

London to yohn O 1 Groat's. 297 



history records much virtue in the family, mingled with 

 some romantic escapades, which have contributed, I be- 

 lieve, to the entertainment of many novel readers. 



Just what Haddon Hall is to the baronial life and 

 society of England five hundred years ago, is Chats- 

 worth to the fall stature of modern civilization and 

 aristocratic wealth, taste and position. Of this it is 

 probably the best measure and representative in the 

 kingdom ; and as such it possesses a special value and 

 interest to the world at large. Were it not for here 

 and there such an establishment, we should lack way- 

 marks in the progress of the arts, sciences and tastes 

 of advancing civilization. Grovernments and joint- 

 stock companies may erect and fill, with a world of 

 utilities and curiosities of ancient and modern times, 

 British Museums, National Galleries, Crystal Palaces 

 and Polytechnic Institutions; but not one of these, 

 nor the Louvre, nor Versailles, nor the Tuileries can 

 compete with one private mind, taste and will con- 

 centrated upon one great work for a life time, when 

 endowed with the requisite perceptions and means 

 competent to carry that work to the highest perfection 

 of science, genius and art. Museums, galleries and 

 public institutions of art are exclusively visiting places. 

 The elegancies of home life are all shut out of their 

 attractions. You see in them the work and presence 



