oups. In the photograph you will observe a finely carved side-board
with some of these miniatures showing on either side. Also in this room
you will find several specimens of engraving on brass and some Russian
productions in malachite.

[Illustration: THE STATE BALL-ROOM.
_From a Photo by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]

Now to the State ball-room--a nobly proportioned room, but of somewhat
severe aspect Some good relief carving is shown and a splendid parquetry
floor; also some costly furniture, over-burnished and upholstered in
crimson with floral devices. No doubt it has a very imposing and gay
appearance when lighted up and filled with guests. Nearly seven hundred
lights are displayed, which would naturally cause a most brilliant
effect. Somehow ball-rooms are never satisfactory when viewed in the
day-time, unless you have an eye for proportions only; in that case this
one could not fail to please, as it cannot be less than 90ft. long and
is of magnificent height, added to by a glass concave roof.

[Illustration: THE QUEEN'S RECEPTION-ROOM.
_From a Photo by Gunn & Stuart, Richmond._]

The Queen's reception-room is prettily hung in crimson with designs
depicting art and music; the furniture bright and handsome in crimson
and cream. On either side of the fireplace stand some crimson velvet
screens in burnished frames, the crown and arms worked on the velvet in
characters of gold. In the accompanying view you will observe a large
album on a stand; this was given to the Queen-Regent by the ladies of
Holland. It is of leather, with ormolu mounts, on the covers being
painted panels and flowers worked in silk, these flowers being
surrounded with rubies and pearls; and at either corner is a large
sapphire. The interior shows pages of vellum, with names of subscribers
beautifully inscribed.

This room will, of course, be the one where the young Queen will receive
when she commences to reign.

From here I went to view a suite of apartments, formerly the property of
Queen Sophia, the first Consort of the late King. These rooms are still
in the same condition as when Her Majesty died; they are very fine
rooms, and contain a vast number of curios of every description. They
are lined entirely from floor to ceiling with mahogany; the furniture,
which is massive, antique, and beautifully carved, being also of
mahogany and tulip wood. I find one of Erard's grand pianos standing in
the boudoir, and am told that it was a favourite