165 



uniform colour; much less for the unmixed 

 whiteness of lime. 



Besides the glare, there is another cir- 

 cumstance which often renders white-wash 

 extremely offensive to the eye, especially 

 when it is applied to any uneven surface; 

 and that is, a smeared, dirty appearance. 

 This is the case where decayed, or rough 

 stone-work is dabbed with lime, while the 

 dirt is left between the crevices ; as likewise 

 where the coarse wood- work that separates 

 the plaistered walls of a cottage is brushed 

 over, as well as the smooth walls them- 

 selves: in these cases, however, the objects 

 are inconsiderable, and the effect in proporn 

 tion: but when this pitiful taste is employ*- 

 ed upon some ancient castle-like mansion, 

 or the mossy weather-stained tower of an 

 old church, it becomes a sort of sacrilege. 

 Such a building daubed over and plaister- 

 ed, is, next to a painted old woman, the 

 most disgusting of all attempts at im- 

 provement; on both, when left in their 

 natural state, time often stamps a pleasing 

 and venerable impression; but when thus 



U 3 



