New-York tribune., 1903-04-19

leans against one wall while coach whips and
crops also noticeab bic. One side of the room
is nearly filled with a library which comprises
not only works by KipIing and Doyle and other
authors of to-day but the standard English
poets while the names of several American
writer's also conspicuous
Sir Thomas evidently appreciates luxurious
surroundings This is shown by the furniture
and decorations of the drawing rOom dining
room and even the various chambers. There
are few of EngIand's stately mansions which
are more artisticaIly decorated more lux
uriously furnished, although it is one of the
smaller country seats of the island. The art
centres of the Continent have been searched for
paintings bric-a-brac and statuary to adOrn
the interior, while most Of the furniture is Of
mahogany carved in attractive antique design
Wandering through the various departments
one would imagine that over this home presided
a woman of taste, for here and there the evi-
dence of feminine ideas is conspicuous. AS
matter of fact, however, the master of Osidge
has collected most of its ornaments during his
travels, and the furnishings and decorations
were according to his own ideas.
The grounds embrace about one hundred and
fifty acres and a considerable portion of this
is devoted to the raising of grain, vegetables
and hay for the horses; but one of the best
golf links in Great Britain has been laid off,
while the grounds Immediately around the man
sion have been treated by an expert landscape
gardener From both the front and rear porches
stretch away broad lawns, bordered with flow
er beds and shrubbery, while statuary and
vases containing Towering plants enhance the
effect. The owner has included some Amer
lean iLeas in beautifying the grounds, and they
do not have the prmness which is often
noted in England, although they are kept IN
perfect condition. But a few steps from the
house itself are the hothouses-four in num-
ber-where not only vegetables but flowers for
winter decoration are raised in abundance. Over
an acre is also devoted to what is called the
1aer flower garden, whare can be seen not ont
English but American blooms developed aImos.
to perfection by the expert hOrtiCulturist who
is in charge
Since the of the automobile. Sir Thomas
has used his touring car and runabout in going
to and from business over the smooth highway
which extends from Southgate to London
Osdge however is only one OF his country
seats. It may seem strange that he has game
preserve within twenty miles of the city where
even the stag can be hunted. but this is a fact;
for at Enfield, which he has leased for i term
of years, Sir Thomas frequently entertains
house parties which include noted American
and English rife shots. 1t contains no less than
five hundred acres. largely Of woodland and il
addition to stag hunting an opportunity is also
given for fox hunting, as we'll as birt; and
rabbit shooting. The house at Enfield is less
pretentious than the mansion at Osidge, and IS
merely used as a hunting lodge
Such is the life which Sir Thomas enjoys
during his leisure moments ashore. While he IS
a world traveller and is familiar with every
part of Great Britain the quiet surroundings
Of Southgate suit his taste. Although his name
has teen associated with several titled women
who have been mentioned ds the future mis-
tresses of Osidge, as YET he is free, and ac-
coTding to his friends. promises to remain
bachelor for the rest of his days. This fact,
however. does not ba" the women from visiting
his country seat. and ut the frequent hOu=e
parties which given of the most
noted spOrtsWomen are usually among the
guests.