On Garden ArchitecUire. 



105 



copings and their finish. This method is shown in the accompanying 

 cut : — 



FIG. 3. 



The simplest method of stopping or buttressing a flight of steps is by 

 a continuous plinth, with the top line running parallel with the slope, as in 

 4. This is, however, liable to two objections. In the first place, 



Fig 



FIG. 4 



it does not, unless each buttress is made of a single stone, have a proper 

 constructive look; for it gives the idea that it is set on a slope, and this 

 suggests a slippery and unstable foundation. Again : the slope and the 

 buttress, by this method, are on the same angle of inclination; and this 

 repetition is to the last degree tame and monotonous to the sight, there 

 being no contrasting forms whatever, — the slight breaks of the steps not 

 being sufficient to counteract the effect of their general inclination. The 

 Greek method, and the one followed by all the great builders, is to buttress 

 the steps with blocks laid in horizontal courses, and broken down to 

 conform to the steps, as in the following figure. The buttress at the top of 



FIG. 5. 



the steps should be set up above the ground, so as to mark the point where 

 the steps commence to a person approaching them from the upper walk. 



