X 
study only internal comfort and magnificence, neglecting all rules of 
Architecture in the outside of their houses. This effect of combined 
ostentation and oeconomy is exemplified in the vicinity of every wealthy 
town; where large rooms, with sumptuous furniture, are “ boxed up” 
under the direction of carpenters, builders, and surveyors, who may be 
ingenious artisans, but who have no science as Architects. We are 
therefore often led to regret that much bad taste is propagated by the 
fanciful mixture of false Grecian with pseudo Gothic forms. 
Every individual claims the right of indulging his own taste, in what 
relates to himself; but in the Public Edifices of a country the honour of 
the country should be considered. If we were to judge from the public 
buildings of the metropolis, or from the unfurnished state of its Churches 
and Theatres, we might suppose that there were no funds for their com- 
pletion, or no Artists competent to the task of adding ornament to uti- 
lity. But a very different cause must be acknowledged: so soon as such 
building are in a state to receive the admission fees of their audiences, 
their purpose is completed. They may be considered as manufactories 
or warehouses for carrying on a species of traffic, and the external 
appearance is neglected as useless. 
In this commercial country, wealth is more generally diffused than 
good taste; and private gratification more prevalent than national dignity. 
While, therefore, the security of private property is the chief motive 
for the only public buildings now erecting in the country, which are 
prisons and workhouses, we cannot wonder that our Royal Mansions 
should have more the appearance of workhouses and prisons, than of 
Palaces worthy the residence of Royalty ! 
