HARDY BAMBOOS 207 



and held up by large tree roots placed roots outwards, 

 the roots forming numerous bays and corners, each 

 of which is given over to one species. Separated 

 from these bays by a gravel path 9 feet wide is a 

 central bed of about a quarter of an acre. This is 

 filled with large clumps of various species and fine 

 single specimens, arranged in such a way as to open 

 a vista right through the bed here and there or into 

 the centre. These vistas and openings, together with 

 the paths, add greatly to the general effect, the plants 

 and groups being well separated and showing to ad- 

 vantage, while the beauty of the stately upright stems 

 of some and arching plumes of others, lining or 

 bending over and almost meeting across the openings, 

 is at once seen. Intermixed with the Bamboos are 

 Yuccas, Miscanthus, Pampas Grass, and other things, 

 all of which help to give pleasing variety. Between 

 the back of the garden and the belt of trees a screen 

 is formed of Rosa multiflora^ Spiraeas, Rhododendrons, 

 and other shrubs, interspersed with clumps of Pampas 

 Grass, Yuccas, and some of the strongest and hardiest 

 of the Bamboos. 



" When first formed, stiff loam to a depth of 3 

 feet was spread all over the garden, and into this 

 large quantities of decayed leaves were mixed ; in 

 this soil the plants have thriven well. A water 

 main runs through the garden, so that copious sup- 

 plies of water can be given in dry weather with little 

 trouble. 



" Altogether some forty-one species and varieties of 

 Bamboos are cultivated. These are composed of 



