Lynn Powell, age 16, of Brownsville, Texas, for her question:

WHAT IS STEUBEN GLASS?

During the past 100 years, glass has regained its ancient distinction as the medium for creative expression. The revival started in France during the late 1800s. In the United States there have been a number of companies producing art glass, including the famous Steuben organization.

Many agree that today the most famous American art glass is made by Steuben Glass. This company was founded in 1903 at Corning, N.Y., by a man named Frederick Carder, an Englishman who had learned the art of glassmaking in Europe. Later Corning Glass Works acquired Carder's company.

The only glass used by the company today is a heavy lead crystal, transparent, almost free of imperfections and possessing a beautiful sparkle. Most Steuben pieces are entirely handmade.

Presidents of the United States often have used pieces of fine Steuben glassware as gifts to the rulers of other countries. In 1947, for example, President Harry Truman presented to the then Princess Elizabeth    now Elizabeth II    a beautiful Steuben Merry Go Round Bowl as a wedding gift.