Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/343

 1868.] Progress of Architecture in the United States. 283 consequence of opposition may be ; bet- ter far lose one patron, than, by yielding to his whim, lose professional character. It is not on the owner that defects of taste are blamed, but on the one whose design it is, and who is alone account- able to public criticism for the discrep- ancies of his works. Vanit}' expresses itself in stone, as distinctly and unmistakably as in words and actions. As a proof of this, it will only be necessary to look at the cut stone fronts of the first-class houses in our cities, aped by the second and third-classes. The house is, in reality, a brick building ; but a paltry effort is made to falsify the truth, and make it appear stone, by means of a veneering of that material, cut in a showy manner. This lie is most generally apparent, from the fact, that part of the side-walls may be seen, either standing out before, or peering above other houses in the block. Another bit of stupid deceit is too frequently practised, namely, the be- stowal of the appearance of height, by the construction of a false pediment. Now, as a pediment is really intended to display the gable of the roof, this falsehood is the more criminal. This, too, is unmasked, by the projection above the next building, showing — to any one who thinks such a contemptible conceit worth an exposure — that it is stayed, by long sticks or iron bars, to the roof below it ; an admirable mark for storms to play against. All such make-believes are unworthy of a professional man ; and should not be resorted to, under any circum- stances. Blank windows — although very prop- erly denounced by Sir William Cham- bers, in his " Civil Architecture" — can- not, at all times, be avoided in street fronts. There is an excuse for their introduction ; but they should be very sparingly applied. The use of the bay-window has be- come very general ; and even two-story bays are getting into vogue. They are to be highly recommended, both as an addition to a room, and a pleasing fea- ture on the exterior. As regards interiors of dwellings, the height of story is something to be dwelt upon. For a narrow room, a high ceil- ing is unsightly ; and, indeed, most of our parlors, in the best street houses, are too often sacrificed in width, for the sake of a large hall. They are, conse- quently, thrown out of proportion. Very high ceilings are a positive nuisance, for they involve the misery of being forced to toil up an endless flight of stairs. It is doubtful, then, wherein their advan- tage lies. But most people follow the lead in this, as in other fashions, for it is nothing more nor less than a mere fashion. In the arrangements of kitchens and chambers, and their appurtenances, our architects lose no opportunity of giving elegance, convenience, and comfort in their plans ; and to such an extent is this carried, that Europeans are sur- prised at the lordly state of our citizens' style of living. In fact, the architects of Europe do not approach ours in this respect. It is not mere display, but actual solid comfort, carried even to luxury. Nor are such houses viewed in the light of permanent family residences. Not at all, for, should the owner of an}' one of these get a desirable chance, he would not hesitate for an instant to sell it ; and build another, with improve- ments. Architecture must, of necessity, pro- gress among a people so migratory as ours. Ever changing, ever new. The business locations of our cities are ever encroaching on the sphere of fashion- able residents ; and the latter, affrighted, are ever on the alert to fly to regions more remote from the vulgar ways of trade. Thus it is with what, a short time ago, were palatial residences. The leaders of society have gone thence forever ; the merchant and the boarding-house keeper have taken their places ; and the archi-