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 trophies on the walls. The big round eyes of grotesque idols from the same part of the world, stand against the walls, and about their feet are curling-stones from Canada; guns from Burmah point their long tubes at the passer-by, and the rounded outlines of an elaborately decorated mummy-case from Egypt are seen beyond them. Shells brought over at a much later date from the fields of Tel-el-Khebir are grouped together in one corner, and near them is a large bronze bell in its stand, from still further East. Banners wave from the roof, hanging above the handsome chimney-piece of carved oak, which, enclosing an open hearth, makes room for two large crimson-cushioned settees beneath its widespreading canopy; while, looking down on the whole, is a fine portrait of Lord Dufferin in his peer's robes, by Ary Scheffer.

The walls of the staircase by which one passes to the principal rooms, are lined with pictures, many of them from Lord Dufferin's own hand, the pursuit of art having always been one of his favourite occupations. At the head is the alabaster figure of one of the earlier Egyptian kings, from a tomb discovered by Lord Dufferin during his explorations in Egypt many years ago. This leads one on to the picture gallery, where are excellent copies of some of the masterpieces of mediæval art. Here, also, is a bust of the Marquis when a young man, by the sculptor Macdonald; and in the neighbouring room are copies of the portraits of the female members of the brilliant Sheridan family, among whom beauty and wit have been said to be hereditary. Another staircase leads from this room, and at the point where its balustrades terminate, the tusks of narwhals, brought by Lord Dufferin from the North, rise high,