118 



ARCHITECTURE. 



BOOK I. 



ceeds from ignorance of principles ; for who, knowing the dif- 

 ference between harmony and incongruity, would ever have 

 proposed to unite in one object such a diversity of contrary 

 qualities? Though it be possible for a person to overcome 

 the prejudices of mankind, by uniting similar qualities in one 

 view, which we had ever been accustomed to see separate, and 

 which is no inconsiderable victory ; yet when these qualities 

 are of different kinds, and when, in addition to prejudices, 

 there are inherent principles of human nature adverse to the 

 union, it is folly and madness to attempt it. Had that most 

 respectable artist attended to this, he never would have pro- 

 duced Airthrie Castle, Malsley, or Colzean, nor any of his 

 other buildings in this style. 



It is with no small reluctance that I make these remarks 

 upon the practice of an artist, whose friends I respect both 

 for their rank and merits ; but the laws of taste and the amor 

 patrice require it. Such productions coming from a high au- 

 thority impose upon mankind, and diffuse their baneful influ- 

 ence among other artists. This, as already observed, it has 

 unfortunately effected in that country. In future, I hope that 

 either private gentlemen intending to build, or artists who pro- 

 pose to design in this style, will, before they proceed, reflect 

 upon the general principles of taste, and particularly upon fit- 

 ness, UNIFORMITY, VARIETY, and HARMONY. 



