d so lavishly as
Rhododendrons; and we do not desire a Bamboo plague, beautiful though
the plants are in foliage and growth, so perhaps the east wind is
somewhat of a blessing. Bamboos must have favoured spots. When a single
group is desired, then choose some sheltered corner, and the same
consideration is necessary when making a Bamboo garden or grove. A
beautiful and refreshing feature of many English homes is a ravine of
these lovely grasses, and the Bamboo colony at Kew is accounted one of
the most delightful spots in the Royal Gardens.

In the _Garden_ of February 1, 1902, pp. 73, 74, is an interesting
account of the Bamboos at Kew. As this contains much practical
information, it is reproduced: "Kew was one of the first gardens in
which hardy Bamboos were grown, and it is to a great extent due to this
collection, and the collections of Mr. Freeman Mitford, Messrs. Verten,
and a few other pioneers, that the planting of hardy Bamboos has assumed
its present proportions. The creation of the Kew Bamboo garden dates
back to 1892. Previous to that the cultivation of hardy Bamboos had been
practised under great difficulties. The collection contained only a few
species, planted in poor soil in an exposed position, and were always
unsatisfactory. In addition to Bamboos, there were other
monocotyledonous plants in the same plight, hence the happy idea was
conceived of forming the present Bamboo garden. This garden is situated
on the eastern side of the Rhododendron dell, near the north or Sion
Vista end. It was originally a shallow gravel pit, and is peculiarly
adapted to the requirements of Bamboos. The depression in the ground and
the high bank of the Rhododendron dell give considerable shelter, whilst
a wide belt of large forest trees, which surrounds the north, east, and
south sides, insures almost complete protection from cold winds. The
garden is pear-shaped, and can be entered by three paths on the
south-east, west, and north sides. The banks round the sides are
terraced, and held up by large tree roots placed roots outwards, the
roots forming numerous bays and corners, each of which is given over to
one species. Separated from these bays by a gravel path 9 feet wide is a
central bed of about a quarter of an acre. This is filled with large
clumps of various species and fine single specimens, arranged in such a
way as to open a vista right through the bed here and there or into the
centre. These vistas and openings, to