3^4 ON TASTE IN ORNAMENTAL DESIGN. Paet II. 



gable ends for a regular series of buildings ; which, when not 

 offensive in point of style, and not all painted at different 

 times (by the perverse propensity of some " free-born Briton " 

 to do as he likes and differ from his neighbour), are an im- 

 provement on the irregular fronts of olden time. But when 

 a country house is made in a similar rectangular form, the 

 case is totally different; for the solitary mansion, depending 

 solely on itself for all the architectural features of the mass, 

 requires another treatment : it no longer forms part of a pile 

 of buildings, where nothing but its front was bound to display 

 any marked architectural expression; it is now expected, 

 when alone, to fulfil all the various conditions of a whole, and 

 must adapt itself to the requirements of its position.] The 

 country house too depends much on variety for its beauty ; and 

 the difference in height of the offices attached to it is another 

 reason for an irregular treatment, not required in a town 

 mansion ; for these should contribute to the general effect of 

 the mass of building, and be an ornament to it, instead of 

 being concealed or planted out by trees and bushes, which 

 make the house damp. 



108. [In a northern latitude like our own, where the sun is 

 generally very low, less effect can be obtained by vertical than 

 by lateral shadows. A house with a plain surface, therefore, 

 when standing alone, appears bald and poor ; and the richest 

 cornice (a rarity in England) will not at all seasons give its 

 due effect of shadow. The projections of the so-called Eliza- 

 bethan style, — where the wings, and the centre of the facade, 

 the large stacks of chimneys, and other members, stand out 

 from the dead surface and throw deep lateral* shadows, — are 

 consequently far better suited for country mansions ; and this 

 is one of many proofs of the propriety of consulting adaptabi- 

 lity in all matters connected with taste. Care must, however, 

 be taken not to sacrifice utility to a mere desire for ornament: 

 for such is too often the case even in those very Elizabethan 



