PURPOSE IN ARCHITECTURE. 35 



agreeably, as our pleasure in beholding a beautiful form is marred 

 by the idea of the frailness of the material composing that form. 

 We are aware that the almost universal prevalence of wooden 

 country houses in the United States has weakened this impression, 

 but the strength with which it stinkes a European accustomed to 

 solidity and permanence in a dwelling, is the best proof of the 

 truth of our remark. And even in this country, the change of 

 feeling which is daily taking place on this subject, shows very 

 plainly in how little estimation wood will be held as a building 

 material compared with brick or stone by the next generation." 



The chief objection made to dwellings of stone is dampness. 

 This, however, may be entirely avoided if proper care is taken in 

 the "furring off." The furring should be done by studs secured 

 to the floor timbers above and below, and having no connection 

 whatever with the external walls. Or, in place of this, a lining of 

 brick with a space of several inches between it and the stone will 

 give greater security against fire as well as greater durability. 



Brick may often be procured in the suburbs of our cities more 

 easily than stone. It must be allowed that a brick house in the 

 country proper does not often suggest pleasant associations, but 

 this is owing to the ugly combinations that we have been accus- 

 tomed to see. Bricks are susceptible of very pleasing effects if 

 properly managed, as has been most abundantly shown within the 

 last few years. For the suburban villa, cottage, or tenement, in 

 many cases we should advocate the use of the rough, hard-burned 

 brick in preference to the pressed, not only in point of economy, 

 but from the fact that vines will cling to them more securely, pro- 

 ducing a drapery which art cannot rival. 



The principle of Purpose in architecture is suggested by the 

 general appearance, or by certain features of a building ; as the 

 spire is suggestive of the church, so the windows, chimneys, 

 porches, etc., are suggestive of the dwelling house. If then the 

 characteristics of a building are essential to the expression of Pur- 

 pose, these should be made prominent, or, at least, no attempt 

 should be made at concealment. 



The color to be given to buildings, maj^ be properly considered 

 in connection with the principle of Purpose. In our selection we 

 should take nature as our guide, choosing those colors which har^ 

 monize with the natural objects about them. Neutral tints are 

 always to be preferred for suburban residences to the positive 



