ART IN THE PLANT WORLD 
and light. In general, leaves nearest the ground 
are largest, thus insuring each its supply of sun- 
shine. 
When we study ornamental design, ancient and 
modern, we see plant forms on all hands. The 
Greeks and the Moors were the only nations 
to be content with geometric shapes and lines— 
and they were only content at times. All other 
peoples have given plants and flowers a large 
place in their decorative conceptions. The 
Egyptians and the Assyrians, who may be con- 
sidered the first civilized artists, used the Palm, 
Papyrus, Lotus and Lily. The Greeks and 
Romans were partial to the Acanthus, Olive, 
Ivy, Vine, Fir and Oak. The Gothic art of 
Germany, France and Spain featured the Lily, 
Rose, Pomegranate, Oak, Maple, Iris, Butter- 
cup, Passion Flower and Trefoil. The modern 
Chinese are more conservative and seek inspi- 
ration only from the Aster and the Peony. 
The Japanese use the Almond, Cherry, Wis- 
taria and the graceful Bamboo in their art work. 
These various plant forms are sometimes quite 
conventionalized but are readily recognizable, 
whether they occur in architecture, carvings, 
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