An imitation is an artificial likeness, for example: a painting, photograph, cartoon, statue, pantomime, a gesture such as threatening with a clenched fist or rejecting by pushing away with the hands, and picture writing. There is no mistaking the meaning of a picture; it means what it resembles. The picture of a horse or a tree cannot represent a man or a dog. Even though imitation is a clear means of communication, it is limited, difficult , slow, and unable to express the essences of things. Imagine picture writing your next letter to a friend. Within limits, however, imitation is a vivid and effective mode of communicat ion.