these were not Rose, Tulip, Thistle, and Fuchsia; but merely that very
artificial old friend--the Spiral-scroll--_in disguise_.

An apologist for this method remarks:--" ... In such matters as the
ramification of plants, ... nature is always making angles and elbows
[_sic_] which we are obliged, in decorative treatment, to change into
curves for our purpose;...". This opinion needs only to be applied to
animals in order to exhibit its absurdity; and with regard to plants,
it will be seen that this tampering has not even the poor merit of
success.


§ 7.--NOTE ON SYMMETRY.

A desire for Symmetry often accompanies these two treatments. This is
a quality to be avoided whenever possible in Natural foliage design.
The so-called "Turn-over patterns" are an economy in Weaving-design,
but the economy is of the wrong kind. An artist should spend his
thought to spare material or cost in working. When he spares his
_thought_--making the least amount of thought cover the greatest
amount of surface--then is his work worth to the world just what it
has cost him, i.e., very little.

So injurious is the influence of Symmetry in Natural foliage design,
that it might almost be a test question--"Is the design symmetrical?"
When the exigencies of Machine-reproduction necessitate this with
Natural foliage--it is a hardship which the Artist regretfully accepts,
and no one would willingly make a design for Hand-reproduction which
was symmetrical; rather would he spend himself to insure the worthier
result which ensues from Balance.