52 The Corn, &c.

Various Leaves.
The Corn, the Hop, the Convolvulus, and the Bryony.
(Plates 33, 34.)
Seeing how important agriculture has been in all ages, it was
impossible that decorative art should neglect the ears of Wheat,
although their comparatively scanty ornamental possibilities prevented
any very extensive application. Combined with other motives, ears
of Corn have been made use of in various styles. In ecclesiastical
art they have a symbolical significance (See what was said of the Vine).
The Hop (Huntidus lupulus) is a well kno%vn indigenous plant
of civilisation, and also occurs wild in marshy woods. Its picturesque
qualities indicate it as well adapted for ornamental use. In combina-
tion with ears of Barley, it is applied in Modern art to the decoration
of Beer-mugs, the walls of Inns, &c.
The Convolvulus (Convolvulus) , an indigenous climbing plant of
ornamental appearance, is frequently used in iVIodern art.
The Bryony (Brxjonia) has delicate tendrils and beautifully in-
dented leaves, which afford a fertile motive, so that it is astonishing
that this, and other allied plants have hitherto found comparatively
little favor in decorative art.
Plate 33. The Corn, &c.
1. Ears of Oats (Avena sativa).
2. Ears of Rye (Secale cereale).
3. Ears of Wheat (Triticum vulgare).
4. Ears of Spelt (Triticum spelta).
5. Ears of the common Barley (Hordeum disticJmm).
6. Ears of the battledore Barley (Hordeum zeokriton).
7. Field Convonvulus (Convolvulus arvensis) with red flowers. The
hedge Convolvulus (Coyivolvulus sepium) has a similar habit and
white flowers. (The group has been sketched freely from a cast
from nature, by Bofinger of Stuttgart.)
Plate 34. The Hop, &c.
Hops and Bryony (drawn from pressed plants).
Various Leaves. (Plate 35.)
Plate 35 presents a sei'ies of various leaves, whose general orna-
mental possibilities have either secui-ed or deserve to secure for them
a place in art.
The Oak, the king of our indigenous trees, the symbol of power