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renders whitewash extremely offensive to the eye, especially when it is
applied to any uneven surface; and that is, a smeared dirty appearance.
This is the case where decayed or rough stone-work is dabbed with
lime, while the dirt is left between the crevices; as, likewise, where the*
coarse wood-work that separates the plastered walls of a cottage isbrushed over, as well as the smooth walls themselves: in these cases theobjects are inconsiderable, and the effect in proportion; but when thispitiful taste is employed upon some ancient and castle-like mansion, orthe mossy, weather-stained tower of an old church, it becomes a sort of 'sacrilege. Such a building daubed over and plastered, is next to apainted old woman — the most disgusting of all attempts at improvement:on both, when left in their natural state, time often stamps a pleasingand venerable impression; but when thus sophisticated, they haveneither the freshness of youth, nor the mellow picturesque character ofage; and, instead of becoming attractive, are only made horriblyconspicuous.”
The author has preferred borrowing thus largely from Mr. Price, torepeating his own arguments: having frequently urged these points onthe notice of his employers, and too often unsuccessfully, he is desirousof showing that he is supported by the opinions of a man of talent,observation, and taste.