This type of architecture is, naturally, more intensively represented in those parts of the Spanish American Continent which were the principal seats of viceregal rule, such as Mexico and Peru, but the style predominates throughout the whole of Central and South America, and in the West Indian Islands, such as Cuba and Santo Domingo, which were under Spanish sway. The example set, the style was followed to a considerable extent after the time of Independence, and with some modification, subservient to modern economic, domestic or commercial requirements, is employed in modern erections. Here, however, a new note has been introduced, an unpleasing note, and the dignified and quaint "classic" of the Colonial architecture has to some extent given place to a cheaper-appearing "Gothic," which, beside the older style, often appears frivolous or tawdry, although its exponents may derive some satisfaction from their claim to be "modern" and "progressive." The façades of the streets--and the circumstance is notable especially in the larger cities--has in some cases been vulgarized by the erection of huge business premises or blocks, in which the utilitarian has triumphed over the dignified and chaste. There is less call for comment on this last-named condition in such centres as Buenos Ayres and others, which have sprung to being in comparatively recent times, and even Rio de Janeiro; but even here, as in modern Rio de Janeiro, the old chaste style has been widely reproduced and perpetuated, side by side with the "commercial" order and the somewhat riotous stucco architecture of the plutocratic residence. The principal features of the Colonial style of street architecture are the square-headed windows with their moulded architraves, and, more elaborately, pediments, and the prominent cornices, friezes and sills. The balcony to the upper windows, and the _rejas_ or iron grilles, to the lower--the latter originally and indeed still a necessary safeguard, from various causes--are the most prominent features, together with the wide _saguan_ or principal doorway, high enough for a mounted horseman to enter, giving access to the _patio_ or courtyard, around which, generally open to the sky, the interior doors and windows are disposed--a type, of course, inherited from the Moors through Spain. The houses are built close against the street. There is no garden or space in front, but the _patio_ is generally planted, often beautifully so, with shrubs and flowers, often with the addition of a fountain. Around the upper wall of the _patio_ a gallery runs, reached by an outside staircase, giving access to the various apartments of the first floor.