In the Carolean and Georgian periods it was customary to decorate the ceiling with a heavily modelled band of foliated detail, circular or oval in form--the whole in harmony with the plan of the room. Sometimes the angles were occupied by other detail, but the centre was invariably left plain. _Adam Ceilings_ [Illustration: No. 191. Jacobean Ceiling. Sizergh Hall, Westmorland.] The ceilings of the Adam period were similarly treated. The oval or circular band would sometimes consist of a series of festoons--an arrangement which, though graceful enough in effect, cannot be defended [Illustration: No. 192. Jacobean Ceiling. Reindeer Inn, Banbury.] as consistent. The angles of the Adam ceiling were generally decorated with the characteristic fan detail. [Illustration: No. 193. Carolean Ceiling.] _Vaults and Domes_ In vaulted ceilings or domes the division may be effected by horizontal or vertical bands, in which case the spaces between diminish in size towards the centre. If the division of the dome is vertical, or more properly speaking, by radial lines, it is desirable to divide further the spaces thus formed by introducing intermediate shapes, such as circles, unless the diameter be relatively small. [Illustration: No. 194. Adam Ceiling.] _The Cove_ In some cases the walls meet the ceiling in an arch, which is technically known as a Cove. The arch generally springs from the top of the cornice and forms a vaulted frieze, which may or may not be decorated. When the ceiling is divided by means of heavy beams there should be obvious support for these, such as brackets or consoles, which are themselves to be supported by pilasters. The brackets in this case make a break in the frieze or cove. It may be objected that architectural features serve no purpose in interior decoration, but on the other hand, in extenuation of their use it may be urged that, though considerations of actual weight and structure are not involved, yet the appearance of support has to be maintained, and it is essential that the scheme as a whole should realise the effect of stability. _The Frieze_ [Illustration: No. 198. Festoon Frieze. Continuous treatment with vertical contrast. Temple of Vesta, Tivoli] In considering the decoration of the various parts, the two principal questions to be asked are--what is the purpose? and, what is the attitude? The purpose of the Frieze may be said to be to bind, and the attitude of the Frieze is certainly a horizontal one--therefore the usual continuous treatment is justified. This is not the only way in which the Frieze can be treated, however, for the continuous horizontal treatment may be varied by vertical effects such as occur in the Doric order. The employment of Festoons with intermediate [Illustration: Photo] No. 195. Vault Treatment. Ducal Palace, Venice, Sansovino. [Alinari ] [Illustration: Photo]