ormolu frieze, holds some choice antique porcelain vases and a valuable
Roman timepiece. A massive chandelier hangs from the centre of a ceiling
wrought with the arms of the house--this chandelier being solid silver.
It was presented by the inhabitants of Amsterdam, while two silver
lustres at the sides of the fireplace were presented by Rotterdam. Two
exquisite statues stand in front of the windows, one of Venus, the other
Diana, midway between which is an immense porcelain vase on a pedestal.
This you will note in the view given of the room. It has special
interest just now, as it was given by Marshal MacMahon, whose death
recently occurred, and whose funeral--a State military one--I had the
opportunity of witnessing a few weeks ago in Paris.

[Illustration: THE CRYSTAL ROOM.
_From a Photo. by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]

The windows are of very fine stained glass, the different panes giving
portraits of Kings and Princes, under each being depicted battles they
had fought. Note this rare Florentine mosaic table with pedestal of
ormolu; then we will pass on to the crystal room, an ante-room to the
ball-room. Some immense candelabra of purest crystal at once attracted
my attention; not only were they of the largest I had ever seen, but
they were absolutely unique in composition: the pedestals in support
were ormolu and marble.

[Illustration: SIDEBOARD AND MINIATURES IN SMALL DINING-ROOM.
_From a Photo by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]

The appointments here are again in the First Empire style. The view here
shown is looking into the small dining-room, the private dining-room of
their Majesties. In it there is to be seen a costly collection of