These instructions are on painting two stone mantelpieces - one in imitation black marble, with gold lines, the other to represent white marble. If the mantelpieces are porous, coat with whiting and size, and thoroughly rub down before painting. If the mantel is to be finished black and gold, it should first be prepared black. Place on a pallet a little Venetian red, ochre, white, and a little lead colour. First dip the pencil or a feather into the red, and imitate a few veins by scumbling the colour on to the mantel. Follow with the ochre, occasionally adding a little white to produce variety. Very fine lines should break away from the larger ones in imitation of the real stone, which should be studied to get a good effect. Finally, the spaces between the vein ing should be filled in with the lead colour, using a fitch for the purpose. When dry, give two coats of varnish. White marble must be done on a white ground whilst the paint is still wet. Rub up on the pallet a, little blue-black with a little white, and lay in the veins as described for the black, but the whole must be softened in with a hog-hair softener while wet.

Use all the colours rather thin.