38 THE IDYL OF THE SPLIT-BAMBOO 



surface is approached. The depth of this 

 " enamel " or strength-imparting stratum varies both 

 actually and relatively to the thickness of individual 

 stem-walls; and different species of bamboo, as also 

 different stems of the same species, vary considerably 

 in their straightness of growth. In all species the 

 rate of growth is very rapid and in some almost in- 

 credibly so. 



It goes without saying that stems having rela- 

 tively thicker and denser enamel strata will be su- 

 perior for use where strength and elasticity are prime 

 requisites; and this factor of hardness or solidity to- 

 gether with straightness of the stems and knots that 



. are but slightly swollen, 

 / ""** is what particularly com- 

 mends bamboo for rod- 

 making. 



Upon bending a strip 

 split from a bamboo-stem, 

 . the convexity of the curve 



Lateral section of a joint of v i 



bamboo stalk through node Corresponding tO the OUtCr 



or " rind " side, when the breaking-point is reached 

 it will be noted that this hard outer layer is com- 

 posed of long fibers which splinter into brush- 

 like ends. These fibers are interrupted at the nodes 

 or knots and interlace there, and when the strength- 

 ening partition is cut away they -mark the weakest 

 place in the wall; a strip will easily break of short 

 at this point. 



