No doubt primitive people knew the common plants in their environment and had names for them as well. The few that they choose to illustrate are mainly those of most practical value. Corn was the most important plant food. Complete plants, stalks with ears, sprouting seeds and full-grown ears are represented. We have found nothing that looks like a flower-not even a sunflower.

Here and there are objects that look like complete trees; these are difficult subjects for any artist.