d the English language on
the subject of grass, I will not repeat any ecstasies upon that topic.

After descending from the tower we filed off to the proper quarter, to
show our orders for the private rooms. The state apartments, which we had
been looking at, are open at all times, but the private apartments can
only be seen in the queen's absence, and by special permission, which had
been procured for us on this occasion by the kindness of the Duchess of
Sutherland.

One of the first objects that attracted my attention when entering the
vestibule was a baby's wicker wagon, standing in one corner; it was much
such a carriage as all mothers are familiar with; such as figures largely
in the history of almost every family. It had neat curtains and cushions
of green merino, and was not royal, only maternal. I mused over the little
thing with a good deal of interest....

In the family breakfast room we saw some fine Gobelin tapestry,
representing the classical story of Meleager. In one of the rooms, on a
pedestal, stood a gigantic china vase, a present from the Emperor of
Russia, and in the state rooms before we had seen a large malachite vase
from the same donor. The toning of this room, with regard to color, was
like that of the room I described in Stafford House--the carpet of green
ground, with the same little leaf upon it, the walls, chairs, and sofas
covered with green damask.

The whole air of these rooms was very charming, suggestive of refined
taste and domestic habits. The idea of home, which pervades everything in
England, from the cottage to the palace, was as much suggested here as in
any apartments I have seen. The walls of the different rooms were
decorated with portraits of the members of the royal family, and those of
other European princes.

After this we went thro the kitchen department--saw the silver and gold
plate of the table; among the latter were some designs which I thought
particularly graceful. To conclude all, we went through the stables. The
men who showed them told us that several of the queen's favorite horses
were taken to Osborne; but there were many beautiful creatures left, which
I regarded with great complacency. The stables and stalls were perfectly
clean, and neatly kept; and one, in short, derives from the whole view of
the economies of Windsor that satisfaction which results from seeing a
thing thoroughly done in the best conceivable manner.

BLENHEIM [Footnote: From "Famous