Page iv

iv                 PREFACE 
of specimens; an inquiry into what others knew or 
had written; and an examination of old records, such 
as inventories of household furniture, old newspapers, 
account books, and diaries. The furniture of Eng- 
land and Holland for the corresponding period was 
also studied to some extent. 
Among the many interesting results of these re- 
searches the following may here be mentioned: 
The proof that much, perhaps the most, of the 
carved oaken furniture found in New England was 
made here. 
Evidence which renders it very probable that the 
phrases livery-cuptoard and court-cupboard were but 
different names for the same piece of furniture. 
The identity of the livery and court-cupboard has 
before been suggested, but so far as we know no 
evidence of it has hitherto been adduced. In con- 
nection with cupboards we may also call attention to 
the cupboard cushions found in our inventories, 
objects which we have not seen mentioned else- 
where. 
Proof of the early use of black walnut and ma- 
hogany furniture in this country. The former as 
early as 1668, the latter as early as 17c8. It will 
probably be found that mahogany was used for cabi-