1868.] Descriptions. 303 preference is in favor of Terra Cotta pipes, whenever it is possible to obtain them, provided they are glazed on the inside. The intention of the design is, that the front of these buildings should be of stone , although brick, having stone dressings, may be employed with advan- tage. The cost of such a structure — erected in a substantial and effective manner, and furnished with all the con- veniences appertaining to a modern resi- dence, though nothing extravagant — would be about $22,000. A GOTHIC COTTAGE VILLA No. 1. A N accompanying plate, of two sub- -^A- jects, shows the elevation — and, with the text, are two ground plans — of a Gothic Cottage- Villa, designed for, and fully adequate to, the accom- modation of a family of from six to eight persons. This residence — as compared with jSTo. 2 of the same plate and similar general description — has some important varia- tions, being, for the most part, intro- duced as adaptations necessary for the climate of America. The general features of this Design — Xo. 1 — are very similar to those of its companion, having the same square- headed and hooded Windows, and High steep Roofs and Gables, but it differs, somewhat, in having a greater number of Pointed Windows, in various parts of the building, and principally by the use of the long Portico or Verandah, and the upper large open Balcony or Loggia, immediately over the Main Entrance. The Design is simple in its details ; yet, with its broken outline, varied heights, broad verandahs or porches, and large projecting baj'-windows, affords ample contrasts of light and shade to bestow, upon the whole, that aspect of cheerfulness and elegance so desirable as an element in a Rural Home. In the design and construction of a Villa, there are three points, which are deserving of the architect's particular attention, namely, the Porch or Portico, the Verandah, and the Chimney-Tops. The first of these may be regarded as an indispensable necessity in a Country - House, both on the score of real utility, and from its drawing the attention of the stranger; giving importance to the entrance ; and also as affording a good opportunity for architectural and decora- tive display, according to taste. Verandahs, too, though not, perhaps, exactly indispensable, still, should not be omitted, wherever they can be em- ployed ; both, from their being so useful, in affording shelter and protection from the weather, and for sitting in during the heat of the day; and, also, from their being so ornamental and striking a feature in the external appearance of a dwelling, adding to the beauty of the general effect, and not being inconsistent with convenience and enjoyment. We will now proceed to give a brief description of the ground-plans, although the internal arrangement of this Villa is so simple, that it can be easily compre- hended at a glance. The Entrance, in front, is by a Vestibule A, eight (8) feet by ten (10) feet, through which we pass into the Hall, G, eight (8) feet wide, containing the Main Stairway leading to the upper Story. On the right hand side of the Hall is the Drawing-Room B, entered through a pair of sliding doors. This room is seventeen (17) feet by twenty -eight (28) feet, with four Windows, two on the front and two on the side, all extending