Sometimes in the larger council-houses there were painted eagles, carved out of poplar wood, placed close to the red and white seats where the chiefs and warriors sat; or in front of the broad dais were great images of the full and the half moon, colored white or black; or rudely carved and painted figures of the panther, and of men with buffalo horns.

The floors were wide open, and Dong-Yung saw the decorous rows of square chairs and square tables set rhythmically along the walls, and the covered dais at the head for the guest of honour.

Seated high Among his people, on the lofty dais, Dispensing judgment,making woodlands ring Behind a flying hart with hound and horn, Talking with workmen on the tawny sands, 'Mid skeletons of ships, how best the prow May slice the big wave and shake off the foam, Edwin preserved a spirit calm, composed, Still as a river at the full of tide; And in his eye there gathered deeper blue, And beamed a warmer summer.

Facing them, on a rough dais about three feet high and with two steps leading up to it, stood a large and deep carved oaken armchair.

For weddings and receptions, a lane of red carpet leads up to the slight dais; and lined about the brocade and paneled walls, gilt-and-brocade chairs, with the crest of Walsingham in padded embroidery on the backs.

Against the wall, opposite it, he placed a church pew surmounted by a tall dais with little benches carved out of solid wood.