<html> At 04:38 PM 7/2/2005 +0100, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>Yes, Robin, they were made of cane. Michael G.(UK)</blockquote> Hmmmm, I just planted some Vivax Timber Bamboo. Once it grows up, it might be a good material. I'm planning to put in some black bamboo as well, which is extremely dense and strong, as well as really beautiful. It will be a few years before it has grown enough to harvest some. Maybe by then I'll be old enough (early 60's) to call myself semi-retired without feeling guilty about it, which might free up time for such esoteric hobbies as making my own Papp's mutes. Susan </html>