rea being not far from equal, and
forming a clear space of about 250 feet in diameter. The central
entrance is a portico of two orders of architecture in height; the
lower is the Doric, copied from the temple of Theseus at Athens; the
upper is the Corinthian, resembling that style in the Pantheon at
Rome. This portico is so contrived, that upon the ground carriages can
drive through it; while above, there is an open and spacious gallery,
covered by a pediment on which statues are to be placed, and under
which is a long panel filled with figures in high relief. It is
understood that this entrance is to be exclusively appropriated for
the admission of his Majesty and the royal family. The above union of
two of the Greek orders is much censured: indeed a harmonious union of
any two of the Greek orders has never been an easy task. In the Doric
architecture of the ground story, the usual magnificence of this order
is wanting; the columns being merely surmounted by what is termed
"an architrave cornice," with the mutiles; while the frieze, with
its rich triglyphs and metopes is altogether omitted. The Corinthian
order of the upper story is altogether more worthy of admiration,
notwithstanding that some objection has been raised to the
"disproportionately slender columns, when contrasted with the massive
shafts beneath them." Here, too, the entire frieze, with its
emblematical embellishments of the British crown, surrounded with
laurel, and alternate leaves of the rose, the thistle and shamrock, is
sure to attract the eye of the spectator: the character and effect of
the whole is truly British.

The Doric order, as adopted in the lower parts of the portico, is
carried round the three sides of the court, consisting of fluted
cast-iron columns, which are beautiful specimens of our excellence
in the art of founding. At each side of the portico, terminating the
centre front, is a pavilion, where the orders are again applied;
surmounting which is an attic, towering above the other parts of the
building, and decorated with pilasters and caryatides. Over the
pediment, or centre, will be seen a dome, which is however at the back
of the palace, over the state-chambers. This completes the _front
view_ as appears from the park.

The north and south sides of the quadrangle are only two stories high.
In the centre of each there is also an entrance. At each extremity,
the building is raised, and roofed in a temple-like form, presenting
t