mention that adjoining this saloon is a spacious ante-room, containing a
fine collection of tigers' skins, elephants' tusks, etc.: a good record
of the travels of His Royal Highness, of much interest to travellers and
sportsmen.

[Illustration: THE DINING-ROOM, WITH TABLE SET FOR LUNCHEON.

_From a Photo. by Bedford Lemere._]

When you presently adjourn to the drawing-rooms--of which there are a
suite of small ones in addition to the large one--you will find there is
no lack of entertainment and amusement; such, indeed, as must suit the
most varied tastes. First, however, we will take some note of the rooms
themselves. These (the drawing-rooms) are all connected with the
entrance-hall by a broad corridor, which is ornamented with pieces of
armour, ancient china, stuffed birds, etc.: they face the lakes, and are
on the western or front of the building, opening on to the terrace.

The large drawing-room is of beautiful construction, fitted with windows
reaching from ceiling to floor. The walls are panelled with pink and
blue, with mouldings of gold and cream. The furniture is upholstered in
pale blue, with threads of deep crimson and gold; the hangings are of
rich chenille; the floor of polished oak, with rich Indian rugs
distributed here and there. A plentiful scattering of music and books
gives it a home-like appearance, while hand embroidery, sketches,
painting on china, and feather screens show the variety of talent and
skill of the ladies of the family. In the very centre of the room is a
large piece of rockwork, with a tasteful arrangement (carried out under
the care of the Princess herself) of choice ferns and beautiful roses in
bloom, while rising out of the midst is a marble figure of Venus. The
principal conservatory opens from this room. It is rich in palms and
ferns, and contains a monument of art to Madame Jerichau, the
sculptress, in the shape of a group of bathing girls.

Meanwhile, whatever amusement is to be the order has by this time
commenced: perhaps it is music--the ladies of the family are all good
musicians--perhaps it is _tableaux vivants_, or possibly a carpet dance.
If your tastes do not lie in these directions, or after you have enjoyed
them for a sufficient time, you have the choice of using the
billiard-room, the American bowling alley, or the smoking-rooms. The
billiard-room will interest you vastly: it is literally lined with arms
of all descriptions. The tables, of course, are of the b