THE LOTUS. 37 



leaf, reflects every passing phase of the sky, and is constantly 

 changing in color as clouds pass over." 



"Children use the big [lotus] leaves for sunshades, the seeds 

 for marbles or to eat" ; and the people eat lotus roots without for- 

 getting their native land! Mr. Finck also states that the conun- 

 drum, "When is a pond not a pond?" is answered by saying, 

 "When it has no lotus in it." 



The lotus is, of course, a favorite subject of Japanese art: 

 "its leaves are usually gemmed with dew-drops, and this effect 

 the artist seizes upon at once."* In this connection Mr. Huish also 

 quotes the following poem : 



"Oh ! Lotus leaf, I dreamt that the whole earth 

 Held nought more pure than thee; held nought more true: 

 Why, then, when on thee rolls a drop of dew, 

 Pretend that 'tis a gem of priceless worth?" 



Heuzen (A. D. 836-856). 



* Huish's Japan and Its Art. 



