Before we do so, however, if provided beforehand with tickets from “our publisher,” we may take a turn round the spacious GARDENS on the east side of the Hall. Though time and space alike forbid us to enlarge upon their charms, the GARDENS of EATON will amply repay the careful inspection of every admirer of “nature, art-adorned.” The rich groves of trees—the rare shrubs and flowers, with their attendant perfumes—the crystal conservatory—the massive statuary—the dolphin fountain—the Roman altar, dedicated by the Twentieth Legion to the “Nymphs and Fountains”—the fairy lake—the verdant lawns, and walks of “sweet umbrageous beauty,”—each and all combine to invest these GARDENS with a charm peculiarly their own! Gladly would we linger all day in this sylvan retreat,—but we must away!—and exchanging our barge for a cab with a party just arrived (cabman and boatmen first of all consenting), we are soon out of sight of the “Palace on the DEE.” Moving rapidly along the avenue, past yon herd of timid deer, startled into flight at our approach, we soon flit beneath the archway of a lodge which marks the boundary of the park. A ride of two miles, through a serpentine avenue of “old hereditary trees,” now remains to us; and from this we emerge only to behold the GROSVENOR GATEWAY, with old CHESTER in the distance “lending enchantment to the view!” The GROSVENOR GATEWAY was erected in 1838, on the site of Overleigh Hall, once the manorial seat of the Cowpers of Overleigh. This lodge is a copy of St. Augustine’s Gate, at Canterbury, altered (some say improved) here and there by Mr. Jones, architect of Chester. Built, like the Hall itself, of white freestone, enriched with a profuseness of carving and heraldic sculpture, this ENTRANCE LODGE to the EATON Estate forms a fitting introduction to the magnificent mansion we have just quitted, and of which, in conclusion, we may truly enough say that Take it for all in all, We ne’er shall look upon its like again! In five minutes more our cab is rolling over the well-paved streets of CHESTER. And now, as you are off by the next train, and as the best of friends must part, we will shake you by the hand, and trusting you have enjoyed yourselves under our protection, wish you, with all our heart, a swift and pleasant journey to your HOME, SWEET HOME! * * * * * In closing this account of EATON HALL, it is our pleasing duty gratefully to acknowledge Lord Westminster’s kindness and favour, not only in throwing open the mansion and grounds to us on a “private day,” but also in affording us every possible assistance in our humble endeavours, however feebly, to do justice to his peerless Cheshire home.