1010 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION H. 
The ease with which the more ornamental features of a building 
may be multiplied leads us into this danger. Picturesque effects 
almost invariably have to be accomplished by a process of 
elimination rather than elaboration, the essence of picturesque 
being simplicity of form and truth of expression. 
To trace further the base of a good design, we find that much 
depends upon the planning, not only as to internal use, but also 
in disposition as regards the feature of the site. These should 
have the first consideration. 
The plan having been determined upon, we should erect thereon 
the superstructure, paying special attention to the outline, and 
working necessary features, such as doors, windows, chimneys, &c., 
into the most suitable positions for the convenience of the inside, 
and using such natural features only as give a meaning and 
expression to the whole building. 
Thus, the design will be satisfactory, because it is a legitimate 
development of the plan. 
Unfortunately there is another method of architectural design 
abroad which is absolutely wrong. 
The proper order of design is reversed. It would seem as 
though an untrained imagination collected a variety of features, 
it may be good or bad, in themselves, until there was a chance of 
fitting a plan to them; or perhaps worked in some pet bit of 
design without the slightest reason for its existence. 
The convenience of the building is often, indeed, sacrificed to 
such fancies ; and no matter whether these are beautiful or bad in 
themselves, the result will be nothing less than grotesque. 
If we come to analyse what is at the root of grotesque in pictur- 
esque, therefore, we find not only a good deal that is absolutely 
false in conception, but much that is bad in construction ; and in 
nearly all cases where we feel that a design offends us, whether 
the reason be at once obvious or not, the real cause lies in the fact 
that it is forced, and does not honestly and naturally express its 
purpose. 
In order to illustrate my meaning, I have imagined a building 
composed of a number of such features as anyone may see In many 
of our suburbs ; and I regret to say our new suburbs are by no 
means an exception. 
[Reference to, and sketches of, many instances of false design 
and construction in recent work. | 
Now, not only is the whole design full of grotesque features, 
but the selection and disposition of materials is worse than 
grotesque. 
The front is of the best quality brick, but the sides and back 
are the commonest. The roof is of the most expensive slates on 
three sides, the back and inside slopes are iron. 
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