S.s THE P.AMBOO. 



and paper of the Chinese fans consist entirely of Bamboo. 

 In spite of their Ught weight the hollow stems have 

 remarkable strength and are used for constructions which 

 require great durabilit\'. The \A-hole surface of the stems 

 is silicious, which accounts for their lasting so long both 

 above and under ground. And for this reason the\' are 

 often used as water-pipes and gutters after the partiti- 

 ons have been removed. On the other hand these 

 partitions permit of the single joints of the stem being 

 used as buckets and flo'wer-pots. Bridges, rafts, beds, 

 chairs, tables, C£irr\"ing-poles, rakes and harrows are all 

 made of Bamboo. Mattresses and furniture are stuffed 

 with its fibres. Bamboo ladders are in special favour. 

 \'essels for food and drink, combs and even surgical 

 instruments are made from it. And, as though to prove 

 that the Bamboo can be put to ever\' possible use. the 

 inhabitants of Borneo and Sumatra make lamps and 

 candles from it. In the former thev burn Damara resin, 

 while the latter are made by filling stems with resin 

 when both burn down together. Bamboo sticks are 

 familiar to most of us: thev are hollo\\\ jointed shoots 

 from the stock. The slender stems of the East Indian 

 Rattan Palm (Calamus jRotang), after their prickly outer 

 covering has been removed, are often sold as Bamboos. 

 But the real trade name for the Rattan cane is "Spanish 

 Cane". The Bamboo supplies useful material for weapons; 

 and lances and ja\'elins of unsurpassed lightness and 

 strength are made Irom it. The Chinese soldier carries 

 a Bamboo sunshade covered with varnished mulberry- 

 paper. On the other hand the Bamboo contributes not 



