X INTRODUCTION. 



principles of taste are, from various causes, 

 better understood, and more generally dif- 

 fused, than at any former period. 



In the article of plate, for instance, the 

 richness of the old is imitated in the modern 

 manufacture, whilst the former is itself 

 sought after with avidity. So on the subject 

 of this discussion, the same improvement 

 seems to be taking place ; and richness, in- 

 tricacy, and variety have entered the lists 

 against insipidity, distinctness, and dull uni- 

 formity. The bold, though formal, stretch 

 of terrace ventures occasionally to re-occupy 

 the situation from which the easy curve had 

 almost universally ejected it ; and we may 

 hope the time is approaching, when Sir 

 Uvedale Price's prophecy will be accom- 

 plished in the union of the excellencies of 

 the two systems. 



As the embellishments that surround the 

 country residences of England are extended 

 over a much wider range than formerly, their 

 influence on the fj^eneral character of the 

 country must be proportionably increased. 

 It is highly desirable, then, that these em- 

 bellishments should be founded on the prin- 

 ciples of true taste ; which, as the Essays 



