Page:A tour through the northern counties of England, and the borders of Scotland - Volume I.djvu/134

 Here are also seven copies of antique busts.

The Saloon is a circular room crowned with a dome; forty-two feet diameter, twenty-four feet to the cornices, fifty-five feet to the top of the cupola, and sixty-two to the extremity of the sky-light; with four alcoves or recesses, and as many doors, the whole painted and ornamented with white and gold. The pillars that support the ceiling are of Scaglioni marble, an imitation of the verd antique, by Bartoli. Over the four doors are as many paintings by Hamilton, of Ruins; and over the alcoves four chiaro-obscuros, by Rebecca. In each of these recesses is a stove of bronze, relieved with classical representations, inclosing a grate of beautiful pattern and highly-polished steel. A chandelier, branches, and exquisite stucco-work by Rose, complete the decorations of this room, which may be pronounced to be one of the most elegant apartments in Europe,

From hence we were conducted to the south front, the idea of which is taken from the arch of Constantine at Rome; the entablature supported by four Corinthian pillars; the face of the portico ornamented with two vases, and some good reliefs; and the whole is surmounted by this liberal and hospitable motto—" A. D. 1765. N. Baro " de Scarsdale amicis et sibi."