French windows

In treating the subject of windows, some notice may be taken of the modern improvement, borrowed from the French, of folding glass-doors opening into a garden; by which the effect in a room is like that of a tent, or marquee, and, in summer, delightful.* But as these doors are seldom so constructed as to exclude the cold winds in winter, where they are much exposed, it is found expedient to build up a brick wall breast high, which may be taken away during the summer months. *[This, although more applicable to Grecian than Gothic houses, may be adapted to the latter, by making the munion in the centre to open.]