Collecting—Old watchstands—Samplers—Needlework pictures—Old military
prints—French engravings—French furniture—The Hôtel de Ménars—Mr.
Alfred Rothschild’s collection—The Tilsit table at Hertford House
and its history—A £20,000 commode in danger—Eccentricity of Mr.
Hawkins—Old English furniture inadequately represented in National
Collections—Chippendale and the austere Sheraton—An apostle of good
taste—Lady Hamilton’s cabinet—Furniture supports—Knole and its
treasures—Origin of the dumb-bell—A gifted lady 203