The fifth objection which I propose to answer, is founded on the costliness of the ornaments that appear, at first sight, to belong to this style. On a more minute investigation, it will be found that the Hindu enrichments are much more simple than they appear, and far less costly than either those of the Grecian or Gothic styles*.
I trust it will not be contended, that all external ornaments and enrichments in architecture are to be abolished; and that the palaces of our princes are to resemble the villas of wealthy individuals, who study only INTERNAL comfort and magnificence, neglecting all rules of architecture in the outside of their houses. This effect, of combined ostentation and economy is exemplified in the vicinity of every wealthy town, where large rooms, with sumptuous furniture, are "BOXED UP," under the direction of carpenters, builders, and surveyors, who may be ingenious artisans, but who have no science as architects. We are, therefore, often led to regret, that much bad taste is propagated by the fanciful mixture of false GRECIAN with pseudo Gothic forms*. [*Though the mixture of Grecian with Gothic, in villa architecture, is not so common as it was in the days of Mr. Repton, yet it is still occasionally to be met with. Near Hampstead, between West End and Child's Hill, a villa is now (August, 1839,) building, consisting of a centre in the Roman manner, with Grecian architraves to, and with pediments over, the windows, while at the extremities of the two wings are two tall octagon towers, finished with Gothic battlements.-J. C. L.]]
*[If we compare the workmanship, whether in stone or in composition, of Grecian mouldings, even when not carved, with the plain fillets and chamfers of the Hindustan; or the laboured detail of pinnacles and crockets and perforated battlements of Gothic work, with the ornaments of Hindustan, which are chiefly turned by a lathe, with very little carving, the difference in economy will be found greatly in favour of the latter, notwithstanding the general appearance of richness and magnificence in the outline.]
