56 



PASTORAL DAYS. 



separates the two centres. The old homestead is situated in the heart of 

 Hometown, fronting on the main street. The house itself is a series of 

 after -thoughts, wing after wing and gable after gable having clustered 

 around the old nucleus, as the growth of new generations necessitated 

 increased accommodation. Its outward aspect is rather modern, but the 



OLD HOMESTEAD AND 



interior, with its broad open fireplaces, and accessaries in the shape of 

 cranes and fire-dogs, is rich with all the features of typical New England ; 

 and the two gables of the main roof enclose the clearest old garret imagi- 

 nable — at present an asylum for the quaint possessions of antique furniture 

 and bric-a-brac, removed from their accustomed quarters on the advent of 



