124 FLORA OF THE 



the transition from real horns to their numerous 

 modifications for architectural and decorative purposes, 

 both in ancient and modern art, becomes an easy and 

 a natural transition. 



In figs. 66 and 6"/ we have first either realistic horns, 

 or modifications of them, used as a finish to poles and 

 pillars, and shown as if they were ligatured to the pole. 

 Then we see them used alone as capitals to pillars, and 

 again combined with the head of the date tree, as 

 capitals of columns. From these the Ionic and Corin- 

 thian capitals, and the numerous 'anthemions' we see 

 everywhere, become easy steps. 



The evolution of a vast number of modern ornamen- 

 tations can be traced to the date tree and the luck- 

 horns attached to it. Nevertheless the hybridism of the 

 Egyptian lotus, and the Assyrian date tree and horns, 

 may be traced in various instances. 



I have dwelt at so great a length on the sacred date 

 tree and horns, as models of many ancient decorations, 

 because I believe that not only the lotus has been used 

 by primitive artists, as the model of their ornamen- 

 tations, but this tree also, as well as other plants. 



That the figure adopted conventionally by the ancient 

 Egyptians is not akvays meant for a lotus seed-pod, 

 but sometimes is meant for a pomegranate, can be 

 proved from the Carthaginian tablets in the British 

 Museum. Fig. 59 shows two figures, which I have taken 



