204 THE REIGN OF LAW. 



the lines of their annual growth, which growth has 

 followed definite curves, and it is the "law" of 

 these curves that is beautiful in our eyes. Again, 

 the forms of many fish which are so beautiful, are 

 also forms founded on the lines of least resistance. 

 The same observation applies to the form of the 

 bodies and of the wings of birds. Throughout 

 Nature, ornament is perpetually the result of con- 

 ditions, and arrangements fitted to use, and con- 

 trived for the discharge of function. But the same 

 principle applies to human art, and few persons 

 are probably aware how many of the mere orna- 

 ments of architecture are the traditional represen- 

 tation of parts which had their origin in essential 

 structure. Yet who would argue from this fact 

 that ornament is not a special aim in the works of 

 Man ? When the savage carves the handle of his 

 war-club, the immediate purpose of his carving 

 is to give his own hand a firmer hold. But 

 any shapeless scratches would be enough for 

 this. When he carves it in an elaborate pattern, 

 he does so for the love of ornament, and to 

 satisfy the sense of beauty. 



There is, however, another department of natu- 



