In the first place, then, let the architect consider wc11 the amount which is to be laid out in the erection, for this must deterinine every other consideration ; if the amount be small, do not let him attempt a large or highly-decorative building. lle must first take care to ensure soundness and strength in the construction, and leave the details to be considered after wa•ds ; if after calculating the cost of the mere walling and other necessary parts or the structure, he finds he has suffi cient to construct them in a substantial manner, and money to spare, let hirn then deeide upon the amount IA' decoration. It is better to erect plain walling, so that it be solid and well.
build, than to add enrichment upon enrichment upon walls which are scarcely able to support them. Let strength be the object sought to be attained, not show ; mere ostentatious display is quite out of character in a sacred edifice. This leads us to the next rule :—Iet every material employed be real ; it' funds are not sofficient for the best niaterials, use the more common, but do not attempt to hide them, let them appear what they arc in reality, in their true colours, and not stain or plaster them to resemble things of a so I ferior description; the building may nut appear so rich, but it will Imo. the stamp of reality and troth, which will carry a con viction of its superiority to minds perhaps unwilling to yield to its demands.
Qf construction.—The best material for the walling is undoubtedly stone, and of this, we suppose, that which is dressed and squared should be preferred ; we do not speak with certainty in this case, for there decidedly are advantages attached to undressed, uncoursed masonry ; the very uneven ness imparts a richness and variety of colour to the material, and a play of light and shade over the surfitee, which is not attainable in an even or smooth wall ; but besides this, there is another superiority in the contrast which is afforded between the naked wall and the more finished dressings of the apertures. But even if this matter be left undecided, it will make but little difference in the present day, for few architects have funds at their disposal to allow then] a choice between the two. The stone best adapted for the purpose, in the practice of the present time, is rag or rubble, which is (inexpensive, and at the same time durable ; it may be pro cured in most localities without much trouble. Whatever be the nature of the stone, it is not necessary nor desirable that it be quarried in large masses, the smaller the better, so far, at least, as is consistent with a due regard to the safety and expense of construction ; when the stones are Iarire, they are apt to catch the eye. and lead it away from the more
(bladed portions of the building-, whereas. it' the separate stones be of small size, and more especially if they be of irregular outline, and random-coursed, they will render the more important features distinct and effective. For this same the. finished stones of the apertures. and such like, should not all be of the same size, either in length or height. so as to form a regular line at their junction. with the rubble masonry, for, if' so, they will divert the attention from the main outline and decoration of the windows, &c., which the eye ought to catch at the first glance ; but besides this, if the jamb-stones be of different lengths, they will form a more efficient bond with the main wall. The latter remarks will apply to all buildings, whatever be the materials of which they are composed.
With regard to the selection and laying of stones, the best plan is to use them as they come to hand, studying neither their shape nor situation too closely ; a wall, constructed in this manner, will look natural. and therefb•e far better, than when the stones are broken or placed in a peculiar manner for the sake of appearance. in no cases attempt to make the joints over close. The dressings will of course be formed of a stone which may be easy to work : Caen is a good stone for the purpose, but it' this is not to be obtained, some kind of freestone may be discovered in the neighbour fod, available for such service. The nature of the stone required will vary of course with the degree of carved enrichment to which it is to be subjected.
Where flint is abundant and more readily procurable than other kinds of stone, it may be used with advantage, as is evidenced by many an old structure. Care should be taken that it be well bonded and cemented together, otherwise it will not be so secure as rubble masonry ; in some eases. which we have before alluded to, the walls are formed of a sort of frame-work of freestone, the intermediate spaces being filled in with small squared flints. In new work the effect of flint is not so good as could be desired. but it improves by age ; the contrast between it and the freestone being modified in process of time ; old buildings of this material have a very pleasing effect.