In the present instance, the very moderate distance at which the wall is placed behind the columns, occasions greater breadth of surface, as the light falls upon that as well as ()II the columns themselves; which would not be the case were the wall so far hack that the columns would re lieve themselves entirely against the shadow of the parts beyond them. At the same time, the columns receive a greater portion of reflected light. and thus contrast inure distinctly with the shadows which they cast on the wall itself, and w hich produce an agreeable variety mid equipoise of light and shade, according to the sun's elevation, when it shines on this (the west) side of the But that to which, more than anything else, this facade is indebted for its classical air and architectural beauty, is the entire absence of windows within the colonnade. Not only do such aper tures—unless introduced very sparingly indeed—destroy repose, by frittering what requires to be preserved nearly an unbroken surfaee, but they show themselves in a situa tion where their serviceableness is greatly lessened. Besides which, the colonnade or portico itself seems misplaced, being overlooked by the rooms behind it To return to the immediate object of our description : we may observe, that the trail is not entirely plain, it having slightly projecting ante or pilasters correspowling with the columns, and the faces of those in the centre serve partly as a ground upon which the jambs of the large door are raised. This door is a feature not only important for its size, but tasteful in design—bold and simple, yet at tile same time carefully finished.
In the frieze, wreaths composed of cars of corn are sub stituted for trigIvphs; and even had they not elegance of form as well as novelty to recommend them, they would still have a propriety and significance which we rarely meet with in those similarly shaped decorations of laurel trans ferred to modern buildings, 60111 the entablature of the monument of Thrasyllus.
The cornice here given to the order is rendered less cold and scanty than usual by the addition of a cymatium above the corona, ornamented with lions' heads, that slightly break its upper line. Aluell of the peculiar character wises from the lofty blocking-course, surmounted in the cen tre by a podium bearing the fbIlowing inscription Corn erected 1828, according to act of parliament, 7th ?corge 1V. Chap. 33."fhis podium is, in turn, surmounted by a piece of sculpture representing the royal arms, grouped ith implements symbolical of agriculture. Thus the upper I art of the front acquires considerable variety of outline, and somewhat of a pyramidal form, together with distinctly marked individuality of character. instead of being at all at %arianee with the style adopted, the part we are now con sidering is not only consistent with, but seems to give addi tional expression to all the rest; at the same time that it takes away from it that air of direct imitation which it is so difficult to avoid without endangering, if not destroying, the classical physiognotny intended to be preserved.
in his treatment of the wings, the architect has successfully overcome this last-mentioned difficulty, is what have now to inquire. As far as regards the order itself; that is kept up with sufficient strictness, and the mode in m lila the alum are applied, deserves commendation. Had these been merely coupled, after the usual fashion, the effect would have been rather formal and monotonous; besides which, it might not improperly have been objected, that such duplication was at variance with the arrangement of the columns. But by compounding, instead of pairing them, and placing the broader anta at the outer angle, while the other is made to project slightly upon it, both a due expres sion of strength and solidity is kept up, a certain degree of play and variety is obtained, although there appears to be nothing at all new in the idea itself; except that here the two united thus are of unequal breadth—an irregularity con verted into a merit by its obvious propriety.
The windows, which entirely occupy the space between the anti, may be considered as assuming the character of small loggife, whose inte•columns are filled in w ith sashes. In style, therefore, they harmonize with the general design liar better, perhaps, than anything else that could have been devL-ed fb• the same purpose; the chief objection to be made in regard to them is, that somewhat less plainness—not to call it severity of style—would not have been amiss, and would have prevented the small mita: of the windows from appearing a repetition of the larger ones on a diminished scale.
The upper story of the wings, to which we now come, display more invention and decided novelty than any other part of the building; and although exhibiting somewhat of unusual fo•ins and combinations, the style here preserves its characteristic energy, boldness, and breadth. Although, too, the parts thenisek es are simple, they acquire much plan 1.k:stifle complexity front the lofty position in which the windows are placed, being thrown further back, owing to which the pedestals detach themselves with considerable projection. In addition to the variety thus produced, we that arising from the attic itself; it it tnay so be termed, being both loftier than the pedestals, and narrower than the onnpartment of the front below ; from both which circum stances result great contrast and diversity of outline.
interior calls for very little description or remark, the walls being perfectly plain, and their being no other decoration of any kind than the columns, which are of very slender proportions, and have deep capitals, composed of ears of w heat. Above the centre space within the columns, is a lantern with vertical lights; :Ind those on each side have seven skylight compartments in their ceilings. The north wing contains a tavern and cutFee-room, and the ol telling in the south wall of the other wing communicates with the old Corn Exchange."—Public .Thildinys of London.