gether with the paths, add greatly
to the general effect, the plants and groups being well separated and
showing to advantage, while the beauty of the stately upright stems of
some and arching plumes of others, lining or bending over and almost
meeting across the openings, is at once seen. Intermixed with the
Bamboos are Yuccas, Miscanthus, Pampas Grass, and other things, all of
which help to give pleasing variety. Between the back of the garden and
the belt of trees a screen is formed of _Rosa multiflora_, Spiraeas,
Rhododendrons, and other shrubs, interspersed with clumps of Pampas
Grass, Yuccas, and some of the strongest and hardiest of the Bamboos.

"When first formed, stiff loam to a depth of 3 feet was spread all over
the garden, and into this large quantities of decayed leaves were mixed;
in this soil the plants have thriven well. A water main runs through the
garden, so that copious supplies of water can be given in dry weather
with little trouble.

"Altogether some forty-one species and varieties of Bamboos are
cultivated. These are composed of seventeen _Arundinarias_, nine
_Bambusas_, and fifteen _Phyllostachys_. The majority belong to China
and Japan, one, however, belonging to North America, and one to India.
The Indian species, _Arundinaria (Thamnocalamus) Falconeri_, which does
so well in the south-west counties and in Ireland, is the most difficult
to manage, and is killed to the ground every winter, while _A. falcata_
and _A. nobilis_, which are two of the most common species in the famous
Cornish gardens, refuse to thrive.

"The arrangement of the plants has undergone considerable modification
since the first planting, owing to natural development and the
introduction of more species. This has resulted in the removal of many
duplicates which have been used with large Rhododendrons as an
undergrowth to the wood adjoining the entrances, thus considerably
enhancing the beauty of the place.

"The period of the year at which the garden is at its best extends from
the early weeks of July until the Cold east winds in February and March,
for, although severe frost has little effect on the leaves of many, cold
winds from east or north quickly turn them brown. That Bamboos should
continue in good condition and practically be at their best through the
worst of the winter months is a strong recommendation in their favour,
and by leaving, as is done at Kew, the tall dead stems and leaves of
_Miscanthus_ and the