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but if it blows, those on the weather-side are 

 closed, whilst those away from the wind can 

 remain open without any inconvenience. 

 Before this enclosed portico lies a terrace fra- 

 grant with the scent of violets, and warmed by 

 the reflection of the sun from the portico, 

 which, while it retains the rays, keeps away 

 the northeast wind ; and it is as warm on this 

 side as it is cool on the side opposite ; in the 

 same way it is a protection against the wind 

 from the southwest ; and thus, in short, by 

 means of its several sides, breaks the force of 

 the winds from whatever quarter they may 

 blow. These are some of its winter advantages : 

 they are still more appreciable in the summer 

 time ; for at that season it throws a shade upon 

 the terrace during the whole of the forenoon, 

 and upon the adjoining portion of the gestatio 

 and garden in the afternoon, casting a greater 

 or less shade on this side or on that as the day 

 increases or decreases. But the portico itself is 

 coolest just at the time when the sun is at its 

 hottest that is, when the rays fall directly upon 

 the roof. Also, by opening the windows you 

 let in the western breezes in a free current, 

 which prevents the place getting oppressive 

 with close and stagnant air. At the upper end 

 of the terrace and portico stands a detached 

 garden building, which I call my favorite ; 



