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they present a large mass, which, however, 

 is lightened by means of the openings ; and 

 is often varied, by the parts of which it is 

 composed being turned to different aspects: 

 they are likewise well connected, and are 

 formed into groups; they have a great, pi ay of 

 light and shadow' ; and their enrichments 

 accord with the decorated style of the main 

 building. Vanbrugh has made great use 

 of those circumstances at Blenheim, but he 

 has indulged himself in his favourite pro* 

 pensity to the top of his bent; and, as it is 

 observed by an eminent writer on architec- 

 ture, has converted his chimnies into cas* 

 lies. He certainly had something gigantic 

 in his turn of mind, and loved to pile Pelion 

 upon Ossa : his castle-like chimnies appear 

 too vast and ponderous even for his building; 

 but in the distant views, where their want 

 of congruity is not apparent, they have a 

 very rich and grand effect, The perfection 

 of the art, is to give grandeur and effect, 

 without heaviness, or licentiousness of style; 

 but if I were obliged to determine between 

 insipid congruity, and incongruity which 



