Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/117

 The Banboo River. 113

degree than any other natural object. In every species of ornamentation the bamboo appears. ' their painting and in their pottery, in their lacquer work and ensbroi- dery, it is perpetually seen, It also plays an important part in the popular belicfs and customs of the people, and is planted in clumps near houses and villages to bring good luck. Its flowers, which are not abundant, have peculiar significance, in some cases being a prophecy of literary distinction to the house or village. About twenty species of bamboo are found indigenous to south China. These vary in size from the little pipe-steru variety, that is searcely distinguishable from ordinary sedges, to the great, Che-tung, or “ water-pipe ” species, which is some- times six inches and even more in diameter, and grows toa height of fifty or sixty feet, They vary greatly in colour, from the golden-yellow, to the whitc-stemmed larger- leafed kind, and again from the deep sea-green, to the black-stemmed variety, so highly prized in commerce. ‘Their leaves also show-great variety, some being very small and slender, and others measuring four and five inches in length, and two or more in breadth, Several species vicld luscious sprouts that are highly prized for food. With the bamboo for shelter and general use, and rice for food, the Chinese could easily exist.

The charm of the river is peculiar. It is unique in its character, yet shows great variety. Its special attraction is seen in the graceful covering which reaches from the water-edge to the highest hill-tops, and in the clean, leaf-covered paths that run like threads through the endless groves.

Leaving the boat at Koon-po, the usual landing for

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