THE BAMBOO. 87 



its unbranched stem and terminal rosette of large 

 pinnate leaves, is far more like a Palm. This outward 

 resemblance, which is their onh' point in common, has 

 led to C}'cad leaves being called Palm fronds, and used 

 at funerals as such. This is however a misconception. 

 For according to tradition Palm fronds, and not Cycad 

 leaves, should be laid on coffins; Palms fronds were 

 carried b\- Christian mart\'rs, and are represented on the 

 tombs in the Catacombs. 



We have alread^' made acquaintance with Palms at 

 Bordighera, but the innumerable Bamboos, which attain a 

 great size in Mortola Gardens, arc less familiar. Those 

 who are accustomed to think of grasses as lowh' meadow 

 herbs will be surprised to find that the common Bamboo 

 (Banibusa arundiiiacca), which can attain a height of 

 100 feet, is one of these. Tn our own wild reed we have 

 a grass of some heiidit. The Bamboos resemble our 

 reed, but while the latter is of ver\' little use to us, 

 there is hardly a plant in hot countries which is applied 

 to such a varietur of purposes as is the common Bamboo. 

 The -^'oung shoots from the stock are a tast\' vegetable. 

 The Chinese like them also prepared as a sweetmeat 

 which is often mixed with ginger. Barriers, fences and 

 all sorts of wattle-work are made from the younger 

 stems, and rulers, measuring-rods, prettih^ woven baskets, 

 wallets and cases from the split stems. Mats, rain-cloaks 

 and hats are made from the leaves, which are also used 

 in packing tea. Young lea\'es serve as food for cattle. 

 From the fibres ot the stem the Chinese make a much- 

 valued paper which we use in art printing. Both frame 



