I saw in Canton a large granite building erecting, already two-thirds
of its intended height reached and covering a large space, the staging
of which was composed wholly of bamboo. It is doubtful if there was a
nail used in the whole of it, the parts being securely fastened with
osiers of rattan. It brought to mind the provision so beneficently made
for the use of man in these countries where timber is seldom found.
Few things, if any, serve such a variety of purposes as the bamboo.
Bridges are built of it; it is used for water pipes, masts, boxes,
cups, baskets, mats, paper, fences, writing instruments; while the long
green leaves afford shade. It grows from fifty to eighty feet in a
year, and in a second year becomes as hard as ever. One who is curious
in botanical formations cannot but have admired the provision made
for strengthening the stalk of straw by the joints, which occur at a
distance of a few inches; an arrangement which must puzzle an atheist.
In the joints of the bamboo lie the hiding of its power. The joints
being easily made water tight, the canes are adapted to use in many
ways. One cannot live in an eastern country without soon forming an
attachment to this product of nature so wonderfully supplying many of
the necessities of life.