The two characters of architecture might, perhaps, be distinguished by merely calling the one GOTHIC, or of old date, and the other GRECIAN, or modern: but it is not the style or date that necessarily determines the character, as will appear from plate V. [our figs. 13 and 14]; which represents a view of a house at such a distance that none of its parts can be distinguished, yet the prevalence of horizontal or perpendicular lines at once fixes and determines the character. The first [fig. 13] we should call a Grecian, or modern house; the latter [fig. 14,] a Gothic one: and there can be little doubt, in such a situation, which ought to be preferred. I may here observe, that it is unnecessary to retain the Gothic character within the mansion, at least not farther than the hall, as it would subject such buildings to much inconvenience; for since modern improvement has added glass-sashed windows to the ancient Grecian and Roman architecture, in like manner the inside of a Gothic building may, with the same propriety, avail itself of modern comforts and convenience.
