CHAP. xxiv. GOLD AND SILVER. 



metal, but by various improvements in the alloys 

 mingled with it, the ornaments looked as well at 

 a lower cost ; and therefore in this way the pro- 

 portion of gold consumed was very much greater 

 than it would have been if the standard fineness 

 had been adhered to. 



Those few who can remember the fashion of 

 dress sixty years ago, may be disposed to think 

 the consumption of gold to have lessened, as far 

 as regards the lace on the clothes of gentlemen. 

 As late as the year 1770 f ew gentlemen appeared 

 without an embroidered frock, or a laced coat of 

 gold or silver. Even with the middle class a 

 gold laced waistcoat formed a very common part 

 of the dress, and gold laced hats were very ge- 

 neral to a later period. Though this use of gold 

 and silver lace has disappeared, and though the 

 officers of the navy and army are less covered 

 with lace, yet it is to be considered that their 

 numbers in England as well as in other parts of 

 the world have very much increased, and perhaps 

 the consumption has not been much, if at all, 

 diminished. 



It is also to be remarked, that in this way there 

 is but little absolute consumption. The pieces of 

 old lace are collected and burnt, and the greater 

 part of the precious metal is restored to its former 

 state, and becomes fit for application to future 

 purposes. 



These remarks on the increased application of 



