Chaf. IV. COMPOSITION.

833
Fig. 859.
ca]Utal on its elevation, as i.n
Jig. 857 , and such was the mode we were formerly in the hahit
of adopting. It however induces such a confusion of lines, that we have long since aban-
doned it, and have no hesitation in recommending the process here given as the best and
most likely to avoid confusion. It is of course unnecessary, in making drawings, to project
.more than the shadow of one capital, as in a portico, or elsewhere, similar capitals, similarly
exposed to the light, will project similar shadows, so that the projection on one serves for
the projection on all of them.
'2484. For instruction upon the mode in which reflected light acts upon objects in shade
and shadow, we must refer the learner to the contemplation of similar objects in relief
'J'lie varieties of reflexes are almost infinite
; and though general rules might be laid down,
tliey would necessarily be so complicated, that they would rather puzzle than instruct, and
under this head we recommend the study of nature, which will be found the best instructress
the student can procure.
Sbct. IV.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF COMPOSITION.
2485. The end of architecture, without whose aid no other art can exist, is not merely
to please the eye, but so to provide against the changes of the seasons as to be serviceable
to man. Pleasure to the eye may, however, result from the useful, well combined with the
l>eautifid modifications wliereof it is susceptible. It is in combining thus that the genius
of the arcliitect is e.\liibitt'd. The art of decorating a well-proportioned edifice is a very
secondary and comp:iratively easy part of his work, though requiring, of course, the early
cultivation of his taste and an intimate acquaintance with the parts, whereof this may
be taught and tliat acquired
; but the distribution and arrangement of the several portions
on the plan, upon which every acces.sory is dependent, requires great knowledge and
consider:ible experience. And in this is involved not only the general convenience and
cfTect of the building, but wliat is of much consequence to the proprietor, the cost of the
work. None but those practically conversant with the planning of a building would
believe the .saving that may hi produced by proper distribution. In tlie case of many
external breaks, for instance, much addition arises in the length of walls enclosing ilie
edifice, without generally increasing the convenience of the interior, but always wlie.i the
elevation comes to be adapted to the plan, with the certainty of breaking up the masses,
and destroying the simplicity of the elfict. This is mentioned merely as an instance of
simplicity of plan always producing simjilicity of section and ek'vation.
3H