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CHAPTER VII.
OE THE PROPER ASPECTS OF DIFFERENT SORTS OF
BUILDINGS.
IL SHALL now describe how the different sorts of build¬
Winter tri¬
ings are placed as regards their aspects.
clinia and baths are to face the winter west, because the
afternoon light is wanted in them; and not less so because
the setting sun casts its rays upon them, and by its heat
warms the aspect towards the evening hours. Bed cham¬
bers and libraries should be towards the east, for their pur-
poses require the morning light : in libraries the books
are in this aspect preserved from decay ; those that are
towards the south and west are injured by the worm and
by the damp, which the moist winds generate and nou¬
rish, and spreading the damp, make the books mouldy.
Spring and autumn triclinia should be towards the east,
for then, if the windows be closed till the sun has
passed the meridian, they are cool at the time they are
wanted for use. Summer triclinia should be towards the
north, because that aspect, unlike others, is not heated du-
ring the summer solstice, but, on account of being turned
away from the course of the sun, is always cool, and
affords health and refreshment. Pinacothecæ should have
the same aspect, as well as rooms for embroidering and
painting, that the colours used therein, by the equability
of the light, may preserve their brilliancy.