94 Italia7i Villa. 



style, in its various peculiarities, is strikingly distinct, as well as exceed- 

 ingly simple in detail. The singularity of roof which characterizes 

 Italian architecture is a feature to which it owes much of its beauty. 

 The form is horizontal, and is generally extended over considerable 

 surface, although not a positive requirement. It is replete with bold 

 and picturesque projections, remarkably expressive. Another advantage 

 offered by the Italian style is its comprehension of rectilinear forms for 

 the more important details, while at the same time it does not exclude 

 curvilinear shapes for minor embellishments of cornices, <fcc. No other 

 order furnishes so great an amount of beauty in elevation, without dis- 

 paraging convenience of accommodation. The Italians are a luxurious 

 people, in a double sense ; to enjoy an agreeable object, with them it 

 must be beautiful for thy eye to linger upon, without sacrificing that 

 other attribute to pleasuie — utility. The architecture of their homes and 

 public palaces is an apt exemplitication of their skill in blending the 

 utile et dulcc. 



The towering campanile, standing boldly out from the main structure, 

 diminishes the monotony caused by regular rows of equal-sized windows. 

 The veranda finds among its acute projections a snug quarter to locate, 

 as also the oriel and railed balcony window. In the hands of the super- 

 ficially informed architect, consequent incongruities do not display the 

 error committed in such a ludicrous and offensive manner as the Gothic 

 and other purer styles. There are certain peculiarities, however, which 

 require a somewhat strict observance when profound expression is desired. 

 Thus, the material used for the roof, and its construction, are important. 

 A plain shingled roof, or the ordinary earthen tile, or even slates, would 

 be sadly out of place in the Italian villa. In this country, tin would be 

 the most ornamental material, as its pliability permits of its being secured 

 to an uneven surface, which is essential. This abruptness may be pro- 

 duced by fastening three-inch joists to the roof planking, at regular 

 intervals of eighteen inches or two feet (according to the size of the 

 building). Of course the joists are laid parallel with the angle of the 

 roof. The tin is subsequently fastened over all. {Vide Engraving.) 

 Another peculiarity, which demands attention when the building material 

 is of stone, is to avoid walls which present a smooth surface. The stone 

 should be either what is termed stalactited or vermiculated, two methods 

 of forming an uneven surfjice. The tower, in perfect specimens, is 

 imperative, as are also balcony windows and artistically grouped chimney 

 stacks. Cornices under window sills are indispensable. In Tuscany, 



