PREFACE. 



^^^HEN searching for architectural conceptions, with which to illustrate 

 ^^'^1^1' the recent publication on " The Building and Ornamental Stones of 

 Australia," it was noticed that the Waratah jiredominated over all 

 other native flowers in this form of floral decoration. 



Its frequent occurrence in this direction led to the tracing back of its history 

 in Technology, with the result that the subject proved far more interesting than 

 was at first thought, the Waratah being fountl figured in almost all branches 

 of the liberal arts and sciences to a more or less degree, — specimens of its 

 utilisation dating back from almost the first days of the Colony's foundation to 

 the present time. 



Its recognition as the leading flower in Applied Art is, therefore, a pleasing 

 connecting link between the aesthetic taste of the autochthonous inhabitants 

 of this Continent and the British race, for the former named it Waratah, signi- 

 fying the finest in the Australian bush, to which decision one might adil, if not 

 the whole botanical world. 



This work is now offered as a contribution towards the foundation of a 

 National School of Australian Applied Art or Design, and in this connection we 

 may quote the words of the late M. Lucien Henry : " As every one must be 

 aware, it will require the efforts of several generations to constitute a school of 

 Australian Art, the ultimate success of which depends to a great extent on the 

 practical encouragement given to the workers by Australians who believe in the 

 future of their country, and who are eager to prove that these young States have 

 an immense natural supply of material in the way of form and colour, and also 

 the necessary brain power to work out of such elements a style of ornamentation 

 which may play its part in the development of civilisation under the Southern 

 Cross." 



It is especially hoped that these illustrations will inspire the students of our 

 Technical Colleges in theii studies of Australian Applied Art, and at the same 

 time lead them to appreciate and utilise the native flora for design and form 

 from which field they can supply the demands made upon their artistic faculties, 

 and so turn to Nature for their technical conceptions, just as did the artists 

 of antiquity, where one finds such unique ideas of grace and beauty. 



R.T.B. 



1915. 



