Another good designer and maker of much excellent furniture of this time was "Shearer," who has been unnoticed by nearly all writers on the subject. In an old book of designs in the author's possession, "Shearer delin" and "published according to Act of Parliament, 1788," appears underneath the representations of sideboards, tables, bookcases, dressing tables, which are very similar in every way to those of Sheraton, his contemporary. George Richardson and Matthias Darly should also be mentioned as notable designers of furniture and decorative details of this time. A copy of Hepplewhite's Book, in the author's possession (published in 1789), contains 300 designs "of every article of household furniture in the newest and most approved taste," and it is worth while to quote from his preface to illustrate the high esteem in which English cabinet work was held at this time. "English taste and workmanship have of late years been much sought for by surrounding nations; and the mutability of all things, but more especially of fashions, has rendered the labours of our predecessors in this line of little use; nay, in this day can only tend to mislead those foreigners who seek a knowledge of English taste in the various articles of household furniture." It is amusing to think how soon the "mutabilities of fashion" did for a time supersede many of his designs. A selection of drawings from his book is given, and it will be useful to compare them with those of other contemporary makers. From such a comparison it will be seen that in the progress from the rococo of Chippendale to the more severe lines of Sheraton, Hepplewhite forms a connecting link between the two. The names given to some of these designs appear curious; for instance: "Rudd's table or reflecting dressing table," so called from the first one having been invented for a popular character of that time. "Knife cases," for the reception of the knives which were kept in them and used to "garnish" the sideboards. "Cabriole chair," implying a stuffed back, and not having reference, as it does now, to the curved form of the leg. "Bar backed sofa," being what we should now term a three or four chair settee, _i.e._, like so many chairs joined and having an arm at either end. "Library case" instead of Bookcase. "Confidante" and "Duchesse," which were sofas of the time. "Gouty stool," a stool having an adjustable top. "Tea chest," "Urn stand," and other names which have now disappeared from ordinary use in describing similar articles. [Illustration: PARLOUR CHAIRS, DESIGNED BY W. INCE.] [Illustration: LADIES' SECRETAIRES, DESIGNED BY W. INCE. (Reproduced by Photography from an old print in the Author's possession.)] [Illustration: DESK AND BOOKCASE, DESIGNED BY W. INCE. (Reproduced by Photography from an old Print in the Author's possession.)] [Illustration: CHINA CABINET, DESIGNED BY J. MAYHEW. (Reproduced from an old Print in the Author's possession.)]