The International Magazine, Volume 4, No. 5, December 1851Various
History
The International Magazine, Volume 4, No. 5, December 1851
Various
Art, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Science -- History -- Periodicals
We believe that a structure of white, with green blinds, is almost
peculiar to this country. In the most propitious situations, and under
the happiest circumstances, the colors are unquestionably unsuited
to architecture, which, like statuary, should have but one tint. If,
however, it be deemed essential to the flaunting tastes of the mistress
of some mansion, to cause the hues of the edifice in which she resides
to be as gay as her _toilette_, we earnestly protest against the bright
green that is occasionally introduced for such purposes. There is a
graver tint, of the same color, that entirely changes the expression of
a dwelling. Place two of these houses in close proximity, and scarcely
an intellectual being would pass them, without saying that the owner of
the one was much superior to the owner of the other in all that marks
the civilized man. Put a third structure in the immediate vicinity of
these two, that should have but one color on its surface, including its
blinds, and we think that nine persons in ten, except the very vulgar
and uninstructed, would at once jump to the conclusion that the owner
of this habitation was in tastes and refinement superior to both his
neighbors. A great improvement, however, in rural as well as in town
architecture, is now in the course of introduction throughout all the
northern states. More attention is paid to the picturesque than was
formerly the case, and the effects are becoming as numerous as they are
pleasing. We should particularize New Haven, as one of those towns that
has been thus embellished of late years, and there are other places of
nearly equal size that might be mentioned as having the same claims
to an improved taste. But to return to the great distinctive features
between an ordinary American landscape and a similar scene in Europe.
Of the artificial accessories it is scarcely necessary to say any more.
One does not expect to meet with a ruined castle or abbey, or even
fortress, in America; nor, on the other hand, does the traveller look
for the forests of America, or that abundance of wood which gives to
nearly every farm a sufficiency for all the common wants of life, on
the plains and heights of the old world. Wood there certainly is, and
possibly enough to meet the ordinary wants of the different countries,
but it is generally in the hands of the governments or the great
proprietors, and takes the aspect of forests of greater or less size
that are well cared for, cleared and trimmed like the grounds of a park.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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