268 ON TASTE IN ORNAMENTAL DESIGN. Part II. 



so rare as to be generally beyond the reach of those who may 

 have a fancy to possess them. Tapestry has also the repu- 

 tation of harbouring dust; and this is not an unreasonable 

 objection, unless a fresh set be occasionally substituted, as 

 in Cardinal Wolsey's sumptuous mansions. It is from the 

 caprice of fashion and association, rather than from any real 

 admiration of it, that tapestry is valued. Nor is the Gobelins 

 worth its price ; and this would be better spent on a real 

 work of art. And while admitting the wonderful skill shown 

 in its manufacture, we cannot but confess that it has gone 

 out of its own province, and invaded that of painting, without 

 equalling it by its greatest and most costly efforts. 



55. Until those whose business it is to furnish houses pos- 

 sess the necessary education to fit them for it, no one should 

 give himself up to their caprices ; though it may be ques- 

 tioned whether many of their employers have sufficient taste, 

 even if they would take the trouble, to correct the errors daily 

 committed before their eyes. And here we have one of many 

 proofs of the necessity of taste being general, and cultivated 

 by all classes. 



56. It is not my intention to give advice respecting the 

 furniture of rooms, or the decoration of houses, either inter- 

 nally or externally ; I confine myself to a few passing observa- 

 tions, without pretending to offer any new suggestions on this 

 or any other point ; but, in the words of Quintilian, " I shall 

 be delighted if I can say what is right, though it may not be 

 of my own invention," for my observations are only such 

 as have doubtlessly occurred to many others who have thought 

 upon these subjects. 



To the decoration of houses the same rule applies as to that 

 of public buildings; which is, that coloured or sculptured 

 ornaments should not extend over the whole surface of the 

 walls and other parts. Some repose is required for the eye. 

 This was well understood by the architects of Greece; and it 



