ings, and as is usual in this country, som washing on the river bank. We motored from toward La Roche Bernard. Just before we there we crossed the stream on a very shaky su bridge. I think we all breathed a sigh of reaching the other side. The car being he vibrations were very perceptible.

We stopped at Hotel des Voyageurs (T Hotel), kept by a fat, jolly old woman. It was day and the town was full, so was the hotel. W landlady saw us, after we had our dinner, wh plain but good, she threw up her hands and ex to think ladies should come to her on market da her house was full and dinner not good. We we had had enough and it was good. In the room were voices in every key, all talking at on laughing and joking, while outside in the mark ing the hotel, calves and sheep were bleating barking, hens cackling, roosters crowing an squalling, all making one grand confusion of As soon as it was possible, we left and motore Nantes, stopping over night at Hotel de France

NANTES

Friday, August 5. We started out sightseein ing first to the cathedral, where we saw the to Francis II, the last Duke of Brittany, as at his the Duchy of Brittany passed to France, on the riage of his daughter, the Duchess Ann, to Louis

We saw the exterior of the old castle, now used as barracks. There are many fine bridges over the River Loire, this being the mouth of the river. Nantes was the capital of the old province of Brittany. On leaving Nantes, we motored along the Loire river, passing into the old province of Anjou, which for many years was an English possession. On the way we passed the ruins of an old castle said to have belonged to the original Bluebeard of the story. We stopped at Anjers, the chief city of this old province. We motored through the streets of the city, which seemed to be on a slight incline all the way, stopping finally at the old Hostelry du Cheval Blanc (The White Horse). This hotel was so full of officers that it was with difficulty we were served with dinner. This is a very old town, but seems like those of the present date. Leaving here, we saw the exterior of the castle. A fine view of the city is had from its ramparts. We saw the cathedral and some fine old houses. We motored on to Saumur, seeing the castle and bridge over the Loire river, going on to Tours, the former capital of Touraine, situated. in the heart of the chateau country. We stopped at Hotel de l'Univers, where we expect to remain several days while visiting the different chateaux.

CHATEAU COUNTR

TOURS

Saturday, August 6. We made an early sta ing along the Loire river, passing by Ch Luynes, which was built in the sixteenth a teenth centuries and belongs to the Duke of We motored along to Langeais and visited the This is a perfect specimen of the fortified cas fifteenth century. It has been restored and ha refurnished in the style of that period. I owned and occupied by Monsieur Siegfrie owner not being in residence, we were shown chateau by the caretaker. We saw several pri tories, each having a small altar with crucifix madame's room being very handsome. La places were in the dining room and drawin (La Salle des Guardes and La Grande Salon.)

On leaving Langeais, we crossed the Loire ri passed Chateau d'Usse. Along the road here, numbers of cliff houses, or troglodytes, as t called. These houses are peculiar. The exca are made in the side of the cliff for the house, t front is put on. They are of all shapes and si are frequently seen through this part of the c Sometimes there are whole villages of them ald side of the cliff.

We motored on to Chinon and visited the castle, now in ruins. We saw the hall in which King Charles VII received Joan d'Arc. We had gouter on the terrace by the river. We enjoyed this so greatly, we remained longer than we really had the time to spare. We motored through the forest of Chinon, seeing masses of heather along the road. This I had expected to see in Scotland, but was disappointed, as it was too early. Our next stop was at Chateau Azay-le-Rideau. This is one of the loveliest of the Renaissance. It is now government property and is a museum. The grounds are beautiful with lakes and flowers. Terraces surround the chateau and lovely views are to be seen from them. On the interior we saw exquisite tapestries, furniture and works of art that are displayed in all the rooms. From here we returned to Tours, passing on the way Chateau de Villandry.

Sunday, August 7. Though Sunday, we made an early morning start, motoring to Loches. Here we visited the old castle, which is being restored. In this castle in the sixteenth century, James V of Scotland was married to Madeline of France, and they were the parents of Mary Stuart. The donjon or keep, which is the main tower, is the oldest part of the castle. Underneath the tower are dungeons. Louis XI, that dreadful king, used to keep his captives imprisoned in iron cages on the walls outside the castle over the moat. In a little room, which is beautifully sculptured, is a small altar, all that remains of the oratory of Ann of Brittany, the room being bare except for this.

Leaving the castle, we went to Hotel de the little village, where we had lunch, and i of the best. It was set in the little parlor for dinner, I went over to the piano and pl French music, singing "Salute a la France,' I finished I was greeted with “Brava, brava ton and the waiters, who seemed to appreci American would sing patriotic songs of Fran were no other guests in the house.

We motored from here to the Chateau C which is built over the River Cher, a tribu Loire. Henry II gave this chateau to Dia tiers, and later Francis II and Mary Stuart honeymoon here. This is another one o renaissance chateaux. It has been well re is now owned and occupied by Monsieur T were shown only through the lower part of and the part built on the bridge, which is re hall. Handsome mantelpieces and fine old were in all the rooms. We motored from he the forest to Amboise and visited the ol This is still the property of the Orleans fan in charge of the old family servants. It is restored. The chateau is on a high hill and long climb up to it. There is a beautiful li on the grounds called Humburt. In one p chateau a small door was pointed out to u out on to a terrace where Charles VIII met by striking his head against this door on h play tennis. The king died almost imme