The stem, as it throws out each branch, may gradually diminish in diameter, each branch being less than the parent stem; the length of each successive branch may also diminish and the leaves on these be subordinate in size to those of the main stem.
[Illustration: No. 245. Branch and Scroll Terminations.]
The detail of these smaller leaves may be less complex as they approach the terminals, a characteristic in natural growth where the necessary energy to produce the flowers results in restricted development of the leaves on the flower stalk.
Equally consistent from the nature point of view is the employment of the large husk leaves which generally cover the points of branch emergence. As already stated, these are not articulated, but either spring tangentially from or are threaded on the main stem in contrast to the smaller leaves, which are often provided with individual stems. Occasionally the scroll terminals are not furnished with flowers but develop into sprays of small leaves radially disposed.
An essential condition in panel ornament is the Start or commencement, which should at least be consistent. The natural root is not in every case sufficient, though at times it may be employed with effect.
The start point of the growth line or lines varies in position according to attitude. In panels in a horizontal plane, the start is frequently central and the traditional treatment is usually some form of rosette from which the other details radiate.
In some positions, particularly pilaster panels, the ornament is suspended, which is consistently rendered by the employment of knobs and ribbons. Ribbons are not only logical, but interesting on account of the variety afforded and are also of service in giving unity to a composition. Extremely amenable to harmonious arrangement and susceptible of great variation, the ribbon can be twisted, folded or arranged in groups of pleatings, the ends being occasionally scrolled or split.
The start mostly in evidence in ornament is that known as the Cup or Nest, which is composed of leaves arranged somewhat in the form of a tulip, with generally an inverted cup leaf below. It is composed of leaves either of the Acanthus or water type, but for the sake of variety one of these may appear in the upper part of the cup and the contrasting form in the lower. The proportion between the two parts as to height and width should also be varied, and when the cup leaf is used in pilaster panels it generally occupies the whole width of the base.