Sect. V.] Architecture, ir/j 



SECTION V. 



ARCHITECTURE. 



In this art the last century presents little \vliich, 

 by the attentive inquirer, can be considered as re- 

 markable. Many noble specimens of architecture 

 have been produced during this period^ but pro- 

 bably few, if any, of these are equal to son^e of the 

 productions of former times. There appear to be 

 two circumstances in the architectural history of 

 the eio-htcenth century, in which it dificrs from 

 that of preceding ages. 



The first is, that the Public buildings erected 

 during this period will be found, in general, less 

 grand and massy than those of some former periods. 

 But while they fall short in splendour and magni- 

 ficence, they are probably much superior to most 

 of the ancient speciments of architecture in sim- 

 phcity, convenience, neatness, and real elegance. 

 This difference probably arises, in some degree, 

 from the well known fact, that most of the monu- 

 ments of ancient taste and skill in architecture be- 

 long to countries and times when despotic sove- 

 reigns were able to connnand the property and 

 the" labour of millions, and when buikHng cities 

 and temples was one of the standing habits, and 

 chief honours, of great potentates. Since the re- 

 vival of the arts these circumstances have so seldom 

 met together, and particularly in those countries 

 Avhich have been most capable of profiting by 

 them, that buildings on a plan of great splendour 

 and macrnificence^havc been undertaken compa- 



