CHAPTER IV.

Old English Houses -- General Impression of them -- the strong Historic Interest connected with them -- a delightful Record of such Abodes might be written -- Feelings that arise in passing through them -- their various Styles, Furniture, Pictures, Tapestry, and Arms, Memorials of the Changes of National Power and Manners -- Passages of most Tragical Interest indicated by many of our Family Pictures -- Treasures of Ancient Art collected in our Noble Houses -- Horace Walpole’s Wish, that all our Noble Mansions were congregated in London -- beneficial Influence of the Country Residence of the Aristocracy -- Feelings of Horace Walpole on visiting his Father’s House at Houghton 249