The later misuse of symbolic elements can only be defended on æsthetic grounds, and is probably undesirable. Without these there is still left sufficient material for beautiful effects. Dull slavish reproduction is not only without interest, but displays lack of inventiveness. It is possible in good hands to utilise the past tradition so as to appeal to modern appreciation.
However arbitrary traditional ornament may appear, there is consistency in the best examples, which display in many details some general observance of the principle of natural growth. There may be no attempt to exploit any known type, the creation being purely artificial; still the association of stem, leaves and flowers is suggestive of natural growth.
The arrangement is generally progressive, as in nature a plant develops outwards and onwards from the root, and the orthodox scroll ornament may be considered as a stem of undulate form (constituting the growth line) with branches, elaborated with leaves and flowers which are arranged successively.
In traditional ornament the most general form of branching is tangential, the scrolls and leaves emerging radially from the main stem, with slight divergence; but in nature many varieties of branching may be observed and applied with advantage in design.
[Illustration: No. 243. Types of Branching. A. Tangential. B. Acute-angular. C. Right-angular.]
Generally natural branching may be classified into Tangential, typical of grass growth and water-plants; Acute and Right-angular. The latter is sometimes usefully employed in ornament, as it conveys a sense of strength and vigour, though as a concession to the rhythmic flow of line it should follow for a short distance the curve of the main stem.
[Illustration: No. 244. Formal Opposite Branching suitable for Vertical Borders & Pilasters.]
Independent of the angle, branches may occur opposite, that is, grow simultaneously each side of the stem, Alternate, or spirally round the stem. The distances between the branches may be equal, or, as in some instances, in alternate long and short distances. The opposite arrangement of branches is most suitable where rigidity of effect is required, but the alternate branching is susceptible of greater freedom and license.
