GARDEN ARCHITECTURE

the fore court at Brympton. The balusters are
2 feet 6 high, 12 inches centre to centre, and
stand on a plinth 3 feet 3 high. It appears to
have been built towards the end of the seven-
teenth century. About 2 feet 9 inches to 3 feet
from the ground to the top of coping is a good
height for the balustrade; no rule can be given
for its proportions, as these depend entirely on
individual circumstances. The solid piers ought
not to be too far apart, and the relation of the
solids to the voids—that is, of the piers to the
open spaces between the balusters—is a point of
the first importance. Many variations on this
simple type of balustrade are to be found. The
terrace at Risley has obelisks on the piers and
flat stone balusters between, a feature commoner
in wood than stone. The terrace at Haddon
has six small stone arches to each bay. The
height is 3 feet, width from centre to centre
of piers 11 feet 6 inches ; the steps measure 12
inches by 5. At Kingston House, Bradford-
on-Avon, the balustrade to the terrace (much
restored) is formed of panels of stone 3^- inches
thick, pierced with open work of alternate
lozenges and ovals, with engaged balusters to
the piers, and stone urns of various designs.
At Montacute the terrace-walls 011 either
side of the garden at the back of the house have
simple balustrades with obelisks to the piers,
and in the centre of each side there is a curious
temple of stone ; six pillars support a circular