660 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION H. 
centres, whereas every village throughout the land either 
has, or aspires to have its church. 
Tf all these village churches could be made amenable to 
the true principles of science and art what an enormous 
effect they would have in moulding public taste; and what 
a difference they would make in the appearance of the land- 
scape | 
In England, there are now remaining about 9000 parish 
churches dating from the Middle Ages, which are spiead 
throughout the length and breath of the land. Fergusson, 
in his ‘‘ History,” says: —‘‘ They are not so magnificent as 
“her cathedrals, nor so rich as her chapels; but for beauty 
“of detail and appropriateness of design, they are unsur- 
“passed by either, while on the Continent there is nothing 
“to compare with them.” 
It is true that all critics do not regard the English rural 
churches as being of such high architectural value; but when 
all allowance has been made for the prejudice of antagonistic 
schools of design, and for those buildings which fall below 
the average standard of excellence, it must be admitted 
that there is more than a germ of truth in Fergusson’s lavish 
praise, when these buildings are considered solely from an 
architectural standpoint. 
There can, however, be no doubt concerning the peculiar 
charm which they impart to the English landscape. The 
grey church spire, peacefully nestling among the brilliant 
green foliage, seems inseparably connected with all thoughts 
of rural England, and indelibly stamps on the scenery a 
tone of finished beauty which no other country possesses. 
I regard the English parish church as one of the highest 
triumphs of architectural evolution, because it so eminently 
fulfils the reason of its being, and is so entirely suited to its 
surroundings. 
But how—you may ask—does this bear on the question 
of Tasmanian rural churches, and how may we emulate 
the English example? I reply: By followimg the pre- 
cedent set us, and endeavouring to bring our rural churches 
in these States into as thorough sympathy with the con- 
ditions existing here, as did the designers of the rural 
churches of the Mother-land. 
The English type is our natural heritage; it is the best 
of its class which exists anywhere. What, therefore, is more 
appropriate than that we should build upon that stock, 
emphasising such variations as the altered conditions of 
society, time, material, and climate render advisable ; adding 
