BAMBOO CANE. 101 
rough, and hairy sheaths, alternate branches, and small, entire, 
and spear-shaped leaves. 
There is scarcely any plant so common in hot cli- 
mates as this, and few are more extensively useful. It 
occurs within the tropical regions both of the eastern 
and western hemispheres, throughout the East Indies 
and the greater part of China, in the West Indies, and 
America. In England, it can only be cultivated in a 
hot-house ; and its growth is so rapid, even there, that a 
strong shoot has been known to spring from the ground 
and attain the height of twenty feet in six weeks. 
The inhabitants of many parts of India build their 
houses almost wholly of bamboo; and make nearly 
every description of furniture with it, in a very inge- 
nious manner. They likewise form with it several 
kinds of utensils, for their kitchens and tables ; and, 
from two pieces of bamboo rubbed hard together, they 
produce fire. The masts of boats, boxes, baskets, an*d 
innumerable other articles, are made of bamboo. After 
having been bruised, steeped in water, and formed into 
a pulp, the sheaths and leaves may be manufactured 
into paper. The stems are frequently bored, and used 
as pipes for conveying water; and the strongest stems 
serve to make the poles with which the slaves or ser- 
vants carry those kind of litters so common in the East, 
called palanquins. The stems of the bamboo serve also 
as the usual fence for gardens and other enclosures : 
and the leaves are generally put round the tea which is 
sent in chests from China to Europe. The Chinese 
make, of the external bark of the bamboo, a kind of 
cordage, which has the advantage of united lightness 
and durability. For this purpose the bark is cleft in 
strips several feet in length ; and these are twisted to- 
f ether according to the thickness that is required, 
'or the tow lines of their vessels, eight or nine bands 
or strips are sufficient; but, for cables, a much greater 
number is requisite. Some of the Malays preserve the 
small and tender shoots of bamboo in vinegar and pepper 
