PREFACE 



The bamboo has Long been known as one of the best of ornamentals 

 wherever the climate is sufficiently mild to permit of its cultivation, 

 but besides its value as an ornamental the bamboo has in its native 

 home a multitude of uses which make it one of the most important 

 plants in the economy of Japanese life. 



Both Mr. Barbour Lathrop and Mr. Fairchild are convinced that 

 the bamboo may be adapted to main' uses in America, and the present 

 bulletin is intended to call attention to the possibilities in this direction 

 and to describe some of the most important species. 



A. J. PlETERS, 



Botanist in ( 'harge. 



Office of Botanist in Charoe of 



Seed and Plant Introduction and Distribution. 



Washington, I>. C, May 8, 1903. 



