OF BUILDINGS

Summary

Buildings are the very reverse of rocks. They are absolutely in our power, both the species and the situation; and hence arises the excess in which they often abound. The desire of doing something is stronger than the fear of doing too much: these may always be procured by expence, and bought by those who know not how to choose; who consider profusion as ornament; and confound by number, instead of distinguishing by variety.

Buildings probably were first introduced into gardens merely for convenience, to afford refuge from a sudden shower, and shelter against the wind; or, at the most, to be seats for a party, or for retirement: they have since been converted into objects, and now the original use is too often forgotten in the greater purposes to which they are applied; they are considered as objects only, the inside is totally neglected; and a pompous edifice frequently wants a room barely comfortable. Sometimes the pride of making a lavish display to a visitor, without any regard to the owner's enjoyments; and sometimes too scrupulous an attention to the style of the structure, occasions a poverty and dulness within, which deprives the buildings of part of their utility. But in a garden they ought to be considered both as beautiful objects, and as agreable retreats; if a character becomes them, it is that of the scene they belong to, not that of their primitive application: a Grecian temple, or Gothic church, may adorn spots where it would be affectation to preserve that solemnity within, which is proper for places of devotion; they are not to be exact models, subjects only of curiosity or study; they are also seats; and such seats will be little frequented by the proprietor; his mind must generally be indisposed to so much simplicity, and so much gloom, in the midst of gaiety, richness, and variety.

But though the interior of buildings should not be disregard ed, it is by their exterior that they become objects; and sometimes by the one, sometimes by the other, and sometimes by both, they are intitled to be considered as characters.