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liarities of human character ; and in reference to street forma- 

 tion, that every house should not only be a picture in itself, 

 but that the houses should collectively form a picture of 

 greater variety, and that they should, where possible, be 

 arranged with respect to composition, light, and shade, breadth, 

 colour, union and harmony with the ground, variety, and 

 other qualities, just as a skilful artist composes Ins picture. 



"We shall, however, look in vain for the highest attributes 

 of street perspective in the undeviating line, however varied 

 and beautiful the individual building may be. That continu- 

 ity of charm or series of fine effects of which a street is capa- 

 ble, cannot, I consider, be found in the straight line of houses, 

 however great the means employed. 



" I am not insensible to the graces of columnar perspective, 

 as exhibited in an avenue, formed by colonades, whether 

 interior or exterior. The long drawn aisle also, of our Gothic 

 Cathedrals, awakens ideas of the sublime. * * * * They 

 symbolize infinity, and are productive of lofty and mysterious 

 sensations. I mention these because I have heard them cited 

 in support of the straight line, in reference to streets : but 

 their office, I consider, is confined to a surprise, — to a single 

 view, and look upon such office as fulfilled, when they have 

 produced their first overwhelming effect upon the spectator, to 

 which purpose every mean has been directed; while streets, 

 on the contrary, are for promenade, and constant use, and a 

 succession of effects and ideas are therefore required. The 

 line I would suggest, as most conducive to this, is one on 

 which nature may be said to revel, — the winding, serpentine 

 line, of a very gentle sweep, as much varied in curvature and 

 bearing as possible : for short avenues I would recommend 

 the simple arc of a circle. Streets so formed, I consider, 

 would not only be susceptible of the highest architectural 

 beauty as viewed from one point, but possess that exhaustless 

 charm, — that endless variety of effects which I have endea- 

 voured to describe. 



