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beauty would be obtained. Finding that the foot was asixtli part of the height of the whole stature, they institutedthe same proportions in their columns, whose heigh t, includingthe capital, they made equal to six times the diameter of theshaft at the base. Thus the Doric column, formed accordingto the proportions of the human figure, and emblematical ofmanly strength and beauty, was first introduced in thetemples of Ionia. In later times however, when it was incontemplation to consecrate a temple to Diana, they soughtto introduce a new order of columns by giving to them theproportions of the female form; and that they might beemblematical of feminine delicacy, the height of the columnswas made eight times the lower diameter. Bases were alsogiven to them in imitation of sandals, and volutes weresculptured in the capitals in allusion to the ringlets whichfell down on either side the face. The cymatia and encarpi 1

* The commentators are at a loss to imagine what is meant by the encarpi. TheGreek word encarpos signifies abounding in fruit; hence Philander supposes, that,the term was applied to the sculptured garlands, composed of fruits and flowers,which, in some examples of the Ionic order, are observed to be suspended from theeyes of the volutes. The instances, however, in which these occur are of modern date,and no antique Ionic capitals afford authority for the introduction of such an ornament;which it is probable might be first suggested by the garlands or festoons occasionallysuspended during festivals. It is moreover difficult to trace any resemblance betweengarlands of this kind and the hair as it was then worn. It is not unlikely that theencarpi were the plaited bands which we find sculptured in the capitals of the columnsof the Ionic temples upon the Athenian Acropolis . The hair of the Caryatides,supporting a portico attached to the same temples, is represented as braided andcarried round the head.

Pollux mentions the pericarpia amongst the ornaments of women: they appearto have been bracelets and wrist-bands. The Greek word carpos signifies the wrist.Poll. lib. v. 16 .