On the Construction of Theatres . 355 
From a view of these considerations I hope it will ap- 
pear incumbent upon those, who rebuild Drury-lane, to 
take time for receiving information from every quarter 
whence it may be expected : instead of hurrying forward 
to a beginning before they have well considered the end* 
A remarkable observation made by that great engineer 
Mr. Smeaton, in his account of the building of the Eddy- 
stone lighthouse, should never be forgotten by those who 
direct, or by those who undertake extensive public 
works. — “No resolution of the proprietors,” says he, 
“ever conduced more to ultimate success, than their 
leaving me at liberty fas to time J: had they been of the 
same temper and disposition as by far the greatest part of 
those who have employed me, both before and since, their 
language would have been, Get on , get on, for God’s 
sake get on, the public is in expectation, get us some 
thing speedily, to show , that we may gain credit with the 
public.” 
Architects and engineers are so nearly connected with 
each other in the objects of their pursuits, that it would 
be well both for them and for the public, if every architect 
were an engineer, and every engineer an architect. That 
this is not always the case, we have melancholy instances 
to prove. 
There is a society of civil engineers in London, of 
which sir Joseph Banks is president, consisting of men of 
undisputed talents and information. W ould it not be ad- 
visable, to consult this board? No harm could possibly 
arise from such application, and much good might be the 
consequence. If in the multitude of counsellors there 
may be some delay, there is probably much safety. 
Having now animadverted upon the steps that should 
be taken, before any plan is ultimately settled, I shall 
venture to offer a few hints upon the construction of a 
theatre. If any thing, which I throw out, should become 
