The Architecture of Georgetown. 93 
by making them real architectural and decorative orna- 
ments. 
These boards are about the only thing where those 
who indulge in building are inclined to trot out a little 
art taste. Varied are the designs to be met with on our 
many gables, some are well designed those claim- 
ing preference in which the down turned cresting- 
form prevails the least, or where the open design 
is to a certain extent confined within parallel lines, 
or are of a running scroll work pattern ; practically speak- 
ing, this form of fret work is not so liable to be injured, 
for nothing looks so unsightly in a building as a damaged 
cresting or a broken barge-board. This perforated 
gable-board is the right ornament in the right place, 
carrying out the true art-principle of "decorating con- 
struction without constructing decoration " for it covers 
the ends of the roof-boards, and at the same time con- 
siderably improves the appearance of the gable end, cor- 
recting the angles, and relieving it of much of its heavi- 
ness. Without insisting on any carving to this barge- 
board, for the climate here is against such art treat- 
ment, such as seen in our ancient timber houses in 
Chester, Bristol and elsewhere, we must content our- 
selves with a good telling perforated design cut out from 
the flat, and carefully executed. Much additional effect 
might be given to these gable boards if more was made 
of the moulding from which they spring, for if these 
were strongly emphasized or more projection given to 
them, deeper shadows would be cast and consequently 
made greater effect would be produced. 
From gable ends a passing word about metal crest- 
ings. These now are frequently to be seen upon our or- 
