1848.] Essay on the Avian Order of Architecture. 303 



3. — The next specimens in point of antiquity are those of Marttand, 

 of which we have no less than three examples, two belonging to the 

 exterior, and one to the interior. These show a considerable improve- 

 ment over the former specimens, and at the same time bear a decided 

 general resemblance to the entablatures of the classical orders. That 

 of the great temple itself is 4 feet in height or exactly equal to one 

 diameter of its supporting pilasters. Its division into architrave, frieze, 

 and cornice is distinct and unequivocal. The first which is 1^ foot in 

 height is equally divided into two plain mouldings each sloping inwards. 

 The second which is of the same height is straight and perfectly plain ; 

 while the third which is only 1 foot in height consists of an ovolo sur- 

 mounting two fillets or annulets. So far this entablature agrees in 

 general distribution with that of the classical orders : but it differs from 

 them most materially in its total want of projection, the line of the 

 frieze being flush with that of the supporting pilaster. This may per- 

 haps be reckoned as a defect ; but I am inclined to consider it as an im- 

 provement with regard to the purpose for which it was destined. For, 

 if the entablature had been projected beyond the line of the perpendi- 

 cular walls of the building, the vast pyramidal roof would have appear- 

 ed much too heavy for its supports. See Plate XIV. Such in fact is 

 the case with the late example of the Pandrethan temple, in which the 

 roof and its supporting entablature project considerably beyond the 

 pilasters. See Plate XXII. In the low Grecian pediments this pro- 

 jection is undoubtedly a beauty: but in my judgment any projection, 

 in a pediment of high pitch has an extremely top-heavy appearance. 

 Indeed the European practice with steeples which are the most lofty 

 description of pyramidal roofs, fully bears out my opinion, as their 

 bases are never made broader than the width of their supporting 

 towers. 



4. — The second of the Marttand specimens belongs also to the exte- 

 rior ; but to one of the porches of the colonnade and not to the temple 

 itself. It is therefore a more recent example by upwards of 200 years. 

 Its height is 3^ feet, and it is divided into three distinct and equal 

 parts, which may, as in the former examples, be likewise called 

 architrave, frieze and cornice. The first consists of three plain mould- 

 ings, which are in proportion to each other as 1, 2, 3 ; the uppermost 

 being the smallest and having also the least projection. The frieze is 



