86 
‘“‘Qur waters are also full of ideal patterns for various kinds of 
decoration, while the strange and infinitely varied forms of fungi 
that grow on the forest floor and on the trees themselves would 
yield many novelties to those in search of ideas. 
“TI would not have you entirely disregard the beautiful plant 
motives which have served mankind in the past. Nothing 
endures through the centuries but what is beautiful and good. 
As reading the best books cultivates our literary taste, so a study 
of the best styles of decorative art enables us to use intelligently 
and artistically the new ideas furnished by Nature. The inno- 
cent child, or the untutored savage, may discover many things 
that are novel and wonderful to him, but not essentially different 
from other primitive efforts. Knowledge is power, in any field, 
and it is quite necessary to the kind of originality that accom- 
plishes good work. 
“Let us, then, infuse new life into the old ideas, and on the 
old reliable stocks graft and grow new motives peculiar to a New 
World, where Nature has been very bountiful, as she always is to 
eyes that can see and hearts that can appreciate her beauties.”’ 
The two illustrations accompanying this record are from 
photographs taken by the photographer of the Metropolitan 
Museum. 
During the exhibition the following public lectures on related 
subjects were delivered in Class-room A: 
April 7. “Spring Flowers,” by Dr. N. L. Britton. 
April 14. ‘The Use of Plant Forms in Ornament,” by Dr. 
A. D. F. Hamlin. 
April 21. “Collection and Preservation of Seaweed,” by Dr. 
Marshall A. Howe. 
