Gothic Architecture.*

GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE . *

( Continued from page 313 ) . CHAPTER II . OS" THE EOMANO-GRECIAN STXLE OE ARCHITECTURE , PROM THE INTRODUCTION OP

CHRISTIANITY AS THE RELIGION OP THE STATE IN THE EOMAN EMPIRE TO THE EIGHTH CENT CRT AND ON ITS INFLUENCE UPON THE AECHITECTUEE OP THE REST OF EUROPE . TO form a correct notion of this style of architecture it Avill be necessary to consider the forms of earlier buildings . The edifices of Egypt are distinguished by their uncommon durability . They have no inclined roofs ; their covering consists of very large and thick stone plates , disposed horizontally ; and the strength of their columns , the proximity of these columns , as well as the horizontal direction of the roofs and openings , are natural consequences of this kind of construction .

The Grecian buildings , Avhich also are very durable , display , moreover , . the most beautiful proportions . They had timber roofs covered with tiles of burnt clay , or of marble . Large edifices had flat timber coverings ; but smaller ones , like the outward colonnades , are covered Avith stone : hence the Grecian columns , Avhich , compared to the Egyptian , have no heavy burthen to support , are more slender than the latter . The use of timber coverings , and the necessity of employing large stone masses , is the cause ( as in the Egyptian architecture ) of the horizontal covering of the inner rooms and

colonnades , as Avell as of the doors and AvindoAvs . Yaulted roofs and arched doors and AvindoAVS AA'ere not in use . Both the Egyptian and the Grecian edifices , ivhilst they are suitable to the climate , the building materials at hand , and the purpose for-which they Avere erected , possess at the same time the greatest harmony in their forms . They are free from inconsistency and disagreement . Colonies of Greeks diffused their civilization through Lower Italy . The temples

of Pcestum in Magna Grcecia , at present the kingdom of Naples , belong to the best Avorks of Grecian architecture . This species of art flourish also at Rome : but , whatever the beauty of the plan and of the construction of the buildings peculiar to the Romans , of their basilica * , their amphitheatres , bridges , aqueducts , streets , and baths , yet the Roman temples , Avhich are imitations of the Grecian ones , though more splendid and more extensive , haA'e not that simplicity of form nor that purity of style Avhich

characterise the Grecian edifices . The Hetrurians in Middle Italy , judging of them by their Avorks , Avere a highly civilized people . They practised architecture with the most distinguished success , and , like the Egyptians and Greeks , they were not only acquainted Avith the art of constructing buildings of large blocks of freestone Avithout the aid of mortar , but also erected the most durable vaults . " ! " The Romans , situated in the centre between Magna Grascia and Hetruriaand more addicted to Avar than to the artsadopted

, , both the Grecian and Hetrurian architecture , and employed both vaults and colonnades in their buildings . The remains of Mecsenas' villa at Tivoli , the Pantheon , and many similar Avorks , excite astonishment by their magnitude , and delight the beholder by their excellent and ingenious construction of the large vaults Avhich have been preserved pumpaired . To harmonize Avith the vaidted roofs , Avherever they occurred , the open-^ gs of doors and windows were likewise provided Avith vaulted coverings ; but columns ,