In and out winds the wide avenue, between the drooping branches of these fine old trees, until it reaches the colonial mansion, which is a full half mile from the wooded entrance. The house is hidden from view, until the home plot is reached, by the dense foliage. It stands in the center of a large, open space showing fine lawns and old-fashioned gardens, bordered by more venerable trees, some of which are worth more than passing notice. For instance, a certain black walnut, which Major Stark transplanted from Ohio to its new home, took root here and is now grown to be one of the finest trees on the estate. Another, a beautiful elm, was set out by Miss Charlotte Stark, the last owner of the grant. Ancient button woods, veterans scarred and faithful, still stand as sentinels to guard the house, while mulberry trees shade the opposite side of the road. At the rear of the house is the garden, bright with old-fashioned flowers and fragrant with the odor of the blossoms our grandmothers loved. Across the street are the barns. Here is stored many an interesting relic, including a saddle with silver mountings that was used by President Franklin Pierce during his term of service in the Mexican War. In the corner is the queer, old-fashioned, two-wheeled chaise used by Madam Stark for their annual drive to Portsmouth. In the house is still preserved the old-fashioned green calash which was worn by Miss Harriet Stark on this all-important trip. The house was erected in 1785 by Major Caleb Stark and is known as the Mansion House. It was modelled after the manor houses of England, combining stately grandeur and picturesque repose. It is built of wood, two stories and a half in height, showing dormer windows, a gambrel roof, and a large, two-storied ell. Everywhere an old-time atmosphere prevails--from the time one enters the grounds until the front door is reached. This entrance door is a curious one, being three inches thick and bearing a handsome brass lock and knocker which were brought over from England by Major Stark. Over the door is a row of old bull's-eyes, specimens of early American glass, green in coloring and rough inside where they were taken from the molding bar. [Illustration: PLATE LXIV.--Hallway, Stark Mansion; Parlor, Stark Mansion.] The door swings open on large, wrought-iron strap hinges, which extend two feet each way, and one enters the long hallway. This apartment divides the house into two parts and ends in a duplicate door at the rear, which opens upon the old-fashioned garden. During the summer-time this door is left open, and here, in the cool recess of the hall, accompanied by the droning of bees and the sweet scents from the posy beds in the garden below, it is a favorite custom to serve tea in the long, warm, summer afternoons.