225 



the subject of summits be just, the appear- 

 ance and effect of chimnies cannot be a 

 matter of indifference. The outline of a 

 building must depend upon the form, pro*- 

 portion, and distribution of the principal 

 masses : in point of size, chimnies cannot 

 come under that description, but they may 

 in some degree, on account of their situa- 

 tion ; by means of which they are them- 

 selves very conspicuous, and when viewed at 

 some distance, have a great influence on the 

 outline of whatever part is immediately 

 under them. When, for instance, in the 

 near view of a house, you have admired the 

 portico with its columns, the rich capitals, 

 mouldings, and cornices, the balustrade 

 that surrounds the top, the statues, urns, 

 and vases with which it is adorned— should 

 you retire from it ten paces further, and 

 then look back, you may, perhaps, see seve* 

 ral square unornamented funnels, some- 

 times with earthen pots upon them, peeping 

 over the whole building, mixing themselves 

 with all the rich ornaments, and occupying 

 the highest station ! 



VOL. II. Q 



