38 THK BILLIARD-ROOM. 



such as this must, of course, be regarded as a counsel of perfection, as it need scarcely be pointed out that 

 so fine a conception cannot be materialised at a cost within the reach of the ordinary householder. 

 Another interesting feature of the room is the very beautiful wooden electrolier. For such a purpose 

 wood is an ideal material, and one could wish that it were more frequently employed instead of the 

 restless confectionery in polished brass or hammered black iron which so often disfigures billiard-rooms 

 otherwise well equipped. 



The point of view in the first illustration of this chapter (Fig. 53) was chosen rather to show the 

 planning of the room itself than the design of the table, though the latter is of a robust and simple sort. 

 It is at Ardkinglas, and the architect, Sir Robert Lorimer, has treated the room in an interesting and 

 practical way. It serves, as in so many cases, not onlv for billiards, but as a general smoking lounge for the 

 men of the house. One end of it, therefore, has been treated as a raised dais, where there are writing- 

 tables, and steps lead down to the billiard-room proper. The players are thus saved from the distraction 

 of having people walking about on the same level near the table, and spectators can draw up chairs to 

 the railing that guards the edge of the raised floor and look down on to the table. A plan of this type 

 is not always possible, as it depends naturally on the disposition of the other rooms ; but where it can be 

 contrived it makes a pleasant and convenient room. L. XV 



57. A SIMPI.I; I&amp;gt;KSK;\ BY MR. VOYSKY. 



