Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 8.djvu/47

Rh interesting particulars may be gathered therefrom, perhaps sufficient to justify the supposition that this had been a residence of superior character, indicated by the manner in which provision was made for the comfort and even luxury of the inhabitants.

"Spacious apartments, requiring an ample extent in the outer walls, were not indispensable, at least there is no reason to believe that magnificence was ever contemplated in forming the plans of the different villas, of which frequent discoveries have been made in this district.

"The building, in its present condition, exhibits considerable regularity, consisting of two parts, the one of greater length extending from north-east to south-west; the other, joining it at right angles, and exceeding it in width, stretches towards the south-east, in which direction its termination is complete; but at the north angle, the remains present so confused an appearance, owing to the obliteration of some of the walls, and the dismemberment of others, that it would seem as if their final destruction, which had been commenced, was suddenly relinquished for the less laborious employment of covering up the remains with earth and rubbish.

"The site was singularly ill chosen, at least if an opinion may be hazarded without knowing the nature and appropriation of the ground around. It was built on a slope, the transverse member, containing the baths and superior apartments, having a considerable ascent from its base, the ground descending from the other extremity of the building. The serious inconvenience of this choice of position seems to have been early felt; it was provided against by an alteration in the baths, and a more ready means of drawing away the water, which has never ceased to flow through the trenches, and was found in former times to be so seriously detrimental to the comfort of the residence, as to lead to changes involving considerable trouble. The full merit of these alterations cannot now be appreciated: they may have answered the purpose intended, but, judging from the appearances presented by the nature of the position and the means adopted by art to counteract the defect for which they were undertaken, it is not too much to declare that the utmost advantage of the site was not taken, and that by directing the course of the drains to the south-east, instead of towards the south-west, or the lowest level the channel was deepened