248 Contemporary Evolution. 



part of each window, since each window may be all 

 tracery, the stonework being of such thickness as may 

 combine strength and security with a copious admission 

 of light. The absence of that beautiful but self-contra- 



o 



dictory feature, brilliant stained glass, will allow an ample 

 supply of light without too great a sacrifice of wall- 

 space, and without any impairment of stability. Not that 

 the glazing should not be ornamental and artistic ; the 

 pieces of glass might be so designed that their lead 

 framework may form elegant patterns,* while the glass 

 itself, of delicate greys and half-tints, will afford a wide 

 scope for the skilful designer. The nature and arrange- 

 ment of the windows will especially facilitate the eleventh 

 requirement that as to paintings, since the neutral- 

 tinted glass will be highly favourable, while the non- 

 obstruction offered by it to the entrance of light will 

 by rendering less numerous or less large windows neces- 

 sary, increase the amount of available wall-space. 



The preceding requirement that each church should 

 " manifest one predominant idea, and exhibit an impres- 

 sive unity," can as well be met by the developed Roman- 

 esque as by Italian architecture. That noble and 



* A precedent for this is to be found in the abbey of Pontigny. 

 This abbey was built in the early days of the Cistercian reform, and 

 the luxury of stained glass having been forbidden, an ornamental 

 arrangement of colourless glass by means of the leading became 

 the only adornment. 



