Page:An Encyclopædia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture and Furniture.djvu/1066

 iUb4 COTTAGE, FARM, AND VILLA AUCHITECTUUE. in these parts of the bench, and on the whole it affords a favourable contrast to th>» chairs in the preceding paragraph. The front edge of the seat ought to have been carved a little, to harmonise with the legs and arms. Fig. 1864, to the same scale, is another hall bench, in which there may be a tablet in the centre part of the back for heraldic insignia ; and castors may be sunk in the legs, without being exposed to view. We consider this bench in very doubtful taste. In the first place, the outline of the back, which is a principal part of the composition, is the outline of a mere ornament ; and ornaments, in all compositions whatever, ought to be accessories and not principals. We are satisfied that no man of correct feeling in matters of form, or who could apply the principles of design and taste (a connected outline oJ which will be found in our Fourth Book), would derive pleasure from looking at such & bench as this. We are informed however, by Mr. Dalziel, that he has made great num- bers of them, and that the shape is considered very fashionable. The great recom- mendation to it, in the eyes of its purchasers, is the quantity of ornament which is displays. The unsuitableness of the front legs to those behind is sufficiently obvious. 2080. Brackets. Fig. 1865 is a bracket for holding a lamp : it may be made of oak or mahogany, or of deal, and bronzed. The upper moulding rises above the top, in ordir to prevent the lamp from being pushed oflT. Fig. 1866 is a side view of fig. 1865. 1865 Fig. 1867 is another liall bracket with a raised bead at top, which may be used eithei for supporting a lamp or a clock. The expense of thcsp articles is from 20s. to 40.?.. according to the style of carving introduced. Hall brackets of the most beautiful forms may be executed in cast iron, and bronzed, as indeed may most articles of hall furniture. These brackets, the sup])orts to which are in the style of Louis XIV., may be considered as in very good taste of themselves ; but the style to be adopted in such nrticles must always be governed by the furniture and finishing of the apartment in v.'hich they are to be fixed. 2081. A Billiard Table forms a useful soiu-ce of recreation, both for gentlemen and ladies ; and no villa ought to be without one. It may be placed either in the hall, if that be large, or in a room built on purpose, in the house, or connected with it by a covered way. There is a smaller sort of billiard table for moving about from place to