THE BAMBOO. 
245 
THE BAMBOO. 
By J. Hudson, V.M.H. 
[Read August 29, 1916 ; Dr. F. Keeble, F.R.S., in the Chair.] 
My purpose in the following remarks is to point out the usefulness 
of the Bamboo as a hardy decorative plant in at least the southern 
and midland counties of England and Wales and in Ireland. Bamboos 
have been cultivated in these districts to my personal knowledge for 
more than sixty years. So conservative, however, are we gardeners 
generally that only within the past twenty-five years has any real 
effort been made to use them widely, and it has taken a few years to 
find out some of their requirements. 
Shelter.' — By shelter I mean protection from severe and cutting 
winds. In my experience I find shelter necessary, and I think other 
growers will bear me out in this. I do not by any means intend to 
suggest that artificial methods of shelter should be used, but rather 
that a suitable spot should be chosen, such for instance as the dell at 
Kew Gardens, where they thrive so well. At the Wisley Gardens too 
they are luxuriating in a remarkable degree. In each case there is 
natural shelter from the prevailing winds. I find at Gunnersbury 
that an easterly wind is most injurious. It has a tendency to dry up 
the soil as well as to cause greater loss of water from the growths 
themselves, and in this way much harm is done. I believe that 
many Bamboos will withstand what we may term a severe winter — 
say with the thermometer down to zero for a short time — and suffer 
no serious harm if the kind of shelter I have indicated be provided. 
Moisture at the roots.- — Moisture at the roots is essential even in the 
coldest weather. The Bamboo, if it be deprived of moisture, will die. 
As a rule, too, the Bamboo is surface-rooting to a great extent. 
Moisture at the roots is most important for all newly-planted Bamboos, 
both before and after planting. 
Season for Planting &c- — After some years' experience I find no 
time so suitable for planting as the early part of May; in fact, just at 
the time young growth begins to appear. If there are any indications 
of the ball of soil about the lifted plant becoming cracked or broken, 
or if the plant be a large specimen, I advise that it be tied up somewhat 
tightly and a mat put around it, this being for a time kept moist. 
The mat will also shelter the plant against any gusts of wind. Let the 
hole be well prepared, the soil being stirred up deeply and well decayed 
manure added thereto. Always plant a trifle deeper than on the 
previous occasion, so as to provide a top-dressing and to secure a good 
supply of water during dry weather. 
Pruning and Cutting Down. — By pruning I mean thinning out. 
