In determinate curves,
The geometrical lines which are very subtile,
and spirals of Artificial and varied, and therefore
foliage demand an unmoving suitable to a hanging and
surface for proper view. swaying material.

The curves of Nature
They would generally be spoiled are not spoiled when on a
if not on a plane surface. folded material.

DISTRIBUTION:
Symmetrical. The Balanced. The growth
symmetry of artificial of natural foliage is generally
foliage is appropriate to symmetrical; but
that of Architecture. this is not apparent.

BEAUTY:
Depends on _form_, with More appropriate to objects
color as a secondary adjunct. which depend on _color_ for
their principal charm.

There have been waves of the desire to introduce Natural foliage into
Architecture (e.g. in the "Decorated period" of Gothic architecture);
but the Artificial elements have always proved too strong, and the two
have never mixed. In Architecture, everything has three dimensions;
and the artificial foliage is carved with leaves, etc., of a suitable
thickness: in Natural foliage the tenuity of leaves, etc., is such
that it cannot be reproduced. Even in the architraves round the
glorious doors of Florence the natural foliage is not always a
success; and where Ghiberti has stopped short in the ductile bronze,
it is not probable that the modern carver will succeed in stone. It
may therefore be suggested that the close imitation of Natural foliage
should be confined to objects of _two_ dimensions, i.e., to plane
surfaces and figured materials.

This selection of the Elements of Decoration, according to their
association, is analogous to the selection made use of by the Poet,
from the words and ideas, which are his Materials. It will be observed
that, as on a Classic or Heroic subject, the choice is of learned
words and classical ideas, and on a Domestic or Pastoral one, simple
words and homely similes are used--so, in conjunction with the severe
forms of Architecture, the formal character of artificial foliage is
suitable; and for decorating Textiles and other movable Accessories,
the Natural foliage, with which the earth is clothed and beautified,
is appropriat