-that bonsai are produced only through years of patient training

The training period actually speeds the transformation of a plant to

bonsai.

-that bonsai are special varieties of plants

They are selections from ordinary trees, vines, and shrubs that normally

grow to much greater size.

-that bonsai are replicas in miniature of large trees

The lines of a bonsai suggest the large tree in the same manner that a

few strokes of an artist bring an image to mind. Bonsai aims for resem-

blame.

-that all bonsai are timeless specimens held static by some mysterious

treatment, and that if cared for properly they will live to great age

Plants in containers have about the same life span as they would in na-

ture-normally short-lived ones tend to be short-lived in pots.

-that age is the most important criterion in evaluating bonsai

The appearance of age in bonsai has little to do with its actual age.

Actual age counts only in its combination with other qualities to arouse

an emotional response in the viewer.

-that bonsai are stunted, dwarf plants

Bonsai are not "stunted" in the sense of being unhealthy, or "dwarfed"

in the sense of being misshapen or unnatural.

-that bonsai require constant attention or fanatical devotion

Total expenditure of time and effort will be more than for a philoden-

dron, actually less than for a pet.