21 
THE 
MODERN STYLE. 
The numerous difficulties in reconciling the internal convenience of a 
house to the external application of Grecian Columns of any order, at 
length banished Columns altogether, and introduced a new style, which 
is strictly of no character. This consists of a plain building, with rows 
of square windows at equal distances; and it to these be added a Gie- 
cian Cornice, it is called a Grecian Building: if instead of the Cornice 
certain Notches are cut in the top of the wall, it is called a Gothic 
Building. Thus has the rage for simplicity, the dread of mixing dates, 
and the difficulty of adding ornament to utility, alike corrupted and 
exploded both the Grecian and the Gothic Style in our modern build- 
ings. 
Without a bigotted attachment to either, every one must confess, 
that there are a thousand beauties and graces in each, which deserve 
our admiration, although they cannot without violence be made subser- 
vient to modern residence. 
In this Enquiry no mention has yet been made of the difference of 
climate, and the influence it may be supposed to have on the different 
styles, because grace and beauty of form in ornament and decorations 
may be considered without always annexing ideas of utility; if they can 
be blended, it is the perfection of art in every province; and in the 
choice and adaptation of new forms to new uses, consists the genius of 
the Artist. 
But there is another consideration of greater importance, which re- 
lates to the material of which the building is constructed. 
The eye will not be pleased with that, to which the mind cannot 
be reconciled: we must be satisfied that the construction is safe, and 
