i •^ *%> 4* «$? «$? LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Chap.B_J*fclpyright No ShelfJSutS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. SCENIC BEAUTIES IN ENGLAND AND FRANCE SCENIC BEAUTIES IN ENGLAND and FRANCE WITH DESCRIPTIVE TEXT CHICAGO BELFORD, MIDDLEBROOK & CO MDCCCXCVIIl THE OAKS, SURREY. The Oaks, formerly the hunting-seat of the Earls of Derby, lies a little south of a line joining Epsom and Croydon, andisaboul four miles from each town. Being for years little more than a rendezvous for hunting or pleasure parties, the property remained unimproved. Finallj it came into the possession <>r the Derhy family, who increased the size of the inclosure and added to thi old building the enormous wings whose towers are now so conspicuous afar. The name " Oaks " is due to the pn lence ol ioi f the finest old trees t<> be found in England. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/scenicbeautiesinOOchic KNOLE PARK, KENT. This picturesque seat is near the outskirts of Sevenoaks, a town about twenty miles southeast of London. In the course of the centuries it has changed owners oftener than most old English mansions, thus associating its name with those of mam noble families and of visiting royalty. Cromwell besieged and took it, despoiling it of its valuable collection of wi apons, plate and picl ixres ; but enough yet remains to render the mansion's rooms of considerable interest to tourists and sightseers. WHITECHURCH, OXFORDSHIRE. Picturesque beyond comparison, Whitechurch is situated in the southernmost part of Oxfordshire, on the north bank of the Thames and about fifteen miles below the famous university town Oxford. Though many of its houses have been modernized, there is yel a fair sprinkling of old ones, which, with the unchanged and unchanging occupatious of t in inhabitants, render Whitechurch .1 favorite point with those whose Leisure and means permit them i" search out scenes ol rural quietude and beauty. To the attraction- <>f fishing and boating are here added those of short excursions to various points of interest in the vicinity. GUY'S CLIFF, WARWICKSHIRE. This romantic seat is situated on the right Kink of the Avon, about a mile from Warwick. Ii took its name from i remote ancestor of the I ■'. a r I of Warwick, the hero of many fabulous advent ures. The mansion, built of stone, occupies an eminence overlooking the river, and, though ii dates only from the eighteenth century, the site is ricb in legends and traditions the favorite themes of poesj . The lower of the chapel and the well-pi esen ed shrine are objects >•! int< rest to the traveler, r ,1 , > k 1 «■* * ^ ■■■■. \f Nil * ■ **W < A . M OCKWELLS MANOR, BERKSHIRE. The original manor-house upon tins site was erected in the thirteenth century, but its restoration in the fifteenth amounted to a rebuilding, the materials of the old structure having been utilized where practicable. The ball is especial!} remarkable by reason of its large bay window, whose stained k' ;|ss bears heraldic record of many previous owners of the property. Oliver Cromwell spent some time here, as is attested by relics which are sun preserved. WINGFIELD MANOR, DERBYSHIRE. The (.-state- on which Wingfield Manor is situated was granted by William the- Conqueror to one of his retainers, and was held by his descendants till the time of Henry VI., when it changed owners and its manor-house was rebuilt. Mary Queen of Scots was held a prisoner hen- for several years, and later, during the Civil War, it was the scene of desperate conflicts between the Royalists and Roundheads. At the hands of the latter it fared so badly that only one tower escaped destruction. COWDRAY HOUSE, SUSSEX. This fine old castellated mansion fell a victim t<> a fire something over a liundred years ago, and do effort has been made to restore it after the plan and on the scale furnished bj the massive stone towers which survived the conflagration, Ik park extends t<> the town of Midhurst, and the propertj is visited by all whom business 01 pleasure detains in its vicinity. Dating from the time <>t Henrj VIII., it numbered Edward VI. and Elizabeth among its guests, and was equipped with everything which could contribute i" their comfort and pleasure. CHATSWORTH HOUSE, DERBYSHIRE. Chatsworth is situated anion;,' the " Peaks" of North Derbyshire, and is traversed bj the Derwent, which is here an inconsiderable stream. The propert) comprises 83,829 acres and its mansion is one of the largest and finest in England, The original hall was rebuilt in the sixteenth century bj Sir William Cavendish, and ever} succeeding member of Ins family has done something towards embellishing it. Paintings and carvings bj the old masters adorn its spacious cham- bers, and architecture hire exhibits the most charming of its manifold resources. PENSHURST PLACE, KENT. This fine old mansion is situated about twent) -four miles southeast of London and four miles from the once fashionable Tunbridge Wells [n common with mosl of the country-seats of the nobility il suffered from the ravages of war, but had the k'ooc! fortune finally t<> pass into the possession of a fatnil) « h<> thought it deserving of complete restoration with .ill its odd mixture oi ityles. This was done about forty-five years ago, and with complete success, so that Penshurst now parades an architectural splendoi as gr< i1 as in its best days. S«2 £ S O ih O « « o * J ~ H 00 W s s s =• q -H ■ 00 h B! 1§ w h oo < u Z w Q 2 3 ** fl >* > t- u « "" .- ~ !u s *j j js '.§ CO § 3 tJU '3 ' <-■ g 5 a £ bill- — _/ X O - A r 5 u ^ - 3 £ U to x - ^ t^ qg ^ > ~ — x n'u = ~ ~ - • = - w '^ — SYON HOUSE, MIDDLESEX. This idyllic old mansion is situated in the midsl of large grounds on the lefl bank of the Thames, directly opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew, in Surrey. The town of Brentford is hard !■> and London is only five miles distant, which accounts for the high esteem in which S\mi House was held by its various noble and royal owners. The building has the appearance <>f a mediaeval fortress, and is approached through wide avenues Banked bj m forest trees whose foliage contrasts pleasantly with tin whiteness of the masonry. AN OLD MILL IN THE PEAKS OF DERBY. The elevations of north Derbyshire, designated collectively as the " Peaks," are nearly 2, feet above the sea-level, and form the central watershed of England. They are interspersed with beautiful valleys watered l>\ streams whicb pursue their devious course through woodland and meadow to join the upper tributaries of the Mersey, the Don or the Trent. Many furnish power for picturesque mills apparently dating from the time of the Tudors, but persisting in their usefulness despite the changed condil ions. CHURCH OF ST. MARTIN, CANTERBURY. C anterbury is situated in Kent, England's southeaster at . md is Gfty-five miles from I ondon. Of its numerous parish churches St. Martin's is richest m histoi ions, lor here, before Augustine's arrival in England, Bertha, Ethelbert's queen, worshiped, and inn- Ethelberl was baptized in the font which is still shown. Thus St. Martin's was the earliest seat of Christianity in England, and its old Saxon masonr) is hoar) with an igi ol thirteen centuries. LICH-GATE AT WELFORD, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. The lich-gate is an entrance to a churchyard, whei e the bier is luM dur Ii is now ordinarily found onlj in connection with unpretentious churches, and is ashed ; but in former turn-, it was a conspicuous feature in church architecture, and the ceremoni i" this portal was an elaborate one. the introductory part of the burial service. i .1 gate protec l" holding the bier 1 E w h oo w u E E~ u (X E -- . ? o •g ■- 5 a o'.s ■S .2 to * u ".at; 1 i z o - — ~ .a •=- ->.= a o a n " h o M A U S ^ ■s -s 1 s g i H = * S " w |b« 1 1 - ■— — — ,c o J" j = : ^" u ,_ ~ -: 3 (3 ~~ / — ~ ~ - u <— u - _ -. 2 _ ? ~"H r 5 2 E u w E h js c 5 5 M c j ~ r -• - ^ u o > — __ a a so'" S w 5*3' GRAND STAIRCASE, HARDWICK HALL, DERBYSHIRE. This fine old country sr.it is situated near the eastern boundary of the shirr, about si\ miles southeast of Chesterfield. The varied charms of the mansion's surroundings are emphasized by the grand scale of its interiors, whose ornamentation belongs to another age, and carries the mind back to the time "I the Roundheads and Cavaliers. The loftj ceilings, the spacious corridors, the antique carvings, worthily complete the effect of the park and grounds which first impress the sight- seer as he approaches. PRESENCE-CHAMBER, HARDWICK HALL, DERBYSHIRE. The spacious presence-chamber of this old mansion was the scene of much spectacular display and stately ceremonial when the lord of the manor received and entertained royalty and other distinguished guests. From the walls Historj and Mythologj -poke in paintings and carvings which are the delight of the connoisseur, while above the magnificent chimne) piece is one of the proudest devices in history, with its Norman motto below : DtBi ST mon droit. OLD COTTAGES AT HEMINGTON, LEICESTERSHIRE. The village of Hemington is situated iu tbc northwestern part of Leicestershire close to the border of Derby, lu many of its humbler abodes and shops is exhibited the tenacit) of the Englisb villager iu adh( ring to the forms, customs and modes of life handed down to him from by-gone times. Thus shopkeeper Oldershaw Suds no occasion to exchange bis present quarters for more commodious ones, and he continues i<> offer his wares in o building doubtless erected two hundred years before by some antecedent Oldershaw, No such combinal f bricks and beams could I found anywhen in the United States. BANK HOUSE, STAFFORDSHIRE. While Stafford i^ not ^<> distinctively agricultural .is some of the midland shires ■>! England, no iuconsidi rable pari of its wealth is derived from ii> farming interests. The old-fashioned English farmhouse with outbuildings is .1 familiar feature of the landscape, lending a flavor of antiquit) and rebuking innovations which trj to asserl themselves here so close to the manufacturing centres. The occupants 01 these farmhouses are mid way in consequence and influence between the numerous small proprietors and country gentry BANK HOUSE, STAFFORDSHIRE. To the eye <>f an American agriculturist accu (tomed to ilio use of labor-saving machinery and conveniences of everj kind, the older English farmhouses seem utterly inadequate for the needs <>!' their inmates. In truth, the exteriors promise little, and the \ isitor is surprised to find inside so man} comforts show ing thai the occupants of these old dwell- ings, though unwilling to demolish <>r modernize them, are to beautifying their interiors in a measun to reudei them plea ing habitations comparatively. J3 I) y i- D c s - - -j ,™ u -^ 2 oo CO 2 w p j < DC Z o h o z oo 00 cfl ;^ -r S ~ — = ~ Z — :/ -= t ~£ * 7 a a O - u < h < o ■r. ^ -s— - - " ■ £ S « S ^ — at » .2 u v X tn w ? — ^ V - o; £ bSo-S, u -- ' M a w Q E < ~ z s £ " u a 9 - - U -5 5 y- c o ~ ^ u ■ . Z 'f. S ™ fc •- J - £ g o - . 1/ ~ w - S u .V (* 3 O « O - Q t h g S3 1 a, - ' ~- u ^ — a '-■ a 1 I £ i'l Sc 7~ ^ a -, - — - c — 33 -. DALE ABBEY CHURCH, DERBYSHIRE. This is an excellent specimen of Derbyshire's old church interiors, the massive supports and finishings <>i solid oak according well with the character of the edifice. The dominant impression made on the beholdei is that the equipment is severe and the illumination bad, bul changes in these respects would amount to modernization and take awaj mucb ol the austerity which is the most becoming characteristic ol these old struct ures HADDON HALL, DERBYSHIRE, ON THE RIVER WYE. The principal part of tins fine baronial mansion was built during the reign of Edward 1 1 1. . and it was for a long period the property of the Vernons. Through the marriage of the fail Dorotbj it passed into the hands ol Sii fohn Manners, and later became the property of the Rutlands, who still own it. The domain compri "i land, tx ing surpassed in area by none m the county except Chatsworth, which lies three miles to the northeast. HADDON HALL THE TERRACE. The splendors o bery and trees — all well kept and exhibiting th< of a pomp and a display characteristic of another century. In fa< dian->, ana t<> keep them in repair, to gu trd tgaiust the ravages of this old mansion's architecture are set off extcrnall) bj the felicitous effects of its terrace, lawns, shrub- innate fondness <>i England's titled aristocracy i"i preserving the forms ' hall ■ are occupied sa\ e bj i 1 11 facl . few "I these old baronia. . 1 1 uu drain upou the revenues of their ownci , H ADDON HALL — BIT OF SOUTH FACADE. i Placed in catch the slanting ray9 of winter's sun, these windows cover the upper half <>i a salient in the crenelated wall, and seem to have made a compact with tlie ivy in order t<> escape being hidden beneath the masses of verdure renewing itself from the crumbling mortar between the stones. However, the sunlight uo longer gladdens with its warmth a bu j chdtelaine and her assistants within, and i>ui for looks' sake the ivj might be .1 flow ed to cm inn the window HADDON HALL — BANQUETING HALL. Not the least important of Hatklon Hall's chambers was the one wherein its former lords held their feasts and revels, making pacts of friendship and laying plans for war. The paneling of solid oak, the antlered trophies of the chase, the worn flagstones of the floor, all these point to that feudal time when England's pride was in martial, not intellectual, achievements ; for Haddon Hall was built when Scotland was a separate kingdom and the Black Prince was overrunning France. w u * ^ y ' ffi K tl >Tl W -J - c < ~ = ~' x - '-I. u u - o — £ ON THE RIVER WYE, DERBYSHIRE. The Wye, which is strictly speaking a river only during the periods of greatest r linfall, rises in the " Peak " country about ten nnles northwest of Haddon Hall and flows in i southeasterly direction into the Derwent about two miles from this old mansion, whose acres it waters and beautifies in its course. In places Us upper v.iilcv is quite narrow, but the landscapes offered there are inferior to those of its lower course, n here woodl md alternates with meadow, uud ci utcnted kiue gather to stand in the limpid current. ON THE ROAD TO KENIL WORTH CASTLE. The rains of Kenilworth Castle are situated nearly in the centre of Warwickshire and about one hundred miles bj rail from London. The natural beauties of the castle, quite as much as its historical associations, have receivt d a glamour from Scott's celebrated novel, and many are the travelers who pass along the road in front of this smithy ou then way to view the seem- of Lea ester' pli udid i atertainments. CHATEAU OF JOSSELIN, BRITTANY. This well-preserved structure was partly built in the fourteenth century, so full <>f disasters for France, and ii received important additions in the fifteenth, whicb was the era of Jeanne d'Arc. It was the home of the famous Conn&able de Chsson, who died here in i (09, and it survived the convulsions of later centuries so ruinous to the mediaeval strongholds oi France, The chateau i-> now the property of the KoIi.hi family, and is an object of interest to tourists who include Brittam ill their route. CHATEAU OF JOSSELIN, BRITTANY. This view of the chateau reverses the preceding one, and shows the dilapidated portion of the old fortress, long since overgrown with ivy and fallen into decay. Though not so picturesque .1^ the loftier part built with three salient con roofed towers, these lower, thicker walls constituted the place's real strength, for the} sheltered the garrison's munitions and were- impregnable against fifteenth century methods of attack. CHATEAU OF JOSSELIN, BRITTANY. If tin- lofty, salient towers and embrasured walls overlooking the water convey an idea of the old chateau's military importance in feudal times, the domestic life of its inmates is better imagined by means of this wing, whose Gothic dormei windows peep forth upon .1 lawn. The curious ornamenl ition around the window 1 and along the 1 n es 1 ici rtainly of a later date than some in the main structure, bul this is m>i anomalous m a French chateau. i3P^' AN OLD HOUSE AT JOSSELIN, BRITTANY. Tosselin is situated in the department of Morbihan, near its northern boundar) and about twenty-two miles from the nearest coast. It owes its chief importance to the old chateau, but contains much besides which will appeal to the susceptible tourist. This is particularlj true ol its older residences in the genuine Breton style, with nothing perishable about them except the roof it ihould be remembered thai Union inhabitants are French only in the sense that the Scotch High] tnders (Gaels) an Bi iti ill ; and that the Breton language has nol bet u superseded b) Pn nch 1 1 fou • >l VITRE, BRITTANY. A STREET BELOW THE CASTLE. The town of Vitrr is situated near the eastern boundary of the department ■ >! [lle-et-Vilaine. It lias .1 population "t ,000 and is noted for iis Breton characteristics -specially exhibited in its older residences, which are ol a type nol and outside of this and other Breton departments. Some of Vitri's old houses are here pictured, togethei with a portion the fi udal castle whose grounds thej long ago usurped. But for the poster "CHOCOLAT MENIER," the sc< ne might iar a date two centuries earlier. FARM DES TOURPES, NORMANDY. Northeast of Brittany, and with nearly as much coastline, Ilea Normandy, one of tin- richest of the provinces into which France was subdivided priorto 179"- All of the departments herein comprised maintain extensive manufactures, .mil those immediately tributary to the seaports have large shipping interests as well. Bui agriculture employs the lai part of the inhabitants, and between the numerous streams which How into the English Channel are found hundreds of large farms whose yield certainly, if nol equipment, almosl entitles them t" rank with the estates of the hereditan nobility. Of such .1 one i view is here given. FARM DES TOURPES, NORMANDY. Another view of this old-fashioned farmhouse brings into prominence two cylindrical, conical- roofed towers ol a solidity which might seem indicative of a former military use. I [owever, their shape is mere]} for architectural effect, and it adds nothing to their utility as parts of the main building. Solidity, it maj be observed, is a chat i ol rural architecture throughout Prance, .is buildings are expected to last as long .is the land, and i In- materials are chosen accordingly. FARM DES TOURPES, NORMANDY. A third view of these buildings shows a gable of the portion constructed of oaken timbers and braces, and filled in with a tenacious plaster or cemenl The windows are few .cud mostly look towards the quarter expected tofurnisb pleasant weather, 'flu roof alone appeal perishable, and the laddei points to recenl patching. The quarters of the working and other stock seem as well built as those of the family, and thru is abundant room for storing tin products as «< 11 .is the implements of the farm. CHATEAU OF MESNIERES, NORMANDY. It was from Normandy that came the builders of England's old castles, and in Normandj are still to be Found the most pleasing specimens of an architecture which, though no longer subserving the purposes of war, is u constant reminder of feudal times and com I it ions. The i h; »f MesniSres is n fine example of ;i castellated structure, providi >l with all the embellishments and conveniences of a city mansion. FARM LA VALLOUINE, NORMANDY. This compact structure was built in the year [602, and is therefore nearly three hundred years old. Ii is .1 good example of the rural architecture of the period, which still exhibited more regard for strength than foi beauty. The plainness of the huge building i-^ relieved by the two towers one round and salient, thi other square and set solid h against the corner as if to support it. The high inclosing wall completes the half-militarj aspect ol the old farmhoi MANOIR D'ANGO, NORMANDY. This palatial old manor-house, near Dieppe, was erected by thai city's merchant prince, Ango, about the beginning <>i the sixteenth century. It is on a scale commensurate with its builder's wealth and power, which wen- great enough in lit out a fleet and blockade the mouth of the Tagus in retaliation for the seizure ol his trading ships bj the Portuguese. Disasters overtook Ango later, and he died in poverty in 1551. The " Manoir d'Ango " passed to others and is"now one of Dieppe's objects of interest. MANOIR D'ANGO, NORMANDY. MAIN ENTRANCE. Through this portal pastel Francis I. and his brilliant train when, on a visit to Dieppe, he honored with Ins presence the manor-house of the city's most famous citizen. The sumptuous entertainment prepared for the monarch procured foi the host the governorship of Dieppe, and it is doubtful if anywhere in the Prance of thai time better cheei could have been found than that dispensed al the Manoir d'Ango. MANOIR D'ANGO, NORMANDY. BIT OF COURTYARD. Access to the courtyard is had through the vaulted passageway in one of the wings of the building. This is sufficiently lofty and wide to admit the largest vehicles without danger of striking the masonry overhead or on the sides. Parts of the manor-house are still habitable, and its custodians derive no inconsiderable revenue from showing it to sightseers who frequent Dieppe in summer. 7 MANOIR D'ANGO. COLOMBIER IN COURTYARD. The colombier, or dove-cote, is of a size to harmonize with the scale which governed the construct ion of .ill the acces- sories of the manor-house. The ingenuity of the architect was taxed to devise new patterns to be brought out in the wall l>\ the use of bricks of varying shapes and colors. The bizarre effect oi these is set off by the root, winch is dome-shaped, terminating in a conical ornament. MANOIR D'ANGO. THE COLONNADE. This so-called colonnade is on the visitor's left immediately after passing through the mam entrance pictured elsewhere. The stoms which support the columns show defacement, and some have been removed; but the carving on the archways, as well as the belt of stone above them, is still intact. Farther up the wall exhibits tessellated patterns, the colors being still distinguishable after three hundred years' exposure to the weather. MANOIR D'ANGO. DETAILS OF THE COLONNADE. A nearer view of these columns reveals better the care taken in their elaboration, and the beholder is seized bj the impres- sion that merchant Ango of Dieppe sought rather to parade here his wealth than to erecl ■> manor-house suited i<> the requirements of a resident cultivator of the soil. The event showed that 9ucb pomp could not be supported bj the rev< uu< - of the lands attached to the manoir, and the property passed to others upon the bankruptcy of its founder. MANOIR D'ANGO, NORMANDY. DOORS IN COURTYARD. Nothing could convey a better idea of merchant Ango's extravagance than the sculptures which adorn the doorways in his stables. The work of the artist has been parti) defaced, and the cement has falh u out here and there from between the stones; but enough still remains to form a suggestive commentary on the useless expenditure. It is evident that he desired to surpass the elegance of the most aristocratic old chateaux, and onlj succeeded in making i tawdry memoir. MANOIR D'ANGO, NORMANDY. DETAIL OF WALL. Where the wall lm^ escaped mutilation it exhibits a beautiful inla} ing of black flint and Caen stone, following oul geomet- rical patterns not unlike those the Romans were wont to use in tessellating the pavements <>i their courts and bathrooms. The general tawdriness cannot be denied, and it is not relieved by the massiveness of the walls ; but when this work «.is fresh it must have been pleasing by its very novelty and the mathematical accuracy of its lines and shapes. MANOIR D'ANGO, NORMANDY. KITCHEN FIREPLACE. The visitor who has stood in wonder before the exterior proportions of the old manor-house is in some sort pr< p for what confronts him within its walls. The kitchen fireplace — 1 1 feet 2 inches wide and 6 feet 8 inches high 1- ol a size to comport with the plenty of the board it supplied, and accords well with what tradition relates ol Jean logo's foam- ing tankards and laden trenchers. CHATEAU DE HOUBLONNIERE, NORMANDY. France is richer than any other European country in unrestored chateaux and dilapidated old country man Nol infrequently restoration has been attempted only to the extent of rendering necessary buildings habitable, while the remaining one-, are left a prey to the elements or to the clinging vims ami parasitic plants « hose roots are nourished by the crumbling mortar between the stones. The traveler, especially if he be an artist, will be attracted by the beaut) oi uch old ruins ; but to the reflecting mind thej are proof-, ..i .1 decaj which is inseparable from grandeur. CHATEAU DE HOUBLONNIERE, NORMANDY. This may serve as an instance of partial restoration, enabling the old chateau t'> Furnisb stabling, storeroom and a habitation for those who till the lands belonging to it ; for it should be borne in mind iliat many of France's historic countrj seats are in the possession of men whose onlj use for them is to exploit them for revenue. The stone wall too high and thick to have been merely ;t fence; the round tower — too massive and strong to have been simply an outbuilding these show i lt.it the old chateau hail a p 1st less commonplace than its present. CHATEAU DE HOUBLONNIERE, NORMANDY. Another view of the old chateau shows the junction between tin- tower and the outer wall connecting with the main building, In each of the two angles is a sort of oriel window resting on plain corbels and overlooking the approaches to the portals, Ornamental pilasters Hank both portals, and cruciform niches in the masonry attest a religious use of this part of the structure. Onlj a part of if i habitable now, am! the piles of firewood would seem to indicate that farm wagons alone use this entrance , CHATEAU OF BLOIS, LOIR-ET-CHER. MAIN ENTRANCE. This celebrated pile was begun in the thirteenth century, and received manj additions from its successive royal owners. Louis XII. was born here, and over the main entrance an equestrian statue of this monarch keeps watch and ward beneath an overhanging part of the wall curiously carved and adorned with Oriental tracery. A combination ol styles is seldom felicitous, but the chateau of Blois is a notable exception. The traveler is rather pleased al th< sight of n abrupt contrast, tin different i in i1 j li . and even in materials, affording a confirmation of bistory. CHATEAU OF BLOIS. DETAIL OF STAIRCASE. One of the most remarkable features of this historic structure is the staircase of Francis I. It is, in part, exterior to the building it serves, and thus the sculptures which adorn it are better exhibited. The ascent is gentle, proceeding in i continuous spiral from one massive column to another. Various allegorical figures exquisitelj sculptured decorate the external faces of the columns, while the space not so occupied is devoted to intricate arabesques and heraldic devices. CHATEAU OF BLOIS. DETAIL LOUIS XII. GALLERY. A Dear view of certain portions of this grand edifice reveals anomalies w hns<_- existence seems rather due to the caprice of the founder than to the taste of the architect or the designer. Thus we have here three columns which do not harmo- nize, though they are so close that their dissimilarity at once catches the eye. Two of them support an archway, and yet their sculptured ornaments an- entirely different. The column at the corner is composed of cemented stones whose flutiugs meet at an angle and give the semblance of a tottering shaft of --tone. s h O z w Q < o w E z O 5o w h w Q UJ Z £ h < u O h ^ V w IT t- U 1) = b2 — — « - -- . s- u •= f s II U O 0> , h j. « * t) > t£S o It U fc d »(*! a j •_ 2 2 S-jsia 1* > ~ *— . r. — u • — - U a * t - --M O g 0)~ 2 S - FARM CAILLETOT, NEAR BOLBEC, NORMANDY. This may be regarded as a fair specimen <>f the better French farmhouses <>f to-day. In general arrangement ii differs little from those of older date, and in the use of heavy timbers u> brace the walls, as well as of cement or plaster to fill the intervening spaces, there is an obvious conformity with the traditions of building. The nearness of the chateau and the absence of a separating wall may be construed as pointing to the existence of better relations between landlord and tiller than formerly prevailed in l-'rauce. > Q Z - j • j,- — 'Z c ■r~ ' .2 o z t >•=.-. 9 u w CO o pa < w Z h o h w < u D < w ? - U _i / I ~d ! .~ — _ a> b c U « "J5 u 8.3 g = •- o •S'g — w "* c* ^ u s — c u — — >_ u u CHATEAU EPREVILLE-MARTAINVILLE, NEAR ROUEN, NORMANDY. This chateau might well serve as the model for a residence in an American city, so effective is the arrangement <>f iis towers and so striking is the view of the structure as a whole. But the practised eye will note a lack of windows, and regret th.it there are no trees and shrubs in the open space oil the chateau's right. The primitive water-cart is suggestive, and the ve wall connecting with low- roofed outbuilding is one of the familiar features of a French country establishment. BARN AT CHATEAU EPREVILLE-MARTAINVILLE, NORMANDY. This illustration show s the barn of which only a part is seen in the preceding pict ure. The observer's poinl ol view i opposite the main structure and not far from the dead tree-trunk and water-cart previously shown. The circular conical-roofed tower is not wholl} for ornament, as it is the securest part of a building designed to contain the products oi the chateau's lands until they an- marketed. The inner side of the wall is bordered bj statel) trees, while farthei in the background ar< een fruit-trees. •/ •; - g £ 4-1 te •° CJ * S v h j; « 2 bi'S ? - l> — r U — u 1 > Q z < ked by t e sentinel it was fo e buttress ■oof com] z flan s th illy ston tic i _ <^ a „ x z i — > r hH r ga Ids. ntil Oft' 1, .i O A £ " g a a g««a-S^ h a x £ r u m S S a; £ c/) ^_ w sj u o tf S z V "-> < , 60 ^ "^ "V? w aS.2 •- >'d z S.o i — a -? — ii "3 > >s, when a si strians and v« the limit of familiar featu >e securely an o < w < n V. i Si r* ^ QJ — ' < * J ■- f u a 7 jlsii rt s * V O hjD ;/ - ~ M g +J W _ Hu.l ~~ u - it. o ^ ; !* Q Z s o z z o DC r* ~ >- v. u U u S a 1) Jj — _--, y r. *j WJ — . u ci £ « O ^ £ bo g S * § S © * h 03 a * « -*\ "3-js I '^ B 1*' w CQ h < u DC o a, w I a w J3 -5 o a 3*S ^ i °> ►> ■z ~ >,z - '- cd 4> o u h a > xi z o ^ "-> ■ a *r j» u £ :- * — M — CHATEAU AZAY-LE-RIDEAU, INDRE-ET-LOIRE. This well-preserved sixteenth-century chateau is situated in the town of the same name on the Indre, not far from its confluence vs ith the I, one. Its four Banking towers with high conical roofs, no less than the arrangement of its large orua mental dormer-windows, render it a conspicuous feature of the landscape, and many arc the travelers who come here to view it. The masonrj which protects the river bank has suffered some from the erosion of the water, but the chateau itself lias fared better than most of its contemporaries. FARMHOUSE AT ST. CONTEST, NORMANDY. This ivy-mantled structure might easily pass for an old English rectory, so little does its exterior suggest the real pursuits of its occupants, and so much does its appearance remind one of the seclusiou in which a country clergyman in England lives. 'J' he windows and inches of the tower give it rather a conventual air, and there is an absence of the usual signs of rural industry as practised in Prance. *".' : 'MtAWw FARMHOUSE NEAR YVETOT, NORMANDY. The farms on the plateau of Caux, where Yvetot is situated, arc aearly all surrounded 1>\ earthen dykes on which are planted forest-trees, mostly beech and oak. These afford adequate shelter to apple and pear-trees, whose yield adds material^ to tin wealth of the inhabitants. That they do not deny themselves the comforts of life is sufficiently shown bj their substantial i houses, with commodious outbuildings m which the products of their toil are stored. Man\ of these dwellings "i stone, ••! "I brick w ith stone facings, are in nth ahove the average of French country abodes. BARNYARD AT CORMERY, INDRE-ET-LOIRE. The department of Indre-et-Loire is near the centre of Prance and in its rural architecture, as in its people, differs greatly from the departments of the north along the English Chaunel. The farmers, while industrious, are more closel) bound to traditional methods, as is seen in then- immense and unsightly barns, which combine the functions of stables, granaries, store- houses, and not infrequentl) of dwellings also. They are characterized by large roofs and lack of windows or other means ol ventilation, and according to American notions are deficient in conveniences in ide and outside. NEAR LISIEUX, NORMANDY. As an important town in a department (Calvados) celebrated for its varied industries and extensive resources, Lisieux might be expected to show in its environs only the most modern aspects of French rural architecture. However, the old- fashioned timbered houses appear here and there, and their picturesqueness is more gratifying to the eye than the regular proportions of recent constructions, in ihc fruit-growing sections, especially, there arc man) old farmhouses framed a hun- dred years ago, and their present possessors seem disinclined to replace them with new ones in keeping with their means. FARMHOUSE AT LE MESNIL-MAUGER, NORMANDY. Of more modern 'lesion than the Farmhouse shown in the preceding illustration, this one may be taken as the average among the smaller proprietors throughout the fruit-growing, the cider-producing parts of Normaudy. Whil< il exhibits some resem- blance to the ancient timbered houses, its general arrangement is quite different, and in provisions I • > i~ light and air we maj recognize the influence of the landed aristocracy, who have toughl to make their estates more profitable by building comfortable dwellings to make them more attractive to the better class of tenants. BARN AT CHATEAU CLERES, NORMANDY. That tastefulness need not be sacrificed to utility is exhibited in this structure, which preserves the forms and charac- teristics of the old-fashioned French architecture and yet meets the requirements of modern agriculture. The tower, the windows, the timbers with plaster between forming the outer wall — all these features are present in the modern building, lnit of proportions and in an arrangement to satisfy the eye and harmonize with the chateau to which the barn is an adjunct. COLOMBIER AT CLAVILLE, NORMANDY. The colotnbier, or dove-cote, is a familiar feal ure in rural Prance, though only the larger establishments make ii au archi- tectural feature as well. Pigeons are looked after with the same care that makes chickens, geese and other poultn so profitable there, and tin- colotnbier is a well-built pigeon-house adapted to the needs of its feathered inmates. The dove-cote m the illustra- tion is polygonal in shape, but the circular form is quite as common. The conical roof is nearly universal for tin--, a> well as for any other tower-like structure throughout France. CHATEAU AT BEAUMONT-LE-ROGER, NORMANDY. Among the smaller chateaux whose location seems to point to mediaeval conditions is the oue pictured above. Time wa . perhaps, when tins shallow stream answered as a moat guarding the wall on thai side ; bul obviouslj the structure of that formei period has disappeared, its stones furnishing materials lor tin- newer walls which arose on the sit*-. A part of the inclosing wall lias ln-eii broughl to a lower level to suit changed conditions, ami the stream has been suffered to choke up, so thai now it is merely a duck-pond. > Q Z < s OS o Z x' D w oo w Z w u h w w OS F oo ,C C a -' i - y o - C-r - 5 " '- » '- > - - »•« a a Q5 O a x — : 3 n 2 O U g SbT ! iH -/■ — ' -J. La a . Z r i jT O *•; *- - ^ a ^> (2J . S a ' u £ ? = -i MANOIR AT LE QUESNOY. This manor-house preserves the general characteristics of the Norman type, and the property differs from the oue previously shown mainly in the better provision of tires by which it has been sought here to lessen the effects of summei heat and winter's cold. J. ike most old manor-houses of northern France its exterior is relieved bj Done ol the architectural fallen-, which distinguish the villas along the coast ; but seen Lhrough the foliage the steep roof, the round tower and solid walls are not displea FARMHOUSE NEAR CHATEAU CHAUMONT, LOIR-ET-CHER The department of L a degree noticeable in the architecture of the farm buildings of all kinds. The example here presented shows to what limit ornamentation in brick maj be pushed id sometimes at the expense of marring its beaut} . The department of Seine-Infifirieure, its extensive manufacturing and ma .. the farm buildings of all kinds. The _. without furthering the utility of the structure ~ — _ jj / ._, ? 'Z -,S ~ •-• g » 5 -r _: >. - 2 '— '/. — — — M uo*S •- ■ = r: g u O — S ~- *CJ n r, h « -2 JJ « «j » y = " b« !* - 2 V •- = Q Z ja ~ a « -o < - ~ ~-r '^ 2 S ■*•* -4-» 3 2 £ o — = ? ir H z ~ u "- i i- n tfj -~Z w u.t3.« ~'- 6ii cd My _ -M OT Q l-i > ■- / — - — / - — a a :/.- M - w id sto lotliin an, is for li large o o - : h s o) a n o < Z — .- -■ ff- — cc >«- 4) «g oj - < g^ t « 03 :i = j;: 5 >, '-I -> - a i» ** i-i 2 ~ v. -, v 5 utility. The barn and stables of this chateau have nol even that air of age which lends picturesqueness to so man} •>! Normandy's inconsiderable country-seats, and though thej may serve their purpose, it cannot be said that an inspection ni (hem adds to one's interest in the chateau ti> which they belong. However, it must be conceded thai all kinds of stock are well housed here and implements m>t in use are under shelter. GATEWAY NEAR ROUEN, NORMANDY. Rouen, formerly the capital of Normandy and now the chief city of the department of Seine-InfeVieure, is situated on the rij^ht bank of the Seine, seventy-eight miles from the sea. Enriched by commerce and manufactures, many of it*, inhabitants have erected handsome residences in the city's environs or purchased and remodeled the old manor-houses of the bankrupt landed aristocracy in the vicinity. The entrance to tin. grounds of one such rejuvenated country-seat is .shown above, and the beholder is pleased to note that the old masonry his been allowed to si. mil. LOCHES, INDRE-ET-LOIRE, PORTE DES CORDELIERS. In proportion to iis si/.c Loches surpasses most towns of centra] Prance in the number and variety of its objects possessing historical interest. Among these must be reckoned the Porte des Cordeliers (gate of the Franciscans — an ordei of monks who wort- a cord as a girdle), one of the best-preserved examples of this kind that have come down t « > us from the fifteenth century. Its masonry is perfect, save where vehicles have marred it in the doorway, and the symmetry of its towns surmounting a belt of corbels catches the eye from afar. MANOIR DE VITANVALL, NEAR LE HAVRE, NORMANDY. Beiiig one of the most important i aport9 of France, and therefore subject to modernization, T.c Havre (or Havre, as it is usually called in English) would scarcely be expected to have inside its limits or in in immediate vicinitj man} structures dating from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. However, it lias, and man] <>t" tin.- well-to-do country residents occupy houses and cultivate farms that have changed little in the last three or four centuries. One such primitive dwelling will suffice as an example, being of the familiar " timbered " style of construction. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS i 020 657 455