TREES AND SHRUBS. 



437 



to the best advantage when standing free from all their associates, as in this way the 

 beautiful plume-like brandies are disposed in their natural light and elegant manner. The 

 species and varieties are numerous, and vary in height from the 20ft. or more of Arundinaria 

 Simoni to the uin. of Bambusa pygmaea. Atone time all the hardy kinds were included in 

 the genus Bambusa, but they are now divided into several genera, although for popular purposes 

 the collective title of Bamboo is still applied to the whole of them. They all need a good 

 loamy soil, with a fair admixture of leaf mould, a liberal amount of moisture, but not a water- 

 logged soil, and a position if possible where they will be sheltered from harsh dry winds, which 

 affect them mure than actual frost. The larger kinds, whose stately shafts are so noticeable, 

 are particularly effective on the margins of lakes or banks of streams, while some of them are 

 seen to great advantage when standing singly on a lawn. Where space exists, and the 

 situation is suitable, a Bamboo garden may be formed, such as that at Kew, which is now one 

 of the most attractive features of the gardens. An old gravel pit was utilised for the purpose, 

 and being provided with suitable soil the sunken position was all in favour of the Bamboos, 

 which have nourished wonderfully. They are grouped in such a manner that, while each 

 individual kind can display its natural beauty without let or hindrance, the entire collection 

 forms one harmonious whole. Many of the hardy Bamboos can be readily propagated by 

 division, and this is the method usually adopted for their increase. The different kinds are: 

 Arundinaria Fortunei variegata, A. Fortunei aurea, A. Hindsi, A. Hindsi graminea, A. japonica 

 (often known as Bambusa Metake), A. nitida, A. Simoni, A. Simoni striata, Bambusa disticha 

 (nana), B. palmata, B. pygmaaa, B. tessellata, often known as B. Ragamowski, B. Veitchi, 

 Phyljostachys Hehonis, P. Kumasasa, P. mftis, P. nigra, P. Quilioi, P. violescens, P. viridi 

 glaucescens, Thamnocalamus falcata, and T. Falconeri. 



In the opening chapter, by Mr. Bean, important reference is made to the Bamboos. 



HEDGES. 



HEDGES are a necessary adjunct to the garden, as in some instances they serve the 

 purpose of a wall or fence, and in others they are useful to shut out unsightly objects 



THE TERRACE STEPS, ROUS LEXU1 COURT, WORCESTERSHIRE. 



