'When I took possession of these lands, about two and twenty
years ago (said he), there was not a tree standing within a mile
of the house, except those of an old neglected orchard, which
produced nothing but leaves and moss. -- It was in the gloomy month
of November, when I arrived, and found the house in such a
condition, that it might have been justly stiled the tower of
desolation. -- The court-yard was covered with nettles and docks ,
and the garden exhibited such a rank plantation of weeds as I had
never seen before; -- the window-shutters were falling in pieces, --
the sashes broken; -- and owls and jack-daws had taken possession
of the chimnies. -- The prospect within was still more dreary -- All
was dark, and damp, and dirty beyond description; -- the rain
penetrated in several parts of the roof; -- in some apartments the
very floors had given way; -- the hangings were parted from the
walls, and shaking in mouldy remnants; the glasses were dropping
out of their frames; -- the family-pictures were covered with dust.
and all the chairs and tables worm-eaten and crazy. -- There was
not a bed in the house that could be used, except one old-fashioned
machine, with a high gilt tester and fringed curtains
of yellow mohair, which had been, for aught I know, two centuries
in the family.
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