Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/662

 6o4 COMPARATIVE ARCHITECTURE. unaccustomed, and which, doubtless because of their unusual character, often strike one as ugly or bizarre. It is, however, a question of taste and education as to whether this impression is really due to this unusual character, or whether such forms would not be considered beautiful if sanctioned by custom. " Use is second nature ; " and Indian architecture was no doubt beautiful to those who were engaged on it and to whom it was meant to appeal. It is certain that in no other style was such patient care and labour bestowed on the minutest detail. From an architect's point of view, these non-historical styles can scarcely be so interesting as those which have progressed on the solution of constructive problems, resolutely met and overcome, as was the case in Europe from the Classic period to that of the Renaissance. In India and the East, decorative schemes seemed to have outweighed any such problems. The student should visit the Indian Museum at South Kensington, which possesses a most valuable collection of portions of original buildings, casts of details, and models of temples, monuments and houses. mir ^mmjy mi¥ ®? mmhl 265.