mixed with so large a proportion of glass, which necessitated the use of stronger oils to carry the colour; and this again caused the colour, when of sufficient strength, to blister in the kiln. Mr. Minton was not, however, discouraged; and, believing that the difficulties would ultimately be overcome, he joined the experimenters in taking out a patent for the process. The patent is dated the 14th March, 1848, and is entitled “for improvements in ornamenting china, earthenware, and glass.” The difficulties so early encountered were very long in being overcome; months, and even years, of disappointment and loss followed, and it was only after innumerable trials had shown what particular oils and of what strength were required for different colours, that the obstacles were finally surmounted, and the process established as an additional and improved means of mechanical decoration. The process was applied to the decoration of earthenware and china generally, both useful and ornamental; but has proved to be more successful with flat surfaces. It was at an early period applied to ornamenting glazed tiles, and quickly supplanted the old and more expensive method of ground-laying. Mr. Pugin was the earliest patron of these tiles, and introduced them into the new palace of Westminster; the walls of the smoke-room of the House of Commons being the first instance of their use. Numerous specimens were shown at the Exhibition of 1851, and again at Paris in 1855, on which occasion the inventor and manager (Mr. Alfred Reynolds) obtained a first-class certificate. And here it should be remarked that Messrs. Minton took every opportunity of bringing before the Jury the merits of those in their employ, whom they considered deserving of distinction for the service they had rendered to them. There is now a very extensive trade done in these tiles, which are very beautiful and every variety of design. They are applied to wall decoration generally, also to hearths, the sides of fire-places, the making of flower boxes, and to a variety of other useful and ornamental purposes. In this improvement both beauty and cheapness are combined. To speak of the merits of these, even briefly, would occupy a chapter; it is sufficient to say that they are of every possible variety of design--floral, geometrical, mythological, historical, and otherwise,--and that the combinations of colours and the arrangement of the patterns give them a brilliancy all their own. Later on the partnership with Mr. Hollins terminated, and that gentleman continued the manufacture of encaustic and other tiles. (See page 213.)