91

utter dissimilitude to their reputed prototypes, to create a prejudiceagainst genuine models.

There is, perhaps, no greater mistake than fancying that smokychimneys were unknown till modern times, or that the disgusting contri-vances on their tops are the notable inventions of our day. Carelessbuilders have always existed; and from the first introduction of flues,“ smoky chimneys” have been proverbial nuisances; although, fromobvious causes, such complaints were infinitely fewer than they now are.The ingenious Sir John Haryngton, in his humorous tract, “ TheMetamorphosis of Ajax,” written towards the close of the sixteenthcentury, mentions, and describes by a plate, the cowl, now so constantly,and in nine cases out of ten uselessly, applied as a remedy. Couplingthis with another evil, he points out a whimsical, but certain antidote toboth, (page 96, Singer’s edition,) though with the latter we need notmeddle. — He says, “ Lastly, for smoking chimneys, many remedieshave been studied; but one excellent and infallible way is found outamong some of the great architects of this age, namely, to make no firein them. But the best way I have found is out of Cardan* partly,but, as I think, mended by practice of some of my neighbours of Bath,who make things like half a cloak about the tops of the chimneys,with a vane to turn round with the wind; which, because they make ofwood, is dangerous for fire; but being made of thin copper plates, or ofold kettles, will be as light and without danger.” Modern ingenuityhas gone farther, and supplied mitres and other pompously nameddevices almost innumerable, whose greatest use is to promote the artof Tinkering.

* Jerome Cardan was an Italian philosopher . He resided for some time at the English Court in the reign of Edward VI. , and was the author of this prince’s epitaph.