CHAP. VI ARUNDINARIA SPATHIFLORA 173 
texture of the leaf is very thin and delicate; there is no 
roughness, no prominent midrib, the serration on one edge 
only to be discovered by the aid of a lens. The secondary 
nerves are from three to five on each side of the midrib. 
Nothing could exceed the beauty of the plant which I 
saw in Surrey. It was most striking, and at once arrested 
attention. It had all the grace and delicate distinction of 
ARUNDINARIA FALCATA, and what higher praise could be 
bestowed upon it? I am given to understand that it is 
found as an undergrowth in the great coniferous forests of 
the north-western Himalayas. Like ARUNDINARIA NITIDA, 
therefore (which, by the by, it somewhat resembles), it will 
probably be wise to plant it in a shady position. 
