Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-01-28

ornament here not use The window, then for q
better term, in the common structure is simply a
by day, and al night by inner solid wooden shut.
ters But In their finer buildings-indeed, In
most-they are grand affairs Some are in the
sign, with their protecting iron work OF the rich
est fOliations with ornate lattice work I'm pol-
ished brass. II these windows are interesting as
studies, backed, as thay frequently are BY the
coStliest interior decorations, with an occasional
GLIMPSE OF BEAUTIFUL sENoRrrA
10 complete the picture the doors of these Havana
houses are also worthseparate inspection and study.
II must be first known that the Cuban house embod-
les the idea OF protection 1t is practically one
or two story castle. II could not be taken without
heroic siege. There Is probably not door IN
cuba which Is not bullet proof and the size and
strength preclude all successful assault, save
with battering ram Many are OF Mahogany;
and all are invited with iron bolts an inch thick
some are seen where these bolt-heads are immense
knobs OF polished brass All are provided with
locks as big as lobster, as also with tremendous
wood or iron bars for fastenings behind. Above
many are fine cornice and pediment; at the sides
OF the wall-embrasureS are frequently seen an
tiQue pateraS and gargoyles in stucco or bronze;
while the ancient brass knocker is universal, and
olten OF the FORM and size OF giants hand.
FANTASTIC BALCONIES
But upon the upper stories Of the structures
there Is positive wealth OF dormer Iattfced bal
coined, and oriel, window, all In such an antique
form and bewilder1ng variety, that here the artist
poet or dreamer, finds not only delight In art and
krIce. all the more entlclng IOr
us age and grotesQue surroundings but also every
where spell OF suggested medieval life, prompt
Ing the imagination In utmost vIvidness TO roman
TIC quest and adventure. The ruling form of these
airy points OF vantage, VIII CHI day and night m
with wondrously beautiful occupants. is the cano-
pied oalcony and no city in the world possesses
many OF these, fashioned in such beautiful and
Iantastlc 1orrn- You may say balcony Is balcony
the world over. So Is a foot. But as truly as the
spanish wonan's foot Is the prettiest foot In the
world, so the Spanish balcony Is the most WIN
some. From It's location. design, Its odd sur
TOundings, It's delicate lightness, lis nacessib1ty
10 DARING intrusion. yet ever a temptation 10 the
same, It's suggestiveness asst the siesta- place OF
beauty, and the citadel OF all devastatinglOve; 1t
CONSTANT FEAST TO THE ARTISTIC EYE
and imaginative thought. Nor must you look for
these dainty balconies at regular intervals con-
slstent heights. They are fastened along and upon
these vast white and pink reaches OF wall, like
Ieathery neck5 OF sea-rOam flung high upon the
gray Old rocks They peep out OF queer corners
and sheltered hooks like the nests OF fearless
BIRDS And they break and flood through the strIc-
tural r1gor OF the maSsively- walled homeSides OF
tnls brilliant, Gpsyfa city like the most dell
cate folds andwayes OF lace, floating abou. your
austere lady's shoulders; ana like them still. the
hali-hidden witchings OF beauty are ever delight
fully near. EDGAR L. WAKKNAN