Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 2) (London, 1832)

THE BAMBOO. 213

induces habits of indulgence, ease, and quiet;
where, however it may have surprised me at
first, that I found not one single Native dis-
posed to delight in the neat ordering of a flower-
garden, I have since ascertained it is from their
unwillingness to labour without a stronger
motive than the mere gratification of taste.
Hence the uncultivated ground surrounding the
cottages in India, which must naturally strike
the mind of strangers with mingled feelings
of pity and regret, when comparing the cot-
tages of the English peasantry with those of
the same classes of people in Hindoostaun.

The bamboo presents to the admirer of Na-
ture no common specimen of her beautiful pro-
ductions ; and to the contemplating mind a wide
field for wonder, praise, and gratitude. The
graceful movements of a whole forest of these
slender trees surpass all description ; they must
be witnessed in their uncultivated ground, as
I have seen them, to be thoroughly under-
stood or appreciated, for I do not recollect
wood scenery in any other place that could
convey the idea of a forest of bamboo.

The bamboos are seen in clusters, striking