A building in the Italian style may readily be known at first sight, by the peculiar appearance of its roofs. These are always projecting at the eaves, and deeply furrowed or ridged, being formed abroad of semi-cylindrical tiles, which give a distinct and highly marked expression to this portion of the building.* So many appliances of comfort and enjoyment suited to a warm climate appear, too, in the villas of this style, that it has a peculiarly elegant and refined appearance. Among these are arcades, with the Roman arched openings, forming sheltered promenades; and beautiful balconies projecting from single windows, or sometimes from connected rows of windows, which are charming places for a coup d'ﾜil, or to enjoy the cool breeze-as they admit, to shelter one from the sun, of a fanciful awning shade, which may be raised or lowered at pleasure. The windows themselves are bold, and well marked in outline, being either round-arched at the tops, or finished with a heavy architrave. (* In some situations in this country, where it might be difficult to procure tiles made in this form, their effect may be very accurately imitated by deeply ridged zinc or tin coverings. The bold projection of the eaves, in the Italian style, offers great protection to a house against storms and dampness.)
All these balconies, arcades, etc., are sources of real pleasure in the hotter portions of our year, which are quite equal in elevation of temperature to summers of the south of Europe; while by increased thickness of walls and closeness of window fixtures, the houses may also be made of the most comfortable description in winter.
