pattern-books had already been published. The earliest bearing a date is one printed at Cologne in 1527.[59] [Illustration: Fig. 2. POINT COUPÉ.--(Vinciolo.)] These books are scarce; being designed for patterns, and traced with a metal style, or pricked through, many perished in the using. They are much sought after by the collector as among the early specimens of wood-block printing. We give therefore in the Appendix a list of those we find recorded, or of which we have seen copies, observing that the greater number, though generally composed for one particular art, may be applied indifferently to any kind of ornamental work. PLATE III. [Illustration: Altar or Table Cloth of fine linen embroidered with gold thread, laid, and in satin stitches on both sides. The Cut out spaces are filled with white thread needle-point lace. The edging is alternated of white and gold thread needle-point lace. Probably Italian. Late sixteenth century.--Victoria and Albert Museum.] _To face page 18_ {19}Cut-work was made in several manners. The first consisted in arranging a network of threads upon a small frame, crossing and interlacing them into various complicated patterns. Beneath this network was gummed a piece of fine cloth, called quintain,[60] from the town in Brittany where it was made. Then, with a needle, the network was sewn to the quintain by edging round those parts of the pattern that were to remain thick. The last operation was to cut away the superfluous cloth; hence the name of cut-work. [Illustration: Fig. 3. LACIS.--(Vinciolo. _Edition_ 1588.) Ce Pelican contient en longueur 70 mailles et en hauteur 65.] {20}The author of the _Consolations aux Dames_, 1620, in addressing the ladies, thus specially alludes to the custom of working on quintain:-- "Vous n'employiez les soirs et les matins A façonner vos grotesques quaintains, O folle erreur--O despence excessive."