The Baluster
As already stated, the pedestal may be used as a part of a balustrading associated with balusters, and must conform to the proportions necessitated by the conditions. The usual height for balustradings, whether to steps, balconies, or before windows, is three feet two inches, though in special cases it may be slightly more.
The baluster is a species of small column. Its usual form is bulbous or vase-shaped, and it is furnished with a capital and base. A series of balusters is technically known as a balustrade.
The balusters are raised on a plinth, which corresponds to the plinth of the pedestal, and surmounted by a rail of horizontal mouldings, which correspond to the capping of the pedestal; hence the baluster is of the same height as the die.
The height of the baluster should be divided into five, then one-fifth will be the height of the base, and the capital exclusive of the necking will be another fifth. The extreme diameter of the bulbous shaft is one-third the total height of the baluster, and the diameter of the necking and the top of the shaft is about one-sixth. The capital has a square abacus slightly less in width than the plinth of the base. Below the abacus is
No. 170. Detail of Balusters.
an ovolo and fillet, which are circular on plan. The necking is separated from the shaft by a small torus and fillet. The base has for its lowest member a square plinth, which occupies rather less than half the height and is equal in width to the extreme diameter of the bulbous shaft. Above the plinth is a scotia and a necking moulding, which are circular on plan.