208 BUBAL ABCHITECTUBE. 



may be made to express that character, and will be most beautiful 

 (supposing the character good), when in addition to architectural 

 beauty it unites this significance or individuality. 



We have not the space to go into detail on this subject here ; 

 and to do so would only be repeating what we have already said in 

 the work in question. But the most casual reader will understand 

 from our suggestion, that if a man's house can be made to express 

 the best traits of his character, it is undeniable that a large source 

 of beauty and interest is always lost by those who copy each other's 

 homes without reflection, even though they may be copying the 

 most faultless cottage ornte. 



We would have the cottage, the farm-house, and the larger 

 country-house, all marked by a somewhat distinctive character of 

 their own, so far as relates to making them complete and individual 

 of their kind ; and believing as we do, that the beauty and force 

 of every true man's life or occupation depend largely on his pursu- 

 ing it frankly, honestly, and openly, with all the individuality of his 

 character, we would have his house and home help to give signifi- 

 cance to, and dignify that daily life and occupation, by harmonizing 

 with them. For this reason, we think the farmer errs when he 

 copies the filagree work of the retired citizen's cottage, instead of 

 showing that rustic strength and solidity in his house which are its 

 true elements of interest and beauty. For this reason, we think he 

 who build* a simple and modest cottage in the country, fails in at- 

 taining that which he aims at by copying, as nearly as his means 

 will permit, the parlors, folding doors, and showy furniture of the 

 newest house he has seen in town. 



We will not do more at present than throw out these sugges- 

 tions, in the hope that those about to build in the country will reflect 

 that an entirely satisfactory house is one in which there are not only 

 pretty forms and details, but one which has some meaning in its 

 beauty, considered in relation to their own position, character, and 

 daily lives. 



