Gothic Architecture.*

construction . * The SECOITO ancl more modern style of building still retains the semicircle , but begins to substitute for the southern flat gable end , that of the high roofed , which is more suitable for a northern cliniate . t To harmonise with the shape of the roof , the forms of the towers are pyramidal , and the windows ancl vaults in the pointed arch stylef , whilst all the minor ornaments still preserve the semi-circular form . It was only at a later period that the decorations , and all the minor ancl subordinate parts of

the main building assumed the shape of the pointed arch . || Of this latter style are the grandest works of architecture which Germany possesses , works which will remain an object of admiration for ages to come . These are the chief features in the church architecture of Germany , observable in ancient buildings . They show how a northern peculiar style was gradually formed out of the foreign southern one , and they are by no means in contradiction to histoiy , although we are still ignorant of the many causes which may have influenced the improvement of the art .

Prior to the sway of the Romans m Germany , and in those parts which they did not occupy , architecture was undoubtedly A-ery rude . Although the want of precise information leaves us in uncertainty about its state , yet the picture which Tacitus draws of the Germans of his time shows how little they cultivated the arts in general . The southern provinces of Germany , however , ancl the countries on the Rhine , being governed and reclaimed by the Romans , received an earlier aud more extensive civilization : and Roman architecture flourished thereinas is evident from the numerous

, remains of buildings of that period . When Christianity prevailed in the Roman empire , churches also were erected in Germany , as appears from ancient documents ; especially in Austria , Bavaria , ancl on the Rhine . I am not , however , acquainted with any remains in Germany , of that more ancient species of Roman Christian churches with which Italy abounds . After the lapse of ages of devastation , the authenticated history of our country begins only with the reign of Charles the Great ; with whom , not

a Gaul , but by birth and descent a German , commences the series of our architectonic documents . It is well known , that in bis court , as in that of the earlier kings of the Franks , whatever related to science ancl art was of Roman ori gin . Architecturewhich , more than any other art , depends on the influence of reli gion ; the temple being with many nations its only , and amongst all , its highest object—became a necessary art , through the diffusion of the Christian religion ; and was practised iu the way it had been applied to the buildings requisite for public worshi p in-the Greco-Roman empire ,

since the reign of Constantino . The cathedral of Aix-la-Chapelle , and the portico of the ancient convent of Lorsch , § near Worms , on the road called the Bergsirasse , are , as far as I can judge , the only buildings of the time of Charles the Great extant in Germany . The latter is in a very corrupt Roman style ; such as we perceive after the fall of the empire hi buildings , sarcophagi , and paintings . ^! The disparity which is observable between the civilisation of Italy ancl Germany existed also between the several provinces of Germany itself . On the Rhine , and in the south of Germany , cities arose when these countries belonged to the Roman empire : and in such cities flourished the arts of peace , ancl the Christian religion ; whilst the