PREFACE.

XV

tion is so remote, that no certaintycan be formed of their age; theyevince much labour and much mag-nificence. Also Gothic Architec-ture I have avoided mentioning,not because I think slight of, or dis-approve that light though firm, andgrave though pleasant, kind of Ar-chitecture, of which this countryboasts the best and most completespecimens. The effect of awe andreverence this kind of building al-ways produces in the mind, is oneof the strongest proofs which canbe given of its propriety and fitness,for large sacred buildings: these Ihave avoided, confining myself tothe Greek and Roman styles, whichmay truly be called classical, andwhich are in most general requestand use.