48 TROLLING IN STAFFORDSHIRE. 



Evelyn, was seen from the house, sloping down to 

 a wide but shallow trout stream. Each portion of 

 the building had a lofty square tower, terminated 

 by a curved spiral roof and a vane. The gables 

 exhibited the usual scroll work of the houses built at 

 that period, probably that of James the First, and the 

 eastern extremities of the wings were adorned uith 

 high bay windows, and surmounted by a rich per- 

 forated parapet. Two columns, at the entrance, 

 supported an ornamented entablature, surmounted 

 by the arms of Blount. As we approached the 

 door, either the screams of numerous peacocks, or 

 the noise of our carriage, alarmed the vigilance of 

 four or five blood-hounds of the largest size. Their 

 deep toned bark was finely contrasted with the 

 yelpings of numerous spaniels and terriers which 

 followed them. They were, however, soon silenced, 

 and we entered the fine old hall of the mansion. 

 It was adorned with full length portraits of the 

 Blount family, paintings of dogs and horses, and 

 its deep windows were ornamented with beautiful 

 portraits in stained glass of the antient family of 

 Blount from the year 10/0 to 1181. The fire- 

 place was very capacious, and the mantle-piece was 

 extremely ornamented, and composed partly of 

 marble and free- stone, reaching half way up to the 

 ceiling. 



My companion was received with great affection 

 by his aunts, and I was also welcomed by them 



