Page 255

  VOLUMES might be written on this very interesting
subject, but in the present work we can do no more
than touch briefly on some of the leading principles
of interior treatment, with occasional reference to the
details of construction, which should claim the atten-
tion of the joiner and decorator.
  It will occur to the mind of any one who gives the
subject a moment's consideration, that where a dis-
tinctive style has been chosen for the exterior of a
building, no decided departure from it should be
permitted on the interior decorations.  Not that the
external forms should be repeated throughout the
apartments, but that the same spirit of composition
should manifest itself plainly and undeniably, even
to the uncultivated eye.  With a Grecian exterior,
anything but a Grecian interior, if style is attempted
at all, is unpardonable, and the same verdict applies
to all phases of architecture between which there is
a radical difference, as between the Grecian and Ital-
ian, the Italian and Gothic, etc.
  The style of an interior is characterized by the
finish of ceiling, with form of the openings and man-
ner of dressing them.  The simplest form of ceiling,
where style is attempted to be portrayed, is divided
into compartments or panels, and may have a very
plain cornice with a bed and frieze moulding, and the
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