133 
E.C., who are well known to be far and away the largest firm in the trade. I found 
that this firm had published some hints on the subject, and following is a copy of 
their circular: — 
Points to be observed in collecting Raw Sticks, Canes, &c., for Walking-sticks, Umbrella 
Handles, &c. 
Length. —The total length should not be less than 42 inches end to end, but if possible, they should 
be 48 inches. 
Size. —The best sizes are of the diameter of J inch to 1 inch, measured about midway ; they should 
not be larger than 1| inch in diameter. 
Form. —It is indispensable that the diameter should gradually diminish from the root or handle to the 
point, so that the stick is not “ top-heavy.” 
Handle. — It is always better, when possible, to send sticks with some kind of handle; if the plant 
be pulled up, the root should be left quite rough and untrimmed ; if a branch be cut off, a part of the 
parent branch should be left on to form a knob or crutch handle. 
Sticks without handles.— Sticks without handles can be used, especially if they are nicely grown, and 
have any peculiarity of structure or colour—but if there is any handle, however small, it should not be cut 
off. Young saplings of the different kinds of palms, bamboos, &c., &c., should always have the root left on. 
Short handles. —Occasionally, the form of the root or handle part is attractive, while the stick itself 
is weak and defective; in such cases the handles only should be sent, and they should measure from 15 to 
18 inches in length. 
Send oidy specimens in first instance. —In sending specimens of new sticks it is better to send only 
small quantities, say, one or two dozens of each kind; then, if approved, further quantities can be asked 
for. 
All kinds of ivood. —Specimens of anything remarkable for form or colour, whether in the roots or 
stems of woody, herbaceous, or reedy structures should be sent, as sometimes the most unlikely things are 
found to possess value for use either as umbrella handles or walking-sticks. 
Details. —Details as to quantity to be procured, prices, &c., should be sent, if possible. 
I addressed a number of questions to Messrs. Howell & Co., and perhaps it 
will be better to quote their reply as fully as possible:—“ The subject to which you 
refer, viz., ‘the collection of raw sticks suitable for walking-sticks or umbrella 
handles,’ is one in which we need hardly say we are particularly interested, and we 
are very much obliged to you for the way in which you are endeavouring to bring it 
before the people in Australia. From time to time we have seen sticks from the 
different colonies of Australia, and there has been a considerable quantity of one or 
two varieties sold in this market, the principal one being the Midgeen* cane, which 
we believe came from the neighbourhood of Brisbane. In an article in the 
Gardeners' Chronicle of 27th January and 3rd February, 1877, written by Mr. J. R. 
Jackson, Curator of the lvew Museums, that gentleman gives a list of sticks from 
Australia, amongst which he mentions the Cardwell cane (a species of Calamus), 
also the Loya,f apparently of some species of calamus or rattan, hut of very small 
diameter, and with fantastic rustic roots; there is also the bramble, which possesses 
a root something like a potato, and which grows to a pretty good size, hut none 
* Kentia or Bacularia monostachya, the Midginbill or Mitchenbill, or Walking-stick Palm of our northern rivers 
(N.S.W.), and usually known in Queensland as the Midgeen Cane. 
f (?) A corruption of Lawyer. 
