n shaped over the mold
by the potter, the upper surface was covered by a coating of white
slip, and designs were cut through this slip to show the earthenware
underneath. This decoration was more commonly used by the old potters
than slip decorating, which consisted in mixing white clay and water
until the consistency of cream. The liquid clay was then allowed to
run slowly through a quill attached to a small cup, over the
earthenware (before burning it in a kiln) to produce different
designs. The process is similar to that used when icing a cake, when
you allow the icing to run slowly from a pastry tube to form fanciful
designs. I have watched the old potters at their work many a time when
a child. The process employed in the manufacture of earthenware is
almost the same today as it was a century ago, but the appliances of
the present day workmen are not so primitive as were those of the old
German potters. Mary, a new pottery works has been started quite
lately in the exact locality where, over one hundred years ago, were
situated the Dichl and Headman potteries, where my highly-prized, old
sgraffito plate was manufactured. I hear the new pottery has improved
machinery for the manufacture of vases, flower pots, tiles, etc. They
intend manufacturing principally 'Spanish tiles' from the many acres
of fine clay found at that place. The clay, it is said, burns a
beautiful dark, creamy red. As you are so much interested in this
subject, Mary, we shall visit this new pottery some day in the near
future, in company with your Uncle John. It is no great distance from
the farm. Quite an interesting story I have heard in connection with a
pottery owned by a very worthy Quaker in a near-by town may interest
you, as your father was a Philadelphia Quaker and Ralph's parents were
Quakers also."

[Illustration: A-38 Schmutz Amschel]

[Illustration: A-39 Antiquated Tin Lantern]

[Illustration: A-40 Schmutz Amschel]

[Illustration: A-41 Fluid Lamp]

[Illustration: A-42 Candle Mould]

"Yes, indeed, Aunt Sarah! I'd love to hear the story."

"This Quaker sympathized with the colored race, or negroes, in the
South. This was, of course, before slavery was abolished. You don't
remember that time, Mary, You are too young. It is only history to
you, but I lived it, and when the slaves ran away from their owners
and came North to Philadelphia they were sent from there, by
sympathizers, to this Quaker, who kept an underground station. T