The arches of the Norman builders are easily recognised. The piers in country churches are nearly always cylindrical; but there are several examples of massive square or octagonal piers, and also a number of round columns attached, so as to form one pier. The _cushion_ capital is the most common form used in the Norman style. It is easily recognisable, but difficult to be described; and perhaps the accompanying sketch will enable the reader to discover a cushion capital when he sees it. The early Norman builders loved to bestow much labour on their capitals; and while preserving the usual cushion form, enriched them with much elaboration. The _scallop_ frequently occurs, and also the _volute_, which was copied from the work of Roman builders, who themselves imitated the Greek sculptures. Sometimes the capitals are elaborately carved with figures of men, or animals, or foliage. [Illustration: NORMAN ORNAMENTAL MOULDINGS. (1) Indented. Stoneleigh, Warwickshire (2) Zig-zag. Iffley, Oxfordshire (3) Alternate Billet. Stoneleigh, Warwickshire (4) Double Cone. Stoneleigh, Warwickshire (5) Pellet. Stoneleigh, Warwickshire (6) Lozenge. Essendine, Rutland (7) Cable. Fritwell, Oxfordshire (8) Star. Stringham, Norfolk (9) Medallion. Iffley, Oxfordshire (10) Beak-Head. Steetley, Derbyshire (11) Nail-Head. St. Ethelred's, Norwich (12) Embattled. Lincoln Cathedral] Norman arches resemble the doorways in having sub-arches recessed within an outer arch, the intrados often being decorated with mouldings such as the zigzag or the lozenge. The chancel arch is usually very elaborately ornamented with various mouldings, which are very numerous and peculiar. Those illustrated on the previous page are the most common. [Illustration: CROYLAND ABBEY CHURCH, LINCOLNSHIRE] The Normans were also much skilled in vaulting with stone, as the crypts in our churches testify. Over the vaulted roof of the aisles was the _triforium_, a kind of gallery between this roof and the external roof of the church. Very few of the wooden roofs of Norman churches remain. The fonts are large, square or cylindrical in shape, and are decorated with mouldings or sculpture, often very elaborate but rudely executed. At Winchester Cathedral the font is carved with a representation of the baptism of King Cynigils at Dorchester. Other favourite subjects were the creation of man, the formation of Eve, the expulsion from Paradise, Christ upon the cross, the Four Evangelists, the baptism of our Lord, and legendary or symbolical representations. [Illustration: SEMI-NORMAN ARCH, CHURCH OF ST. CROSS]