Various fantastic methods of surface decoration have indeed found favour at times. An artificial iridescence has been given to the surface by certain chemical agencies--perhaps the most elaborate instance of such decoration may be found in the 'favrile' glass of Messrs. Tiffany, the well-known goldsmiths of New York. But as a rule, the facility with which the desired result may be obtained at little expense by means of modern chemical and mechanical processes has led, in the case of glass, to that want of reticence and restraint and to that habit of resting content with the _a peu pres_--the passable imitation--that are characteristic of so much of the modern art productions that fill the show-cases of exhibitions.

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