31 



n treating the subject of Windows, some notice may be 

 taken of the modern improvement, borrowed from the French, 

 of folding Glass-doors opening into a garden ; by which the 

 effect in a room is like that of a tent or marquee, and in sum- 

 mer delightful.* But as these doors are seldom so constructed 

 as to exclude the cold winds in winter, where they are much 

 exposed, it is found expedient to build up a brick-wall breast 

 high, which may be taken away during the summer months. 



In making choice of Gothic Bow Windows for additions to 

 an old house, and at the same time to preserve the correct pro- 

 portion of the whole, the apertures of the glass ought not to be 

 too lame, nor the munions too slender. We should select the 



best specimens of such remains as may be found in our old 

 manor-houses, without copying defects. 



The Plate annexed serves to shew the difference betwixt 



the same Window munions, &c. of an ancient Bow Window 



to be more than four feet nine inches, nor less than four feet six inches from the floor ; 

 so that a person in the middle of the room may be able to see under the bar when 

 sitting, and over it when standing ; otherwise this bar will form an unpleasing line 

 crossing the sight in the exact range of the horizon, and obliging the spectator to raise 

 or stoop his head. If it can be entirely omitted, the scenery will be improved ; but 

 if the bar be preferred, the best position of it may be calculated at four feet six from 

 the floor, and the glass may be continued to any depth below, not more than two feet 

 and a half from the floor ; otherwise persons sitting will not have sufficient sight of 

 the ground, and the view will consist, as in many old houses, of sky and the tops of 



trees. 



* This, although more applicable to Grecian than Gothic Houses, may be adapted 



to the latter, by making the munion in the centre to open. 



