In some of the latest examples indeed, the BUTTRESSES have SET-OFFS, and, rising above the parapet, have also a pyramidal Capping. An increasing lightness of proportion is perceptible in all parts of the buildings of this Period. _Interior Compartment._ Except in the earliest examples of this Period, the heavy cylindrical column disappears; and the PIER consists of a lighter mass of semicircular shafts, and square edges; occasionally also, a shaft having a pear-shaped section is substituted for the semicircular shaft. The CAPITALS consist still of a square block, moulded down to the circular form below; with this difference, however, that the lower part of the capital is hollowed down to the circle, instead of being left as in the Norman Period, full and round; the latter showing a _convex_, and the former a _concave_ profile. Both the larger and the smaller Capitals have also very frequently an ornament peculiar to the Period, which consists of a small volute, forming the curled end of a plain leaf, which enfolds the bell of the Capital. This volute may be looked upon as one of the most characteristic features of the Period. The abacus of the capital is invariably square in plan, and has its upper edge (except in a few of the latest examples) also square in section. In the later buildings of the Period, foliage, exhibiting considerable freedom of design, is occasionally to be seen. The _Pointed Arch_ first made its appearance in the Transitional Period; in the earlier buildings it is used in the _Arches of Construction_ only, or those constituting the framework of the building, such as the Pier-arches and the Arches of the Vaulting, and of the Crossing; whilst the Circular Arch is used in the _Arches of Decoration_ only, or those which may be said to constitute the panel-work, such as the windows, the arcades, the doorways, and such like. In the later buildings of the Period, however, the Pointed Arch is frequently found in some of the smaller arches also. The PIER-ARCHES, therefore, are almost invariably pointed, in the earlier examples obtusely, and in the later examples often acutely; the mouldings, which have become much lighter, are few and plain; carrying usually a roll, or a pear-shaped moulding, at the angle of each order of the arch: they frequently have no HOOD-MOULDING. All the usual rich ornaments of the Norman Style disappear, but the Chevron occurs occasionally, and another ornamental moulding somewhat resembling it, but peculiar to this Period, is frequently seen. The STRING-COURSES do not usually carry any ornament, and have commonly a simple section peculiar to the Period. The VAULTING or ROOF-SHAFT has usually a pear-shaped section. The TRIFORIUM-ARCADE has usually Circular Arches, but in the later examples the two forms of arch are frequently intermixed. The Shafts are of a much lighter character, and carry arches of simple mouldings.