purposes. The minarets are placed in the plan by way of ornament, to shew the true taste of the Turkish buildings; and the singularity of the style of architecture is such, that will render it a very pleasing ornament, if executed in a pleasure ground, or upon an elevated verdant amphitheatre. It may be built of wood, and stuccoed; the inside should be painted with various rich colours, which would have a pleasing and elegant appearance. The dome is supported by irregular branches of trees, well connected and cramped together. The minarets should be solid, and the pedestals (A. B.) should be decorated with Arabic inscriptions. For a more intelligible and historical account of these buildings, I must refer the reader to Dr. Shaw's Account of Barbary, Le Brun and Tournefort's Voyage to the Levant, &c.
PLATE XXII.
Plan and elevation of a circular mosque twenty feet diameter, with four cabinets attached, eight feet square; two of which may serve for entrances, having each a small fountain, five feet diameter; the other two may be for the purposes of study or use. The four minarets at the angles bring the plan upon the square of forty feet. The cabinets, as well as the mosque, are crowned with domes, which should be gilt on the outside. The great dome is supported by eight columns, over which are groined arches; an iron balustrade runs round the outside, which may be painted blue, and gilt; on the top of the great dome is a light cupola, supported by eight small columns, from whence hangs a chandelier to light the inside when required. The other decorations may be seen in the section, plate xxiv.
PLATE XXIII.
Plan and elevation for another mosque, with two minarets attached to the body of the building, which may be executed in brick of 14 inches thickness. The front is a portico of four columns, in the oriental style, in the centre of which is a fountain for sabateons; which may be seen in the section, plate xxiv. The niches in the front should have Arabic inscriptions in gold letters. The portico is covered with three little domes, in the Turkish manner, ornamented with crescents, &c. The inside is lighted from the circular windows and little arches above, which support the dome. For the interior decoration, see the section, plate xxiv. It would look very beautiful if built on an open lawn, planted round with a few cypress or other exotic trees. The dimensions are figured on the plan.
