LV. Gold Luster Pitcher; Staffordshire Pitcher, with Rose decoration; Peacock Delft Pitcher; Jasper Ware Wedgewood Pitcher, Blue and White 177 LVI. The Shepherd Toby. One of the rarest Tobies; English Toby, very old; very old Toby showing Cocked Hat 190 LVII. Venetian and English Decanters; Toddy Glasses, about 1800; English Glass with Silver Coasters. Very old 191 LVIII. Russian Glass Decanter and Tumblers. Note the exquisite cutting on this Decanter 200 LIX. English Cut Glass Decanter, about 1800; Typical Red Bohemian Glass Decanter; American Glass Bottle, Jenny Lind, about 1850 201 LX. Bohemian Glass. The center one is rare, showing figure of Peacock, in Red and White; English Cut Glass Wineglasses, 1790; English Glass Decanters. Very fine and rare 208 LXI. Pewter half-pint, pint, and quart Measures. One hundred years old; Three unusual shaped Pewter Cream Jugs; German Pewter, Whorl pattern 209 LXII. Old Silver Coffee Urn with Pineapple finial; Sheffield Plate Teapot, formerly owned by President Thomas Jefferson; Tall Silver Pitcher, of Flagon influence 226 LXIII. Several old silver pieces; collection of Salem silver, almost all inherited; wonderfully fine Silver Bowl with chasing 227 CHAPTER I OLD HOUSES There is an indescribable charm surrounding colonial houses, especially if historic traditions are associated with them. Many of an early date of erection are still to be found throughout New England towns, where the Puritan and the Pilgrim first settled, and not a few have remained in the same families since their construction. Some are still in an excellent state of preservation, though the majority show weather-beaten exteriors, guiltless of paint, with broken windows and sagging sills, speaking forcibly of a past prosperity, and mutely appealing through their forlornness for recognition. These are not, however, the first homes built by the colonists, and, indeed, it is doubtful if any examples of the earliest type are still standing. These were rude cabins built of logs, kept together by daubings of clay thrust into their chinks, and showing roofs finished with thatch. Great chimneys were characteristic of all these cabins, built of stone, lengthened at the top with wood, and best known by the name Catted Chimneys. In the rude interiors of the old-time fireplaces hung soot-blackened cranes, while on cold, cheerless nights the blaze of logs on the hearths "Made the rude, bare, raftered room Burst, flowerlike, into rosy bloom."