HAM-HOUSE, SURREY, THE SEAT OF THE COUNTESS OF DYSART.

THIS mansion, which is situated in a most delightful spot on the banks of the Thames, about one mile above Richmond Bridge, possesses a strong claim to notice; not only ranking as one of the most perfect specimens of the architecture of the sixteenth century, but containing many valuable works of art and other interesting objects. In the centre of the house, which is chiefly composed of brick, is a large hall, surrounded with an open gallery; and the balustrades of the grand staircase are composed of carved walnut-tree. In the western side is a picture-gallery, ninety-two feet in length, which contains numerous family portraits. Among those most entitled to notice are the following: The Duke of Lauderdale and the Earl of Hamilton, in one piece, by Jansen; the Duke and Duchess, by Sir Peter Lely, and the Duke in the Vol. IX. No. LI.

robes of the Garter, by the same master; King Charles the Second; Sir John Maitland, Chancellor of Scotland; Sir Henry Vane; William Murray, the first Earl of Dysart; Sir Lionel Tollemache, first husband to the Duchess of Lauderdale; General Tollemache, who was killed at Brest; the Earl of Lauderdale, and James Stuart, Duke of Richmond, by Vandyke.

This seat is remarkable as the birthplace of that eminent statesman and general, John Duke of Argyle, who was grandson to the Duchess of Lauderdale.

The beautiful groves called HamWalks, which environ this seat, cannot fail to excite universal admiration; and in the summer season they afford a welcome retreat from the parching rays of the sun.

S

ELVILLS, ENGLEFIELD-GREEN,
THE SEAT OF THE HON. W. H. FREEMANTLE, M. P.

THERE are but few mansions in the environs of the metropolis, at least within the distance of twenty miles, that are more deserving of notice for elegance and simplicity than that which forms the subject of the annexed plate. When we consider the peculiar beauties of this part of the country, enriched with remarkably fine plantations of timber, and enlivened by the meanderings of the river Thames, and also the excellence of the roads leading to it, we cannot be surprised that so many elegant habitations should have been constructed here within the last fifty

years.

**

Elvills, which derives its name from the late Sir John Elvill, Bart. at whose expense this seat was built, is very similar in style to the celebrated Strawberry-Hill, being a chaste example of the modern Gothic, and was completed, from the designs of Ledbeater, about the year 1766. The interior is fitted up in the most elegant manner, and contains a remarkably fine portrait of the late Sir John Elvill, painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds only a short time before his death. Elvills became the property of the Hon. Mr. Freemantle by marriage with the daughter of the abovenamed baronet.

MARCH.

****The little birds

Are trimming their plumes on every sunny steep,
And sing of winter overthrown.

slowly up from the cottages into the still air; the lark poises himself on her glad wing, and unclouded blue canopies all.

THE energy of creation is abroad. | of summer; the smoke wreathes The garden, the field, the forest are budding into beauty. The sun visits the earth with his gladdened smile, and earth answers it, and the waters blush beneath it. Let us hie into Every season speaks a peculiar the country. We are now leaving language, and is full of a pervading behind us the din and smoke of town, spirit. The spirit of the spring is and the country opens upon us as we gladness, and I feel it within me. advance. How very sweet are those There is a stirring of hope and a houses with the garden-plats before buoyancy of feeling awakened by the them! it is all but summer here. The contemplation of reviving nature. snowdrop is no longer to be seen; The heart then beats lighter, and a the border anemone and the meze- smile is called even to the countereon are almost past; the auricula nance of the drooper; and there is and the polyanthus are full-blown; a cause why these things should be. the primrose is shewing colour, and The changing season shadows forth the narcissus is bursting. Do you the mystery of existence, and is a see that valley below? how inviting symbol of man's bright destiny; for it is! I hear the note of the black- when he sees the living principle bird rising from its depth. Already || springing out of seeming corruption, the fields have taken the green garb and the energy of vitality active in