677 
Bamboos. He planted several varieties at his plantation 
and for some reason they never did thrive or at least we 
never could find any trace of them. They were planted 
in a wet swamp and for this reason I don't suppose they 
ever gained any roots. Several varieties my mother plant- 
ed in her flower yard at home on high red clay soil and 
the consequence is that the whole front yard has been 
taken up with these canes. Our patch now measures fifty 
by one hundred and fifty feet, enough to transplant sever- 
al acres I suppose, and I don't want to take them out of 
the ground until I am absolutely sure that I won't lose my 
start which has taken about thirty years to get. The 
culms are all good large healthy looking canes and I nurse 
them very much. Had this been done some years ago no 
telling what I would have now. I herewith copy two let- 
ters sent my father in 1882 and there was another letter 
which I misplaced but when I find it will send a copy. 
This letter stated the names and varieties of the differ- 
ent bamboos sent my father in the 80 ' s . 
UNITED STATES CONSULATE GENERAL. 
KANAGAWA, JAPAN. 
FEBRUARY 13, 18827 
George H. Todd, Esq. 
Montgomery, Alabama. 
My dear Sir; 
In accordance with the promise in my letter of the 
20th of January, I now forward to you by mail leaving to- 
morrow morning by the S. S. "Oceanic," two more tins of 
Bamboo roots of different varieties sent heretofore. I 
send them as I did the last, in the Government pouch with 
a request that they be forwarded to you at once. 
Hoping that they may reach you in good order, I am 
Yours truly, 
(Signed) Tho ' s . B. Van Bur en. 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE. 
WASHINGTON, D. C. , 
N May 29, 1882. 
Mr. G. H. Todd, 
Montgomery, Alabama. 
Dear Sir; 
In September this department sent you a shipment of 
Bamboo roots, received from Mr. Van Buren, U. S. Consul 
General at Kanagawa, Japan. As we have recently received 
many inquries relating to the introduction of the Bamboo 
into this country we would be very glad to hear from you 
