Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/421

Rh original character; and more mischief is being clone under this delusion than ever the Puritans did with their axes and their hammers: they left evidence against themselves of the mischief they had done, but our modern "restorers" leave nothing by which we can tell what they have destroyed: their first step is to obliterate every vestige of the old work, before they begin to build up their own "improvement."

We have scarcely allowed space to notice Mr. Barr's unpretending and useful little book, but not much will be required, his own description of it disarms criticism. "This little work is intended to serve merely as an introduction to the study of the ecclesiastical edifices of this country, and at the same time to afford a simple and practical guide to those who are engaged in the erection or restoration of churches." These purposes it is well calculated to serve. The first half of the book is occupied in describing the different parts of an Anglican church as they should be, and though some may be disposed to cavil at the quiet manner in which Mr. Barr assumes that his views of what they ought to be are unquestionable, we are disposed to think he is right; an elementary work should not be controversial. The latter half describes the styles, dividing them into centuries to avoid the use of technical terms. His descriptions of the characteristics of each century are concise and clear, and his selection of woodcuts, especially of the mouldings, very well suited to render them familiar to the eye. Perhaps if he had been content to refer to the