§105. USE OF COLUMNS. 3 ^1 



105. [To notice all the inconsistencies of architectural 

 whims would extend my remarks beyond their proposed 

 limits ; but I cannot omit to mention some of those still per- 

 petrated in our houses ; among which are the story placed 

 above the cornice, that should properly crown the building; 

 and the half-columns, or pilasters, fixed against a two-storied 

 wall, with the idea of ornamenting what in reality they deface. 

 Nor have these the excuse of performing the office of 

 columns, — which is "to support something;" they seem 

 merely to adhere to the walls for no purpose ; while the 

 windows, in two tiers on each side, look like picture-frames 

 hanging between them.] We have a blind admiration fin- 

 columns in this country; which, excellent in their proper 

 place, are rarely required for mere ornament. When ap- 

 pended to some insignificant house they are much on a par 

 with a great display of splendour, in plate and luxe de table, 

 or any unnecessary sign of wealth, at a very small party. 

 Still worse is the repetition of heavy half columns ; and many 

 a building which would have been commendable is spoilt by 

 these and other arbitrary appendages, utterly useless and 

 forming no necessary part of the general design. An excuse 

 has been made for half, or engaged, columns in their breaking 

 the monotony of a blank wall, but this cannot be offered 

 where windows perform the same office ; and when there are 

 other more suitable modes of ornamenting it. They are 

 still less excusable when of granite or any coloured marble, 

 and appended to a white stone, or what is worse a stuccoed, 

 house. Coloured columns, whether on the exterior or in the 

 interior, can only be consistent if the other parts of the 

 building are coloured ; and it was on this condition that 

 their employment originated. In some the colour was carried 

 out by incrusted slabs of coloured marble ; and to these, when 

 judiciously disposed, there was no objection, unless, as was 

 sometimes the case in Italy, they were very thin slices of 



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