How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
[C]onch-shells decorated the mantelpiece; strings of various colored birds' eggs were suspended above it: a great ostrich egg was hung from the centre of the room, and a corner cupboard, knowingly left open, displayed immense treasures of old silver and well-mended china. (1.24)
This isn't how we decorate our house, but to each his own. These improvised decorations are probably pretty shabby compared to the riches Irving had seen in Europe.
Quote #5
A stately squadron of snowy geese were riding in an adjoining pond, convoying whole fleets of ducks; regiments of turkeys were gobbling through the farmyard, and guinea fowls fretting about it, like ill-tempered housewives, with their peevish discontented cry. (1.21)
We're not sure what kind of psychedelic dream Irving was having while describing the farm, but yikes. The farm is like some kind of feudal city where Baltus is the rich king and the animals are his worthy subjects.
Quote #6
Benches were built along the sides for summer use; and a great spinning-wheel at one end, and a churn at the other, showed the various uses to which this important porch might be devoted. (1.24)
Let's get historical for a minute: did you notice that all of this stuff is pretty practical? Nowadays (and even in Europe in those days), wealth is displayed by all the stuff you have that you don't need. (Yep, even those Louboutins.) But here, even Ichabod's wildest dreams are all about the spinning-wheels and churns. Go crazy, Ich!