Page:History of India Vol 9.djvu/346

288 PYRARD DE LAVAL'S DESCRIPTION OF BENGAL sort being no more than four thumbs' girth, and very tall. It is porous, hard, and very pliant, so that you can GIANT BAMBOOS. bring the two ends together without its breaking, and yet it is very strong; of this are made walking-sticks and canes for chastisement; they raise the skin wher- ever they fall, but never break it, however tender it