They are many and complex, and too deeply rooted in present-day commercialism for us even to hope for their removal.

Yet we may still turn to examples of individual effort throughout the country and find satisfaction.

Here and there are houses possessing some of the finest qualities which have gone towards making our ancient streets and cities; and here we have evidence that beautiful building is still possible if we will but have it.

It may be claimed that even the streets we build are historical as our old towns are historical; that they are the outcome of the age we live in.

And truly this is so; and for this very reason we must needs be patient if we cannot be hopeful.
But it is something to recognise the fact that we have in our old buildings and streets records of unquestionable veracity, full of character and meaning, and such as we are entirely unable, with all our boasted advantages, to rival or even imitate.