NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. 349 The exhibition of 1862 showed an astonishing progress in both design and execution; leaves in strict imitation of nature Fig. 133. Plaited lace. Bedford. being mingled with the Oriental arabesque of the so-called Maltese (Fig. 134) in the fabrics of Bedfordshire, which may now be dis- Fig. 131. Raised plait. Bedford. tinguished by this characteristic from those of her sister county. The Buckinghamshire stick to the old Maltese designs, their laces unrelieved by the introduction of either flowers or foliage.