The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-02-05


service and the ceremony Of installing the
knights of the Garter. The stalls of the
Knights are arranged on either side of the
choir-over each stall are the mantle, sword,
helmet and crest Of the knight by whom it
is occupied. Above these is the banner on
which are his armorial bearings and at the
back Of the seat, on engraved brass plates
are recorded his name, style and stiles. The
brass plates of former occupants for centu-
riesl are preserved asa perpetual record OF
the distingu ished honor each has in his life
time borne amongst them is that of Sigis-
mund, Emperor Of Germany in 141S,1 Gas.
inner Nv, King Of Poland, in'145I, and Rob-
ert Peyton, who assumed the surname OF
Ufford and was Earl OF Suffolk in 1349,
who was one of the founders OF the Order.
George III and Nv and William w all
died at Windsor andli in the Royal Dor
mitory, to the east Of ST. Georges Chapel,
where all the members of the Royal family
| who have died in England have been placed
since its application to the purposes OF
mausoleum, with the exception of the Duke
of Sussex, who, at his own request, was
buried in Kensal Green Cemetery, and the
unhappy queen, wife Of George ", who
was removed to Brunswick. One cannot
visit such spot, rife with royalty in its
ruins, without its suggesting the moral of
the poet: 1.-THE glories of our blood
and shadows, not substantial things
1t sinks deep into our souls that God is ''no
respecter of persons,' that there is ''no
king saved by the multitude of an host. !"
Sucn visits seem to urge the admonition
upon the mighty and the lowly, ''Be wise
now, o ye kings; be instructed. ye judges
of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and
rejoice with trembling" 1t is appointed
unto all men once to die - but after death
the judgment The mind is startled from
the engrossing pursuits, the cares and anx-
ieties of this world, and we apply these
texts in all their force. How impressive ly
do they counsel the wisdom of seeking par
don and peace from that Saviour by whom
alone we are saved.
On the pext morning we attended ser
vice at st. Georges Chapel and saw num-
Der Of the gallant veterans called the emil
itary knights of Windsor who have resi-.
dences in the immediate vicinity of the cas-
tie and small annual pensions. The only
duty imposed upon them being regular at.
tendance at church and constant prayer for
the prosperity of the sovereign.
There are two parks at Windsor, the little
park nearest the castle, contains 500 acres,
and is enclosed by a brick wall. 1t is stud
ded with clumps of trees and abounds in
promenades, The finest being the "long
walk" which is lined with elms. Here are
the Queens stables, wherein, like those of
Branksome Castle, "a hundred steeds feed
free in STALL" These stables, plain and sub
stanEial, are built on the most approved plan
for securing fresh air, light and uniform
temperature, for the com fort of the animals.
The heat is regulated by thermometer and
is not allowed to rise above $50 Far. or to
sink below 80. The system Of ventilation is
by openings near the ceilings, constructed so
as to prevent current of air from passing
over the horses. The light is uniform and
| without any glare, and the rooms are ceiled
so as to prevent dust from the lofts getting
into the eyes of the horses and the ascend.
| ing gases from lodging in the hay. The
stalls are level and have clay foors-inclined
stalls and plank floors have been universally
abandoned in England, as they fatigue and
| injure the horses. The stalls are roomy so
as to encourage the animals to lie down, and
no straw is ever put in them for bedding.
The Queen keeps the full complement OF
forty carriages in different styles and one
hundred blooded horses for use while at
Windsor. The kennels are near the stables,
where Her Majesty fancy dogs are kept,em-
bracing almost every kind and variety OF
dog, foreign and native. 1t is a unique col
| lection in which the Queen is said to take
much interest.
The dairy and farm buildings are exteE-
sive, and combine every accommodation and
modern improvement. The great park con.
tains 1900 acres and is much admired for Its
varied and picturesque scenery. This park
was famous place as early as the 18th cen.
fury, when Henry II not only kept his deer
here, as the legend goes, but adverse
strange beastes, which were sent unto hime
from foreigne countries fare distante, suct
as liones, lepardes, linxes and porkupines. y
l. The Park is at present well stocked with
deer and pheasants which furnish excellent
shooting and constant supply of game fol
the Queens household. In this Park lie the
Home and Shaw farms two of the mode
farms of Prince Albert. The only work o.
ait in the Park is colossal equestrian
Statue Of George III which terminates ''.ht
long walk'' at dis lance OF at least three
miles from the ca stle. There is a hand
some school build ing near the farms il
which the children of the. servants con
nected with the castle and property ar
educated. 1t was established by Prince
Albert. The boys receive good Englisl
education and are instructed in the practca
operations OF farming and gardening, Will
the girls are taught sewing, ornamental
, needle work and domestic affairs.
In the southern extremity of the ground
lies the celebrated lake entitled Virgina
Water, the lovely natural scenery of whic
has been heightened by the aid of art. l
road has been constructed around the lake
so that all the best views may be seen in al
afternoon drive. The shade trees are prin
cipally larch, pine and fir.
!, !, At the head of the lake the road crosses a
embankment having rustic stone fence o
, one side covered with moss and ivy, an
: from which road leads over bridge acros
the water and to the Fishing temple, an eli
CANT pavilion, surrounded by ground
ornamented with fountains, flowers, plant
and statuary. The roof is painted in var
> Gus colors and ornamented with dragons an
other grotesque figures. This building ws
erected for the use of George Nv and thoi
j. members of his family and household VII
e were fond of angling. The lake is sufficien
e " large to admit of piscatorial amusement
u upon large scale. In romantic glen b.
z low the lake stands fine ornamental RI