The expression of the purpose for which every building is erected, says the writer before quoted, "is the first and most essential beauty, and should be obvious from its architecture, although independent of any particular style; in the same manner as the reasons for things are altogether independent of the language in which they are conveyed. As in literary composition, no beauty of language can ever compensate for poverty of sense, so in architectural composition, no beauty of style can ever compensate for want of expression of purpose." Applying this excellent principle to our own country houses and their offices or out-buildings, we think every reasonable person will, at the first glance, see how lamentably deficient are many of the productions of our architects and builders, in one of the leading principles of the art. The most common form for an American country villa is the pseudo-Greek Temple; that is, a rectangular oblong building, with the chimney-tops concealed, if possible, and instead of a pretty and comfortable porch, veranda, or piazza, four, six, or eight lofty wooden columns are seen supporting a portico, so high as neither to afford an agreeable promenade, nor a sufficient shelter from the sun and rain.
There are two features, which it is now generally admitted contribute strongly to the expression of purpose in a dwelling-house, and especially in a country residence. These are the chimney-tops and the entrance porch. Chimney-tops, with us, are generally square masses of brick, rising above the roof, and presenting certainly no very elegant appearance, which may perhaps serve as the apology of those who studiously conceal them. But in a climate where fires are requisite during a large portion of the year, chimney-tops are expressive of a certain comfort resulting from the use of them, which characterizes a building intended for a dwelling in that climate. Chimney-tops being never, or rarely, placed on those buildings intended for the inferior animals, are also undoubtedly strongly indicative of human habitations. Instead, therefore, of hiding or concealing them, they should be in all dwellings not only boldly avowed, but rendered ornamental; for whatever is a characteristic and necessary feature, should undoubtedly, if possible, be rendered elegant, or at least prevented from being ugly.
