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Sk ETCH

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA

WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO

ITS PRESENT PRINCIPAL COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS.
f 7.
~ BY
oy

ALFRED MOLONEY, CMG.

OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COLONY OF LAGOS.

LONDON:

SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON, SEARLE, & RIVINGTON,
CROWN BUILDINGS, 188, FLEET STREET.
1887.
(AU Rights reserved.)

QK
420
PZ

Avi32663,

LONDON:
PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,
STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.

TO HIS WIFE.

THIS work, which monopolised much of its Author's
spare time that should otherwise have been devoted
to her society, is gratefully dedicated to one of the
best of women and the most dewoted of wives, who,
during its preparation, generously supported him by
her consideration and self-sacrifice, and shared con-
jointly the hope that it would prove of some advantage,
in the direction of the enlightenment and progress, to
the people of West Africa for whom chiefly it has
been put together.
THE AUTHOR.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. PAGE
I.— INTRODUCTORY REMARKS e ‘ : ‘ F 1

IJ.—DIvisions OF WEST AFRICA. 7 . 7 - 30
JIJ.—IMpoRTANCE OF WEST AFRICA TO TRADE OF
UNITED KINGDOM . 7 z - . = 33)
IV.—RUvUBBER (Landolphias and Fice) . ‘ ‘ . 78
V.—CoFFEE (Coffea liberia). . «© + + + 96

VI.—GuMs AND RESINS F ’ . é ° . «18
VII.—DveE-woops (Baphia nitida, &c.) . : s » 136
VITI.—Corron a . . . . t . » 140

IX.—CINNAMON (Ci um xeylanicun), CACAO (Theo-
broma Cacao), &c. . F - ’ ‘i . 148

X.—INDIGO . 5 ‘i ’ : . : : - 153
XI.—WeEsT AFRICAN VINE . 7 . ‘ : - 157

XIIL—Coa (Cola acuminata) . . . 2 : . 188

XIII.—Topacco é ‘ : : : . . 169
XIV.—FIBRES , a = . . ‘i ; F + 180

XV.—Woop AND TIMBER c : . ’ ‘ + 197
XVIL—REFORESTATION . - ‘ ‘ - : - 224
XVIL.—DENUDATION ° . . a . . - 231

XVIII.—Botanic STATIONS . . . . i » 249

Vi CONTENTS.

CHAP.

XIX.—ACKNOWLEDGMENTS F 3 . . .

XX.—List OF Economic PLANTS OF WESTERN AFRICA

APPENDIX I.—INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING PLANTS AND
SEEDS ‘ ri : F :
3 Il—ORNITHOLOGY OF THE GAMBIA .
>», IIL—CoLEopTERA OF THE GAMBIA
>», IV.—DriurRNAL LEPIDOPTERA OF THE GAMBIA es
Pe V.—LEPIDOPTERA HETEROCERA . ‘ é
» WL~—SHELLS OF THE GAMBIA ‘ P

» WIL—REPTILES, BATRACHIANS, AND FISHES OF THE
GAMBIA... : 3

INDEX TO ECONOMIC PLANTS : .

GENERAL INDEX. i ; .

SKETCH

OF THE

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

As a humble contribution by the Author commemorative of the Pubilee
of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.

——

I.

IT is with some pleasure I have endeavoured here to
build up a Work that, however poor, may be deemed
worthy of addition to the Literature of the current
year commemorative of the Queen’s Jubilee.

The task might have been undertaken by more
able hands; yet, in order that West Africa, described
by pessimists and disparagers as the Land of “Bush”
(for where ignorance is bliss it is folly to be wise),
might have some share of representation on this
auspicious and _ ever-to-be- gratefully - remembered
Anniversary, I have willingly undertaken the duty : it
has been a severe one, for both temperature and other
local demands on my time have not been favourable.
I have done my best so far as time at my disposal

B

2 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

and climate have admitted, so that for shortcomings
and a generous hearing and verdict the writer leaves
himself in the hands of his readers.

“So vast is this vegetable kingdom, that the animal
world sickens and dies out before it—this immense
forest holds scarcely a living creature. For months I
have trodden its labyrinths, and seen only a diminutive
deer, a grey monkey, and a few serpents. How little
we knew in England of the true nature of this forest.
‘It will” wrote one wise man to a daily paper,
‘take plenty of petroleum oil. Pour it over the forest,
and then set fire to it.’”

“«T know tropical forests well,’ wrote another. ‘The
underbush will burn when the dry weather comes, as
it does in Burmah and Tenasserim ; then you will be
able to march through it with ease.’

“But, alas! the African forest is always green,
always wet, always fireproof.”

Such is the poetic description, in his ‘ Akimfoo,’
by the “Great Lone Land” Butler, of a West African
forest; and, although he must be given credit for
taking advantage of an author’s picture-writing and
licence, yet in the main his verbal illustration can be
accepted.

With such a prologue or preface, it would not be
too much for any one to expect botanically great
scientific and commercial results from such a field.
The field has existed, and still exists; but while the
results scientifically are comparatively meagre, yet

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 4

commercially they are important. It will, however,
be my endeavour to give here a sketch of what has
been done, so far as I can within the scope of this
Book.

In June, 1874, a Circular Despatch covering a copy
of a representation made by the Commissioner of
Woods and Forests was addressed by the Secretary
of State for the Colonies to the Officers Administering
the Governments of Her Majesty’s Colonies. It
covered a list of questions as to Foreign and Colonial
Timber used for ship-building, general building, and
railway purposes ; for furniture, fancy articles, firewood,
lath-wood, shingles for roofs, &c.; also as to timber
from which valuable barks, gums, dye-woods are
derived. As the headings under which information
was asked may at any time prove useful and more
productive in results, I will here repeat them :—

1. What are the kinds of timber trees produced in
the country, and to what uses are they generally
applied ? (State the botanical name where known.)

2. Are the forests or lands producing the trees
owned by the Government or by private persons ?

3. What is the approximate extent of timber-
producing forests or lands at the present time ?

4. Is this area increasing or diminishing ?

s. If diminishing, from what cause?

6. Are any steps taken for the prevention of
waste or for replanting any area which has been

cleared ?
B2

4 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

7. What is the quantity of timber which might
fairly be cut every year without permanent injury to
the forests ?

8. What is the quantity actually cut every year?

9. What is the proportion for home consumption
and for export?

10. What have been the annual exports of each kind
of timber during the last 10 years ; stating the propor-
tions to each country, and the value of such exports ?

11. What are the reasons for or causes of the increase
or diminution of quantity or value in the exports?

12. (If it be so), what are the causes of the small
exportations in comparison with the capability of
production ?

13. Have any observations been made or con-
clusions arrived at as to the climatic influence of
forests or the effect of their clearance on the rainfall,
floods, &c. ?

14. Forward any reports made by departments or
societies, or any Acts of Legislature bearing on the
subject,

Alike endeavour to that made in June, 1874, by the
Colonial Office was made in the same year by the
Foreign Office, through Her Majesty’s Representatives
abroad, towards the collection of information on the
production and consumption of timber in foreign
countries. The result was compiled in Command
Paper C, 1161 of 1875.

So far as the West African British Possessions,

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 5

including islands adjacent, are concerned, the Gambia
and St. Helena seem alone to have at all responded
to the invitation to supply information, which has been
condensed into the following analysis* :—

“The timber products of Gambia are—Mahogany,
used for ship-building ; rosewood, used for boat and
canoe building; ‘runs, the male species of which is
used for bridge and house building ; black stick, used
for boat-building ; mangrove, used for props, posts,
and small vessels; black mangrove, used in native
houses ; monkey bread, the bark of which is used for
making ropes ; cotton tree, used for canoes, and for the
manufacture of domestic utensils; and the india-
rubber tree.”

“ The forests are owned by the Government. They
are said to be diminishing owing to the operations
of woodcutters. At the date when these statistics
were compiled the acting Administrator was contem-
plating the framing of an Ordinance to restrain the
cutting of wood and the imposition of a licence duty.
The export trade in timber ceased with the intro-
duction of iron shipbuilding, but the Board of Trade
Returns show a rise in the values of caoutchouc ex-
ported from Gambia and Sierra Leone to the United
Kingdom from £1,959 in 1872 to £25,276in 1876, and
the value of gum exports for the latter year as
£ 18,363.”

Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus,

* Command Paper 2197 of 1878,

Missing Page

Missing Page

8 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

“During the last ten years large numbers of
labourers and small cultivators have emigrated to the
Cape and Natal, and at the present time labour is
scarce and expensive. Wages range from 2s. to 2s. 6d.
per day, but the quality even at this price is not quite
satisfactory.

“The Crown lands, with the exception of Long-
wood Farm and a few other places, are barren wastes
on the outskirts of the island, incapable of cultivation.

“Of the area, two-thirds are composed of barren
rocky wastes or clayey slopes totally unfit in their
present condition for any agricultural operations. .

“About 8,000 acres are in pasture and hay land.
The tendency is to throw more and more land out of
cultivation and place it in grass. There is a retro-
grade step as regards the agricultural interests of the
island, but it is inevitable under the influences which
obtain at present.

“Under forest, both of indigenous and introduced
trees, in detached and straggling patches, there may
be altogether about 400 acres.

“ Under cultivation, with root crops, eis orchards,
and gardens, there are not quite 300 acres.

“This last area, viz. 300 acres, practically re-
presents all the land now used for raising crops and
for contributing to the food supply of the inhabi-
tants.”

I understand that in St. Helena there is now
absolutely no indigenous timber, the native trees

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 9

being of quite small dimensions; and the foreign
element is next to nothing, and undeveloped.

Of the Flora of St. Helena an account will be found
in Melliss’s Book on that island; but its Botany, as
well as that of Ascension, is fully given in the Botany
of the ‘ Challenger Expedition, 1873-6, which was
prepared by Mr. W. B. Hemsley, A.L.S., from which
it will be observed in the following extract that in
the Island of Ascension, the area of which is about
34 square miles, there is no native arboreous vegeta-
tion, Hedyotis adscensonis and Euphorbia origanoides
being the only endemics.

“ Ascension.—Whether this island ever supported
anything more than its present extremely meagre
flora is problematical: but the presence of two dis-
tinct endemic species of flowering plants, belonging
to widely diffused genera, is no help to the solution
of the problem. The one, Hedyotis adscensonis, is not
very different from African and Asiatic species ; and
the other, Exphorbia origanoides, belongs to a group
of littoral, mostly shrubby species, widely spread in
Polynesia, with one species in the West Indies and the
Bermudas, and two on the Western Coast of Tropical
Africa. Two St. Helena endemic plants are recorded
from Ascension; but there are no specimens in the
London Herbaria corroborating this, and it is almost
certain that there was some mistake.”—Vol. I. Botany,
* Challenger Expedition, Report III., p. 65.

“St. Helena was discovered by a Portuguese, Jean

10 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

de Noya, in 1501, on the 18th of August, St. Helena’s
Day—hence the name the island bears. At that date
it was entirely covered with forests, the trees drooping
over the tremendous precipices that overhung the
sea. Now nearly the whole of the indigenous vege-
tation has disappeared, except on the upper part of
the Central Ridge, and is only very partially replaced
by introduced plants, in consequence of the soil
having been washed off from its rocky foundation
since the destruction of its forests."—Vol. I. Botany,
‘ Challenger Expedition, 1873-6, Report IIL. p. 49.

The following may be appropriately inserted here
from Cook’s first voyage around the world, when in
1771 he visited St. Helena :—

“ Among the native products of this island, which
are not numerous, must be reckoned ebony (Mel-
hania melanoxylon), though the trees are now nearly
extinct, and are not remembered to have been plenty ;
pieces of wood are frequently found in the valleys of
a fine thick colour and a hardness almost equal to
iron: these pieces, however, are always so short and
crooked that no use can be made of them. Whether
the tree is the same with that which produces ebony
upon the Isle of Bourbon or the islands adjacent is
not known, as the French have not yet published any
account of it.”

Now as to our own Possessions on the west side of
the Continent of Africa, the West African Settle-
ments, commonly understood as Sierra Leone and the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. II

Gambia, were reconstituted under Letters Patent of
the 17th December, 1874, into one Government,
comprising Her Majesty’s Settlement of Sierra
Leone, embracing all places, settlements, and terri-
tories which may at any time belong to Her Majesty
in West Africa between the 6th and 12th degrees of
N. latitude, and lying to the westward of the roth
degree of W. longitude, and Her Majesty’s Settlement
on the Gambia, comprising all places, settlements,
and territories which may at any time belong to Her
Majesty in West Africa, between the 12th and 15th
degrees of N. latitude, and lying to the westward of
the 1oth degree of W. longitude.

The population of the British Settlements on the
Gambia, with an area of 69 square miles, was given,
in 1881, as 14,150, of whom 105 were Europeans,
including crews of ships in harbour. Of the total,
4,454 were returned as farmers and farm labourers,
and .506 as mechanics whose pursuits are mainly, if
not altogether, confined to the Island of St Mary.

The population of Sierra Leone and its dependen-
cies, with an estimated area of 3,000 square miles,
was given, in 1881, as 60,546, of whom 271 were
whites, inclusive of 108 crews of vessels in harbour.
Of this total 12,317 were farmers, farm labourers, and
market people, and 2,293 mechanics. On the former
group the Colonial Secretary reported as follows :—

“Farmers, farm labourers, and market people number
12,317, but one half of these belong to the Quiah and

12 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

second Eastern districts; and as a large number of the
remainder are market women, who do little else than
purchase vegetables in the districts and bring them to
the town to sell, it reduces the class of people who are
most needed, namely, the agriculturists, considerably
below the minimum of the number required.

“Of mechanics, butchers, bakers, &c., the numbers,
2,611, may be considered proportionate to the popula-
tion ; but it must not be supposed that the 2,293 who
are pleased to return themselves as mechanics in any
way represent the real numbers who are authorized
by experience or capability to claim such a title.
The real number of artizans or mechanics who have
any right to the term in the true meaning of the word
is very limited, and it is to be regretted that in Sierra
Leone, where the people are apt to learn and tolerably
quick to apply when they give care and attention,
there is not a greater number of thorough workmen
to teach their handicraft, and become examples to the
rising generation. A youth who has been two years
with a carpenter, boat-builder, blacksmith, or mason,
arrogates the title to himself without any compunc-
tion, and frequently, whilst he is learning from an
indifferent teacher the rudiments of his trade, he sets
himself up as a master of his profession.”

“There is hardly a single trade that can turn out
half-a-dozen men who would be certificated by any
European firm for possessing a thorough knowledge
of it.”

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 13

It is very difficult to form an estimate as to the
numbers of any native population of a somewhat
migratory character and of a Protectorate—for we
must remember that Her Majesty’s Settlements on
the Gold Coast are represented by “Colony” and
“Protected Territories”—the statements alone of
natives as to numbers being uncertain, and, I may
say, quite unreliable.

Then again natives are peculiarly suspicious, and
would be disposed to be at once on their guard
against supplying information, which they would view
as intended to be directed against themselves in the
shape of taxation, perhaps conscription, as was fancied
at places in the Ashantee War, 1873-4.

The population of the Gold Coast, with an estimated
area of 18,784 square miles, has, it would seem, not
yet been got within the range of “practical statistics.”
It will be ideal to state that the people have been
repeatedly consigned to the estimate in round numbers
of 400,000, at least up to 1885, when the estimate
progressed to 651,000.

The Gold Coast Colony—prior to the following date
—made up of the Settlements on the Gold Coast and
the Settlement of Lagos—comprises, according to
Letters Patent of 22nd January, 1883, all places,
settlements, and territories belonging to Her Majesty
the Queen in West Africa between the 5th degree of
W. longitude and the 5th degree of E. longitude.
These Settlements are divided by a strip of coast and

14 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

country, commonly known as the Dahomean sea-
board and territory, which has, unfortunately for the
trade of the Gold Coast and Lagos, been interna-
tionally divided up between Germans, French, and
Portuguese.

The population of the Gold Coast has, as already
stated, never yet got beyond anestimate. Lagos was,
however, more favoured, for in 1881 the Census effort
there applied, and gave its population as 75,270,
inclusive of 117 whites and 68 mulattoes ; there were,
according to the Census, 5,592 under the heading
“Traders, manufacturers, mechanics, artisans,’ and
11,083 returned as farmers and agricultural labourers.

The thatched houses in Lagos numbered then 5,961.
The walls of these buildings are of wattle, with or
without mud daubed over, and the thatch is generally
composed of palm leaves (Raphia vinifera) ; in some
instances and places, of grass.

The natives, outside of the professional classes, on
the Gold Coast, as to their employments may be
described as cultivators, traders, artificers, fishermen,
labourers, or servants. One of the many grand issues
of the emancipation of the unfortunate slaves in 1874
has been the more general spread of the farming
(former slave) class, and the consequently increased
cultivation in proportion. This may not have been
felt as regards cultivation of products that benefit by
marked increase directly the Exports, but rather in
cultivation for home consumption, bringing about

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 15

better supplied native markets, more settled habits
and vested interests, increased sale of Imports, im-
proved condition of People, and thereby direct benefit
to Commerce.

The Colony of Lagos, with an area of 1069 square
miles, is situated between the 2° and 6° E. long., and
its history may be learnt from the following data.

The former “ British Settlements,” which comprised
the Island of Lagos, Iddo island, Ebute Metta or
Northern District (conterminous with Eastern and
Western Districts, exclusive of Appa, Katanu and
Mahin kingdoms and of the Ogbo and Jakri Terri-
tories), were added, in August, 1861, in consideration
of a pension of £1,000 per annum during his lifetime
to the British Crown by the then reigning king,
Docemo, who died in 1885.

As regards the Eastern District, extending and
inclusive of Odé, Docemo’s action was supported
by the renewed cession, in February, 1863, of that part
by Kosoko, formerly king of Lagos, and Docemo’s
rival. And as to the Western District, its inclusion
in the Treaty of 1861 was ratified by its repeated ces-
sion by the Chiefs of Badagry on the 7th July, 1863.

Under Letters Patent of the 24th January, 1851,
provision was made for the government of the Queen’s
subjects with Her Forts and Settlements on the Gold
Coast lying between the 10° W.L. and the 10° ELL,
within which came the “British Settlements” ceded
in 1861.

16 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

For the separate government of the Settlements of
Lagos it was deemed expedient to provide, which was
done under the Royal Commission dated 13th March,
1863.

Next, the erection of a Central General Government,
with its centre at Freetown, Sierra Leone, was pro-
vided for under Royal Commission dated 19th
February, 1866, when the Administrative independence
of the Settlements of Lagos merged into the general
government exercised from Sierra Leone by a
Governor-in-Chief for all Her Majesty’s Possessions
on the West Coast of Africa.

After the Ashantee War, 1873-4, it became ex-
pedient to redistribute the general administration pro-
vided for under Royal Commission of 1866, when the
Settlements on the Gold Coast and the Settlements
of Lagos were erected into the Gold Coast Colony,
under Royal Letters Patent dated 24th July, 1874.

Her Majesty’s Possessions at Lagos were increased
in September, 1879, by the acquisition of the Kingdom
of Katanu, to the south and east of the Denham
Waters, on voluntary cession, by its kings, chiefs,
princes and elders ; of the Kingdom of Appa (lying
between the Kingdom of Katanu and the Western
District) in 1883, on voluntary cession, by its king,
chiefs, princes and elders; in 1885, of the Kingdom
of Mahin, and of the Ogbo and Jakri Territories, by
voluntary cession on the part of the respective native
Authorities, lying between the Eastern District and

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 17

the Benin River. Thus these Possessions are conter-
minous with the English Niger Protectorate, and
represent with the latter a coast line extending from
the Western Boundary of Katanu Kingdom to Ambas
Bay, and forming a sea-board of over 500 miles.

In view of its commercial importance and in
generous compliance with the popular demand, by
further Letters Patent dated 13th of January, 1886,
Lagos was again separated from the Gold Coast and
erected into an independent Colony, which was pro-
claimed on the 13th February, 1886.

The grand inland waters of Lagos, extending to the
Volta in the one direction, and to the Oil Rivers in the
other, are approached from the sea by a well-buoyed
Bar, the dangers and difficulties of which are reduced
to a minimum by the presence of a fleet of local Bar
steamers. For Bar service there is available a com-
petent staff of European pilots.

This port constitutes the only safe harbour along
six hundred miles of coast, and its trade is likely to
have a grand future, which must, as has been the case
in the past, be largely dependent on the peace of the
surrounding and interior tribes and nations. Inter-
tribal wars, or rather guerilla and kidnapping expe-
ditions, that have unfortunately from time to time
been carried on, act as a commercial barometer.

What has been and was known as the “ Interior
War,” begun in 1877, between the Ibadans and Egbas,
gave rise to the Ekiti-parapo Confederation, which, with

Cc

18 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

the Ifés, Modakekes, Jebus (tribes around Lagos), it
has brought within its meshes. It has spasmodically
continued since, but has of late applied to a smaller
area.

Worthless intrigue gave way at last to the exercise
of common sense, and action, at the instance of the
parties concerned, was in March, last year, directed
inland by the Government of Lagos towards the
general restoration of order to the Interior, which has
fortunately resulted in the conclusion of a treaty of
peace, friendship, and commerce among the contending
parties; in the breaking up of the two hostile camps
of Kiji and Oke Mesi, and in the dispersion of the
armies that occupied for years those camps; and,
thereby, in the restoration to agricultural, social and
commercial pursuits of several thousands of people
(from my messengers, I learnt, some 200,000).

Within the limits of West Tropical Africa, as defined
by Professor Oliver in his ‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’
lie also the following Foreign European possessions.

The French possessions are generally represented
as Senegambia, Assine and Dabou, Porto Novo and
Gaboon, with a returned population in 1878 of 324,038.

According to ‘Notices statistiques sur les Colonies
Frangaises, 1883,’ the population of the Senegal had
increased to 190,789 persons, composed of 90,521 men
and 100,268 women and girls, besides having a
fluctuating population of 2,135. Of the population of
the Gaboon it is said that the nomadic life which the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 19

natives lead does not admit of the estimate of the
number of the population, but that on the coast
occupied by the European element the population
comes up to 200 souls ; and of the cultivation it is said
that “manioc” is the principal farming, with dried
fish the ordinary food of the people. Rice and maize
are cultivated to a small extent. The imports from
Senegambia and the other French settlements into
the United Kingdom do not afford detailed particulars,
which by way of comparisqn I had hoped to have
here inserted.

I notice, however, in the ‘Statesman’s Year Book,
1886, the French Possessions in Africa represented
as—Senegambia, with an area of 250,000 square miles,
and a population of 197,644; Gaboon and Gold Coast,
with an area of 20,000 and a population of 186,133 ;
and the Congo Region, of an area of 430,000, with a
population of 500,000: and that France claims also
as “ Protectorate, a considerable area in West Africa
extending along the Ogoué and its tributaries to the
Central Congo,” and extended “in 1882-3 the area of
her Protectorate in Senegambia as far as Bukako on
the Niger.”

French Gold Coast Possessions are made up of
Grand Bassam, Assine, Grand Popo, Kotonu, Porto
Novo.

The Portuguese Possessions on this coast are
represented as—in Senegambia, Bissao, area 26 square
miles, lying between the rivers Cacheo and Nunez,

C2

20 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

with a population (1873) of 9,282; Prince’s and St.
Thomas Islands, area 454 square miles, with a popu-
lation (1878-9) of 21,037; Ajuda (Whydah), area 13
square miles, with a population (1873) of 4,500; the
countries of Angola, Ambriz, Benguela, and Mos-
samedes, situated between Rivers Loge and Cape
Frio, with an estimated area of 312,509 square miles,
and an estimated people of 2,000,000 ; and the Congo
districts, of an estimated area of 382,683, with a
population of 350,000. ,

From the ‘Statesman’s Year Book, 1886,’ I extract
as follows:—

“At the Berlin Congress, 1884-5, the claim of
Portugal was admitted to the territory from Ambriz
to the mouth of the Congo—along the river to nearly
opposite Vivi, eastward to the River Kwango, and
south along the river to beyond 10° S.L.: also to a
small stretch of coast north of the Congo, including
Cabinda and Landana.”

According to the Census of 1878, the Cape Verde
Islands, ten in number—the most inrportant Portu-
guese Colonial possession—divided into windward and
leeward groups, with an area of 1,650 square miles,
situated abreast of Senegambia, about 320 miles from
the Western Coast of Africa, contained a population
of 99,318. In 1881 the British subjects were 89,

The Cape Verde Islands lie so approximately, viz.
between 17° 13' and 14° 45"N.L,, and 22° 45" and 25°
25" W.L., to our Possessions on the Gambia, that I

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 2r

am induced to here make a brief allusion to them.
As to their Flora, I must refer my readers to the
work on the Botany of the Islands, by P. Barker
Webb, under the title ‘Spicelegia Gorgonea.’

Until 1879, these islands, with the other Portuguese
Possessions on the coast of Guinea, formed one Pro-
vince : the islands by themselves now form a Portuguese
Province. They are of volcanic nature, of high eleva-
tion, and in the valleys fertile.

The uncertainty of water supply and frequent
droughts paralyse trade and destroy the crops there,
and in consequence the islands should offer a
market for certain West African products, especially
corn (Zea Mays), which can be grown cheap and good,
and of two crops annually. I may add that these
islands are somewhat supplied with this corn from
the Portuguese Possessions lying south and adjacent
to the Gambia. Indeed from the Gambia itself corn
has found its way to them, spasmodically as are efforts
sustained generally in West Africa.

Even from Lagos, so much further south and east,
it has been proved that corn can be shipped to
England with profitable results, It can be grown
extensively and procured—taken in quantity—at the
former place, in fact in most places on the Gold Coast,
at od. per bushel.

Here, as elsewhere along this coast, American
trade insinuates itself and progresses, whether in
wooden gimcracks, furniture, rum, or tobacco.

22 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

The trade in cereals and wood-work done with the
United States, conducted by sailing ships, is of
moment, and among the Imports for 1882 into these
islands were found—

Kilos. Lbs. Reis.
Corn meal , é 5,053 11,116 188,000
Flour ‘ : . 140,081 304,178 13,850,300
Worked wood material ae a J,513,450
Manufactured tobacco 9,145 20,119 3,062,000
—About £3,965

There were exported to the United States during
the same year—

Reis,
Coffee . . . . : 3 - 841,116
Willow furniture . c ‘ . « 19,200
—About £190.

The planting as a Government duty of the tur-
queira trees (Fatropha Curcas, or Curcas purgans) by
thousands is now being proceeded with in those
islands, but under difficulties in consequence of
droughts.

Oil is made in some countries from the seed, for
lighting and medicinal purposes. The seeds are
largely exported from Portugal to France, the chief
market being Marseilles, for use in the manufacture of
soap and for lighting purposes. About 350,000 bushels
of the seed are annually exported to Portugal from the
Cape de Verde Islands. As to its yield, vzde table at
page 74. This shrub would grow, under culture,
luxuriantly in West Africa, We have there many
rich samples growing without care or appreciation.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 23

On the other Portuguese Possessions, which offer,
as well as the other parts of West Africa, extensive
fields for the development of economic botany, there
will be found remarks as regards the different products
in the market.

In addition to the Canary Islands, the other
Spanish Possessions on this coast appear as Fernando
Po, Annabon, Elobey, Corisco, San Juan, &c., with an
area of 850 square miles, and a given population of
36,000, exclusive of that of the first-mentioned group,
represented by 279,806 (about).

I observe further that Spain also claims the West
Coast of Africa between Capes Bojador and Blanco,
the district of Ifin, near Cape Nun, opposite the
Canary Islands, the islands of Elobey on the West
Coast of Africa, and the country on the banks of the
rivers Muni and Naya.”—‘Statesman’s Year Book,
1886.’

The Canaries should, properly speaking, be out of
this Book, for they do not lie within the Tropics.
Yet I call attention to them in view of the fact that
nine-tenths of the inhabitants of the Canary and Cape
Verde Islands, represented by 280,000 and 99,000
(approximate), live upon fish with toasted corn or
flour, “ Gofio,” a considerable proportion of which, as
Indian corn, comes from Europe and Asia, whereas it
might be supplied from West Africa, a nearer and
cheaper field.

By the growth now of sugar-cane and tobacco are

24 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

represented fresh and necessary industries in those
islands, consequent on the falling off of prices obtained
for cochineal. Tobacco from these islands of local
growth finds its way already to West Africa. The
sugar-cane plants have and are being received from
Madeira, where they were and are imported from
Mauritius.

Of the Spanish Island of Fernando Po, the Landers,
in their ‘ Niger, published in 1833, write :-—

“ There are various sorts of timber at Fernando Po,
among which the African oak is very plentiful, and
particularly so in George’s Bay, where it grows close
to the sea-side. Satin wood, ebony, ignum vite, yellow
camwood, and several sorts of mahogany, besides
other wood ofa very hard nature, grow in profusion
all over the island, and may probably hereafter
become valuable.” '

“During 1884 Germany extended her Empire
beyond the bounds of Europe by taking under her
protection certain portions of the West Coast of
Africa. On the slave coast Germany has annexed
the territories of Togo and Bajida, extending about
twenty-four miles beyond the eastern limit of the
British Gold Coast Colony. In Biafra Bay to the
east of the British Oil River Territory, Germany
has annexed the district of Bimbia, the island of
Nikol, and the various kinglets of the Cameroon
River, the district of Malimba, Plantation and Criby
where the French Territory of Gaboon is reached.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 25

On the South-West Coast of Africa Germany has
annexed the coast of Damaraland from Cape Frio,
the southernmost point of Portuguese Possessions, to
Walvisch Bay, and the Namaqualand coast from
Walvisch Bay to the Orange River, the north boun-
dary of Cape Colony.”—‘ Statesman’s Year Book, 1886.’

In Command Paper C. 1161 will be found, in the
form of tables marked “ Export,” Statistics of Timber
from the United States for and inclusive of the years
1866-1873, which will give some idea of the African
trade in this commodity. The headings under
countries to which timber has been exported have
varied in the years given. A regular export, however,
to West Africa of timber proceeds from the United
States of America.

This information, of course, dates back some years ;
but it will admit, notwithstanding, of a comparative
estimate of the Timber Import Trade in the direction
to which it applies, and will serve as a basis for
completion later to date. .

In explanation of the international distribution of
this trade I may add, however, of the United States
export trade, that “British Possessions in Africa”
would seem to include the Cape Colony and Natal ;
the “ French Possessions in Africa,” those in North as
well as West Africa; the “Portuguese,” Madeira,
Azores, and all other Portuguese Possessions ; and
“ All other Spanish,” Canary Islands, Philippine, San
Domingo, and all West Africa Possessions,

26 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

As regards trade with British Africa, it would seem.
to include Her Majesty’s Possessions in South Africa.
and Natal; so that the statistics do not afford the:
same pointed interest and value they would otherwise,,
could I have used and confined figures to West Africa
and the West African Islands alone.

Reporting on the Forestry of Sweden and Norway,.
Mr. Dering stated, véde Command Paper just referred
to :—

“There is hardly a maritime country in the world,
with the exception of China and Japan, to which the
produce of Swedish forests does not appear to find its.
way.”

West Africa is not here an exception. Swedish
and Norwegian vessels regularly find their way to this.
coast, and as an instance I would here give that,
according to the Specification and Value of Exports.
from Sweden of each kind of timber during 1872 to
each foreign country, consignments, as under, valued.
at £7,000 17s. 6a, reached Africa exclusive of the
Cape of Good Hope—meaning Cape Colony.

Pieces. | Cubic Feet. Kroner. English Value.

Timber trees. . . | 23 778 280
Beams and spars. . | 642 22,554 14,660
Deals and planks. . 160,718 | 110,896
Fashioned wood 180

126,016=|£7,000 175. 61.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA, 27

Although from Norway no direct African timber
trade of any importance seems to exist—for in 1870
the exports were represented by 108 Commercial]
Lasts, averaging in total about 216 tons, of planed
timber and flooring—yet, as Great Britain has absorbed
nearly one half of the whole timber export represented
by sawn timber, deals, battens, boards, staves, &c., no
doubt a fair proportion as manufactured articles finds
a market later in West Africa.

Through the courtesy of Mr. J. Bolton, of Messrs.
Stanford, I am enabled to here summarise the result
of the late European scramble for Africa and the
positions consequent thereon. Its Western side is
now almost completely appropriated by European
Powers. The Sultan of Morocco claims the coast
from Gibraltar Strait as far as Wady Dra’a, from
which to Cape Bojador the coast is commercially
worked by an English Company—“ The North-West
Africa Trading Company ’—with its head-quarters at
Cape Juby. From Cape Bojador to Levrier Bay, in
lat. 21° N., Spain has declared herself mistress.
From Levrier Bay to Punshavel Point on the right
of the Saloum River the coast is French ; from a
point opposite to Punshavel Point on the left bank of
the Saloum River to southern limit of British Combo
is the Gambia, the first British West African Settle-
ment. Next to Gambia and conterminous with
British Combo is Foreign Combo, a native State
somewhat under British protection, presided over by

28 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

a Mohammedan Chicf—Alimami Phodey Selah.
Then we come again to French territory, extending
on either side of the Casamance River as far south
as Cape Roxo. From Cape Roxo to the River
Cassini—a distance, as the crow flies, of more than
100 miles—the coast is held by Portugal. The River
Cassini itself is claimed by France, and her territory
here extends to the Mellicorie River, where is met the
British West African Settlement of Sierra Leone,
extending to the Manah River in lat. 6° 50' N.
From this point to the River San Pedro,a distance
of nearly 350 miles—stretches the Native African
Republic of Liberia. From the Rio San Pedro to
Grand Lahou there appears a portion of unappro-
priated coast of upwards of 100 miles in extent.

From Grand Lahou to Assine is the French Ivory
Coast Settlement, and from Newtown, Assine, to
Bey Beach is the British Gold Coast Colony.

From Bey Beach to Little Popo is one of the
recently-acquired German Protectorates, and con-
terminous with it is the French acquirement of
Grand Popo, which again adjoins the Portuguese Pro-
tectorate of Whydah, which is conterminous with the
French Possession of Kotonu, where begins the
British Colony of Lagos, ending with the Benin River,
whence the British coast-line runs continuously past
the Niger River and its many mouths to the Rio del
Rey. From Rio del Rey to the Campo River in 1°
20' N. lat. is German, whence to the northern flank

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 2g

of Cape St. John is French. From Cape St. John to
the centre of Corisco Bay is Spanish, from which to.
the Chiloango River at Landana is French. From.
Chiloango River to Vermilion Point is Portuguese,
where begins the Congo Free State, ending on the
north bank of the Congo River. From the southern
bank of the Congo to the Rio Cunene is the Portu-
guese territory of Angola, &c. From the Rio Cunene
to the Orange River is German territory, with two
exceptions—British Walvisch Bay, with some 40 miles
of coast-line, and a group of small islands lying
close to the coast, called Penguin Islands. At the

Orange River begins the British South African
Colony.

30 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

II.

In the Preface to his ‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’
1868, Professor Oliver (from whom I take the liberty
to quote) has deemed it expedient to divide Western
Tropical Africa into two principal geographical
regions, viz. :—

1. Upper Guinea, including under this term the
Western Coast Region from the River Senegal on
the north to Cape Lopez immediately south from
the equator ; the interior drained by rivers interme-
diate between these limits and the small islands of
the Gulf of Guinea, Fernando Po, Prince’s Island, St.
Thomas and Annabon.

2. Lower Guinea, Western Tropical Africa from
Cape Lopez southward to the Tropic of Capricorn,
including Congo, Angola, Benguela, and Mossamedes.

The collections—I get my information from the
above-quoted Preface—of botanical specimens received
from time to time from the first Region, together with
many from Sierra Leone, Fernando Po, and Accra,
and other points on which is based the information
as to Upper Guinea, were :—

1. The plants collected by Dr. Theodore Vogel
and his assistant, Mr. Ansell, on the Niger Expedi-

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 31

tion in 1841, which formed the basis of the ‘Flora
Nigritiana’ of Dr. Hooker and Mr. Bentham, pub-
lished in 1849.

2. The plants collected by Mr. Charles Barter
under Dr. Baikie’s Expedition in 1857, 1858, and
1859, as well as those of the latter gentleman.

3. The important contribution made by Mr. Gustav
Mann, under the auspices of the Admiralty, in Fer-
nando Po, St. Thomas and Prince’s Island, Old
Calabar, Cameroon Mountains, Corisco Bay, Rivers
Muni and Gaboon, and the Sierra del Crystal.

4. Collections chiefly in the neighbourhood of
Abbeokuta, by the late Dr. Irving.

5. The collections of Rev. W. C. Thomson from
Old Calabar and its neighbourhood, from Senegambia
by Heudelot and Leprieur, of M. Bidjem and of
Don, Whitfield, Miss Turner, and others from Sierra
Leone.

The collections in the Herbarium of the British
Museum have also been referred to; of Afzelius,
Smeathmann, Daniell, and others of Sierra Leone, of
Leprieur and Perrottet in Senegambia.

For the material from Lower Guinea, Professor
Oliver acknowledged his indebtedness to Dr. Friedrich
Welwitsch as regards the Congo, to Professor Christian
Smith, to Captain R. F. Burton, and to Dr. Curror as
regards Elephants’ Bay.

Although it may be advanced that such references
have to do with the Science of Botany rather than

32 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

with its economic value, yet the information which
has reached, and on which has been built the Flora
of Tropical Africa, has contained important data
which should be useful “to future explorers and
residents in Africa interested in the natural produc-
tions and economic products of the country.” It is, I
might venture to remark, a pity that the Economic
does not as a rule somewhat merge into the General
Botanic interest, and that the Science of Botany does
not condescend to admit more of the introduction of
economic notes explanatory and suggestive of parti-
culars on points of commercial interest. It may, and
very naturally, be advanced that either subject affords
a sufficient field for itself. I will acknowledge the
justice of such an assertion. But who are more able
and can more readily and fully deal with the addition
suggested than the many gentlemen who make the
Science of Botany a lifelong study, and who have so
many veins of information, inaccessible to the many,
within their grasp and under their control? Much
useful work in an economic sense I must acknow-
ledge has been done, and I would ask not to be viewed
as a reflector or disparager, but rather as a suggester.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 33

ITI.

ALTHOUGH I have so far given definitions of the
various Possessions in West Africa, yet much more
may be expected in the direction of affording forestry
statistics. True, on the one side, those Possessions
have a marked and fixed water boundary to the west
or south, according to the course of the Atlantic; but
otherwise inland, to the north, to the east, and again
to the south, boundaries can be compared to the rings
of concentric circles as observed when a stone is
thrown into water—they are ever moving outwards,
never inwards.

This may in a measure account for the want of
territorial definiteness, and, I may say, somewhat in
consequence, for the entire absence of information on
the forested or deforested portion of the colonised
countries in West Africa, and on their grand prolific
interior which must still be looked upon as scienti-
fically and commercially unexplored.

I endeavoured in vain to gather some forestry
statistics as regards the French Possessions, hoping to
find that, among those comparatively much more
advanced Colonies, data existed not procurable cer-

D

34 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

tainly in our own Colonies. I fancy the other
Possessions are no further advanced in this direction.

Our next step, then, it would seem, is to turn to the
Exports from this comparative “terra incognita,” and
thence glean facts that come within our knowledge to
illustrate their importance to the trade of the United
Kingdom.

In the first place it is suggested what are the
present economic botanical productions. They, taking
them in the order of their value to the Mother
Country, are chiefly, so far as are known commer-
cially, palm oil, nuts, and kernels, caoutchouc, coffee,
gum, dye-wood, cocoa, cotton, fibres, and wood. Under
headings mentioned I have put together data-statistics
for so many years, and in a later part of this Work I
will hope to furnish the distribution of such Imports.

PALM OIL—On the 20th March, 1845, an Order
was issued from the House of Commons for a Return
of an Account of the quantity of palm oil annually
imported into the United Kingdom from the West
Coast of Africa since the year 1790, when the palm
oil industry may be said to have been in its infancy:
it has since become the chief staple of trade in the
Gold Coast, Lagos Colonies, and elsewhere.

The Return which follows was then completed
to date, and has, with the additional information
since afforded, been placed at my disposal through
the courtesy of E. Banner, Esq. Wessex House,

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 35

Northumberland Avenue, London, W.C. The figures
speak for themselves of the growth of this trade, and
of the important part the Z/ais guineensis has played
and commercially still plays in West Africa. Query
whether it will continue to play, in view of price
to which its oil has fallen, from £52 per ton it
formerly fetched ; of the scare and temporary cessation
of business its low price caused last year; and of
its growing rivals in the shape of petroleum, tallow,
home and foreign ; cotton, ground-nut and linseed oils?

I must say, however, that if there is a commodity
which from the circumstances and conditions of the
growth of the palm-tree, the harvest of its crop, and
the manufacture of its oil, should be able to accom-
modate itself to any variation of the market, it is

palm oil.
Years. Quantity. Years. Quantity.
cwt. cwt.
1790 2,599 1807 2,233
1791 3,625 1808 11,047
1792 4,609 1809 14,983
1793 3,071 1810 25,754
1794 1,584 1811 23,537
1795 1,350 1812 11,637
6 Records destroyed 181 age destroyed
179 by fire. 3 by fire.
1797 2,164 1814 19,344
1798 35336 1815 41,278
1799 4,147 1816 23,831
1800 4,467 1817 29,700
1801 3,807 1818 29,310
1802 7,718 1819 74,049
1803 9,790 1820 17,456
1804. 6,327 1821 102,490
1805 45327 1822 63,754
1806 7,215 1823 65,402

D2

36 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Years. Quantity. Years. Quantity.

cwt. cwt.
1824 73,989 1833 266,991
1825 85,366 1834 269,907
1826 99,068 1835 256, 337
1827 94,246 1836 276,635
1828 126,553 1837 223,292
1829 179,922 1838 281,373
1830 213,467 1839 343,449
1831 163,288 1840 315,458
1832 217,804

* About 1873-4, floating cargoes began to go direct to France
owing to the imposition of a surtax on indirect imports. In
1875 about 3,000 tons went in floating cargoes direct to the
continent, in 1876 the quantity had risen to 10,000 tons, and
since then 10,000 to 15,000 tons have gone annually.

Quantity Quantity
Years. Quantity. re-exported| Years. Quantity. re-exported

in tons. in tons.

cwt. cwt.

1841 397,076 3 m. 1865 706, 380
1842 420,171 23m. 1866 698, 580
1843 407,884, 32m. 1867 761,760
1844 414,570 35 m. | 1868 830, 000
1845 500,833 1Zm. 1869 703,560
1846 360,452 32m. | 1870 868,270 144
1847 469, 348 4gm. | 1871 | 1,031,635 253
1848 499,719 4;m. | 1872 995,006 23%
1849 493,364 7_™. Tons. Exported.
1850 434,450 3¢m. | 1873 44,827 21,380
1851 584,477 5¢m. | 1874 44,741 20,510
1852 507,896 54m. 1875 42,490 21,823
1853 620, 134. 5 m. 1876 41,827 19,500
1854 731,659 7m. | 1877 40,076 19,159
1855 780,599 8% m. | 1878 42,500 19,339
1856 786, 700 osm. | 1879 43,469 17,801
1857 854, 791 102 m. | 1880 51,319 22,161
1858 778,230 82 m. 1881 40,987 22,764
1859 685,794. 72 mu. 1882 40,077 21,407
1860 804, 326 9+ m. 1883 37,176 17,827
1861 740, 332 8m. 1884 41,291 18,051
1862 865,890 ism. | 1885 44,924 19,444
1863 790, 224 Io m, | 1886 49,655 24,454
1364 619,780

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 37

Here also is a West African native product other
than Liberian coffee that finds its way to different parts
of the world. I would mention that at the instance, in
1876, of Sir Joseph Hooker, and with the co-operation
of the Colonial Office, action was begun for the in-
troduction from the West Coast of Africa into Labuan
of the Elais guineensis as a means towards the
establishment of an industry considered to be well
adapted for that and adjacent islands.

On its introduction the Acting Governor of Labuan
reported in 1878 that 700 young trees were yielded
by the experiment, and, “notwithstanding a drought
which was quite exceptional and lasted for nearly five
months, flourished and were transplanted in July
last.”

It will be interesting to follow up this acclimatisa-
tion and industry.

In connection with the growth and methods in use
there in the extraction of the oil (both palm and
kernel) the Governor of the Gold Coast Colony was
addressed in 1877 by the Secretary of State for the
Colonies, and the following full Report, under “ Culti-
vation and Produce,” which I give in extenso, was
the issue—to be found printed in the Gardeners’
Chronicle for June 30th, 1877—and for which we are
indebted to the late zealous and able Dr. Africanus
Beale Horton :—

CULTIVATION.—‘ The ripe nut is selected for this

38 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

purpose. The ground is first well raked, and the nuts
scattered broadcast over it and lightly covered with
earth, or a number of nuts ranging from six to ten
are deposited in one spot at various distances and
covered with earth. The planting must be during
the rainy season, as it requires a good quantity of
water. When the young shoots have grown to about
a foot in height they are carefully removed in the
evening, and transplanted a distance of at least fifteen
feet from one another, and if planted during one
season, it is better toallow them to remain until the
next before they are transplanted.

“The African oil palm grows luxuriantly and bears
more abundantly at the height of from ten to twelve
feet in a damp, semi-marshy soil, where water does
not, however, stand. In arid, dry soil it becomes
stumpy and grows very slowly, and sometimes bears
at four feet ; but to cultivate the plant so as toensure a
proper growth, a development of a good number of
nut branches, large in size, with nuts well supplied
with flesh, or what is technically called ‘fat nuts,’
the trees must be at a distance of at least twenty feet
from one another and well supplied with water.

“The supply of nuts fit for use is biennial, but the
most abundant supply of commercial oil is obtained
from nuts gathered during the rainy season,”

COMMERCIAL PALM OIL MANUFACTURE.—(c)
“The nut bunches are cut down from the trees and put

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 39

ina heap outside in the air, where they are allowed to
remain for a week or ten days, which causes the joints
of the nuts to be weakened by the process of decom-
position, and allows them to be detached by simply
beating them against any substance ; the nuts are
gathered and the husks (decayed sepals) that adhere
to their base removed, either by the hand or by
rubbing them together, and separated by throwing
them in the air, and allowing a strong breeze to blow
them away. A hole about four feet is dug in the
earth, which is lined with plantain leaves, into which
the nuts with the hard unyielding pulp are put, and
covered over first with plaintain leaves and then with
palm leaves and earth.

“The nuts are allowed to remain here for various
periods from three weeks to three months, until de-
composition of a more or less extent has taken place,
so that when removed the pulp is soft, and appears as
if it had been thoroughly boiled. They are now put
into a trough made by digging a hole four feet in
depth into the earth, and paving it below and around
with rough stones. In some cases a portion of the
nuts is boiled in iron or earthenware pots and then
mixed with the unboiled portion, before putting into
the trough.

“They are now pounded with wooden pestles by
several persons standing round the trough until the
pulp is quite removed from the surface of the hard
nut, the whole is removed from the trough, put into

4o FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

a heap and the stones taken out, leaving the oily
fibrous pulp, which is put into a pot with a small
quantity of water under a good fire and well stirred
until the oil begins to melt out. The pulp is then
removed and put into a rough net opened at both
ends, to which are attached two or three short sticks,
by turning which at opposite directions the oil is
squeezed out ; from the nettings it runs into a receiver
or tub, leaving the fibre in it.

“The longer the oil-nuts remain underground the
thicker the oil will be when made; the quality will
also be inferior, and the smell bad ; ceteris parzbus, the
shorter time, within certain limits, the nuts are under-
ground, the more superior will be the quality of the
oil made from them, This in a great measure will
account for the difference in the quality of the oil
shipped from different parts of the coast.”

PALM OIL FOR HOME CONSUMPTION.—(0) “The
nut bunches are kept in a hot place for three or four
days, and the nuts are taken out ; a small quantity—
from three to four lbs—is made at a time; they are
boiled in iron pots, then put into wooden mortar and
pounded with wooden pestles. The pulpy mass is
then mixed with tepid water with the hand, the chaff
is first removed, and afterwards the stones. The oil
remains mixed in the water, which is passed through
a sieve, to remove the remaining chaff, into a pot
placed on the fire, and heated to boiling point, and

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 4I

allowed to continue in that state whilst the oil floats
up as a bright red substance. The water at this stage
is being continually stirred and the oil removed as
it floats up, until the whole is removed. The oil is
now put into a pot and heated, to drive out any water
it may contain.”

SECOND PALM KERNEL OIL, (a) WHITE, (6) BROWN
OR BLAck.—“ The nuts which have been subjected to:
the process already described in making oil, deprived
of their external pulp or old nuts picked up from
under the palm-tree, are put in the sun for days, and
even months, until they are perfectly dry; they are
then broken between two stones, and the kernels
obtained whole or in perfect condition and fit for
exportation, and is the commercial palm-kernel. If
they have not been perfectly dried, the kernels break
into pieces.”

WHITE KERNEL OIL.—(a) “ The kernels are put into
wooden mortar and pounded very fine; then removed
to a grinding-stone and ground into a homogeneous
mass, which is put into cold water and stirred with
the hand ; the oil rises in white lumps on the surface
of the water, which is collected and boiled. It is of a
very light straw colour, and when exposed to the sun
and dew becomes after a time perfectly white.”

BROWN OR BLACK KERNEL OIL.—(0, “The kernels

42 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

are put into a pan and fried, the oil oozes out into it
from them, and it is strained ; the fried nuts are put
into wooden mortar, pounded, and afterwards finely
ground on a grinding-stone ; the mass is thrown into
a small quantity of boiling water and stirred con-
tinually, the oil rises as a supernatant fluid, and is
removed until none rises. The pulpy mass is removed
from the fire and spread out in a large bowl and
allowed to cool, after which it is again ground and
put by until the cool of the day, when it is mixed with a
little water to soften it. It is now beaten with the hand
for some time, until the air comes out in white pellets.
As soon as this is observed a large quantity of water
is put into it and the oil in some fatty substance
floats on the top, which is skimmed off and boiled
and the pure oil obtained.

“Under the circumstances detailed above, the ex-
ported kernel could not retain its germinating power ;
besides, I think, like cocoa-nut and the other plants of
the palm tribe, for plantation the nut requires the
hard exterior covering for protection in the earth.”

The following table (page 44) is drawn up from the
General Imports into the United Kingdom of the
palm oil exported from West Africa as designated,
and is useful in showing in a measure the direction,
for eight years, of the export trade.

In view of these statistics it may afford approximate
means of calculation to show how much we owe, apart
from its botanic interest, in the way of the immense

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 43

tracts of country that lie covered by this beautiful
tree, commercially to the Elazs guineensis, when I
say that on an average a palm-tree is supposed to
yield 20lbs. nuts a season (of which there are two)
and that a good crop should afford in oil 35 to 45%
of the weight. This is supported somewhat by the
fact that a gallon of palm oil weighs about 9g lbs.
The fruitfulness and size of palm-trees are dependent
on the soil. They bear in seven to twelve years, and
for thirty-five to forty years. According to native
estimate and wasteful process of manufacture it will
take 30 to 35 lbs. of palm-oil nuts to give a gallon
of palm oil.

I have been further informed that 120 bunches of
palm nuts go to make six old wine gallons of oil, and
6,000 bunches to make a ton of palm oil; but I would
be disposed to question the accuracy of this informa-
tion, as the yield would depend on size and richness
of the nuts and clusters.

The nature and quality of this commodity vary
with locality and care in preparation.

In the trade it is called “hard” when it contains a
larger proportion of “stearine,” “soft” when it con-
tains a smaller proportion, and “medium” when it
sets after melting, whether hard or soft.

The “hard” oil is exported chiefly from the Congo,
the Niger, Brass, New Calabar; Saltpond, Appam,
Winnebah of the Gold Coast Colony; is used by
candle manufacturers: while the “soft” oils from

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

44

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46 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Lagos, Bonny, Opobo, Old Calabar, Operta (Niger),
Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Sherbro, &c., are used princi-
pally for lubricating, and soap.

Lagos oil, which is imported in a very pure state,
and fetches the highest price, is required largely py
tin-plate manufacturers in South Wales.

The difference in nature of oil, although obtained
from the same tree, Elais guineensis, is attributed
to soil, climate, time of gathering nuts and mode of
preparation. And I am informed that “soft” oil is
shipped from rivers near to “hard” oil exporting
rivers. .

The market value of oil must depend largely on its
purity : that from Lagos, known as the purest, fetches
the highest price, and it is the only oil sold precisely
in the condition imported. All other oils from the
water and impurities contained have to be analysed
when sold, and the buyer is entitled to an allowance
proportionate to impure condition on analysis.

The “regular” oil, that is, what comes from Bonny,
Benin, Old Calabar, Opobo, Niger, Operta, New
Calabar, Brass, Cameroon, Congo, Accra, Addah, &c.,
is only subject to this allowance if the water and
impurities exceed 2 per cent.

All other oil, that from Lagos of course excepted,
is called “irregular,” and is sold on the basis of purity,
the buyer getting an allowance for the total percentage
of water and impurities found on analysis.

Oil usually imported in an impure state is of less

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 47

value than that which is clean, apart from allowance
on analysis, because it requires special cleaning, and
consequently entails more outlay.

The import from West Africa into Liverpool—the
chief market for palm oil—is given for ten years in
the following table :—

Year. Tons. Year. Tons.
1876 . . 38,648 1882. «39,114
1877. . . 38,900 1883. . 35,804
1878 . . 35,064 1884. . 42,651
1879 - . 38,793 1885. . 40,354
1880 . . 45,787 1886 . . 44,644
1881 . . 38,526 (11 months)

In December last, the quotations of palm oil were
as follows :—

L Ss a. Lo 8 de
Lagos . . - . 23 5 O | Accra
Bonny . . . . 21 15 © | Addah 21 5 0
Opobo . . . . 28 15 © | Quittah
Operta. . . . 2110 0 | Loanda. . . . 21 0 0
Benin . . . + 21 o | Saltpond
Cameroon. . . 228 15 0 | Appam 19 5 0
Old Calabar . . 22 0 O | Winnebah
Niger . . . . 21 0 0 | Grand Bassa . . I9 Io Oo
Brass . . . . 2% 0 O | Sierra Leone
New Calabar . . 2% © oO | Sherbro oF OO
Congo . . . . 21 © © | Otherirregular oils 19/, to 217.

The following useful and interesting notes on Palm
Oil are by Mr. A. Norman Tate, analytical and con-
sulting chemist and consulting chemical engineer,
Liverpool :—

“Palm oil as imported into this country contains
varying amounts of water and impurities such as
sand, earthy matters, vegetable fibre, mucilage, &c,

48 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

The proportion of water and impurities in the ‘re-
gular’ oils varies from under one per cent. (this is
rare) to 7 or 8 per cent., but rarely exceeds 5 or 6
percent. In the ‘irregular’ oils, water and impurities
are frequently as high as 16 or 18 per cent., and some-
times even so much as 25 or 30 per cent. ; but most of
the irregular samples run from about 5 to IO or 12
per cent.

“The oil itself when fresh consists chiefly of the
fatty bodies known as tripalmitin, a compound of
palmitic acid and glycerol, or glycerin, and triolein, a
compound of oleic acid and glycerol, or glycerin, the
tripalmitin being present in greater quantity. There
are also present in most specimens of the oil free fatty
acids, and these increase in quantity as the oil becomes
older.

‘“The oil is largely used for soap-making, and
generally in combination with tallow and other fats.
And by processes of saponification, or treatment at
high temperature with super-heated steam, its con-
stituents are separated into a solid fatty acid, palmi-
tic acid (often mixed with other solid fatty acids), a
liquid oily body, oleic acid, and glycerin. The solid
fats are largely used for candle-making, whilst the
oleic acid is employed for lubricating and many other
purposes for which the liquid oils, such as olive, are
used. The glycerin when refined is made use of in
medicine, surgery, for the manufacture of the ex-
plosive nitro-glycerin, and many other purposes.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 49

“Some typical samples of Palm oil from which
water and impurities had been removed gave me the
following results ”:—

+ New Old Grand
Brass. | Benin. | Lagos. | Cisbar. | Calabar. | Bassa.

Specific gravity at 15°C. 921°3 922°8 920°3 926°9 920°9 924°5
Saponification equivalent | 280*2 282°2 285°4 280°9 284°5 278°8
Percentage of fatty acids| 96-97 | 96-96"s | 94-97 94-97 | 9472-95 | 95°5-96's
Solidifying point of Sey 7 ; cenpas e ‘ . c f . :
acids. . . . . «§|/44°4745 8] 45°-45°5 | 44°5-45°5 | 44°2-45°5| 44°2-45°5 | 41° 5-42°3
Combining weight yt:

fattyacdsts ey 273°4 | 273°7 | 272°7 | 273°2 273°2 273°0

As to the distribution of the Elazs guineensis, Dr.
Schweinfurth, in his ‘Heart of Africa, says : “On the
south of the Welle there is a very extensive cultiva-
tion of the oil palm. It is a tree that, although
common to the west coasts, has not hitherto been
found in the Nile districts, and consequently, like the
-cola-nuts, which the wealthier of the Monbuttoo are
accustomed to chew, it yields a significant evidence of
the western associations of the people.” And speaking
of the Monbuttoo country, he adds: “The oil palm
(Z/lais) is here at the extreme northern limit to
which cultivation has ever transferred it, as it is still
utterly unknown in all the districts of the Nile. Not
until we crossed the Welle did we find it planted
out in groves, and to judge from appearances it
had only been planted even there for purposes of
experiment.”

NuTS AND KERNELS.—“ Nuts and Kernels” may
E

50 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

be mentioned as an Official Heading, and applicable
in its embrace to Imports commonly used for ex-
pressing oil therefrom. The component parts are not
specialised in the Statistical Yearly Abstract pre-
pared by the Imperial Custom House.

However, quantities imported into the United
Kingdom for eight years ended and inclusive of 1885
are afforded in the Return (page 51).

Such imports were chiefly composed of the kernel
of the fruit of the West African Palm-oil tree (Z/azs
guineensis), and of the ground nut (Arachis hypogea),
although beni-seed (Sesamum indicum), the kernel of
the cocoa-nut (Cocos nucifera), the niko and m’poga
nuts (West African Parinaria, so far undetermined
from insufficiency of botanical material supplied), the
tooloocounah, carapa or crab nut (carapa guineensis),
akee nut (Blighia sapida), cashew (alien) nut (Aza-
cardium occidentale), ordeal or Calabar bean (Physos-
tigma venenosum), opachelo nut (Pentaclethra macro-
phylla), coco-plum ‘kernel (Chrysobalanus Icaco), Niger
or Ramtil seed (Guzzotza abyssinica), the Dika almond
(frvingia Barteri), tambacoombah and other oil-
yielding nuts of doubtless much commercial value
in the future are to be found among the exports from
West Africa, which is in its infancy as a prolific and
profitable field of discovery and utilisation in the
matter of other undiscovered oil-yielding kernels.

According to Kew Report 1877, the M’poga nut
exudes abundantly oil on pressure by the fingers,

5!

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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54 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

which is said to be the richest and most fluid oil
known, yielding on pressure 80 per cent. Of the
Dika nut it is stated, “Another remarkable produc-
tion is the Dika almond, which on strong pressure
yields from 65 to 70 per cent. of grease resembling
the butter-cocoa, fusible at 122° F., and fitted for the
manufacture of soap.”

And of the Niko nut I give the following analysis
by Mr. I. A. Voeleker, which I have taken from Kew
Report 1881 :—

Oil (of a yellow colour, readily ane into a thick varnish-

like mass) . . 4 ce ee OAS
Albuminous dontpounds (eitaining “75 Oe: Se & 4°69
Sugar, gum, mucilage, &. 2 6 ee ee ee ee 29°75
Woody fibre (cellulose) . 2. 2 1 2 ee ee 3°60
Mineral matter (ash) . 2. 1 7 ee ee ew "94
MOIStUTE Ss: er obe te Ge et cuit ee a SE ES 1°59
100°00

I may here remind my readers of the seed of the
Shea butter tree (Butyrospermum Parkit), and the
butter or tallow tree of Sierra Leone (Pentadesma
butyracea), and of the physic (jatropha curcas) and
castor-oil (Ricinus communis) nuts.

The chief centre of the ground-nut crushing
industry is Marseilles: and at Harbourg, Bordeaux,
Dunkirk, Nantes, Caen, there are important mills.

The finest ground-nut oil is used as a substitute for
and mixture with olive: it is also used in Holland in
the manufacture of butterine: the next qualities are
good for lubricating and engine oils, while the inferior

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 55

qualities are used in the manufacture of soap and for
lighting. The nut is also used in confectionery.

From the West Coast of Africa (Niger and places
to windward of Sierra Leone being somewhat excep-
tions) this nut is exported in the shell: from the
South-West Coast, shelled or decorticated.

From the countries to windward of Sierra Leone
—inclusive of and chiefly from Senegal and Gambia—
there is exported the bulk of this commodity.

I am advised that in Cajor of Senegambia is
generally grown the finest nut: next come Rufisque,
Saloum and upper Gambia: from the lower Gambia,
Casamance, Boulama, Rio Nunez and the interjacent
rivers as far as Sierra Leone, go inferior nuts.

Kernels that have properly matured, large and
heavy, clean and fresh, are of most value to the
crushers, and therefore command the higher price.

The extended culture of ground-nuts, not only in
India and North America, but also in South America,
East and South Africa, and Spain, has affected
sensibly this West African staple product; as also
have rash and short-sightedly premature gatherings
of crop, variability of seasons, and intertribal wars.

In verbal illustration of the foregoing, I would
mention, as I have been informed by Monsieur Bohn,
that in the year 1876 the port of Marseilles received :

From W.C. Africa. . . =. « « about 40,000 tons (in shell).
», S. America, Spain, India. . . . . 700 45 a
»» Mozambiqueand Congo. . . . +» 3,325 5, (shelled).

9» Imdia .« . 6 6 5 «@ © © « © FE,000 55 a6

56 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

At the same port, for. 1885, the receipts were:

From W. C. Africa . . . . . « about 35,000 tons (in shell).
»» S.Americaand Spain . . . . . 1,500 yy ae
»» Mozambiqueand Congo. . . . . 8,180 ,, er
yy: Amid, Gs. es es we ee G2 YOO? jy ”

While in the first eleven months of 1886 there
were received into Marseilles :

From W. C. Africa (50 per cent. of which

came from Senegal) . . . about 12,600 tons (in shell).
>», S.Americaand Spain... . . 255) 95 $3
»» Mozambique and Congo. . . . . 41,100 4, (shelled).
gy HMI) se Re OBO 555, Ae

In the year 1880 there was the most prosperous
season on the West Coast of Africa for this com-
modity, when the receipts in Marseilles alone reached
72,000 tons.

Detailed particulars will be found on pages 52-3 of
the export trade from the Gambia in the ground
nut, which in Senegambia and Her Majesty’s settle-
ments adjoining forms the chief and principal article
of export—the local commercial idol—and accordingly
deserves more notice here than to be allowed to be
generally absorbed, as is the case in the general
Table of nuts and kernels imported into the United
Kingdom.

Writing on the staples of Africa to Mr. Martin
(British Colonies) in 1842 or 1843, Mr. Mathew
Foster, to whom I have elsewhere alluded by quota-
tion, conveyed on the Arachis hypogea: “I have

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 57

lately been attempting to obtain other oils from the
Coast, and it was only yesterday I received from the
hands of the oil presser the result of my most recent
experiment on the ground nut, which I am happy to
say is encouraging. I send you a sample of oil ex-
tracted from them. They are from the Gambia.” And
he went on in the same letter to say, on the kernel
of the Elais guineensis : “I lately received from Cape
Coast a quantity of the palm nut from which the
palm oil is previously obtained, for the purpose of
examining the kernels to see whether they would not
yield an oil worth extracting. I send you a sample
of the nuts, and one of the candles made from the
stearine obtained from them.”

Here we have proof that, although the palm-oil
industry has existed since 1790, if not before, yet the
valuable palm kernel on the Gold Coast did not attract
attention until’1842 or 1843, when also the ground-
nut industry, at least in the Gambia, had its birth.

Then, in proof of how little may mar or promote
trade in West Africa, I may relate here particulars of
an incident to which, if it has not owed its birth, yet
the palm kernel trade of the Gold Coast owes indeed
much of its youth and manhood.

After the Proclamation of the Abolition of Slavery
in 1874 (towards its end), my old friend Sir George
Strahan, then Governor of the Gold Coast Colony,
now of Hong Kong, made a tour of inspection through
Aquapim, Croboe, and the Valley of the Volta. His

58 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

attention was attracted to large heaps, in numbers, of
rotting palm-nuts which presented themselves, in the
kingdom of Croboe, continually to our gaze. I may
here remark upon the cause, which was to the effect
that the cracking of the nut had been proclaimed
against by the fetishmen, and their reason for the pro-
hibition was that it gave small-pox. At a large public
meeting which Sir George Strahan held at Odumasseh,
in Croboe, he pronounced to the king, chiefs, and
people against the stupid absurdity of the edict of
the fetish, pointed out the riches that were being
allowed to rot at their very doors, and expressed the
wish that the king should remove the blindness from
the eyes of his people in this matter. His wishes
were promptly attended to, for that very evening, and
for some time after, a gong was beaten throughout
Croboe to the effect that henceforth palm kernel nuts
could be cracked, and that the kernels could be taken
to the traders and merchants.

The following Tables of exports in palm kernels for
the past seven years from the Gold Coast and the
other West African Colonies will show the extent to
which this industry has grown (pp. 59, 64).

The old and respected firm of W. B. Hutton and
Sons, then established in London—now in Liverpool
and Manchester—was the first to import regularly
(about 1848) kernels into the United Kingdom, after
which several years passed by before crushers would use
them.

59

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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“sOOV'T

FORBSTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

60

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61

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

64

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‘VIENVD

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 65

These nuts are cracked one by one by the natives,
by means of manual labour and the use of a rough
stone (what a loss of time and labour!). At various
times kernel-breaking machines have been introduced
into West Africa, but have so far not been appreciated.

As is understood, but should be better known, the
value of kernels depends on their cleanliness, freedom
from adulteration or soaking, freshness, and conse-
quent richness.

I am informed that the best kernels come from
the Oil Rivers and Lagos: the worst from ports to
windward.

Sandy beaches and sandy hills and banks adjacent
to and along the sea edge represent conditions of
site essential to and favourable for the growth of the
cocoa-nut tree, ‘Such sites toa vast extent exist along
the Bight of Benin and Biafra, where groves of this
tree are to be seen ficurishing ; yet the copra industry
is but little known, and comparatively undeveloped,
and in the Gold Coast and Lagos Colonies there
is offered a ready and rich field of fairly large promise.

Copra, worth now about £14 per ton, properly
dried yields over 60 per cent. of oil and under 40 per
cent. meal. Its oil brings in £26 per ton.

The extent of copra and beni-seed industries and
exports may be estimated from the following statistics,
pages 66, 67, 68, 69, for five years: they are capable
of considerable and profitable extension.

The development of the growth of the cocoa-nut

F

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

66

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‘THIOL 7 THIOL
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67

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

6cz 9 2 o1 bz
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‘TROL x TROL, "suoL |
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FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

68

vod 98
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69

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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‘ONL A ssarqurn?y *yiod yop JO UOLI9ALCT *AUOTOD IY WOAT ‘op ay wR

7o FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

proceeds in the Lagos Colony in the hands of the
Government, whose lead has been followed to some
extent by the natives. Such efforts, with appreciable
later commercial advantages, should be followed up
by the establishment of Botanic Stations, Model
Farms, or Nursery-gardens.

The conditions of soil on the strips of land that lie
for hundreds of miles along West Africa between the
inland waters (lagoons) that run parallel to the coast-
line and the sea are so favourable to this growth that
there should be in time a large export trade in copra
and coir. It has much astonished me to find that a
large and important firm in West Africa, with extensive
crushing mills in Germany, should have to establish
in Fiji for copra, knowing as I’ do that there is
annually available along West Africa an abundant
harvest sufficient for a considerable export.

For the benefit of those whom it may concern, I
would remark that in the Gold Coast and Lagos
Colonies nuts should in quantity be procured at 2d.
each; and, with an estimate that it would take, say,
4,000 to 6,000 nuts to yield a ton of oil of value in
the home market £26, we have a purchase outlay for
material of £6 5s. to £9 7s. 6d. against the home price.
The freight may be put down at 30s. to 4os. additional.
Thus for manufacture, other incidental expenses and
profit, there is left a margin of £15 to £18 in round
numbers on each ton of oil. And here I take no
account of the value of the coir.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 71

In the Portuguese Possessions the ground-nut is
largely cultivated. Monteiro, in his ‘Angola and the
Congo,’ describes the industry as follows :—

“The native name for it is ‘mpinda’ or ‘ ginguba,’
and it is cultivated in the greatest abundance at a few
miles inland from the coast, where the comparatively
arid country is succeeded by better ground and climate,
It requires a rich soil for its cultivation, and it is
chiefly grown therefore in the bottoms of valleys or in
the vicinity of rivers and marshes.”

* * * * *

“The greater part of the several thousand tons of
nuts that at present constitute the season’s crop in
this part of the country is grown in the Mbamba
country, lying parallel with the coast at a distance of
from thirty to eighty miles inland, or at the first and
second elevation.”

So as to attract attention, I give here from
Cameron’s ‘Across Africa’ his account of the Mpafu
tree of Tropical Africa, which is described in Kew
Report, 1880, as an oil-producing tree of great value :—

“On this march (through the Uguhha country W.
of Lake Tanganika, long, 29° 30’) I first saw the
*mpafu,’ from which the scented oil is obtained. It
is a magnificent tree, often thirty feet and more in
circumference, and rising to eighty or a hundred feet
before spreading and forming a head, the branches of
which are immense. The oil is obtained by soaking
the fruit, which has some resemblance to an olive,

72 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

for a few days in large pits of water, and when the
oil collects on the surface it is skimmed off. It is
usually of a reddish colour, very pure and clear, with
an agreeable smell. Under the bark are great masses
of scented gum, used by the natives in fumigating
themselves.”

This tree, or something closely allied to it, is, ac-
cording to Dr. Welwitsch, to be found in West Africa.

The tiger nut, the tuber of the Cyperus esculentus, is
well known in West Africa, and might be grown to:
any required extent. It is called by the French
souchet comestible or Amande de terre, and is used
as food in the south of Europe. It is used in West
Africa symbolically as love messages, &c. On the
Gold Coast it is eaten raw by the natives: it is also
cooked (boiled down), with a result something like
to custard flavoured with chocolate.

According to Dr. Royle, these tubers when roasted
have been proposed as a substitute for coffee and
cocoa. Indeed the idea has also occurred to myself,
both as regards the tiger and ground (arachis) nuts.

The adulteration of produce, especially palm oil
and palm kernels, has for some time and does form a
peg on which the members of the mercantile world in
those parts hang their hat of discontent—and natu-
rally, so long as they act as they are accustomed to do.

Representations have been repeatedly made in the
Gold Coast and Lagos Colonies on the adulteration
of palm oil by the addition of water and agidi (ground

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 73

Indian corn boiled). It was the opinion that penal
legislation that existed was and is sufficient to reach
offenders and offences of the kind complained against.

Notwithstanding, at Lagos in 1879, the mercantile
agents aimed at being empowered by further legis-
lation to proceed against persons found in the act
of adulteration, or in mere possession of adulterated
kernels, without the necessity of having to wait, as
the law stood and required, and I think stands, for
the completion of a fraud by such possessors.

One can understand the irritation caused by the
soaking of palm kernels, almost under the eyes of the
intended purchasers, and by the prospective loss of
15 per cent. in consequence ; but the keen and short-
sighted competition, and the reckless and-dishonest
credit that prevail amongst buyers, are assisting the
adulterators of oil and kernels.

In my opinion the remedy was and is in a great
measure in the hands of the merchants and agents
themselves, who for instance’ in the matter of the
purchase of palm kernels, if they combined together,
which they will never be got effectually to do—and
perhaps it is as well—could remove almost entirely
the evil complained of by their purchasing’ by measure,
as is done elsewhere on the Coast, instead of by
weight, as now. The object, viz. increased weight, on
account of which adulteration is resorted to, being thus
removed, there would be no further reason for its
continuance.

74 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.
O1L-pRopuCING SEEDS.
F Bea
» oe
No.| English Name. French Name. Scientific Name. {Field of Supply. a8 2
2° E
francs.
2 Grou : pi 7 iy Arachides. . | Avachis hypogea « grees F eeae ay
2 2 2 ee a. a «| Gambia. « 25
{eee et 33
22 ay a * i ‘aa . and Sierra Leone,
Ground nut (shelled) { Pray ieee =} ‘ : 2 nies ee 22
YASSICA apus ndia alcutta.
2| Rapeseed. « .|Colza . . . { oleifera . . ‘} Kurrachee) . | =
3 | Cocoa-nut . « .| Coprah e« « | Cocos nucifera. «| Singapore, Fiji «| 37°50
4 | Cottonseed « «| Coton. « . Soe highs —— ASE 2r
5| Linseed. . « «| Lins « © « (ae epee India (Bombay) . 25
6| Palmkernel «. «| Palmistes . . | Elais guineensis . | Lagos, Gold Coast 27
” oe > . on ” : | Sierra Leone . . 25
7 | Poppy seed. « «| Parotse « « a. aa India (Calcutta) . 22
8 | Purgeira seed . «| Pulgheres. «| ¥atrophacurcas « Cape Verde Islands | 18°50
9 | Castor-oil seed. «| Ricins « « « | Ricénus communis fewer} 21°50
to | Beni-seed « « «| Sésames « o | Sesamunz indicum| Levante « « . 40
29 os 8 8 ” ee on re - | W.C. Africa « « | 30/32
Gingelly or Bomba: Kurra-
ie re 7* { Jeel seeds zi ae A : { chee) « ( . 4 a
a + « + | Gingelly seed ” ” + | India (Coromandel) 25
iz | Nikoseed . « « Parinariuim sp. . | Liberia
12 | M’pogaseed . . . 23 « | Gaboon
Irvingia Barterz
; (Mangofera ga-
13 | Dikaalmond . . donensis, from re-}| W. Tropical Africa

semblance to
mango. »« « «4

One kilogramme = 2°20 Ibs. Avoirdupois.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

75

ial,

Yield in Oil
per cent. kilos
raw material

Price for each per
cent. kilos of Oil
produced.

Uses to which put.

Principal Markets.

36/37
62/63

37/38
45
41/42
42/43

35
42/44

50
48
46/47
46/47
x20/

160f

130/140

rst pressure 120

end ,, 100
ard yy 75
Ist 45 95
and ,, 80
grd sy go
Ist 3% go
and 35 60
3rd 5°
48/46
57
‘57

ist pressure IIO }
end 80

{

”
54/55

58

58
ist pressure 60
end 47

{

47
56/52
et F preseute a

PEE

= vies
ie oe
mh 46 50
Ist 99 9s }
2nd 45 6o
rds 5°
Ee 9 52
and ,;,
js > 7 49

Substitute for butter .

for salad oil .

2 » .

oe
Lighting and cooking. .
Soap manufacture. . .

facture
Burning «

eo ee

facture .
Cooking and lighting.

Paint.
Soap manufacture.

Substitute for salad oil
Soap manufacture.

a .
Dyeing, medicine,

cating.
Substitute for olive

Soap manufacture.
Substitute for olive

Soap manufacture. . -

Substitute for olive

Soap manufacture. .
Lighting

Soap manufacture.

Fit for soap manufacture

,)

lubri-

Say ee

for cooking oil

Lubricating, soap apa |

eee and candle aan)

seilles, Nantes, London,|

\ gel Bordeaux, Mar-
irk.,

Marseilles, Bordeaux.

Marseilles, Bordeaux, Dun-|
kirk, Genoa.

Marseilles, Bordeaux.
Marseilles, Hamburg.

Marseilles, Antwerp, Nantes.

Dunkirk, Antwerp, Hull,
London.
eee Hamburg, Liver-
pool, Lisbon.

Hull, Marseilles.

Hull, London, Marseilles.

peor pee Hamburg, Liver-
pool, Rotterdam, Nantes.

Marseilles, Dunkirk.

Marseilles.

Marseilles, Genoa.
Marseilles, Genoa, Bor-j
deaux.

Marseilles.

Marseilles, Genoa, Bor-

deax, Nantes.

Marseilles, Nantes.

One kilogramme = 2°205 Ibs. Avoirdupois.

76 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

So far there does not exist any tax on palm oil or
oil-producing nuts and kernels on their import into
the United Kingdom: such immunity also is en-
joyed on their export from British Possessions, West
Africa, with the exception of the Gambia, where is
levied a duty of 6s. 8d. per ton of 2,240 lbs, net weight
on ground nuts exported ; and of Sierra Leone, where
is charged 1d. per imperial gallon on palm oil, 2@ per
cwt. on palm kernels, beni-seed, and decorticated
ground-nuts, and 3a. on last-mentioned in shell.

For the information and guidance of cultivators
and commercial men, there is given a Table of the
principal oil-yielding seeds (with purposes to which
put) that find their way to the markets of European
and American countries. I also show whence they
come, their yield and value. For much of this
information I am indebted to Herr Heldbek of the
German house of Gaiser, Hamburg ; and to Monsieur
Bohn, the enterprising Managing Director at Mar-
seilles of the Compagnie du Sénégal et de la céte
occidentale d’Afrique. (See Tables, pp. 74, 75.)

The foregoing Return is divided, it will be observed,
into two parts. The first relates exclusively to the
seeds: the second to the oil therefrom.

T understand that the price of oil extracted from
the same seeds (I would mention ground-nut and
beni-seed) varies according to the pressure : the first
yielding the best, a fine bright oil which admits of its
competing with ordinary olive oil, with which it is not

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 77

unfrequently mixed; the second and third pressures
yield an inferior quality.

The last column in the first Return shows the
present price of the seeds per each hundred kilos
(or two cwts.): the first column in the second shows
the yield percentage from each hundred kilos of
seed: while the second embodies the price for each
hundred kilos of oil produced, which varies according
to the pressures.

78 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

IV.

RUBBER.— Rubber has for some time taken a
prominent place among the exports of the French
and Portuguese Possessions on this Coast, to the shame
of our English Colonies, with the exception of Sierra
Leone, where a trade in this article has shown marked
progress, increasing in value from £ 37,796 in 1878, to
4126,806 in 1882.

As the statement of trade already referred to
includes, as far as the West African Settlements are
concerned, the following particulars as made up of
exports from Gambia and Sierra Leone (which is
deceptive, the former Settlements having only begun
a trade in rubber in 1882), I accordingly furnish sepa-
rately the Gambia rubber export after the following
return of what has been received as the export trade
in the same article from the West African Settlements,
composed of Sierra Leone and Gambia, for cight
years ended and inclusive of 1885 :—

Article. Year. Quantities. Value.
cwts. b

1878 4,910 37,796

1879 3,808 31,524

7,104 84,815

1Ool 9,000 96,634

“Se aoe, || Te | H207 120,800

p79.) 2 1883 11,353 131,005

1 ei 1884 12,698 127,283

1885 6,979 62,384

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

79

The exports from the Settlements on the Gambia
to Europe and America for the same period have been
(their distribution will be found at page 93) :—

Article. Year. Quantities. Value.
4

1878 is
1879
1880
1831 is die

Caoutchouc. 1882 2 pkts. 273 lbs. 114,
1833 52,003 lbs. 6,048
1884 257,285, 23,142
1885 42,179 55 2,671T

In 1883 there were imported into the Gambia from
the Windward Coast 141 lbs. of rubber, at a value of
£11; and from the Leeward Coast 6,422 Ibs., at a value
of £341. The exports direct from the Gambia in the
same article for 1883 were, to Great Britain, 41,755 lbs.,
valued locally at £5,107 ; to France, 4,453 Ibs., valued
locally at £361 ; and to Goree, 5,800 lbs., valued locally
at £580. In 1884, there were imported into the
Gambia—from Windward Coast, 3,120 lbs., valued at
#189; from Sierra Leone, 98,560 lbs., valued at
£9,680 ; and from Leeward Coast, 1,675 Ibs., valued at
4134. These exceptionally heavy imports swelled
correspondingly the exports for that year.

I am unable at present to give botanically the

* Annual Statement, 1885, of the Trade of the United
Kingdom with Foreign Countries and British Possessions.

+ Imports into Gambia 1885 were from Goree 921 lbs.= £60,
and from Windward Coast 1,736lbs. = £87.

80 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

names of the trees from which Gambia rubbers are
obtained. It will be however something to record
the names by which they are known in the country,
for such information will give a clue for following up
the matter, and for securing specimens of leaf, flower,
and fruit of each tree, to admit of its classification
scientifically.

There seems to be in the vicinity of the Gambia, so
far known, two kinds of rubber—the one white elastic,
and very like in substance, as also in bark wood
and in fruit (according to description), to the rubber
obtained from the Landolphia owariensis of the Gold
Coast, called in Yoruba “ibo.”

The tree producing this is called in Volof “tawl,”
and in Mandingo “ pholey.”

The second kind of rubber is obtained from a tree
called in Volof “maddah,” and in Mandingo “ cab-
bah”: is much inferior in quality.

It is generally considered locally that the first
comparatively high price per pound, viz. 2s. paid at
the Gambia caused such a run to be made for its
collection, that quantity not quality seemed to have
been, and seems to be, the order of the day.

The result has been that the quality so deteri-
orated that the price considerably fell, and the natives
who collected rubber were disappointed—a sad issue,
and one that should be avoided in the development
of fresh industries in West Africa—the sequence of
the, however praiseworthy as a stimulant, yet short-

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 8r

sighted commercial policy resorted to at the beginning
of this industry. Fluctuations in the industry and a
bad article have been the consequences, which we must
hope are but temporary and removable. Competition
and rivalry are so rife among commercial houses,
that it seems merely a case of every one for himself.

Notwithstanding, rubber has been within my know-
ledge refused at Bathurst, and had to be taken to
and was accepted by French trading branches of the
same Firm outside the River Gambia, where bulk, not
profit of business, was seemingly aimed at. The best
Gambia rubber, viz. “tawl,” when clean, is now worth
in European markets from Is. 8d upwards per Ib.
The local price at which it is purchased is Is. 4a.
to Is. 6d. per lb. The inferior kind, viz. “ maddah,”
hovers as to price around Is. per Ib.

The process of collecting, as regards the reckless
tapping of the trees at the Gambia, is somewhat
similar to practice elsewhere, either by wounding by
direct and deep incisions, or by slicing the bark to
any depth, or by removing wholesale lengths of the
vine. As the juice exudes, salt water (sea-water
weakened to a known strength by the addition of
fresh water) is sprinkled on the same from a bottle (of
glass, or a gourd—“calabash”) by experienced hands,
with the result of bringing about rapid coagulation,
and ‘subsequent rolling off in a ball (as twine) of the
coagulated matter. Where sea-water is not available,
a solution—one part salt, and three parts water—is

G

82 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

made from the salt of commerce, which when it has to
be resorted to would render in countries in West
Africa the collection of rubber more difficult and more
expensive ; for, as I have said elsewhere, the sale of
salt acts as a barometer of the state of the intertribal
relations of the Interior: it is often used as currency,
or means of barter, showing its importance. With
petty warfare proceeding in the Interior—a normal
condition of things—and with roads blocked, or rather
trade routes obstructed, as a sequence, the trade in
this much-coveted article (salt) is small, as compared
with its disposal in peaceful times.

Again, it is found that rubber-yielding vines have
to be sometimes sought beyond Governmental juris-
diction—due to reckless deforestation in part of our
Colonies—where the industry has at times to be
pursued under great difficulties, represented by
jealousy entertained by owners of soil and forests
against intruding and sometimes inconsiderate col-
lectors or hunters, usually experienced and alien
hands, who indeed run great personal dangers as-
sociated with loss of collection, the distinction be-
tween “meum” and “tuum” having been temporarily
overlooked : indeed such collectors have not always
right on their side, for they as often as not trespass
without leave or license from owners of soil.

In their own interests the collectors should be
careful, and make it a golden rule to respect the
legitimate rights of others, to put on the market as

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 83

clean an article as they can, to avoid mixing juices’
which should be kept separate and distinct, devoid of
bark, mud, stone, or other extraneous matter ; and for
their own credit, as well as for the general interest,
they should avoid adulteration, and the use towards
such an end of the articles mentioned.

Grand fields in the Gold Coast and Lagos Colonies
for the extended general development of this industry:
attracted my attention and surprise in 1882, and my
action will be now best explained by here repeating
what I then wrote on the subject to the Local Press,
which I give verbatim, and by following it up by the
result :—

“To the Editor of the ‘Lagos Times.’

“ S1r,—The importance to the commercial world,
apart from the scientific interest that must attach to
the development of its economic botany,—of which
so little seems known of this Colony,—induces me to
address you in the hope that, through the medium of
the Local Press, and thus through the exercise of the
influence of such as are interested in the future of
West Africa, the Natives of the country may be en-
lightened to a sense of their own wealth, as also to
an interest in its acquisition, and that thus fresh ex-
ports may be developed to the general advantage of
the Colony, and of European and other markets.

“JT mean in this letter to confine myself to a few
remarks having for their object a move towards the

G2

84 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

development of the rubber trade, now remarkable by
its absence as regards the Gold Coast Colony.*

“The importance of the encouragement of the pro-
motion of fresh industries other than, I may say,
the main and sole one of palm-oil, apart from the
economic advantages of rubber in connection with
the many and useful purposes to which it is now
applied, must be my apology.

“Tn June last, I had collected some specimens of the
tree Landolphia owartensis, which I forwarded to
the Royal Gardens, Kew. This tree is no doubt to
be found everywhere in the Colony; but I can
personally bear testimony to the fact that it grows
extensively in the countries of Akim, Aquapim and
Croboe.

“J may remark that the present commercial sources
of African Caoutchouc belong principally to the genus
Landolphia.

“Landolphia owartensis, the species from which
specimens I allude to were obtained, is a climbing
plant with a stem four to six inches in diameter near
the ground, but dividing above, climbing along stems
and branches of neighbouring trees, supporting itself
by a kind of tendril formed of the flower-stalk after
the fruit has fallen.

“The fruit is about the size of an ordinary orange,
perhaps a little smaller, with a reddish-brown woody

* Prior to 1886 Lagos formed part of this Colony, under
Charter of 24 July, 1874.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 85

shell, and an agreeable, sweetish acid pulp; I am
informed monkeys are partial to it.

“The rubber is extracted by tapping the stem and
branches. This operation is simple. Slices of the
rough bark are cut off the surface of the trunk and
branches, and also just enough of the true bark
until the juice starts out in drops. Great care should
be taken not to injure the bark by removing it too
deeply.

“The incisions should be from 3 to1o inches in length
and from 1 to Linch in breadth. The cuttings ought to
be made on only one side of the tree. The method of
making the balls of rubber, which may average two
inches in diameter, is as follows :—

“ A quantity of milk is dabbed upon the fore-arm
of the operator, and being peeled off, forms a nucleus.
This is applied to one after another of the fresh cuts,
and being turned with a rotary motion, the coagulated
milk is wound off like silk from a cocoon; for the
coagulation is so great, that not only is every particle
cleanly removed from the cuttings, but also a large
quantity of semi-coagulated milk is drawn out from
beneath the uncut bark, and during the process a
break in the thread rarely occurs.

“By working hard, a person can collect 5 Ibs. of
rubber per diem ; although the average is only half
that amount.

“This one process of collection was described by
Mr. F. Holmwood, the Vice-Consul at Zanzibar, who

86 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

remarks that, owing to the destruction of trees by the
reckless manner in which they were incised for the
collection of juice in some districts, the supply has
altogether ceased.

“Consul Smith, of Carthagena, also calls attention
to the wasteful custom in Columbia, United States of
America, rubber-hunters have of cutting down, in-
stead of tapping, every tree from which they extract
the rubber ; the consequence being that all the trees
near some river to which he alludes have been long
since destroyed, and the hunters have now to go
‘several days’ journey before they can find the rubber.
This issue should be impressed on the mind of
collectors on the West Coast.

“The exports in this article from the district
Mungao and Kilka in 1880 exceeded 1,000 tons,
where since the last season the price has risen from
4140 to £250 per ton.

“Consul O’Neill, in his Report for 1880 on the Trade
of Mozambique, states: ‘It is curious to note the
marvellously rapid development of the india-rubber
industry. In 1873 only £443 worth passed through
the Customs House at Mozambique. In 1876 it
reached the value of £22,198, and in 1879 it exceeded
‘£50,000. It would seem now to have reached its
climax, whilst the present method of collecting this
produce prevails, and until communications with the
Interior are properly opened up; for the careless
cutting of trees by the untaught hands of the Natives

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 87

has resulted in the destruction of enormous tracts of
india-rubber forest near the Coast.’

“Sir John Kirk of that Coast has stated: ‘The
plants are certainly not easily killed by the process
of collection, as I have seen hundreds in full life
so thickly scarred with the cuts, that nearly two-
thirds of the bark must have been stripped from the
trees.’

“Under a proper system of cultivation it is evi-
dent, therefore, that the plant may be more easily
preserved than other rubber-yielding trees that
are being introduced, and, there is reason to think,
will prove of rapid growth. We know, moreover,
that it will endure a considerable drought, and
that one of the species will flourish in a light sandy
soil.

“Mr. Thisselton Dyer, C.M.G., Assistant-Director of
the Royal Gardens, Kew, in reporting on the Speci-
mens of Rubber sent to England by me, has been
good enough to convey: ‘Landolphia owariensis.—
White-rubber. This is the best rubber vine of
Western Africa. The rubber, if properly collected,
might be sold to almost any extent in the London
market.’

“In the prices current for African produce for
August, 1882, rubber is quoted at 2s. 9d. per |b.

“JT trust the foregoing may be deemed sufficiently
interesting and important to induce you and your
readers to do what you can towards the adoption of

88 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

measures, having for their object the addition of one
more to the industries of the Colony.

“T have the honour to be, Sir,
“Your obedient servant,
“ ALFRED MOLONEY,
“ Admintstrator, Gold Coast Colony.
“ September, 1882.”

I have been enabled to secure the Export Returns
since date of my letter in September, 1882, from the
Gold Coast and Lagos, which show that, while in
1882 and in previous years the export in this com-
modity was nil, there were, according to the Blue
Books, exported in 1883 from the Gold Coast to the
United Kingdom 25tons 17cwt. glbs. of rubber,
valued at £2,371 12s.; and in 1884 the export
amounted to g9tons 18cwt. 2qrs. 11 lbs. valued at
413,619 17s. 7a. with the following distribution,
viz.: 13 cwt. 1 qr.6 lbs. to Germany; 96 tons 19
cwt. 2 qrs, 26 lbs. to the United Kingdom; and
2 tons 5 cwt.2 qrs. 7 lbs. to the United States of
America.

In 1884 a small quantity was imported into the
Gold Coast from Assine, and was valued at £13 5s.

For the same years there were no imports into
Lagos Colony, and the exports therefrom trifling,
and represented altogether by a couple of packages
at a valuation of £3.

For 1883, 1884, and 1885, the imports, according

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 89

to the Annual Statement 1885 of Trade of United
Kingdom, from the Gold Coast were as under :-—

Year. Quantities. Value.
Cwts. &
1883 414 4,618
1884 1,552 13,139
1885 4,636 35,471

It will therefrom be observed that in 1885 this
industry increased to a value of £35,471.

Further, I learn from many sources that the greatest
activity prevails now in rivalry among rubber-hunters
and collectors. Further, experienced hands from
Sierra Leone and elsewhere have established at
certain centres in the Colony as instructors, at so
much for so many lessons in the art of best collecting
and dealing with the juice of rubber-producing trees.

And as of interest and moment I here quote an
extract from a Report of Mr. Thompson, late an
Assistant-Inspector of the Gold Coast Constabulary,
who in January of 1883 visited the country of Wassaw
of that Colony :—

“Mr. J. A. Dawson of Cape Coast is here engaged
in the manufacture of india-rubber. He pays the
natives 9@. per quart for the juice of the rubber vine,
and with the assistance of one man boils and dries it,
obtaining about twelve hundredweight of india-rubber
per week.

“ He sent a consignment to England in September

90 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

last, which realised 25. 11d. per pound. The white-
rubber vine (probably the Landolphia owariensis)
grows in profusion in this part of the country, and
the natives are beginning to recognise the juice as a
valuable article of commerce. The native name of
the white-rubber vine is Pauwee.”

The black-rubber vine, known to the natives as
“Duah Kurrie,” grows in even greater profusion than
the white, but its juice is not collected, its value, “if it
has any, being unknown. I understand that the
substance (I am not sure that it is india-rubber) pro-
duced from the black juice has not the same elasticity
that the rubber made from the white juice possesses.”

Of the French Settlements, rubber is classed among
the exports of the Senegambia.

Of the Gaboon, where among other botanical
products the rubber vine has abounded and resulted
in a flourishing and profitable trade, it is well known
that there has been almost an extermination of the
trees that produced this valued article of commerce,
which has now ceased, I am told, to be included
among the exports from that part of West Africa.

How different would it have been had there been
some system of conservancy or re-forestation, or even
had timely advice been tendered and advantageously
followed as to the treatment of the trees and the
collection of the rubber. This was a regular case of
killing the goose for the golden egg, and adds another
instance to those mentioned in my previously quoted

gt

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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56g ‘L6 S1g‘tt 7 8 sng i sry Seat
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92 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

letter of the result brought about by the reckless
destruction of trees. Further, the mercantile world
and the Government of the Gaboon are now obliged
to busy themselves with the promotion of the
growth of the oil palm (Elais guineensis), coffee
and cacao, &c.

Blind adherence to one industry is not to be advo-
cated, as was proved, though somewhat late, to the
cost of many, in some of our Colonies ; but when we
have a good thing we should deal with it kindly and
tenderly.

The imports of Caoutchouc, classed under general
imports, free of duty into the United Kingdom from
the West Coast of Africa, during the eight years ended
and inclusive of 1885, have been as shown in table
on p. oI.

The rubber industry is in its infancy as regards
Her Majesty’s Possessions on the Gambia, on the
Gold Coast, and at Lagos. Let the sad experience
here recorded be a lesson both to buyers and collectors
in Colonies named, that we may not have also in them
to listen to a tale of woe and to the cry of “spilt
milk,” in consequence of the cessation of the rubber
industry by means of the extermination of the trees.
For future use I embody the following table of rubber
exported from the Gambia, as the trade there is in its
childhood, and its growth should be watched with
care and ‘interest :—

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 93

Year. | Article. eg Quantities. Value.
L \ Total.
1879 | Rubber a8 ie Nil Nil
1880 es sae aie 8 x
1881 we aes Age se 3
1882 ae Great Britain. . {2 pkgs.,273 lbs. 114
114
Great Britain. . 41,755 lbs. 5,107
1883 sis France . . . 45453 55 361
Goree. . . . 5,800 ,, 580
6048
Great Britain . 955523 » 8,471
France . . .« | 133,548 5, 12,719
1884"), , Goree. . 13,802 ,, 999
Windward Coast . 13,962 ,, 993
America. . 450 5, 39
23,212
Great Britain . 32, 380 33 ae
France . . . 1,833 55 12
1885t a3 America . . 2,238 ,, 132
Goree. . . «1 5,728 4, 363
2,671

On this article in the Portuguese Possessions of
South-Western Africa, Monteiro, in his ‘Angola and
the Congo,’ writes as follows :—

“We now come to one of the most curious products
of this interesting country, namely india-rubber, called
by the Natives ‘Tangandando,. It has been an
article exported in considerable quantities north of
the River Congo, and knowing that the plant from
which it was obtained grew in abundance in the

* During same year there were imported into Gambia—from
Windward Coast, 3,120lbs., valued at £188 16s.; from Sierra
Leone, 98,560 lbs., valued at £9,680; and from Leeward Coast,
1,675 Ibs., valued at £133 155.

} Vide footnote, p. 79.

94 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

second region, about sixty miles inland from Ambriz,
I distributed a number of pieces of the india-rubber
to natives of the Interior, and offered a high price for
any that might be brought for sale. In a very short
time it began to come in, and the quantity has steadily
increased to the present day.

“ The plant that produces it is the giant tree-creeper
(Landolphia florida ?), covering the highest trees and
growing principally on those near rivers or streams.
Its stem is sometimes as thick as a man’s thigh, and
in the dense woods at Quiballa I have seen a consi-
derable extent of forest festooned down to the ground
from tree to tree in all directions, with its thick stems
like great hawsers; above, the trees were nearly
hidden by its large bright dark-green leaves, and
studded with beautiful bunches of pure white star-like
flowers most sweetly scented.

“Its fruit is the size of a large orange, of a yellow
colour when ripe, and perfectly round, with a hard
brittle shell. Inside it is full of a soft reddish pulp, in
which the seeds are contained. This pulp is of very
agreeable acid flavour, and is much liked by the
Natives. The ripe fruit when cleaned out is employed
by them to contain small quantities of oil, etc.

“Every part of this creeper exudes a milky juice
when cut or wounded, but, unlike the india-rubber
tree of America, this milky sap will not run into a
vessel placed to receive it, as it dries so quickly as to
form a ridge on the wound or cut, which stops its

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 95

further flow. The blacks collect it therefore by
making long cuts in the bark with a knife, and as the
milky juice gushes out it is wiped off continually
with their fingers, and smeared on their arms, shoulders
and breast, until a thick covering is formed. This is
peeled off their bodies and cut into small squares,
which are then said to be boiled in water.

“From Ambriz the trade in this india-rubber
quickly spread south to the River Quanza, from whence
considerable quantities are exported.”

By way of comparison with preceding statistics the
exports to the United Kingdom of Caoutchouc from
the West African Portuguese Possessions have been
as follows :—

Article. Year. | Quantities. Value.
| Cwts. Bs

1878: 1,822 15,086

1879 2,689 32,612

1880 5,248 79,750

1881 3,704 46,836

Caoutchouc. . 1882 | 3.976 56,885
1883 | 3,382 48,751

1894 2,998 29,177

1885 2,559 24,465

As a rule, rubber juice had better be collected separately,
as regards yielding tree, and either allowed to coagulate in
layers by evaporation, or be turned into rubber by being poured
first into hot water, the heat of which for coagulation must be
locally regulated, and be dependent on nature of juice, some
coagulating more readily than others. In addition to the
Landolphias, species of Ficus are on the Gold Coast much
resorted to now for rubber.

96 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

V.

CorFEE.—Liberian Coffee (Coffea liberica) has de-
servedly secured a world-wide reputation, and seems
to tend so far to bestow by its introduction for
cultivation and export more prospects of wealth to
other countries than to its own, and to engage
deservedly, as to its worth, the attention and energy
of aliens rather than of natives. It is indigenous to
the forests of the country embraced within the Republic
of Liberia, and indeed beyond ; but of the exports of
this article from that State I am unable now to afford
statistics.

According to Reports of Kew 1882 and previous
years, Liberia coffee has been introduced therefrom
with marked success and advantage into Fiji, Grenada,
Natal, Queensland, Jamaica, Nilgiris, Sechelles, Mau-
ritius, Ceylon, where (at Kew) the policy of a general
and generous distribution of this plant, as of others,
is properly advocated and pursued. “ Eggs-in-the-
basket” policy has had to be set aside.

In a useful pamphlet periodical for October, 1882,
entitled the African Repository, and published monthly
by the American Colonization Society, there will be

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 97

found an article referring to an “ Elaborate report on
Liberia Coffee,” by the Honourable J. H. L. Smyth,
LL.D., Minister Resident and Consul-General of the
United States to Liberia. In this article it is advanced
that “the export of coffee from Liberia the last season
was a little more than 300,000lbs. Considering the
productiveness of the Liberian variety, the fertile soil
and genial climate, one would naturally be surprised
to see so small a quantity of coffee produced for
exportation, but it must be remembered that coffee
production in Liberia isin its infancy, and the people
are poor.”

The Annual Reports on the Progress and Cultivation
of the Royal Gardens at Kew contain most interesting
accounts of the distribution and growth of Liberian
coffee, and on its history and cultivation. There was
also published on the same subject in 1881, in
Jamaica, an able and useful Paper, entitled “ Notes on
Liberian Coffee, &c.,” by D. Morris, Esq., the then
Director of Public Gardens and Plantations in that
Island.

Mr. H. C. Creswick speaks, after ten years’
experience of Liberian Coffee, as follows :—

“That Liberian Coffee possesses merits as yet
unknown to the trade at large, and that if successfully
cultivated will in the future be a dangerous rival even
to that of Eastern growth. It is also evident from the
various lists made, that greater fragrancy, more mellow
flavour, are obtainable when the bean has been

H

98 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

matured byage. The general verdict of the gentlemen
brought together at this time appears to be that
Liberian coffee promises to play a most important
part in coffee culture, and will be well to the front in
competition with all other descriptions, as soon as the
general taste becomes educated for fuller bodied
though less delicate flavour than now produced from
Ceylon and East Indian Plantation coffee.”

I have quoted the foregoing from Mr. Morris’s
Report alluded to. That gentleman adds :—

“The information given in the last two sections of
his Paper as regards the yield of Liberian coffee trees
and the commercial value of the produce, will doubt-
less lead to the conclusion that this coffee possesses
characteristics which according to the circumstances
of a country may be utilised to an extent now
unthought of. In the first place, the fact that this
coffee will grow on the plains, where the preliminary
expenses in the acquisition and clearing of land are
naturally much lower than on the hills, where labour
is cheaper and where the difficulties and expenses of
transport would be avoided, gives Liberian coffee an
advantage not only over its congener the Arabian
coffee, but also over almost any cultivation requiring
the same capital and attention.

The prolific yield of this coffee is also a character-
istic much dwelt upon. . . . There can be therefore no
doubt that in Liberia the coffee yields, according to
the nature of the cultivation, at the rate of from 8 to

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 99

20 cwts. per acre. Mr. Agar, who had many opportu-
nities of forming an opinion, “is confident that trees
properly cultivated would give 6 to 8 pounds each, or
from 22 to 30 cwts. per acre of 400 trees.” That this
is not confined to the coffee when growing in its
native country, but is maintained under other con-
ditions of soil and climate, may be seen in reports
which have reached us from Ceylon and other
colonies.”

Another peculiarity of the Liberian coffee is dwelt
upon, which if found generally applicable to it will
greatly increase its value. The tree is mentioned as
possessing the habit of sending its “strong tap roots
far into the ground,” and this characteristic it is believed

will enable the Liberian coffee to live and bear fruits
in seasons of protracted drought, which prevents the
setting of blossom on the ordinary coffee at low
elevation.”

After assuming that Liberian coffee should sell
generally at 90s. per cwt., Mr. Morris continues :—
“From its adaptability to cultivation in the plains,
from its more robust and prolific character, and from
the generally more economic treatment to which it is
amenable, it is quite possible that its cultivation will
prove even more remunerative than the high-priced
varieties of Arabian coffee.”

Then on the subject of the West Indian blight, that
has proved so fatal to coffee cultivation (Coffea
arabica) in the West Indian Islands and Brazil, it

H 2

100 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

would appear that in these parts the Liberian coffee
can withstand its effects with comparative impunity.

I here subjoin data collected in 1876, which has
been kindly placed at my disposal by James Irvine,
Esq., of the Exchange, Liverpool, which will be found
to embody very desirable information on the con-
ditions of circumstances surrounding the cultivation
of Liberian coffee in its home—Liberia :

Q. Does the Liberian coffee grow well in the
immediate neighbourhood of the sea; or is it desir-
able it should be planted at some distance from it ?

A. The Liberian coffee grows equally well in the
immediate neighbourhood of the sea, and at consider-
able distances from it. Under like conditions of soil
and cultivation, trees near the sea-shore in Monrovia
are about the same as those at Careysburg, and other
places thirty miles distant. The wild coffee, from
which the cultivated comes, is found at even still
greater distances in the Interior. Our nearest trees
are a hundred yards from the sea. At Bassa and
Sinou, we are told trees grow well still nearer to
the sea.

Q. What is the general temperature, and what the
elevation above the sea-level under which the Liberian
coffee thrives best ?

A, Lowest temperature observed at Monrovia near
the sea, 62° Fahrenheit, at 7 o’clock a.M.in the month
of January, during the prevalence of the Harmattan
winds. Highest temperature observed 91° Fahrenheit

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. IOr

These are exceptional cases. The general temperature
ranges from 72° to 87° in the shade. In the country,
at the furthest point where coffee is cultivated by the
settlers, there is a difference of one or two degrees
lower, owing principally to the rise of the land.

Along the coast, the coffee-tree thrives at only a
few feet (say 10) above sea-level. At Careysburg
and at Mount Coffee it succeeds as well at an elevation
of 550 feet.

Q. Will the plant grow well on level ground, or
does it succeed better on slopes ?

A. The coffee-tree grows as well on level ground as
on slopes, with this precaution : care should be taken
that, on slopes, the rich mould or surface soil be not
washed away; and on level ground, that the water
does not stand. For while the leaves of the coffee-
tree delight in frequent refreshing showers, the roots
are averse to standing water.

Q. Is it necessary for its successful cultivation that
it be planted on land from which the forest has been
recently removed, or will it thrive equally well in
ordinary soil ?

A. Virgin forest soil is considered best for the coffee-
tree, simply because it contains sufficient plant-food,
and saves the expense of manuring for several years.
Ordinary soil will answer as well, provided it contains
sufficient plant-food, or otherwise can get a sufficiency
of manure. The soil should be of loose texture ; the
tree will not thrive in stiff clay soils.

102 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Q. Are distinct varieties of the plant recognised,
and if so, to which variety is the preference given as
yielding the most profitable crop ?

A. There is a distinct variety, coming sooner into
bearing (18 months), and giving a smaller berry. But
the larger variety is preferred, as yielding a superior
coffee, and a larger crop. The larger berry varies
somewhat under changed conditions of soil. The
same berry which is very large in the moist lowlands
becomes a little smaller, but of finer flavour, in the
dry rocky hills or uplands.

Q. Does the same plantation generally contain
plants bearing berries of tolerably uniform size, or do
some of the trees produce large, and others much
smaller berries, or do the berries from the same tree
vary much in size?

A. The trees on a plantation differ in the size of
their berries. Besides, while many contain berries of
a uniform size, others will contain berries of various
sizes. We are not prepared to say to what extent
high cultivation would remedy this. In planting
nurseries with seed of a uniform size, we have not
been able to obtain plants of a uniform size.

Q. Does the coffee grow best when fully exposed
to the sun, or is a slight shading preferable ; and how
are the amount and quality of crop affected by these
two systems of cultivation respectively ?

A, The coffee-tree does not produce well under
shade, either in the quantity or the quality of the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 103

crop. When the trees are not large enough to shade
the ground with their branches and fallen leaves, they
should be mzlched in the dry season ; that is, their
roots should be covered with dried grass, straw,
shavings, or anything capable of shading them. But
the leaves and branches should have the influence of
the sun, to elaborate a due proportion of sap into
fruit-buds. The Liberia coffee being indigenous,
when well established does not suffer from our
tropical sun. MULCHING in the dry season is
generally required for very young trees on dry hilly
slopes.

Q. In planting are the trees put in so close together
as eventually to quite cover the ground with their
foliage, or are they planted so as always to leave
some portion of the ground visible between them?

A. Both methods of planting are adopted. Some
trees are planted close (six to eight feet), while others
are planted at greater distances (ten to twelve feet).
When trees are planted close, so that they meet, they
thrive and bear well, provided their leaves and
branches have the influence of the sun. There is also
this advantage: By shading the ground they prevent
the grass from growing, and thus save the expense of
weeding. But it is very inconvenient to pass among
them for the purpose of gathering the crop, pruning,
manuring, &c., &c. Even at the distance of twelve
feet, if the trees are topped and kept down, they will
eventually meet.

104 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Q. At what age does the tree commence to give a
crop?

A, The smaller variety referred to above begins to
bear at eighteen months; but the ordinary time for
the larger variety is in the third year. Some plants
of this kind, however, have been known to bear
sooner, The first crop is generally only a few berries ;
but the tree goes on increasing until it becomes
capable of yielding twenty pounds—we have heard of
trees giving twenty-four pounds each ; these are very
old trees—more generally depends upon cultivation
than upon age.

Q. To what height does the tree eventually grow,
and are the trees in the best plantations allowed to
reach their full height, or are they kept low for the
convenience of gathering the ripe berries, or for other
reasons connected with cultivation ?

A, The tree grows to a height of twenty feet or
more. We have seen one more than thirty feet in
height, this was in the woods near an old plantation.
Some cultivators top their trees, others let them grow
up ad libitum. Our trees are topped at a height of
five feet. Trees that are topped are more conveniently
picked, and, other things being equal, give a larger
crop. When the trees grow up tall, moreover, they
are frequently injured by climbing with ladders, and
pulling down the limbs, &c.; and as the tree ripens
its crop and blossoms for the next year at the same
time, much of the blossoms and young fruit is rubbed

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 105

off the trees, whereas the low trees are picked by
Standing on the ground.

Q. What, if any, is the system of manuring adopted
in the plantations?

A. Manuring is not done extensively, owing
principally to the fact that most of the plantations
-are young, although there are some that need manure.
We use the coffee pulp mixed with cattle manure,
also decomposed vegetable matter, wood ashes, the
“compost heap,” the earth from the hills made by
the white ants (termites), &c. &c. The coffee-tree
delights in nitrogenous manures. We find surface-
manuring best for the coffee-tree, as the fibrous roots
-or feeders keep always near the surface.

Q. Are the plantations kept up permanently, or
are they supposed to be cultivable profitably for only
.a certain limited period ?

A. We have no very old plantations; but we
believe the plantations can be kept up permanently,
-or, at least, for a great number of years. With us, the
coffee-plant is not a shrub, it is a forest tree. There
-are trees here forty years old, flourishing in all the
vigour and verdure of youth, and bending down under
their weight of berries. We have seen a few of these
-old trees, when cut down, shoot up more rapidly and
more vigorously than when first planted from the seed.

Q. It is said that the Liberian coffee-tree is liable
‘to have its leaves attacked by a disease which dis-

colours them, and causes them to fall prematurely.

106 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Is this disease common in the plantation? And is it
believed to do much injury to the trees, or to reduce
the amount of crop, or affect its quality, and have any
successful attempts been made to get rid of this
disease, or to mitigate its injuriousness ?

A, Last year some of the trees on different planta-
tions were affected with what was said to be the
disease—Hemileia vastatrix. The leaves of the trees.
turned yellow (although want of cultivation will cause:
the same phenomenon); there was a tendency in
some of the upper branches to decay, and dry up the:
berries before they could ripen. This may have
happened before, but we observed it only last year..
Occasionally the bark of a tree will decay, partially or
wholly—when wholly it causes the death of the tree..
Occasionally a borer will attack a tree. We have as.
yet observed nothing that would cause serious losses
in coffee growing in Liberia ; we rather think that the:
yellow appearance in some of the trees was owing to.
the want of cultivation. Some of the trees supposed.
to be diseased were as full of berries as the other trees..

An interesting summary, the results of inquiries.
generally on coffee disease, will be found in Annual
Report for 1877 on the Royal Gardens at Kew. As.
regards these inquiries, set on foot through the:
Colonial Office at the suggestion of the Director of
the Royal Gardens in February, 1874, on the subject
of the causes of coffee-leaf and tree diseases, it may”
be well to embody here the Report, dated the year:

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 107

after, thereon of the then Superintendent of the Basel
Mission as regards the Aquapim range of hills, from
twelve to sixteen hundred feet high, and lying back
from the coast line some sixteen or seventeen miles
inland, which seemed then, and seems stil!, with one or
two exceptions, the locality in the Gold Coast Colony
where the coffee-tree has been cultivated.

“ The coffee-leaf disease is not observed in Akwapen
(Aquapim), and is not likely to infect the coffee-trees
in this part, as the soil is mixed with much mineral
substances, in particular iron-ore, which are used
against this disease.

The two enemies of the coffee-tree here are, as
already known :—

1. The coffee-bug, which, however, is doing no
great harm.

2. The coffee-bore, of which there are two species
or kinds—

a. One looks white grey, and is more in the upper
part of the tree (stem) ;

6. The other is reddish, and bores itself into the
roots of the tree and destroy it.

The greater part of our coffee-trees suffer from this
disease : these insects are coming from the surrounding
forest, and nothing effective can be done against them.

This is the notice of our gardener, Mr. A. Paterol.”

In July, 1882, whilst on the Gold Coast, I placed
myself in communication with Mr. Rottmann, the
efficient Secretary of that praiseworthy and well-

ao8 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

‘deserving Body, the Basel Mission—who have done
so much in an industrial sense for the elevation of the
native, and for the consequent advantage generally of
the West African commercial world—on the subject of
the coffee industry, which has existed to a limited
extent for many yearson the Aquapim Hills. He was
good enough to inform me that the Aquapim coffee
is of West Indian origin, the seed being introduced
from Jamaica in 1843—doubtless Coffea arabica.

The object of the Mission was to promote imitation
on the part of the natives, and thereby bring about a
profitable industry for them. I fear the aims of the
Mission were not realised to the extent hoped for.
Indifference to the needed care that should be ex-
tended, and disappointment at prices received, as com-
pared with what were expected, were the consequences.
Further, the limited means of the Mission against the
heavy expenses that were incurred from the introduc-
tion of European overseers with their families, and
the limited production with a proportionate monetary
return, did not admit of the continuance of European
supervision, and necessitated the handing over to the
natives at low rentals of the Mission farms.

To this issue there has been fortunately some
different results, for I am reminded of a case which
was brought to my notice where, in 1881, coffee was
grown, on the small plantation of a native near Nsatsi
on the Aquapim Hills, to the extent of five hundred-
weight. This crop was cleaned, and packed by manual

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 109

labour, and exported to Hamburg, with the result of
a return at the rate of between Is. to Is. 1d. per lb,
which speaks well for the native’s labour, and points
to what can be done on those hills.

Coffee can within my own experience be grown
in British Combo, Gambia, and in other parts of that
Settlement.

From Sierra Leone (Coffea stenophylla) and the
Gold Coast (Coffea arabica?) there is a small free
export of native growth in this commodity, which
should have by this time outstripped in quantity the
export from the Portuguese Possessions further south.

In former years there was an encouraging export
in this article from Sierra Leonc, the hills of which
are admirably suited for its growth. Why has it not
developed ?

As regards the Gold Coast, apart from my re-
marks on the coffee movement on the Aquapim
Hills, there was in years gone by a healthy planta-
tion of some seventy acres in extent at Napoleon, near
Cape Coast, covered by some 3,500 trees of en-
couraging promise: whence I have also had at times
fruit of the Citrus aurantium, that was also natural-
ised, but allowed since to run to nature.

Again, in the times of the Danes on the Gold Coast,
they established inland behind Christiansborg a coffee
plantation which was said to produce excellent results,

In the Island of Lagos I introduced, through the
generosity of Herr Vohsen of Sierra Leone, plants.

TIO FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

of the Coffea liberica, and left them thriving in the
gardens to Government House, as also in Kokomaiko.

Among the natural products of Senegal and its
dependencies are mentioned “Rio Nunez” and “ Rio
Pongo” coffees, which are the names by which they
are known in the trade. The former grows wild in
Fouta Djalon, and in the country of the Sousous.
According to a report of Dr. Corre from which inform-
ation has been extracted, “The tree which bears this
coffee grows to a height of thirty to forty feet in the
middle of almost impenetrable forest, half choked by
tropical climbers, and devoid, as far as its upper part,
of branches which form a summit which is sparingly
covered ; also the crop is obtained generally by cutting
down the trees when the fruit is ripe.”

“ According to this process,” said Dr. Corre, “ coffee-
trees will not take long to disappear, if they are not
multiplied through means of culture. This variety,
when it grows in the open air, has the appearance of
our poplars; its produce has incomparable flavour ;
in Foulah it is called ‘legal-cofé,” and the ‘grain-
cofé ;’ in Sousou it is named ‘houri-coff’ (egal and
Aourt signify ‘tree’). The price of this coffee has been
returned at from 300 to 350 francs the 100 kilogramme.”

A similar coffee to foregoing is, I understand, to be
found in Rio Pongo: hence name given.

There particularly call attention to the existence,
in the country named Fouta Djalon, laved by the
waters of the Upper Gambia River, of coffee in its

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. III

wild state—a field ready for development and easy of
approach. Yet, strange though it may seem, coffee
is, and has been, noticeable by its absence from the
exports of one of the oldest possessions of the Crown,
viz., the Settlements on the Gambia.

Attempts on a large scale at coffee plantation in
different parts of the French Possessions, to wit, at
Assine by M. Orndier, and the Gaboon, principally at
Sibange, proceed ; but these plantations are not yet,
I learn, in a state to be reported upon.

With regard to the Portuguese Possessions, Mr.
Monteiro, in his ‘Angola and the River Congo,’ says :—
“The trade in coffee is almost entirely restricted to
Ambriz, and it comes principally from the district of
Encoge, a considerable quantity also being brought
from the Dembos country, and from Cazengo to the
interior of Loanda, from which latter place the trade
is shut out by the stupid and short-sighted policy of
high custom-house duties on goods, and other restric-
tions on trade, of the Portuguese authorities. Very
little of the coffee produced in the provinces of Encoge
and Dembos is cultivated ; it is the product of coffee-
trees growing spontaneously in the virgin forests of
the second elevation, The natives, of course, have no
machinery of any kind to separate the berry from the
pod, these being dried in the sun, and then broken in
a wooden mortar, and the husks separated by winnow-
ing in the open air.

“The great forests in the slopes of the chains of

112 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

mountains and valleys of the country about Golungo
Alto and the Dembos are also full of coffee-trees
growing wild, and they are gradually being cleared
of bush or underwood by the natives, so as to enable
them to collect the berry. I did not hear anywhere
that they had taken to planting coffee, nor are they
likely to do so as long as they can find it growing wild.
As far as has been ascertained, wild coffee is only
found growing in the forests of the country of the
second elevation from the coast, nor does it grow well
in the littoral region, where air is much too dry ; it is
a plant requiring a moist heat, and the shade of large
trees; and a certain amount of elevation above the
level of the sea may possibly have something to do
with its proper growth.

“The future production of coffee on the whole
West Coast of Africa might be simply unlimited as far
as extent of ground eminently suitable for its cultiva-
tion is concerned ; it becomes only a question of time
and labour.”

The West African trade for four years in this
article with the United Kingdom is represented in
the following table :—

Year. Article. Whence. Quantity. Value.
Cwts. b
1882 | Coffee . . .| W.A,, Foreign | 25,338 41,538
1883 See eee te 26,871 46,922
1884 ops .9 35,194 | 64,463
1885 ry tee a9 34,927 | 55,828

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 113

For most of the foregoing we are indebted to the
Portuguese Possessions, as will be explained in the
under-given statistics for like years :—

Article. Year. | Quantity. Value.
Cwts. £

1882 24,215 39,316

Coffee... 1883 26, 522 45,947
1884 345924 63,952

1885 31,669 50,873

Since 1872 there has been a tax on this import
into the United Kingdom of 14s. per cwt. on raw
coffee ; and on kiln dried, roasted or ground, of 2d.
per lb.

Maybe it is providential that coffee should take the
lead as an agricultural industry in West Africa, to be
thus instrumental in a measure in paying back in the
coin, I may say, in which or on account of which her
sons were sold in the past. Africa’s children were
sought for and condemned to slavery—to play the part
of beasts of burden—to labour and toil in the coffee
plantations* of the East so as to gratify, with little or no
trouble or cost to the consumers, the appetites of the
slave-hunters and masters of plantations. By coffee
also, maybe, in return, the country is to be opened up.
Where coffee formerly flourished by means of slave
labour, it has almost died the death of slavery ; and to
some of these very parts, West Africa, forgiving and
unmindful of the past, furnishes, through the instru-

* JT omit mention of the cane fields of the West.
I

114 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

mentality of the bean of Liberia, the West African
native State and welcome home of the former slaves
and children of slaves of the New World, the seed of
renovation in this product, but, by means of free labour.
The prospect of its development looks promising
elsewhere, and should, in its native land; but for
local success—and for a continuance of success with
beneficial results of some duration—perseverance,
exertion, energy, and care, with introduced capital,
must be prominent factors.

In thus dwelling on this subject, I have with much
pleasure come across, in the ‘Heart of Africa, the
following expression of experience of that celebrated
and able traveller, Dr. Schweinfurth.

“But nowhere in the world has slavery been so
thoroughly engrafted and so widely disseminated as
in Africa; the earliest mariners who circumnavigated
its coasts found a system of kidnapping everywhere
established on a firm basis, and extending in its
business relations far into the interior of the continent;
the idea arose, how advantageously the owners of land
in the distant East might cull the cost of products of
their soil by the hands of slaves ; and the kernel of a
single plant, the coffee-berry, became ‘the means of
uniting the remotest lands, and had the effect of
throwing a large portion of the human race into
subjection to their fellows, whilst Christian nations
became the patrons and the propagators of the dis-
graceful traffic. It has therefore happened in the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 11S

natural course of things that philanthropists have first
applied their energies to the slave trade in the West ;
the East has still to tarry for an enlightenment which
is destined in the fulness of time to gladden a future
chapter of history.”

I must not close this chapter without briefly
mentioning the Cassia occidentalis (the benta-maré of
the Volofs, and known generally as such in Sene-
gambia and Gambia, which finds its way to Europe
for purposes of adulteration with the genuine article),
“negro coffee,” although said to be a native of
the East and West Indies—the seed of which was,
according to the ‘Treasury of Botany,’ found by
Livingstone to be used by the natives of Central
Africa as coffee: it is also used similarly in Mauritius.
If an alien originally, the plant has now become
naturalized in West Tropical Africa, where it thrives
in wild and “stinking” luxuriance. It is considered
among the natives as “senna,” and used as such.

On the Casstas occidentalis and tora, Professor
Attfield, Ph.D., F.R.S., &c., reported as follows—vide
Indian A griculturist, Ist September, 1882 :

“Neither the seeds of the Cassa occidentalis nor
those of the Cassia tora contain theine. Neither
contain the principle somewhat analogous with theine,
viz. theobromine, Each variety was submitted to two
distinct processes—either of which process readily
extracts theine from coffee, &c, but no trace of
theine was detected: indeed neither variety yields

i 2

116 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

any one of the class of chemical substances(alkaloids)
to which theine belongs.

“The seeds of the Cassia occidentalis affords in 100
parts—

Mucilaginous matter, that is soluble gum or arabica,
and insoluble gum or bassorin, with some legumin 38°2
Celluloid matter or fibre » » « «© « + e « « 30°F
1 | ser ae a a ee ae a Pe ee ae me cae ha
Other organic matter, including a little sugar and
starch, a good deal of reddish-brown colouring
matter, and some insoluble albumenoid matter . I1°5

Water va 8) ap See a ow Se ae ae 1 EO

Mineral matter, similar to that of most vegetable sub-

stamces. ». 6 «© © © © © © «© © © «© 4°9
100'0

“A qualitative analysis of the seeds of the Cassia
zova showed that they resembled in composition the
seeds of Cassia occidentalis.

“The roasted seeds resemble coffee in odour and
flavour ; an infusion of the ground roasted seeds can
scarcely be distinguished in taste, aroma or appearance
from infusion of coffee.

“The foregoing investigations enable me to give
the opinion that Cassza tora, or ‘Cassofee, is not
analogous to true coffee, because it does not contain
theine, ‘sometimes termed caffeine,’ or any similar
principle.

“ Cassofee is equivalent to ‘ fig coffee,’ ‘date coffee,
‘chicory, &c. Such substances when torrefied,
parched or roasted, have their gum, sugar, starch, &c.,
converted into dark brown coloured matters having

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 117

a pleasant odour and aroma: indeed coffee itself after
roasting owes its sensible properties to the same
matters. Theine is practically flavourless.

“TI am of opinion that the two Cassias cannot be
considered in any way injurious to health.”

For any more detailed information on the indigenous
coffee of West Africa generally, and its distribution, I
must invite the attention of my readers to Oliver’s
‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ and to W. P. Hiern’s
paper on the African Species of the Genus Coffea:
Transactions of the Linnean Society, April, 1876.

118 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

VI.

GuMs * (using the vulgar and general term for them,
including gums, resins fossilized and unfossilized),
especially fossil “ gums,” should play a much more
important part in the exports ofthe West Coast. The
following table shows the quantity of this article of
commerce imported from British West Africa during
the five years ended and inclusive of 1885 :—

Countries whence

Year. Articles. imported.

Quantities. | Value.

cwts. S

1881 | Gum unenumerated (atiee Benen} 6,057 | 20,601

1882 at 2? o2 Ea 7,131 20,573
1883 +2 29 a9 Be 8,494 26,596
18384 es ee bie 23 75321 20,995
1885 29 29 a ait 7,641 22,177

The gums and resins known in the trade with
average values are :—

“ Senegal” (Acacias of various species) gos. per cwt.

Sierra Leone (Copatfera Guibourtiana), natural 6d. to tod.

[per Ib.

5 i 6 cleaned 1s. to 1s. 6d

[per Ib.

* Gum is soluble in water or swells in it ; the best and most
useful gum dissolves entirely, forming an adhesive mucilage;
resin in essential oil, boiling fixed oils, also in ether and chloro-
form. Many are soluble in alcohol; but a few, such as copal
and amber, either not at all soluble in alcohol or only partially.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 119

Accra (Copaifera?) ‘ ‘ natural 50s. per cwt.
» ” : . . cleaned Ioos. ,,
Congo (1) : 5 : . natural 80s. ,,
” (2) : : . : natural sos. ,,
» (2) : A j ‘ cleaned I00s. ,,

Angola, roundred ss P natural 80s. to Ioos.

[per cwt.

95 flat ‘ % F s natural 805. to Ioos.

[per cwt.
white. . . F natural 60s. ,,
5 55 é F : Fi cleaned Ioos. ,,

Benguela . . 2 . natural 85s. to 1055.

[per cwt.

3 . a * . cleaned 240s. to 3205.

[per cwt.

Gaboon—as red Angola; of which it is considered to be a
variety.

From the Catalogue of the Products of the French
Colonies, exhibited at the Paris Show of 1878, I
extract as follows (in translation) :—

SENEGAL GUMS (gums proper).—The commerce of
gum is one of the chief resources of Senegal; about
three million kilogrammes* are exported annually.
The harvest, which begins in November with the
winds of the desert, and after the periodical inun-
dations, is made from several species of Acacia,
principally the Acacias Verek, Neboued, albida,
Adansonii, &c., &c. The first gum, called Bas du
Jreuve, is generally found buried, in the moist soil, by
Moorish slaves sent to seek for it; it loses greatly in
weight and value by drying, and is generally covered
by a light layer of sand. The gums of the second

* 1 kilogramme = 2°205 lbs. avoirdupois.

120 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

season, allowed to dry thoroughly on the trees and
taken direct to the points where steamers touch, are
exempt from these defects. Lastly, from the Upper
Senegal, a gum is received which the annual burning
of forests renders extremely friable ; its price is from
40 to 50 francs the 100 kilogrammes.

The principal places of supply are on the right
bank of the Senegal—(1) the country of the Moors,
Braknas, and Trazas, who encamp annually near the
gum forests which their slaves cultivate; (2) the
country of Galam; (3) Bondou and the Bambouck
(Upper Gambia). Gum is also procured from Oualo,
Cayor, and Djolof, situated on the left bank.

The commerce for gum in France is carried on
mostly at Bordeaux, where the sorting is undertaken
by several houses ; this picking comprehends the fol-
lowing category: Gomme blanche, for drugs, pharmacy,
distillation, confectionery, delicate dressing, lace, and
linen. Gomme petite blanche, for drugs, pharmacy,
confectionery, distillation, fine dressing, lace, and linen.
Gomme blonde, for drugs, pharmacy, confectionery,
distillation, fine dressing, impression on_ tissue.
Gomme petite blonde, for drugs, pharmacy, confec-
tionery, distillation, ordinary dressing, impression on
tissues, sticking labels, envelopes, matches, &c. Gomme
2° blonde, for drugs, pharmacy, confectionery, dressings,
impressions on tissues, sticking, matches. Gomme
gros grabeaux, for drugs, confectionery, ordinary dress-
ings of cotton tissues, sticking labels, envelopes, &c.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 121

Gomme “moyens grabeaux,’ for drugs, confectionery,
ordinary dressing, sticking labels, envelopes, &c.
Gomme “menus grabeaux,’ for drugs, confectionery,
ordinary dressing, sticking labels, envelopes, ink, &c.
Gomme fabrigue, used a great deal in a Russian
industry for dressings of tissues, wool, and cotton.
Gomme (half white) “ grabeaux tries,” for drugs, phar-
macy, confectionery and distillery. Gomme friable
blanche, for drugs, pharmacy, confectionery and distil-
lery. Gomme friable blonde, for drugs, pharmacy, con-
fectionery and distillery. Gomme petite fabrique, for
ordinary dressing of cotton tissues, sticking. Gomme
pousstére, for ordinary dressing, impressions on ordi-
nary tissues, ink and blacking. Gomme “marrons et
dors,” for sticking, ink and blacking. Gomme “ boules
naturelles,’ for drugs, pharmacy, dressing the silks
from Lyons. Gomme bdellium, for pharmacy.
According to Messrs, Guillemin, Perrottet & Le-
prieur, the Acacia Verek is found (so far) generally over
Senegambia, but most abundantly to the north of the
right bank of the River Senegal, where exist the
forests, historically known, yielding gum, traversed
each year by the Moors (Braknas, Darmankos, &c.)
for the collection of this commodity. This rich
harvest used generally to fall into the hands of the
English commercial houses at Portendic before that
port was given over to the French in 1857. In the
time of Adanson, towards the middle of the 18th
century, the quantity of gum sold at the different

122 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

markets of Senegal (exclusive of Portendic trade ?)
was about 30,000 quintals (cwts.): in 1827 the quantity
similarly exported from Senegal to France increased
to 613,504 kilogrammes: the annual export has now
reached some 3,000,000 kilogrammes. The commerce
in this article varies with the conditions of the atmo-.
sphere, and has been affected from time to time by the
partial destruction by fire of the forests of gum-trees
accidentally caused by the Moors in their efforts to
burn the dry scrub in the neighbourhood of such
forests. The gum Verek is identical with the true
gum arabic of Arabia; its gathering is effected in the
month of December, viz. two months after the ces-
sation of the “ Rains,” which fall from July to October.
The Moors employ in its collection their unfortunate
captives of war, whom they make slaves.

For any more detailed particulars that may be
required concerning the gums exported from the
French Possession, Senegambia, I would request that
reference be made to ‘Flore de Sénégambie,’ by
Messrs Guillemin, Perrottet & Richard, and to the
appended list of economic plants, p. 269.

From the Gold Coast the export of gum (fossilized
resin) to the United Kingdom—indeed, to the
European market—is trifling compared with what it
should be. The United States attract the bulk of the
trade, which in this article also seems in that direction
to be increasing, as will be observed from the follow-
ing return, pp. 124-5.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 123

Resin abounds on the Gold Coast behind Accra
and in Aquapim, the Akims, and Croboes, also in
Appolonia; and its greater development requires
attention, and the friendly defeat of the prejudices of
the natives.

From the Colony of Lagos there has been no
export trade in this article, which I will prove to be
somewhat surprising.

IT have had some correspondence and personal
interviews during one of my stays in England with
Mr. Ingham Clark, a gentleman who has much
experience, and takes deep interest in the “gum” of
commerce. I learnt that Accra copal (fossilized resin)
is not-much sought after in the trade, as sufficient
attention has not been turned to promote its de-
velopment into a4 régular export and steady supply,
as has been done in the cases of Zanzibar, Animi,
Sierra Leone copal, and the Kauri gum of New
Zealand ; further, that the last-mentioned gums are
properly sorted, cleaned and washed when put on
the market, so that the varnish manufacturers can
suit their tastes and pockets. It would seem that
there has been an improvement in the imports of Accra
copal, which had been for some time chiefly an inferior
quality—“ dusty, drossy, full of bark, the gum opaque
and acidy. The latter fault is much against Accra.”

Such conditions of import are not favourable to a
ready sale; in fact, manufacturers fight shy of “Accra,”

which, on the contrary, if collected clean, like a

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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126 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

“specimen I presented to the Kew Museum, should
command as much as Angola copal.

Next, however, to ANGOLA, BENGUELA, SENEGAL
and SIERRA LEONE comes ACCRA copal, which is sold
after cleaning at the rate of about £90 perton. And
‘from the Congo have come consignments which have
not realized as had been expected, “because they
were principally zew soft gums, and probably had been
gathered from the surface instead of below the ground
where the earlier resin had accumulated.”

It should present itself to the minds of local pro-
moters of a fresh industry, and to exporters, that an
article such as gum should present a fair, attractive
exterior ; that its appearance should take ; that this can
be best effected by clean and careful collection of this
-commodity, devoid of bark, earth, and other matter,
which when in mixture can be removed locally by
scraping and washing, with an issue to the interested
of having, in addition to heavier account sales, to pay
freight only on good marketable stuff, and not on a
mixture of rubbish.

It will best suit my purpose and that of my readers
to afford instruction for proper cleaning of these
commodities, which if attended to will result in more
profit to the collectors and more satisfaction to the
buyers. Iam enabled to do so through the practical
experience of Mr, Ingham Clark, who has been good
enough to inform me that old resins (fossilized) like
“Accra” and “Benguela” require a fairly strong solu-

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 127

tion of potash, in order that the dirty coating may be
touched ; for newer resins (unfossilized), such as Sierra
Leone “copal,” “ogea,” &c.,a solution of English soda
will suffice : to them potash would be injurious. It is
recommended that new resins should be subject to a
rough sifting and vous¢mg in common soda-and-water
(if lukewarm, so much the better): they should after-
wards be washed in cold clean water, to remove any
exterior effect caused by the soda. Such a course will
improve the appearance and value considerably.

I have failed to ascertain that any gum has reached
the English market from the Gambia. The article is
not mentioned among the exports from that Settle-
ment, although, on either side of that grand navigable
river, viz. in the Settlement of Sierra Leone and in
Senegambia, a considerable export trade is effected.
It is as well to mention this fact, for the statistics of
the Board of Trade on imports of this article into the
United Kingdom from the West Africa Settlements
(Gambia and Sierra Leone) are as follows :—

Article. Year. | Quantities. Value.
cwts. S
1881 6,140 20,958
1882 5,350 16,515
Gum ofall sorts . 1883 8,329 26,216
1884 7,064 20,310
1885 7,471 21,860

On enquiry, I find no one has of late years turned
his attention to the development in the Gambia of a

128 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

gum trade, although there presents itself prominently
the tree “Santang” (name in Mandingo and Volof
both for tree and gum). The natives use it for disin-
fecting purposesand medicinally. This tree abounds,
and is much resorted to by canoe-builders and other
woodworkers. It is being treated as I found the
“Ogea” in the Colony of Lagos. The merciless axe
and fire attack it right and left, with the objects in
addition’ to foregoing of securing potash for the
indigo-dyeing industry, or manure for the land.
Botanically the Santang is very like the “ Ogea,” and
will prove to be, I fancy, a Daniellia (?) also.

Then the Gambia mahogany, Khaya senegalensis,
yields a gum, a specimen of which I succeeded in
sending to the Forestry Exhibition of 1884. Next,
the banks of the Gambia are here and there studded
with acacias, which are ignored, and yield the gum
industry of Senegambia.

Again, I satisfied myself, by securing specimens,
which were shewn also in the late Exhibition, that the
Acacia Verek (Acacia arabica or Acacia Senegal)—
known in trade as the Soudan gum, for which there is
at present a large demand—with other gum-yielding
Acacias, is to be found somewhat extensively flanking
to some considerable length and depth the many
arms of the Gambia River.

Why cannot such Acacias be similarly utilized in
that Colony through the medium of the Gambia River,
which permeates such a vast and rich extent of

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 129

country? Let business men turn their attention to my
remarks. Why do they not get down some of the
gum-hunters of the Senegal and explore our own
fields? The result would, I am confident, be bene-
ficial and profitable.

Then further south, beyond the field of “ Accra”
copal, comes that of the “Ogea” gum, from which we
should have a very valuable addition in this direction.
In April, 1883, I reported from Lagos to Kew Gardens
that the tree from which this gum was obtained—the
favourite habitat of which is swamp-land—was called
in Yoruba “ Ogea” (indeed the gum is so named), and
was mercilessly treated, natives attaching no value to
it. The gum was and is used by the natives for fires
and for light. Women used it powdered on the body
as a perfume. The tree, as is the case with many
trees of a like resinous nature, is bored by a grub,
which would seem to be a provision of nature, for by
means of the boring exudes the juice—later gum.

In a Paper read before the Society on the 21st June,
1883, Mr. Dyer called attention to the above, and
from his paper I have extracted as follows :—

“ Professor Oliver reported upon the specimen that
the tree was a Daniellia, though the material was
scarcely adequate for fixing the species. But it
seemed not to be Daniellia thurifera (Bennett, in
‘Pharm. Journal,’ 1855, xiv., p. 252), the frankincense
tree of Sierra Leone; nor was it identified with

D. oblonga, collected in Fernando Po by Barter. The
K

130 FORESTRY, OF WEST AFRICA.

product is apparently too unfamiliar to commercial
men to enable any positive opinion to be expressed
as to whether Ogea will be useful to the manufacturer
ornot. But it is thought not to be without promise
for the purpose of varnish-making.”

In July, 1883, Mr. Ingham Clark had tested in his
laboratory the “ogea” (specimens of which for the
-purpose I supplied to him), when it was found to
answer somewhat to the peculiarities of Accra copal,
containing a fair amount of acid and essential oil, and
having a melting point of about 420° Fah. He was of
the opinion that it would require a heat of 600° Fah.
to “run” it, viz. to melt it sufficiently liquid to enter
into complete union with linseed oil.

The laboratory report was as follows :

“This gum has all the character and appearance
of that known in the market as ‘ Accra’ copal, the
sample submitted for testing being of an inferior
character, dirty and dusty. It gave a melting point
of 420°, which in itself is excellent ; but being of a dry
nature, requires at least 600° Fah. to fuse ; and being
strong in a characteristic acid, melts dark in colour,
which would affect materially its value commercially.”

Mr, Ingham Clark has since informed me that with
better care in selecting and roughly cleaning, or even
sifting, a better result might be obtained, as “ ogea ”
was a hard fossilized resin, and therefore should be of
a considerable value.

The tree blossoms about June, and fruits in July ;

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 131

it abounds in the Yoruba country, and might be
cultivated to any extent. I have been assured by
Mr. Ingham Clark that he entertains in anticipation no
reason why “ogea” should not realize—if there be
brought about a steady, reliable and clean supply of
the commodity—from £90 to 4120 a ton: let it
follow the example set by rubber on the Gold Coast.

Here we have at hand a tree yielding resin procur-
able in such form, as also in the form of a fossilized
resin, from the ground; the transformation being
doubtless attributable to some chemical action—
brought about by the contact of the droppings with its
surroundings—helped by age.

The species to which Accra copal belongs has so
far not got beyond suspicion—some Copaifera.

Writing on some specimens of Inhambane gum—
native name “Stakate,’ and “Staka,” Zulu name
“TInthlaka ”—received in 1882 from Mr. H. G, O’Neill,
H. M. Consul for Mozambique, the Director of Kew
described them as consisting in part of water-worn
pebbles, very much resembling the Accra copal.

The species was fixed as Copaifera Gorskiana,
Benth. “The identification,” says Mr. Dyer, “is the
more interesting on account of the resemblance of
Inhambane to Accra copal.” The latter has long been
suspected to be produced by a species of Copaifera.

“Sierra Leone copal is ascertained to be derived from
Copaifera Guibourtiana, Benth. Students of tropical
African botany are familiar with the occurrence of the

k 2

132 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

same genera, and even species, on both the East and
West Coasts. Landolphia florida, one of the African
rubber vines, is a striking example of this wide
distribution.”

I am informed by Mr. Ingham Clark that Sierra
Leone copal, on account of its pale colour—almost
white—is most largely used ; and that the trees are
now cut for this gum, the trade becoming, as in Sene-
gambia, a season one. He is of the opinion that this
fact is affecting the practical value of Sierra Leone
copal, as, not being fossilized, it is very tender, and
must be sparingly used in the making of first-class
varnishes. It is sold in the United Kingdom, after
having been subjected at the port of shipment to a
rough washing.

This article is also found among the exports from
the French Settlements of Assine and Gaboon, as also
in the exports from the Portuguese Possessions below
the Congo, as will be readily judged by the market
names of “ANGOLA” and “ BENGUELA,” which are
the most valuable of the West African resins. The
quantity that has found its way from the Portuguese
Possessions into the United Kingdom from 1881 to
1885 stands as under :—

Article. 1881. 1882. 1883. 1884. 1885.
Sale . L161 £989 41,924 42,321 £2,360

Gum of }
all sorts

35 cwt. | 270 cwt. | 612cwt. | 965 cwt. | 968 cwt.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 133

On the red and white gum of the Portuguese
Possessions in West Africa I extract as follows, from
Monteiro’s ‘Angola and the Congo’:—

“The red gum copal called ‘maquata’ by the natives
is of the finest quality, and is almost entirely the
product of the Mossulo country. It is known to exist
north, in the vicinity of Mangue Grande, but it is
‘fetish’ for the natives to dig it, and consequently
they will not bring it for trade, and even refuse to tell
the exact place where it is found; but there can be no
doubt about it, as they formerly traded in it with the
white men.

“Until about the year 1858 it was a principal
article of export from Ambriz; vessels being loaded
with it, chiefly to America, but with the American War
the trade ceased, and it has never since attained
anything like its former magnitude.

“Tt is obtained from a part of Angola where white
men are not permitted by the natives to penetrate,
and I have consequently not been an actual observer
of the locality in which it occurs: but by all the
accounts received from intelligent natives it is found
below the surface of a highly ferruginous hard clay or
soil, at a depth of a few inches to a couple of feet, and
is said to be found in irregular masses, chiefly flat
in shape, and from small knobs to pieces weighing
several pounds.

“These are all carefully chopped into small nearly
uniform pieces, the object of this being to enable the

134 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

natives to sell it by measure, the measures being little
“quindas’ or open baskets. The natives of the country.
where it is obtained not only bring it to the Coast for
barter, but also sell it to the Coast natives, who go with
goods to purchase it from them.

“The blacks of the gum country are so indolent
that they will only dig for the gum during and after
the last and heaviest rains, about March, April, and’
May—and these and June and July are the months.
when it almosts all makes its appearance; and they
will only allow a certain quantity to leave the country,
for fear that its price on the Coast may fall; hence
only a few tons of this beautiful gum are now obtained,
where some years ago hundreds were bought.

“Tt is said by the natives that no trees grow on or
near the places where the gum copal is found, and.
that even grass grows very sparingly. The very small.
quantities of red earth and sand sometimes attached
to the gum shew it to be so highly ferruginous, that
I should imagine such was really the case.

“The white Angola gum is said to be the product
of a tree growing near rivers and water, a little to the
interior of the Coast. I have never had an opportunity
of seeing the tree myself. However, a grand field
along this Coast and inland exists for the development
on a much larger scale of this important and valuable
article of commerce.”

On the Angola and Benguela gums Mr. Ingham
Clark has remarked as follows :—

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 135

“*BENGUELA’ is a fine bright, pale, irregular-shaped
copal, having a high melting point. It must be a
very old gum, and has the nearest resemblance to the
Zanzibar Animi of all the West African copals. It
sells here for about £8 per cwt. after a rough washing.

“Angola copals are of two kinds, red and white.
They are both exceedingly hard old gums, the red
having a bright outside colouring, proceeding probably
from the soil in which it has lain so long; it sells here
for about £6 to £7 per cwt. The white kind contains
frequently quantities of impurities, such as leaves and
thick matter, which are so imbedded in the resin that
it discolours in melting, and this affects materially its.
value. In a rough state unpicked, but simply roughly
washed and sifted, it sells for £45 to £60 per ton—a
portion after picking and cleaning here realizing
Is. to Is. 4d. per Ib.”

136

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.>

VII.

WEST African dye-woods are chiefly represented or
known in the trade as camwood (Baphia nitida),

barwood, and redwood.

In the Gaboon and that

quarter I think red sandal-wood is synonymous. The
dye-woods that have reached the United Kingdom
between 1878 and 1885 are embodied, as to quantity
and value, in the following table :-—

Year. Articles. Countries whence imported. /Quantities.) Value.
Dye-wood Wortendtia |
ye-woods un- est Coast o rica
1878 { enumerated \{ Foreign. as 15,408
1879 56 Ae ee No separate headling.
. C.A., not particu-
cite 2 99 { larly designated } 1,444 | 12,029
1881 2° ” 29 or oe 2,593 | 15,451
1882 29 29 29 2»? oe 1,893 | 18,732
1883 W.A., British 2. 90} 1,231
2. ae. >» Portuguese . 1,580 | 13,113
W. A., not particu- 3
1884 Pes a larly designated , 2274 | 12,749
a i British . , 1,053} 8,354
- A, not ticu-
1885 2? 29 { larly Niseawa Bi } 1,053 8,354

Liberia, the Oil Rivers, and the Gaboon at present,
I think I am right in saying, offer the most prolific
field for camwood, barwood, and ebony. The last-

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 137

mentioned, as indeed the others, is to be found in
the Gambia and on the Gold Coast.

The foregoing Return must not be viewed as repre-
senting the total export trade, for there is a consider-
able trade done direct with France, Germany, and
America. From the Gaboon it has been reckoned
that of sandal-wood and ebony 40,000 tons are yearly
exported under French, English, and American flags.
An estimate of imports under this head annually into
Hamburg has been given as 300 tons,

I am indebted to Mr. G. S. Saunders—of consider-
able timber experience—of 106, Fenchurch Street, for
some interesting information on barwood and cam-
wood, which I give as received :—

“ Barwood ” used to be freely imported with ebony,
but the demand for it has much fallen off in conse-
quence of the increased use of dyes produced from
the coal-tar refuse; and although occasionally this
wood is used for turnery purposes, by far the largest
proportion of it is consumed in dyeing.

“Like ebony, barwood is also imported in billets,
only much smaller, split out from large logs, two
to two and a half feet in length, and frequently not
more than an average of 500 pieces to the ton, or
four to five pounds per piece. It is a porous, light
wood, long in the fibre, and when first cut, of a bright
orange red; but on exposure this red darkens to a
deep brown. Price varies from £2 10s. to £4 per
ton,

138 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

“Camwood is also imported much less than before,
from the same reason as that which has stopped
barwood; but it still comes in in small quantities,
mostly from the ports north and south (in the neigh-
bourhood) of Sierra Leone, such as Sherbro, Monrovia,
&c. This wood used to come in short logs, fifteen to
twenty-four inches long and five to twelve in diameter ;
but latterly the greater part of what has come forward
is in rooty, badly-shaped picces, fit for nothing but to
cut up for dyeing purposes. Formerly it was in great
request for high-class fancy turning, as the straight
clear logs I before mentioned were of smooth, even,
firm, close grain; but of course roots are of no use for
such a purpose.

“The colour when quite freshly cut is a pale
yellowish pink, which soon deepens into orange, and
then toa good red. This however in time darkens
until it is almost black. This wood fetches a good
price ; some was sold recently at £29 per ton.”

I addressed, on the same subject, Messrs. Gardner
& Sons, the widely-known timber importers of New
London Street, Mark Lane, and they were kind
enough to convey thus :—

“Black ebony without sap, and usually cleft
without heart centre, averaging all the way from two
hundred to forty pieces to the ton, is worth here from
£4 10s. to £13 per ton, according to sizes, colour, and
freedom from defects.

“Camwood, for dyeing purposes, is worth about

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 139

435 perton.” The price must, however, depend on
its condition and demand.

“Barwood, also for dyeing purposes, in small cleft
pieces brings from 42 15s. to £4 Ios. per ton, accord-
ing to demand; present value being £3 15s. to
44 258. 6d. per ton.

“There may be other woods from that portion of
Africa, which would possess a commercial value if
imported, but they are not known to us.”

Botanists—at least some—give out that camwood
and barwood are obtained from the Baphia nitida-
The different colouring given in description, the great
difference of prices per ton, would make one inclined
to differ, or to question whether accurate and reliable
information has reached us.

I see the French give to barwood the name Ptero-
carpus angolensis ; and to camwood, Baphia laurifolia.

If, however, it has been satisfactorily proved that
Baphia nitida is the tree; why then is it not allowed
to age? or why are the natives so shortsighted as not
to promote the export of camwood, with a pecuniary
return ten times as much as is obtained for barwood?
I don’t think it has been yet clearly explained what
botanically is barwood and what camwood.

Camwood is used for dyeing light browns, as in
tweeds ; and in Sheffield barwood is used for knife
handles.

Redwood comes chiefly from Old Calabar, gives a
stronger colour than barwood,and is worth a little more.

140 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

VIII.

CoTTON.—Cotton is to be found wild all along this
Coast. In some places it is cultivated, but rather for
local use than for export. The low prices for the past
few years—in fact, since the American War—realised
in the European markets for West African cotton
have militated against the demand for the article, and
‘consequently there has not been the same attention
turned to its development as might be expected from
what should prove to be a rich and extensive field
for supply.

Again, intertribal wars, slave-hunting, and cattle-
lifting raids—the present curses of West Africa, and
the main obstacles now against its development and
opening up—have much to account for as regards the
backwardness of the cultivation of cotton, indeed of
other articles, the quantities of which might otherwise
multiply themselves.

The high prices obtained for cotton during the
American War proved a great incentive to the native
growers and native buyers, especially in the cotton-
growing country of Crepee bordering the Upper
Volta and its neighbours on the Gold Coast, and in
the Yoruba country behind Lagos. Great exertions
were then put forth by merchants, and cotton gins

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 14t

and other machinery were introduced. It was some-
what a case of “making hay while the sun shone.”
The death of the American War, the consequent
return to cheap rates there, of supply and purchase:
that prevailed before its outbreak, the proportionately
low prices offered locally, the devastating cruel raids.
in 1868-9 of the Ashantees over the country of the
Crepees—the most agricultural people there—and the
then blockade of its upper Volta River, stand forth as
reasons for the present state of the cotton trade in the
Gold Coast Colony.

West African raw cotton (Gossypium herbaceum ?).
is imported chiefly, first from the Colony of Lagos,
secondly from the Portuguese Possessions, and thirdly
from the Gold Coast Colony, as will be found in the
explanatory tables that follow.

It would appear that the Lagos cotton, the plant of
which is indigenous, is brownish in colour, rough and.
short in style, and therefore does not command the:
higher prices.

Now, on the contrary, the cotton of the Portuguese
Possessions, to wit Angola, is white, silky, and of
good length in staple. When properly prepared it
is as valuable as American: it is supposed to be
naturalized American (Gossypium barbadense).

Western Africa, especially our Colonies, has.
become a home for many alien plants: why should
not the best cotton be there naturalized, and thus.
reduce our demand on foreign markets ?

142 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

The same reasons, if we substitute Dahomey for
Ashantee, and add the intertribal wars now happily
approximated to a close by the Government of Lagos,
that have gone on for years in the Yoruba Kingdom,
and have militated so much against its development
and commercial progress, explain the past depression
in this industry in the Colony of Lagos.

I was glad to find, in 1885, that a long-established
and prominent house of West African notoriety,
Messrs. Swanzy, took the lead in the Gold Coast
Colony in the matter of the development of the Volta
Valley export cotton trade. They had and have a
grand inlet and outlet in the Volta River, and deserve
every encouragement and success. They intended to
utilize the force of the river, and divert some of it
towards the working of suitable machinery which
they exported to the Gold Coast. Their endeavours
find favourable support in the statistics of export in
this article from the Gold Coast, inclusive of Lagos,
which from 1878 to 1885 were as follows :—

Article. Year. Quantities, Value.
. Cwts. rs

1878 35534 9,810

1879 646 1,678

1880 260 691

Cotton, raw rat pes 32223
) ee 1882 3,654 10,672

1883 4,014 10,395

1884 5,671 13,926

1885 2,600 6,166

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 143

Of the above, there reached the United Kingdom
from the Colony of Lagos and the circumjacent
countries :—

Article. Year. Quantities. Value.
4
1881 1,093 pkgs. 3,646
1882 3,000 ,, 8,103
Cotton, raw » . 1883 415,254 cwts. 10,419
1884 520,414 4, 11,454
1885 278,850 5, 5,797

Against the foregoing, and in addition to local
cotton manufactures, there were imported into Lagos
from the United Kingdom cotton goods of the under-
mentioned values :—

188r. 1882. 1883. 1884. 1885.

& £ 4 & &
102,034. 188,069 230,680 225,112 193,782

In the French Possessions along this Coast grants
of land are given on the condition that cotton is
cultivated.

In the vicinity of the Settlements on the Gambia—
the export trade from which is at present very small,
but could be considerably enlarged—the people of
Cayor, Dualo, Fouta and Galam cultivate somewhat
this shrub, while in the kingdom of Bondou planta-
tions are extensive.

The Settlements on the Gambia should be able to

144 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

compete with the Gold Coast and Lagos in the
matter of cultivation and export trade in this article.
If it will pay to buy and ship cotton to European
markets from ports thousands of miles further off, it
would surely pay to do the same from those Possessions.

From the Gambia and Sierra Leone there has been
no export worthy of separate mention in the raw
material; but I must not omit to mention that behind
the latter and up the Gambia River proceeds an im-
portant and extensive manufacture of the cotton of
the country, in the shape of rich country cloths, fine
specimens of which were seen in the Colonial and
Indian Exhibition. The currency of the River Gambia
is also represented in this manufacture. I may here
add that in the year, viz. 1885, when I left those
Settlements there were, in the mercantile houses of
Bathurst, country cloths of currency to the value of
over £60,000. Such an exceptionally large stock was
due to the failures of the crops in ground nuts, and to
the unsettled state of the country consequent on the
Baddiboo and other wars prevailing.

Superior cloths, on indigo-dyed cotton foundation,
of various and quaint patterns in silk and wool, are
also made by the Volofs, who have learnt the art from
the Moors.

This Gambian industry admitted, in addition to
supply for home consumption, of an export in pagns
to the value of £480 in 1883, and of £2,742 in 1884.

Again, in such manufactures, a considerable native

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 145

industry proceeds around Lagos which should admit,
in time, in addition to the supply of local wants, of a
considerable export. In 1883 and 1884, against like
imports to the value of £1021 and £480, there were
sent out free of duty from that Colony to the Wind-
ward and Leeward Coasts, and to Brazil, pagns worth
47,403 and £6,822.

The primitive hand-loom in use among the natives
is what has come for centuries to them from their
ancestors, and is capable of improvement to their
advantage. It deserves attention.

The nearer the coast line, the easier is it to procure
European stuffs, and hence the same necessity does
not exist for an extended cultivation of the cotton
shrub ; yet I found that in certain parts, especially in
Yoruba and in the Gambia, Mahommedan natives
preferred for their tobes the home-made article, viz.,
the cloth loomed from the cotton thread of the country,
which can bear the wear and tear of use for years.

To arrive at some estimate of supply and demand,
we must pit against the foregoing statistics the imports
from the United Kingdom into West Africa of cotton
manufactured, with the direction they take. And we
must bear in mind that the largest supply of the raw
material for these manufactures reaches the United
Kingdom from the United States of America, from
plantations the output of which has been dependent
in the main on the labour of Negroes freed from the
slavery to which they before were condemned. Why

L

*

146 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

cannot Negroes in their own countries do likewise ?
Such information is afforded in the following Table :—

Cotton MANUFACTURED, PIECE Goops PLAIN.

Year. Countries. Quantities. Value.

Yards. b

88 West Africa, Foreign . 14,005,000 127,707
TOG », British . 16,612,400 171,485
88 West Africa, Foreign . 19,535,400 177,660
Tong re » British . 22,896,200 232,006
188 West Africa, Foreign . 20,598,200 193,882
a », British . 21,851,400 222,372
188 {sheet Africa, Foreign . 16,352,300 142,634
5 5 », British . 15,082,700 149,581

COTTON MANUFACTURED, PIECE Goops PRINTED.

Year. Countries. Quantities. Value.

Yards. b

1882 is Africa, Foreign. | 30,185,100 430,117
>» British . 22,183,100 325,044

188 fe Africa, Foreign . 41,688, 100 604,790
3 >, British . 21,999,000 314,429
188 aie Africa, Foreign . 38,211,600 546,590
4 >, British . 25,309,900 358, 692
1885 c Africa, Foreign . 25,698, 100 340,400
” » British . 16,611,300 221,475

COTTON MANUFACTURED, UNENUMERATED.

Year. Countries. Quantities. Value.
Yards. L

1882 West Africa, Foreign . gas 55438

> British . ce

. ‘est Africa, Foreign . Ae 4, 87 I
1883 ies 95 ” British fi = :

West Africa, Foreign . sii 13,440

1884 ie oF ” British ‘ wi . 4

West Africa, Foreign . ee 16,786

1885 hae 35 ” British é oe esas

1883. Piece goods of mixed materials, cotton predominating, to
W. A. (British) 220, 100 yards, £7,597.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 147

From the Portuguese Possessions the exports for
the past eight years in this article have been :—

Article. | Year. | Quantities. | Value.

Cwts. L
1878 o | oe
1879 ae ae
1880 954 2,722
1881 295 1 840
Cotton, raw . 1882 339 i 834
1883 a | ass
1884 1,119 2,973
1885 1,830 | 4,648

And from West Coast of Africa (not particularly
designated) for a like period they were represented as
follows :-—

Article. Year. Quantities. Value.
Cwts. L
1878 137 595
1879 72 195
‘Cotton, raw 5 + 1880 25 69
1881 143 420
1882 90 247

But for the later years no separate mention has been
given in view of insignificance of supply.

148 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

IX.

Cacao, ETC.—Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
and Cacao (Theobroma cacao) grow well along this
coast—especially is this proved in the neighbourhood
of the Gaboon, where the Roman Catholic Mission
is doing much good in industrial education in this
line.

The British Possessions in West Africa, in the
matter of the export of this article therefrom to the
United Kingdom, are noticeable by their absence
from the ‘Annual Statement of the Trade of the
United Kingdom, &c.;’ whereas particulars of the
imports into the mother-country, undér ‘Cacao from
West Africa, Foreign, are included in the following
table :—

Year. Articles. Countries whence imported. Quantities. | Value.
‘Tbs. £
1885 Cacao From West Africa, Foreign | 202,369 | 5,027
1884 » » » ds 231,987 | 5,818
1883 29 29 vars 39 294,040 6,165
18382 a2 SS a3 + ie 188 , 628 4,173
1881 37 > aed te 39 213,719 4,744
1880 P| | PE | 180,500 4,779
1879 3D mE i +? +} 146,378 4,999
1878 2? 2? 2 2» 185,197 55553

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 149

For this supply we are mainly indebted to the
Spanish island of Fernando Po, from which the
export of cacao for the like period has been as
follows :—

Year. Article. Whence. Quantities. Value.
Ibs. b
1878 | Cacao . . | Fernando Po is pan
1879 os ee se a sit oue
1880 2? i 29 103,557 2,742
1881 »» + 3 56 72,473 1,683
1882 2? - * ez 98, 105 2,453
1883 a9 so 39 2555254 5,407
1884 Sa x. |Z ne 202,925 5,206
1885 99 oo ra 183,423 4,696

For 1878 and 1879 there has been no special
mention of this article among its exports.

Attempts have been and are being made, but on no
great scale, to promote the growth in other parts of
West Africa. The energetic and enterprising Herr
Vohsen is doing so at Sierra Leone, and Mr. J. P. L.
Davies at Lagos. May all success attend their
efforts! I have myself grown healthy-looking but
seemingly barren shrubs in the grounds of Government
House, Lagos.

The success in Fernando Po should be an en-
couragement to stimulate general effort in the direc-
tion of spreading in our West African Possessions the
growth of this article.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and pepper (Habzelia
aromatica, a native of West Africa) appear under

150 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Spices in the Imports from the West Africa Settle-
ments into the United Kingdom, and represent
industries of importance to the Native as well as
European, and capable of considerable expansion. The
local growth of the trade, without considering home
consumption, in these articles will be observed from
the following table of their export to the United
Kingdom, where they are admitted free of duty :-—

Articles. Year. Quantities. Value.
cwts. S

1879 11,951 11,098

1880 3,142 3,000

1881 645 742

Ginger. . . 1382 4,067 5,004
1883 4,600 7,847

1884 6,053 11,971

1885 8,355 13,351

Ibs.

1879 fe aes

1880 25,726 643

1881 67,501 1,124

Pepper. « « .-4 1882 82,357 2,065
1883 163,376 4,401
1884 140,769 3,097

1885 42,944 712

Although the foregoing statistics appear as to
locality under the West African Settlements, yet as
neither ginger nor pepper come within the exports
from the Gambia, these figures must be deemed to
apply exclusively to Sierra Leone, where ginger has
been grown for some years, and where pepper has
developed into an article of export since 1880. So
far pepper plantations do not exist.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. I5r

In the preparation of ginger, every attention should
be extended by the growers to its maturity, cleansing,
scraping, and drying. The better and cleaner it is
exported, the less must be the cost for freight, and
the greater the profit from European markets.

I may remark that the form this pepper takes
for export is, after being boiled, dried and ground,
similar to what we know as “cayenne”: this industry
is performed by women and girls,

To show the general demand in and through the
United Kingdom for these articles, I give hereunder
their quantities and values as imports for the past five
years :—

Article. | Year. Quantities. Value.
cwts. a
1881 27,310 me
1882 25,485 64,409
Ginger. & 4% 1883 38,112 100,314
1884 50,358 123, 100
1835 METIS 156,172
bs.
1881 20,795,087 ee
1882 24,777,174 582,674
Pepper. . = . 1883 31,375,589 839,003
1884 27,876,761 824,374
1885 31,018, 450* 967,781

* Ginger from Foreign countries, 2,052 cwts. ; British Possessions,
80,723 cwts. Pepper from Foreign countries, 63,370 lbs.; from
British Possessions, 30,955,080 lbs.

It will be seen from the above that a considerable
demand exists for these commodities: let West Africa

152 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

endeavour to compete on a larger scale in the matter
of supply.

Doubtless many capsicums to which India is largely
indebted for her exports of pepper could be intro-
duced with advantage into West Africa, which can
also boast, however, of many species.

In these as in other articles of import into the
United Kingdom, there is a considerable transit and
re-export trade.

Again, there is and might be supplied in any
quantity the Cudeba Clusii as a substitute for pepper,
when the latter is not sufficient in supply to meet
European and other wants.

In the matter of the competition in ginger trade, I
would support the foregoing by remarking that while
West African ginger from its inferiority realises but,
say, 30s. per cwt., India gets nearly 4os.; while the
West Indian ginger, which is the favourite, fetches
6os. and more.

There is room, however, for improvement in the
growth of this plant, and in its subsequent prepara-
tion for the market. Why not introduce West Indian
plants?

For instructions on the growth of cacao I must
refer my readers to the pamphlet of Mr. D. Morris,
entitled “Cacao: how to grow and how to cure it.”

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 153

xX.

WEST AFRICAN INDIGO.—In certain parts—to my
own knowledge up the Gambia River and in the
Yoruba country behind Lagos—of West Africa,
native indigo-dyeing as an industry is of consider-
able extent. The manufacture of indigo might be
developed into a profitable export trade. In 1883
I took to England a sample of Yoruba indigo, which
was submitted by Mr. Thisselton Dyer, now Director
of the Royal Gardens, Kew, to Dr. Hugo Miller,
F.R.S., Foreign Secretary of the Chemical Society,
who reported that it was worth from 4s. to 4s. 6d.
per pound as compared with fine Bengal, which was
worth from 7s. to 7s. 6a. per pound,

My specimen contained a good deal “of earthy
matter,” and according to Dr. Miller, if this could be
eliminated in the local manufacture, the return would
be worth more.

There is a great similarity along West Africa in the
modes of the manufacture of indigo. Here I do not
allude to the heap of decomposed or fermented
leaves of indigo-bearing plants mixed with cow-dung,

154 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

used extensively everywhere for dyeing, but to the
extracted dye material, which so far has had as an
industry but little growth in West Africa, and is used
mostly for mixture with butter from cow’s milk or
“Shea” (Butyrospermum Parkii) as a pomatum for
colouring grey hair. The world’s vanity, how general
it is!

The process of extracting the dye material is as
follows. In a large country pot, earthenware, of
some fifteen gallons, a strong extract of the leaves is
made, the water covering them until fermentation sets
in. The liquid is then strained off and submitted to
a mode of aerating by rapid agitation promoted by
taking calabashes full of it in quick succession, and
allowing contents to flow back from a height of two
or three feet into the pot. After a short time preci-
pitation to the bottom of the dye matter in small
grains sets in, and when it is concluded that separa-
tion has been completed, the water is poured off, and
the sediment—indigo—is allowed to set, after which it
is mixed with a little gum, when it is made into small
shapes, balls, cones, &c. Specimens in this form are
obtained from Gambia, Lagos, the Niger, and the
Yoruba and Houssa kingdoms.

For purposes of dyeing articles—cotton usually, of
country manufacture—the cloth is dipped into the
extract unaerated, then freely exposed to the air:
repeated dippings and drying fix the colour and
make it lasting. Where striped or other designs

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 155

are desired, such patterns are secured by hemming
up portions on which it is wished that the colour
will have less effect: the dye colour is thereby on
those parts less deep, and the pattern aimed at
secured,

These industries, conducted almost entirely by
women, are what they have been for centuries, and
have remained, as others, undeveloped by contact with
civilizing influences: in fact colonization, civilization,
europeanization, or whatever name we may apply to
the situation, has resulted in contracting the industrial
area of this as of other purely native industries, and
consequently has done in this direction also more
harm than good.

We have not allowed ourselves to descend to the
situations as we found them, nor endeavoured to
make the best of them, nor with all honesty turned
to their improvement on lines consistent with the
conditions and requirements of the People.

Why has foreign competition been such a success-
ful rival generally in our own Colonies ?

In indigo-yielding plants our knowledge is indeed
very contracted, yet a reference to the list appended
of economic plants of West Africa will result in an
encouraging show of known specimens in the direc-
tion of the commercial development of this important
industry.

In imports from our West African Possessions into
the United Kingdom, dye-stuffs are included, but

156 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

classed as unenumerated. I hereunder afford par-
ticulars for the last five years :—

Year. Article. Whence. | Quantity. Value.
Cwts. b
: Gold Coast,
1881 | Dye-stuffs, &c. |; inclusive of 18 216
Lagos
1882 Ee a
1883 ae aA és ste
1884. ae 55 230 1150
1885 ae 5 fee es

From Sierra Leone and Gambia there seems to
have been no export. In 1885 from the Portuguese

Possessions, 1923 cwts., at a value of £4885, were
exported.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA, 157

XI,

WEST AFRICAN VINE.—I have not touched upon
the large imports into West Africa of harmful spirits,
wines, liqueurs, &c.; yet West Africa is not without
its promise of a development of the grape industry.
The grape vine is found wild in various parts.

In a letter at Kew Gardens, which I was allowed
to use, from Cape Town, 7th December, 1880, it was
conveyed that “a French explorer, M. Lecart, at
present on the banks of the Niger, writes that he has
discovered a new vine, Vztzs macropus, which promises
to be of great economical value. The fruit is ex-
cellent and abundant ; the cultivation of the plant
very easy; its roots tuberose and perennial. It can
be cultivated as easy as the dahlia. He himself had
been eating the large grapes of the vine for eight
days, and found them excellent; and he suggests
that their culture ought to be attempted in all vine-
growing countries as a possible remedy against the
phylloxera.”

Under the Order Ampelideae in the appended list
of economic plants will be found several species of
Vitis of an edible nature, and doubtless capable of
culture with advantage.

158

“FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

XII,

As regards the Settlements on the Gambia, and of
Sierra Leone, the cola nut (seed of the Cola acuminata,

Order Sterculiacee) plays a very important part and
an increasing game, as the following statistics of
Imports into former and Exports from latter Settle-
ment will show (pp. 158 and 160) :—

CoLa IMPORT TO THE GAMBIA.

Year. Articles. bee es tae Quantities. Value.
Wind Ic packages. Tbs.

indward.Coast 375 2

a879| Cola, Nuts (eee Coast 742,580 | 26,520

1880 Meena Coast 9 79

oP Leeward Coast 130 & 578,365 | 27,391

1881 Sy Leeward Coast 117. & 607,047 | 29,122

1882 ay Leeward Coast 94 & 429,196 | 19,781

1883 iss Sierra Leone 12 & 690,906 | 33,108
88 Sierra Leone &

1504, 9 Goree 591,073 30, 366
Sierra Leone &

1885 a { Leeward Cet! 5265773 | 23,434

The cola nut has not been grown in the Gambia, so
that the foregoing statistics represent, it may be said,
the entire trade in this seed within and beyond those

Settlements.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 159

Although, according to Messrs Heckel and Schlag-
denhauffen, this tree is to be found in all the West
Coast of Africa comprised between 10° N. L. and
5° S. L., yet I was much amused, in making myself
conversant with the traditions of the Peoples of the
Gambia, 13° N. L., and their views, to find a Mandingo
account to me for the absence, in his knowledge, of
the cola-tree among their Flora, that his countrymen
and their neighbours lied too much to admit of its
growth there: a country rich in lies proved, accord-
ing to his lights, barren for the cola) Among the
Mandingoes, the credit for the introduction into the
world of the cola and calabash (Lagenaria vulgaris) is
given to one Awesoo Dekarananee of tradition ; they
are supposed to have come into existence together :
hence when the natives give a present of cola-seeds,
they are invariably enclosed in a calabash.

With reference to Sierra Leone, however, with a
considerable Mohammedan population, connected with
a wide-spread Interior also largely Mohammedan,
there must be a considerable home consumption and
Interior trade which do not affect the above statistical
return, so that the figures given may be viewed as
representing merely the export trade from that Settle-
ment.

The cola-nut tree is to be found all along this coast,
viz., at Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gold Coast Colony,
Niger, Fernando Po, St. Thomas, Prince’s Island,
Gaboon, Congo, and the Portuguese Possessions.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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Sufficient interest is not directed to development of
this important article of commerce on the Gold Coast,
where it abounds in the inland countries, such as Akim,
Croboe, in which it isto be found wild. Insome parts
of that Colony cultivation proceeds to a very limited
extent. There is a small local trade in the seed, and
an export trade mainly with the Colony of Lagos.

Attention to its development is indeed small com-
pared with what may prove to be the importance and
demand for the seed in the future, whether as “ Cola-
chocolate,” “Pick-me-ups,’ &c., or, in view of the
steady spread of Mohammedanism from N. and
E. Africa towards the West, to meet the pro-
portionately increasing want by its followers of a
stimulant, other than that resulting from the de-
grading and degenerating use—more frequently than
not in excess—of imported spirit, appropriately
called the FIRE-WATER of the white man.

It may be well to mention that a considerable
export trade in cola is done from Lagos with Brazil,
to the extent in value of £2,949 in 1878, and £3,560
in 1882. In 1884, £872; in 1883, 4535. As the
transport is effected by sailing vessels, which occupy
some time in the run across the Atlantic, although,
I understand, with varying loss, it gives hope that the
more direct trade with Europe in this article, which
it is said is likely to develop to an extent for the
adulteration of beer in an unintoxicating direction,
and other uses can be prosecuted.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 163

The main difficulty is in keeping the cola fresh,
which is locally done for the purposes of trade and
interior transport by means of large green leaves of
particular species of Sterculiacez or Ficus, which are
used to line and cover the bly (native basket) in
which colas are kept. They are also preserved to
some small extent in cold water by travellers; but
areas likely as not toferment. By retailers, who incur
considerable risk in having to open many times their
bly—thus exposing somewhat each time to the atmo-
sphere the seeds—the practice is resorted to of freshen-
ing up the withered seeds by packing them in wet
chaff. They are thus at times enabled to deceive the
buyers. The cola is used much by the natives in the
Portuguese Possessions, where it is eaten with a small
piece of ginger in the morning, and according to
Monteiro—

“A considerable quantity of cola was formerly
exported to Rio de Janeiro from Loanda, packed in
moist clay or earth to keep it fresh.”

This nut was recognised in Niam Niam by Schwein-
furth, whose surprise was aroused in seeing it in the
Monbuttoo country, where it grows wild and is called
by the natives “Nangweh,” who are accustomed to
chew it in the intervals of their smoking. In Bornou,
as a spice it was worth its weight in silver.

On it then Schweinfurth remarked: “I went on to
say that it confirmed my impression that the Welle

was identical with the river Baghirmy, called the
We

164 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Shary; and that this nut accordingly came to me
like a key to a problem that I was seeking to
solve.” *

West Africa must therefore not expect a continuance
of the enjoyment of a local monopoly in the trade of
this much-prized seed; for it must be prepared to
expect and receive, as regards home consumption, all
invasions from Central and Central-East Africa ; and,
in the matter of the development of an export trade
to European countries or elsewhere, Jamaica would
seem to promise to rank among fields of supply and
to combat for a place among countries competing, as
in Kew Report 1882 will be found from Mr. Morris
on that island as follows :—

“This (the cola nut) is very plentifully distributed
throughout Jamaica; having, probably like the AKEE
(Blighia sapida) and other West African plants, been
introduced by slave ships. If necessary, several tons
of the nuts could be shipped every year.”

Besides, we must bear in mind the result of the
very general distribution of the seed for planting
purposes that has proceeded and does proceed from
the Royal Gardens, Kew, in the direction of Calcutta,
Singapore, Ceylon, West Indies, Java, United States
of America, Canada, Labuan, &c.

In the Lancet of the 8th April, 1882, there will be
found an interesting article on Cola, Gourou or
Ombémé nut, embodying the result of an analysis of

* “Heart of Africa.’

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 165

the seed by MM. Ed. Heckel and Fr. Schlagden-
hauffen, “who have found that they do actually
contain more caffein than the best samples of coffee
that could be procured, and that this base is altogether
free and uncombined—not therefore, as in the coffee-
berry, united with an organic base; secondly, that
they contain a very appreciable quantity of theo-
bromine,* which assists the action. of caffein and
possesses similar properties to that base; thirdly,
which is an important fact, that they contain a con-
siderable quantity of glycose,t of which cacao presents
no trace ; fourthly, that the quantity of starch present
is three times greater than that contained in theo-
broma, which explains its nutritive value; fifthly, that
there is but little fat, in which respect it differs notably
from cacao; and lastly, that they contain a special
form of tannin, which approximates caffeo-tannic acid
in its composition, and a red colouring matter, very
similar to that named Payen cacao-red.”

“The physiological examination of this substance
has shown that its properties are essentially due to
the caffein and theobromine it contains.”

“The seeds, it appears, have long been used in
Soudan and Western Africa for the relief or cure of
diseases of intestine and liver, and especially in cases
of atony of the digestive tract ; also as a masticatory

* Theobromine—alkaloid of Theobroma cacao—a plant of
same order as cola nut.
{ Grape sugar.

166 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

or tonic, like the Areca nuts, which are held in such
high esteem by the natives of India. Medically they
may come to occupy a prominent place by the side of
coca and other antimetabolic remedies, to which they
would probably prove superior in consequence of the
tannin they contain.”

From the interesting pamphlet by Messrs. Edward
Heckel and Fr. Schlagdenhauffen, under the title
‘Des kolas africains au point de vue botanique,
chimique et thérapeutique, published in 1884, for a
copy of which I am indebted to Herr Ernst Vohsen,
Consul for the German Empire at Sierra Leone, the
conclusions arrived at by those gentlemen I give in
extenso:

I. La noix de kola contient 2,348 de cafeine. La
proportion des autres principes constitutifs se trouve
inscrite dans le tableau qui résume nos dosages (p. 39).

L’alcaloide existe dans la graine a l’état libre et
peut étre enlevé en totalité 4 ’aide du chloroforme.

II. On peut, au moyen de l’addition successive de
chlore et d’ammoniaque, reconnaitre 000006 de
caféine en solution aqueuse. En laissant macérer la
graine dans l’eau froide, on ne parvient a extraire que
le 1 du poids de I’alcaloide qui y est contenu.

III. La macération de la poudre de noix de kola
ne la prive pas de la totalité de son tannin, de sorte
que l’on ne peut pas se servir de ce procédé opéra-
toire pour enlever a la substance son Apreté ct la
transformer en un produit alimentaire agréable.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 167

IV. Les préparations pharmaceutiques de la noix
de kola telles que extrait de vin, teinture, n’enlévent
pas ala matiére la totalité de son principe actif, en
raison de la faible solubilité de la caféine dans les
divers véhicules employés a cet effet.

V. La noix de kola torréfiée perd, comme le café,
une certaine proportion de son alcaloide.

VI. Il est facile de déceler la caféine dans les noix
fratches, mais il ne nous a pas été possible de
démontrer sa présence dans les feuilles, l’écorce
et le bois en raison de la faible quantité de matitre
(5 gr.) dont nous pouvions disposer pour faire ces
essais.

VII. La teneur en caféine de la noix de kola est
supérieure a celle des thés de provenances diverses et
des cafés commerciaux. La proportion d’alcaloide
est supérieure 4 celle de la théobromine contenue
dans le cacao.

VIII. En comparant la noix de kola avec le café,
le thé et le cacao au point de vue de leur richesse en
principe azoté, chimiquement défini et cristallisable,
cest a la noix de kola que revient le premier rang.

IX. Les effets physiologiques de la noix de kola
sont les mémes que ceux de la caféine pure.

X. Le kola male, ou faux kola, ne contient pas de
caféine.

XI. La basicité de la caféine est difficile 4 démon-
trer. Les oxydants constituent les meilleurs réactifs
de cet alcaloide ; nous en avons indiqué quelques-uns

168 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

qui, jusqu’a present, avaient échappé a l’attention des
chimistes,

Malegré les formules rationnelles admises par les
chimistes pour la fixation de la constitution de
Valcaloide, on ne peut, jusqu’a présent, se rendre
compte de la maniére dont s’effectue sa transforma-
tion sous l’influence des divers réactifs.

XII. Le kola vrai est un antidéperditif au plus
haut degré et un reconstituant énergique par son
amertume et son astringence dans les cas de trouble
profonds des organes digestifs. Il prend place en
thérapeutique bien au-dessus du mateé, de la cocca et
du paullinia.

I would add that a translation of part of the above
quoted Pamphlet, taken from the ‘ Pharmaceutical
Journal,’ and some further interesting data appear in
Mr. T. Christy’s No.8: ‘New Commercial Plants and
Drugs ’—a series to which I would invite the special
attention of planters and consumers. To him I must
record my indebtedness for the help he has from
time to time afforded me in the consideration of my
subject.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 169

XIII.

‘TOBACCO (according to Humboldt derived from the
Haytian name for the pipe in which it is smoked),
as per the following table (p. 170), which affords
statistics between the United Kingdom and West
Africa, exclusive of the direct trade in this commodity
from United States of America, Brazil, Germany, as
also from the Canaries, is only remarkable by its
import into West Africa, where, if the plant be not
indigenous, it has certainly become a naturalised
African product, and in consequence deserves every
attention locally.

These statistics only embrace particulars of Euro-
pean trade, both foreign and British. There is,
however, a large direct trade done in this article
regularly between Germany, Brazil and the United
States of America, and West Africa.

It must not be overlooked that for’ the steady
supply in the direction of our Colonies of unmanu-
factured tobacco, the United Kingdom is mainly
dependent on foreign countries, represented chiefly
by the United States of America (from which is
obtained Wicotiana tabacunt, &c.), Japan, Holland, and

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

170

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FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 171

Java (outcome of Negro work again), Turkey, China
and Germany.

In most of our Possessions tobacco will thrive,
develop and refine in course of culture. India and
the West Indies have put forth endeavours of rich
promise: West Africa is ready to do likewise: why
should we not further extend the development of
this industry, and reduce thus our dependence on
foreign countries ?

Since 1878 there has been in the United Kingdom
an import duty of 3s. 6d. per lb. on every 100 lbs. of
manufactured tobacco containing 10 lbs. or more of
moisture: and on a like quantity, containing less
moisture, 3s. 10d. per Ib.

There will be found at the end of this chapter (pp.
178, 179), the imports for four years of the above
article as regards each British Settlement on the West
Coast, and the main directions of supply.

I have seen species of this plant in an uncultivated
and uncared-for state in the interior districts of the
Gold Coast, and Lagos Colonies, as also in the West
African Settlements, where the natives prefer for
smoking the imported cured tobacco.

Mention of a like nature is made in an interesting
paper, ‘On the District of Akém in West Africa,’
read in 1876 before the Royal Geographical Society
of England by Captain J. Shaw Hay, at present
Administrator of the Gambia, who says, “The
tobacco plant grows wild in rank luxuriance untended

172 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

and unused, the natives purchasing from the Coast
for their own consumption supplies of the prepared
leaf sent from America.”

It is the experience of the Rev. F. Ch. Dieterle of
the Basel Mission, which prosecuted on the Aquapim
Hills of the Gold Coast for a certain time a tobacco
industry, that “if any one would try to grow tobacco
in great quantity he must take care not to plant it too
soon in the year, for if the leaves get ripe for gathering
during the first or second rainy season, many will get
rotten on the stalk, as the ribs of the leaves are too
watery, so it is advisable to sow the seed not before
June, so that the tobacco may be ripe for plucking at
the end of the second rainy season and at the begin-
ning of the harmattan, that is, in November and
December.”

On the growth of tobacco in the vicinity of the
Upper Gambia and Upper Niger, the late Winwood
Reade addressed the Director of Kew Gardens as
follows in December 1869 :—

“I enclose in this letter a flower of the native
tobacco (Vicotzana rustica), It is grown only in the
interior—never, that I am aware of, near the coast.
This may be owing to either of two reasons—

“1, Difference of soil. Wherever I have seen this
tobacco, the vegetation has points of difference and
contrast with that near the coast. For instance, the
palm-oil tree does not grow on the same soil with this
tobacco. It is a higher and drier locality.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 173

“2. Butit must be remarked that American tobacco
is preferred to this country tobacco (called ‘tankera’),
and that may account for its not being grown near
the coast. This ‘tankera’ is cultivated. It is grown
in Fonta Djallon, Wassalow, in fact along the Upper
Niger from its source, or very near it, to Sego. This
to my knowledge. But its area is probably immense.
Mixed with potash it is used as snuff, sometimes
smoked.

“Tshould mention that snuff of alien manufacture is
not cared for nor much used by the natives, although
they make their own from imported leaf tobacco, In
the Gambia, the ground dried leaf is mixed with ashes
(alkali) called Kata, made from the BANANA or PLAN-
TAIN. Snuff appears to be extensively used both by
males and females, but it is used in the mouth instead
of in the nose; it is not, however, swallowed.

‘‘In view of the many small available cultivators
among the natives who could ill afford and not well,
at present, understand waiting for a return, and who
might be encouraged in tobacco growth and culti-
vation, it would seem to be more advisable for the
general trade and for themselves if the crop could be
disposed of in its green state to any speculating
Company or Firm, on whom might devolve with
pecuniary advantage the preparation of the raw
material for the local and other markets.”

In the Canary Islands, where the tobacco industry
had to be resorted to after the cochineal pined, it was

174 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

encouraged in its infancy by the Spanish Government
by the promise of the purchase of the tobacco grown
in those islands. Prospects held out do not seem to
have been realised to the extent anticipated, and
hopes are now entertained of the increase and im-
‘provement of the industry by the purchase locally in
green state of the crops. On the subject Vice-Consul
Miller wrote on the Trade and Commerce in 1881 of
Los Palmas :—

“Tobacco is another product which is progressing
‘by slow degrees, and the quality is gradually im-
proving.” The best way to increase the culture of this
article, observes Mr. Miller, is to buy it in its green
‘state from the growers, so that the small producers
who cannot afford to wait the time required for its
preparedness may thus have an opportunity of con-
‘verting it into cash as soon as they cut the leaf, for
which purpose a drying-house is being constructed.

A tobacco industry, in an unmanufactured and
a manufactured sense, proceeds somewhat in Fernando
Po, where seed has been imported from the Canaries,
and has been found to answer. Twisted tobacco is
there prepared by those who have been transported
from Cuba. The want of proper drying-houses seems
there also to be felt.

In Bentley and Trimen, ‘Medicinal Plants,’ p. 191,
vol. iii, it will be found stated of the habitat of the
Nicotiana tabacum :—“There is no doubt that the
tobacco is a native of some part of South or Central

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 175

America, but the precise country of its origin cannot
now be determined. Martius considered it introduced
in Brazil, and it is nowhere known in a truly wild
state.”

These views are supported by the experience in the
tropical part of the continent of Dr. Schweinfurth, who
in his ‘Heart of Africa’ states: “It is a great indi-
cation of the foreign origin of this plant* that there is
not a tribe from the Niger to the Nile which has a
native word of their own to denote it.”

He further has stated : “Its introduction and growth
found its way into the Old World since the discovery
of America.”

Virginia tobacco, he found, in Niam-niam, “ called
Eh Tobboo, its name betraying its American origin.”

In his conclusions I find Dr. Schweinfurth is also,
so far as I have been able to gather, supported along
the West Coast.

The following information on the names in different
West African languages and dialects by which tobacco
is known may be here inserted with interest. In
Mandingo, éabak ; in Bambara, a dialect of Mandingo,
smoking tobacco is called tambudakha or didakha,
while that used for snuff, stra or dolz; in Sérére or
Kasink, fabaka ; in Sarakholé or Soninke, tankoror ;
in Jola, abaka; in Manjago, tobako; in Laobé,
zankoro ; in Foulah (Peul or Phoul, &c.) its people

* Two kinds, the Virginian tobacco (Wicotiana tabacum) and
the common (.V. zs¢zca).

176 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

and the Toucoleurs plant it and call it zazkoror, while
imported (or white man’s) tobacco they designate
seemay ; in the Asante and Fante language, Zada ;
in Houssa it is called zada; in Yoruba, tada—in
which African tobacco is styled akzra, and that from
Brazil, dzuku.

We may fairly conclude that the introduction into
West Africa of the tobacco, as of other plants, such as
corn (Zea mays), ground-nut (Arachis hypogea, &c.),
was a sequence of the past slavery, carried along the
return stream of that horrid traffic, from the New
into the Old World—a small return indeed for the
cruelties and deprivations perpetrated on Africa.

A return direct import from Brazil and the United
States now proceeds in an article which slave-hunting
introduced into the African Continent, where it is
perhaps instinctively treated with contempt, for its
cultivation has been generally ignored, with few ex-
ceptions; and the growth from the hands of the
descendants of the Negroes who were robbed from
Africa and condemned to promote the future of the
two Americas in the room of their aborigines, who
also were so basely treated by Southern Europe, is
to this day preferred.

The imports from the United Kingdom of unmanu-
factured tobacco into our West African Colonies may
be known from the following :—

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 177
Colonies. Year. Quantities. Value.
Ibs. 4
we 479474 279
1882 | 151,811 3,601
ei or a ne and 1883 | 236,802 5,855
1884 | 96,849 2,375
1885 | 18,465 459
1881 174,786 4,281
882 83,710 10,056
d f I 39357 305)
eee (to end o 1883 | 263,505 6.479
BEOS 1884 | 428,482 10,958
1885 | 698,097 18,442

According to their Blue Books for the years given,
the imports of unmanufactured
Colonies mentioned will be afforded respectively in
the following tabular statement (pp. 178-9) :—

tobacco

into the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

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180 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

XIV.

NEXT, turning to the subject of Fibres, West Africa
presents, even from our very limited knowledge of its
economic botany, a rich field for development.

Take the Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata), or
Monkey-bread, so plentiful along Western Tropical
Africa. The banks of the River Gambia are studded
with it: its weird-like headless form is to be seen there
by thousands. The natives use its bark as fibre, its
pounded fresh green leaves as /a/, and its fruit they
eat, while the seeds thereof are used medicinally.

In the Kew Report, 1876, the Director of the
Royal Gardens records that “paper manufacturers
speak with one consent of the magnificent qualities of
the bark of this tree. The only drawback to its use
is the apparent impossibility of introducing it into
the English market in sufficiently large quantities to
make it commercially important. Notwithstanding
what is stated of the slowness of its growth, I am
still of opinion that more might be done in pro-
moting its cultivation in India and other tropical
countries.”

Its cultivation need not for some years have to be

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 181

resorted to in Gambia and other parts of West
Africa; the baobab grows in wild and weird
luxuriance ; and the few shipments of its fibre that
have been effected from the former satisfactorily
rewarded, in a monetary sense, the exporters.

There are also the so-called Aloes of West Africa,
of the order Amarylledacee, among which are
mentioned as recorded, according to the ‘Flora
Nigritiana, “the Hemanthus multiforus, Mart. and
Nodd, from Sierra Leone; AH cruentatus, Schum
and Thonn, from Guinea, very probably the same
species; Crinum purpurascens, Herb, from Fernando
Po; C. Broussoneti, Herb, and C. distichum, Herb,
from Sierra Leone; C. petiolatum spectabile, Herb,
from St. Thomas; Amaryllis nivea and A. trigona,
Schum and Thonn, from Guinea, both evidently
Crina, and possibly the same as some of Herbert’s
species; and lastly, Gethyllis pilosa, Schum and
Thonn, which from the description must be a Cur-
culigo, or some allied plant.”

Then in the fibre-yielding Dracenas and Aloes
(Liliaceze) there is a grand field for development.
According to the ‘Flora Nigritiana, the published
West Tropical African species are—Urginea Sene-
galensis, Kunth, Senegal; Chlorophytum tnornatum,
Ker, and C. orchidastrum, Lindl., Sierra Leone;
Allium Guineense, Schum and Thonn, Oruithogatum
ensifolium, Schum and Thonn, Aloe picta, Thunb.
and Sanseviera Guineensis, Willd., all from Guinea.

182 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Dracena fragrans, Ker, from Sierra Leone and
Guinea; D. ovata, Ker, from Sierra Leone, and
Dianella triandra, Afz., from Sierra Leone.

I must briefly allude to the Screwpine family
(Pandanacee), which is extensive in West Africa, but
of which seemingly little is known. The epidermis
from the leaves is much used, as is the case with
many palms, for mats and like work.

Of this family I may mention the Fanjahnee
(Mandingo) of the Gambia, or the self-fire-consuming
tree, as the natives consider it, and as its vernacular
name implies. This tree favours much the Pandanus
utilis, and is to be found in the neighbourhood of fresh
water. I have seen it in quantities in the Upper
Gambia. The natives assert that the fruit when
matured bursts, spontaneous combustion follows, and
the result is fire desolation to the site. No Mandingo
would have such a tree in his compound, viewing it
as more treacherous than a fire-stick.

It is open for consideration whether jute cultiva-
tion might not also, with monetary advantage, be
undertaken successfully in our Possessions. The
low-lying lands that are to be found bordering the
vast inland waterways along the West Coast offer
suitable and rich sites.

In Kew Report for 1881 will be found the following
from a commercial report, by Mr. Victor Drummond
to the Foreign Office, April 7, 1881 :—

“Tt is now about ten years since the American

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 183

Department of Agriculture became at all interested in
the subject of growing Indian jute upon American
soil. Seed was distributed in 1870, and experiments
conducted in the Southern States. The result has
shown that the plant can be profitably grown ‘ where-
ever in the Southern States there is a hot, damp
climate, and a moist soil of sandy clay or alluvial
mould,’”—conditions to be found at all the low-lying
sites bordering or adjacent to inland waterways in
West Africa.

Tiliacee is represented by Professor Oliver as an
extensive Order, especially abundant in the Tropics.
“The bark in many of these plants is very fibrous ;
even in the herbaceous species the fibre is important,
as in the case of ‘jute,’ the product of some species of
Corchorus. The same fibrous character is present
to a notable extent in the fruit of some species. Many
of them abound in mucilaginous juice.”—Oliver’s
‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ vol. i, p. 240.

And on the Corchorus olitorius of this Order he
says: ‘Wild or cultivated as a pot herb in every
part of Tropical Africa, and also widely diffused
throughout the Tropics, extending even into Australia.
It varies considerably in stature, form of leaf, hairi-
ness, &c. The valuable fibre known as jue is derived
from this and allied species.”

In the consideration of the question of the develop-
ment of a more extended fibre export, I have been
enlightened much by the Report of the Commercial

184 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Conferences held in the Imperial Court of the
Indian Section of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition
(1886), and endeavour here to apply to West Africa the
experience gained therefrom, in the hope of bringing
about there such developments as have been deemed
worthy of attention in India and elsewhere.

In the Conferences referred to, special notice
(extracts follow, lettered A, B,C, D) was directed to the
fibres suitable for textile purposes of the following :—

A. Sida rhombifolia, (Found from Senegambia to
the Congo. “A very variable plant, widely diffused
throughout the Tropics.”—Oliver’s ‘Tropical Africa.’)

BL. Hibiscus cannabinus. (“Cultivated for the sake
of its fibre in most parts of Africa.”—Oliver.)

B. Hibiscus esculentus. (Okra
West Africa as an article of food ; might be developed
to any extent.)

C. Bauhinia Vahlit. (According to Oliver, the
Bauhinia is a large Tropical genus; and of the ZB.
articulata: “the bark yields a tough fibre.’’)

D. Evriodendron anfractuosum. (Found from Sene-
gambia to the Congo: the silk cotton tree: large
imports into Holland, Belgium, Germany, from the
Dutch Indies, proceed in this article, called Aapok, for
filling beds, mattresses, upholstery generally—uses
which have prevailed from time immemorial among
the natives of West Africa.)

D. Cochlospermum Gossypium. (A genus found
generally along West Africa.)

commonly grown in

FORESTRY OF IVEST AFRICA, 185

D. Calotropis gigantea. (The Order is said to widely
inhabit the Tropics.)

a. “A very strong opinion was pronounced in
favour of its substitution for many of the finer
purposes to which ¥ute has been applied in recent
years. The samples shown were only three or four
feet long, while jute may often be found as much as
fifteen feet. It was thought that if under cultivation
Sida could be made to approximate nearer to jute in
this respect, a very great future would open for it
immediately. The fibre could be produced on the
same field and by the same cultivators as jute, and
for the same, or nearly the same, price.”

&. “ Were pronounced superior to sunn-hemp (C7o-
talaria juncea”—a large genus spread throughout
the Tropical Regions of both hemispheres, with its
head-quarters in Tropical Africa——Oliver’s ‘Tropical
Africa.’)

c. “ When bleached it is found to be a bright silky
and woolly character, highly adaptable for admixture
with wool. The length of the fibre would seem to
render it valuable and economical for many purposes
for which cotton is at present employed. In point
of chemical features, it stands amongst vegetable
fibres almost by itself, since, unlike cotton, it may be
bleached and dyed by the same processes as are
applied to wool. It is therefore eminently suitable
for admixture with wool, but it loses in weight very
considerably if treated with alkalis like cotton.”

186 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

“Mr. Routledge said he had seen this fibre bleached
and spun in the usual manner with admirable result,
and expressed a strong opinion in favour of this
extensive climber coming into European Commerce.

d. “For the purposes of upholstery, the £apok or
the floss or hairs from the seeds of Eriodendron
anfractuosum, and from the floss of Caochlospermum
Gossypium, were viewed as hopeful, the latter par-
ticularly so, provided the supply could be uniform
and large, and the article cheap. It was, however,
the floss of Calotropis gigantea which seemed to be of
most interest.” In the advocacy of the experimental
cultivation of the last-mentioned it was said: “The
supply from the wild plant is too irregular to be
depended upon, and hence it was thought that, if
it could be cultivated on semi-waste lands at a
moderate rate, by this process, a uniform supply
could be maintained. Should this anticipation be
realised, the fibre would be largely employed in place
of cotton and for new purposes.”

And for Paper-making, ‘the only Indian fibres
that seemed hopeful were bamboo (Bamébusa) (grown
extensively on the Gambia), plantain (Wusa para-
disiaca) (groves by the mile may be seen on the Gold
Coast), jute,* and saz waste,* and the long stems of
the Bauhinia creeper.*

“The practical result of the Conference may be
briefly stated to be, that fibres that are good enough

* Vide my remarks on fibres suitable for textile purposes.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 187

for textiles are too good for paper-making. Bamboo
has been tried, and may be viewed in as forward a
position as it is possible to press a new material:
the gentlemen who attended the Conference argued
that the Government had not concentrated its
energies in developing the fplaintain and Bauhinia
fibres.”

It was argued that it was “essential that information
should be afforded respecting the quantity available,
and the probable cost of any proposed new fibre.”
And it was stated “to be indispensably necessary in
a fibre intended for paper to reduce the bulk to
a minimum, so as to lessen the cost of freight to
Europe, provided that this reduction did not entail
any elaborate or costly process. Simple methods
for doing so are known, such, for example, as beating
to remove dirt, and: hydraulic baling of the fibre into
conveniently-sized packages.”

On the fibres of the West African Colonies in
the late Exhibition Messrs. Cross and Bevan, Con-
sulting Chemists—whose analysing capabilities are
now well known—4, New Court, Lincoln’s Inn,
London, W.C., to whom I stand much indebted
for their courtesy and ready and generous help,
say —

“Tn these sections we found specimens of very in-
teresting nature. The textiles of native production
are extremely ingenious and tasteful in their com-
binations of colour. From amongst the raw fibrous

188 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

materials the following were selected for special
investigation :—

“(A) Bast. Exhibited in the Gambia Section, but
not further described. Used by the natives for a
number of purposes. The fibre itself, when isolated,
closely resembled jute in appearance; while from
specimens showing the bast i situ (a stick stripped,
the fibre remaining attached so as to form a species.
of whip), it appeared to be closely allied to the West
Indian Mahoe. The following determinations were.
made :—

Moisture . . . Z . : I1‘O per cent.
Hydrolysis (a) . ‘ A $ ‘5 8+4 per cent.
Cellulose . % : j i fi PAYS yy
Nitration . ‘i i Fi ‘ A I2I'o gy,
Length . . . I1-3°5 mm.

Ultimate fibres. {——
Diameter zi . G*o2 mm,

This fibre is very similar in composition, chemical:
and structural, to jute, and is capable of similar
applications. From the specimens, it was to be
concluded that they were obtained from a perennial,
from the main stem, or more probably the branches.
In regard to a probable commercial future for this.
fibre, the most favourable conditions of growth of the
plant should be first determined. Questions of this
nature are outside our province, but it scarcely needs.
to be mentioned that the authorities at Kew are
always ready to advise and assist in the necessary
investigations.

fORESTRY OF WEST AFRIC-1. 189

“(B) A fibrous Bark, in the Gold Coast Section.
A bale of this was exhibited by Dr. J. F. Easmon,
of Accra, with a request that it should be put through
a paper-making trial.

“In external appearance it was not unlike the
Adansonia, except in being comparatively free from
medullary matter. The following determinations
were made :—

Moisture . - - : : - II‘O per cent.
Ash. . ‘ 7 ‘ . 3 TO 35
Cellulose . ‘ E 7 ' ‘ 6675. os
Ultimate fibres. Length . é : 10-15 mm.

Not only in the relatively high yield of cellulose, but
in the exceptionally great length of the ultimate
fibres, this material is such as to command the
attention of paper-makers. It only remains to add
that the substance is easily treated, and that the
resulting pulp bleaches under the ordinary treatment
to a high colour.

(C) “‘Grass, epidermal strips of the leaves of
Raphia vinifera. Exhibited by Mr. A. Sibthorpe in
the Sierra Leone Section, with specimens of straw plait
illustrating its more usual application by the natives.*

* A further examination of this substance comparatively with
the Raffia, imported from Madagascar, which still commands a
high price amongst gardeners and nurserymen, showed that it
was so closely similar as to be applicable to precisely the same
uses, and such an application would of course take precedence
of that above indicated. This fibrous material is well worthy of
further attention.

190 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

This specimen also proved itself on analysis to be
worth the attention of paper-makers. The following

determinations were made :—

Moisture . : . . : . 9°8 per cent.
Ash. 4 : : “ . 2°7 per cent.
Cellulose . . . i é 60°38 ,,
Ultimate fibres. Length . . + 1°5-2°5 mm.

“Tt is needless to say that the raw material is
particularly clean; in length of fibre, but more
especially in yield of cellulose, it is superior to
Esparto ; it only remains, therefore, to determine the
cost of production, and if within the limit, to in-
troduce this raw material into European commerce.

“ Notwithstanding that, as is to be judged from
appearances, but little attention has been bestowed
upon the fibre exhibits in this section, results have
been obtained which should stimulate inquiry into
the undeveloped resources of these Colonies, in the
department of miscellaneous fibres.

“Tn extension, we may say, the supply of good
clean basts, such as the Adansonia, and more
especially the one investigated, should be much
increased: the demand would rise in proportion.
Higher prices will be realised in proportion to free-
dom from Cellular (medullary) matter. The strips in
the fresh state, if beaten, especially after a preliminary
steep, could be greatly improved in this respect, and
the yield of Cellulose (bleached fibre) to our paper-

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 19t

makers rendered sufficiently high as to come into
competition with the highest class of paper-making
materials. We believe that it is only the low yield
which prevents an extended use of Adansonia. We
should estimate the value of such products between
46 and #12 a ton; but careful preparation might
secure even higher prices.”

Reporting on the Sida rhombifolia exhibited in the
Queensland Section of the Colonial and Indian Ex-
hibition, Messrs. Cross and Bevan remark :—

“This contains some very fine specimens of Jute,
and also of the fibre of Sida rhombifolia, the latter
being especially noteworthy. These fibres are similar
in their main characteristics ; but while they may be
classed together, the Szda is unquestionably superior.
This is shown, first, by comparison of chemical
composition, the results of analyses of the raw fibres
being as follows :—

Jute. Sida.
Moisture . . : * To"3 . : + 10°7
Ash . F : > | 2 06
Hydrolysis (a) . F ~ 50 6°6
Hydrolysis (4) . é . 8'0 12°2
Cellulose . 5 : ~ 75°0 83°0
Mercerising =. : «1620 6°6
Nitration . 3 , » 1250 137°0
Acid purification 1‘o or
Carbon percentage 46°5 45°0

“The Cellulose in either case is obtained in the
form of ultimate fibres of the normal type, the
average length being 2 mm. in both, the diameter
0,015 mm.

192 ‘FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

“Secondly: Sida shows superiority in point of
uniformity, fineness and divisibility of the fibre
bundles, and further in softness and in the colour
of the raw fibre, and also in capacity for bleaching :
the dyeing capacity of the fibres is about equal.
It is interesting to note that the distinctions in favour
of Sida are closely correlated with the above results
of analysis.

“The net result of the comparison is, that while
belonging with ¥ute to the lower grade of textile
fibres, Szda is much to be preferred, and should
certainly displace Fuze, more especially in the higher
uses to which this fibre is put.

“The Fute class of fibres includes this, as well as the
Hibiscus order. More care is requisite in preparing
these as all other textiles, and probably also the
growth in the wild state may be found to produce a
low quality of fibre; at least we may safely assert
that cultivation would raise the quality. The pro-
cesses of extraction are simple, requiring only manual
labour. A preliminary steep of two to three days’
duration will be necessary. Information on these
points will be found in any of the standard works on
fibres. We should recommend Spon’s ‘Encyclo-
pedia,’ Article ‘Fibrous Plants,’ as especially good.

“Prices in this group vary from 412 to £22 for
textile fibres. To command a good price they must
be clean—free from bark and cellular tissue—of good
colour and length (three to eight fect).

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 193

“The root-ends should be cut off and supplied for
paper-making.”

So as to guard against rash adventure in the way
of thoughtless speculation, I cannot do better than
conclude this chapter with some general remarks by
Messrs. Cross and Bevan, in case that ill-considered
attention should be turned to Monocotyledonous
fibres :—

“In recommending any of the following fibres (Pen-
quin, Bromelia P.; Sanseviera 2, Agave K., Gri-
Gri, Acrocomia sclerocarpa) to the attention of West
Indian cultivators, this question (the superiority in
yield of Phormium) must be taken next in order;
after which there comes the question of the process
of obtaining the fibre, together with those of supply
and transport. Assuming a satisfactory decision on
these latter points, attention should be confined in
each locality to one, or at most two, of those which
have been shown to be superior. Much time has
been wasted by diffuse investigations in the province
of fibres, and the cause lies in the absence of re-
cognition of the precise criteria of value. It is quite
certain that the conditions of European markets and
manufactures are not such as to encourage any large
increase in the umber of vegetable fibres, more
especially of the Monocotyledons. The struggle is
severe, and only the fittest survive. There is no
necessity for the future that the question of fitness
should be left to work itself out. The application of

oO

194 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

criteria now well established enables us to make
definite selections on the basis of superiority. The
authorities in the several islands should decide
generally that the growth and preparation of a fibre
is desirable, then a particular fibre—the best for each
locality—should be selected, and the trade in that
fibre thoroughly organised. The importance of an
organisation cannot be overestimated, and in support
of this we may cite the case of the trade in jute.
There are, as we know from the results of investiga-
tions, not a few fibres capable of replacing this
particular bast, some in fact of the same class being
superior in all essentials. Nevertheless the trade in
jute holds its own unassailed, and the cause, in so far
as it does not reside in intrinsic superiority and
commercial fitness, must be sought in the concentra-
tion of attention upon this fibre, and the resulting
organisation of the trade. These facts deserve to be
borne in mind by all who are contemplating the
founding of any such enterprise.

“There is a good market for Monocotyledonous
paper- making fibres. The preparation involves
machinery, but this may be of the simplest kind, as
in the preparation of Manila (usa T.) in the
Philippines.

“We recommend Mr. Motris’s brochure on West
Indian fibre-making plants (Jamaica, 1884).

“The fibre from JZusa Paradisiaca is generally
inferior.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 195

“We have generally found the Sanseviera fibres of
high quality. Bamboo, which may be taken in this
group, we do not think worth attention.

“ Crotalaria juncea gives avery valuable fibre, which
ought to be more extensively used. In this case
cultivation and very careful preparation would be
necessary.

“Generally speaking, we think the West African
Colonies specially adapted to the supply of paper-
making basts—a regular supply of which would
command extensive application.”

In conferring with Messrs. Cross and Bevan, I
remarked that in West Africa fibres and grasses, as
indeed its general economic botany, must be viewed
as comparatively unknown ; and I laid stress on the
fact that little could in such direction be done except
by the visit or establishment of analytical chemists
as a branch of the medical departments—more
particularly qualified natives conversant with the
languages. Their views may be gathered from the
following :-—

“We are entirely of your opinion that investigation
on the spot by a competent man would lead to
immediate practical results. So much depends upon
a right selection, and this in turn upon local circum-
stances, that such a course is the only one to be
recommended. A great point is the organisation of
the industry : the supply must be certain and regular.

“The matter may also require attention on this

02

196 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

side, in the early days at least ; as the manufacturers
may need convincing as to the merits of new things.

. “We need scarcely say that it is better to err on
the side of scepticism than of promises not to be
realised, and in selecting a man for the task we
should advise one who has had a full share of
‘negative’ experience.”

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 197

XV.

OF the Exports from and Imports into Western
Africa of wood and timber I have drawn up from
official sources the following tables (A and B), for eight
years. For those on the spot they would prove of
more interest and use had they contained the Colonies
and Countries in each case: such data are not
offered, and could therefore not be taken advantage
of by the writer.

A.—Woop AND TIMBER EXPORTS FROM WESTERN AFRICA,
1878 To 1885.

Year. Articles. Countries whence imported. |Quantities.| Value.

Tons. 4
Wood and tim-}|(From the West Coast
1878 ber unenume- of Africa, not particu-}} Nil. Nil.
rated. larly designated

1879 29 od 39 + 29 ae

1880 aoe » a 1,733 | 14,892

1881 29 9 23 2? No | mention.

1882 xs eB | a9 ae 1,458 10,754

1883 o> 2° ory 29 1,441 II, 102

1884 29 29 2” 2” 1,395 9,980

1885 ne 39 a9 2° 1,181 | 9,565

198

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

B.—Woop AnD Timber IMPORTS, THE PRODUCE AND MANUFACTURES
OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, INTO WESTERN AFRICA, 1878-1885.

Countries to which

Year. Articles. exported. Quantities.| Value.
Loads. S
Wood and Timber :
Rough, split, &c.. . | West Africa, Foreign| 784 3,932
Wood manufactured :
1378 Staves and empty casks] ,, »» Foreign 81,338
29 2? 29 29 »» British 21,002
29 ce) 2 oe >» Foreign vee 68, 405
1879 5 56 5s Bs >» British 2 16,814
ry ” ” ” >, Foreign 67,220
f British 16,506
1880 { Unenumerated a : : : ; ; ; Foreign 5,748
Wood manufactured :
1881 Staves and emptycasks} ,, >» Foreign 75,381
9 ” ” 99 >» British 13442
Unenumerated . . 59 >» Foreign 5,214
Wood manufactured :
1882 Staves and empty casks] ,, >> Foreign Ss 86,077
x 35 3 a », British ae 18,159
Wood.and Timber :
oe sawn\! 4, Foreign| 662 | 2,838
1883 4] Wood manufactured :
Staves andempty casks} ,, >> Foreign 66,730
29 2 29 2° >» British 13,320
(| Wood and Timber :
Rough, hewn, sawn Fore 6
orsplit. . . . ae ae Oren) 34 T,514
1884 4| Wood manufactured :
Staves andempty casks} ,, >» Foreign ge 545245
29 2” 29 29 » British oe 14,761
Unenumerated . . o >» Foreign Pe 10,127
Wood and Timber :
Manufactured :
1885 4| Staves and empty casks] ,, >» Foreign 62,300
2» 29 29 29 >» British 15,966
Unenumerated . . 29 >> Foreign 13,545

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 199

Now, on the subject of West Africa timber Export
trade, I have made many enquiries, but learn that
so far as the United Kingdom is concerned, although
considerable business was done some thirty or forty
years ago from the Gambia and Sierra Leone, it may
be said to have altogether ceased, or to have sunk
into the export done in dye-woods and ebony, most
of which has been carried to Liverpool by the lines
of steamers known as the “ British and African” and
“African Steamship” Companies, by the Imperial
German Mail Steamer line, started in 1882 ; and by
French, Belgian and Dutch steamers that ply now as
rivals in that trade, also with certain success.

This allusion to the past will be found supported
by a reference to a useful publication.in 1852 of a
descriptive catalogue of the woods then commonly
employed in the United Kingdom for mechanical
and ornamental purposes, entitled ‘Turning and
Mechanical Manipulation, etc, by Mr. Charles
Holtzapffel ,

The same field of vast extent that was found to
offer material. for a profitable export trade in years
past still exists, but conditions of demand and supply
have altered, which, with the high West African
freight tariff, and a comparative absence (at least in
past years) of sea transport competition, have mili-
tated so far against its revival.

Of the French Possessions of Senegambia, Gaboon,
etc. useful particulars of the specimens of woods

200 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

already brought to notice as fit and useful for timber
industries and other wood-work will be found re-
spectively at pages 126 and 148 of the ‘Catalogue
des Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition
Universelle de 1878.

The principal of such woods, as regards Senegal and
Gaboon, have been :—

SENEGAL.
Vernacular
name.
1. Palmacee . | Borassus flabelliformis, L. .« Ronier.

(ethiopum 2) Run.

2. Rubiacee . | Mauclea Africana, Willd . .« | Koos

3. Anonacezee . | Uvaria parviflora, Rich. . . | Diar.

4. Sterculiacece . | Lviodendron caribeum, Don . | Binters.

5. Olacaceee . | Balanites egyptiaca, Del. . . | Loump.

6. Meliacece . | Xylocarpus toulocouna, Stend. . | Toulocouna.
7. Cedrelaceze . | Khaya senegalensis . . . . | Cailcedra,
8. Anacardiacese | Sfondias Birrea, A. Rich. . «| M’Birr.

9. Combretaceze | Combretum glitinosum, Periot.. | Ratl.
10. Leguminosze . | /terocarpa senegalensis, Stend. . | Meon.

Il 5 . | Sterminiera elaphroxylon . . | M’Bilor.
12. 5 . | Lterocarpus Adansontz, DC. . | Kino, Vene
(ervinaceus ?) | or Wenn.

13. ua : foe melanoxylon, Guill. “t Dialambam.
14. 3 - | Zamarindus indica, L. . . « | Diakar.

1s. aa . | Bauhinia frutescens, Lam. .

16. 53 . 5 reticulata, DC. « . | M’Guiguis.
17. ue a rufescens, Lam. . . | Bei.

18. 55 » | Acacia Adansoni, Guill. et Perr. | Gonakie.
19. nee : >, albicans, H.B.K, « .» | Kodde.

BO. ack z >> Gealbata, Links. « .

21. 5 ° >, ulea . - | Remde.

22. os é so microph hylla, Willd. - | M’debargua.
23. eS A vera (Verek ?), Willd. . | Neb. neb.
24. sf ‘ Mimosa polyacantha, Willd. . | Souné.

25- 29 . | Detarum senegalensis . . . | Detarr.

26. Sterculiacece . | Sterculia cordy ufoia . . « «| N’dimb,

27. Leguminosze , | Dialium nitidum. . . Solum.

28. Ebenaceze Ebéne.

f Diospyros ebenum (mespiliformis,
{ Oliy.).

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 201

GaBOoOoN.
Vernacular
Name.

I. Verbenacee , | Vitex cuneata. . . . » « | Evino.
2. 55 . | Avicennia africana, P. Beauv. . | Garigari.
3. Bignoniacese . | Spathodea campanulata . . . | Thiogo.
4. Sapotaceze . | Mimusops. . .« . » « « | M’Bimo.
5- Anonacee . | Xylopia ethiopica. . - . | Ogana.
6. Hypericacese. | Haronga madagariensis . . . | Ogina-gina.
7. Amyridaces . | Bursera . . . « »« « » | Ocoumé.
8. Simarubacexe. | Jrvingia Barteri. . . « «| Oba.
g. Chrysobalaneze | Chrysobalanus Icaco,L.. .« «» | M’Pondo.
Io. Leguminose . | Prerocarpus angolensis . . | Santalrouge.
Ir. Pentaclethra macrophylla, Benth. | Owala.

>»? “

As regards West African economic botany much.
interest will be afforded from a perusal in Martin’s
‘British Colonies, compiled from the official records
of the Colonial Office, and published in 1843, of the
particulars of the past trade of our Possessions in

West Africa.

The, native names according to that work of the
different species of timber exported then from Sierra
Leone for ship-building and carpenter’s work were—

12. Mooll (the tree produces

(no marine

animal of any kind

1. Co Tarlosar, or African
oak. vegetable butter.)
2. Tolongah, or brimstone. 13. Sop.
3. Bumia, rather scarce, 14. Kelill.
4. Cooper 15. Cong.
5. Kow. 16. African almond.
6. Couta. 17. Bombay.
7. Roth. 18. Dyewood.
8. Wossomah. 19. Pissaman.
9g. Jumo. 20. Pissaman
1o. Backam.
11. Toper-canico attacks it).

202 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

21. Black oak. 33.
22. Wismore. 34.
23. African cedar. 35.
28. Arwoora. 36.
29. African mammee apple. 37.
30. Cale. 38.
31. Lowland boxwodd. 39-
32. Singa-singa marah. 40.

African pine.

Highland boxwood.

Singuoora.
Cabooco.
Brimstone.
Bessey. °

African mulberry.

Mangrove.

Some of these: timbers have been botanically
named ; and as to the remainder, the vulgar names
should help the enthusiast to follow up and supply,
later, material on which completion of classification

can be effected.

There follows a list, obtained from Kew, of speci-
mens of woods collected in the River Bagroo in 1861

by Mr. Mann :—-

Name in Circum-
Botanical Names. Timineh Hlatine ans Ex ference of
Language. ent Stem.
feet.
: ‘ Abundant.
2 p)
1. Oldfeldia africana* , { timber goo ad 15
2. Malortiea? . 4 » . | Kawattia . | Abundant . 10
3. Euphorbiacee . . .» | Fibarroh . | Oftenseen . 12
4. Omphalocarpum pro- 8
cerum, P. de Beauv... | Fidroh. . 3?)
8. Zygia fastigiata, E.Mey. | Apoon. . ence } 12
6. Albizia? . . . . | Apina. . 55) 10
7. Cicca? . . . . «| Sagga. . 35, 7
8. Larinarium excelsum .|Bisp . . Ee Io
9. Erythroxylon? Coca . | Wismore . 59 8
lo, Vitex . . . » . | Cantong . | Oftenseen . 8
11. Holarrhena Africana,
beng oe tr dy 5 ‘ ae v7

* Sierra Leone ‘* African oak.”

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 203

It is stated of Sierra Leone woods in Martin’s
‘British Colonies’ that “the grain of several of these
woods is very rich, and the furniture made therefrom
not only durable but extremely beautiful. In Mr.
Forster's elegant mansion at Hampstead there are
several articles of furniture made from African maho-
gany which would vie with the wood of any country
in the world ; and for ship-building the African teak
is now generally and deservedly esteemed.”

By way of comparative interest I here give an
extract from a return of principal Exports from
Sierra Leone between 1827-1835, which I have
taken from Martin’s Work :—

Articles. 1827. 1828. |1829./1830.] 183r. 1832. | 1833. 1834. 1835-
Timber, loads | 10,742 | 1,114 18,983 | 24,048] 1,771 | 16,95t | 9,302
Campot sons 550 363 592 644 975 gir 802

‘gallolis of » 27,01 | 75,676 4.364 | ¢-397| ¢- 480] ¢. 592 928
Rice, pons . 392 107 200 783 875 785 558
(asks i | 18 96 | 133 87| 197

inger and
{ arrowroot } 60 290 139 447
Coffee, hghds. 3 5 6

#, stands for tons, :. for casks.

The following is an extract from a letter addressed
on the 9th January, 1832, by Mr. M. Foster (of the
then firm of Foster and Smith, New City Chambers)
to the Secretary of State for the Colonies :—

“Within the last twenty years the increase in the
trade in palm oil, timber, and beeswax has been very
great. Attempts are making in Gambia and else-

204 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

where on the Coast to introduce the cultivation of
some articles of produce new to the trade of Africa ;
but these endeavours require time, on account of the
unenlightened state of the natives, the very recent
abolition of the slave-trade, and its partial continuance
by other nations.

“In several cases, however, the natives have proved
themselves capable of entertaining new ideas of trade
and cultivation more readily than might have been
expected. The trade in teak timber for ship-building
was unknown in Africa twenty years ago; the
annual importation of that article from Sierra Leone
at present is from 15,000 to 20,000 tons of British
shipping annually.

“ Fifteen years ago it was not known that mahogany
grew in the Gambia. Since that period several thou-
sand loads of mahogany have been shipped to England
from our Settlements on that river; and although the
natives would not at first cut and prepare it for
shipping, they are now willing to supply any quantity
of it which this market may require.”

The following information* is afforded on prices of
articles mentioned in the markets of the Gambia, 1833.
African teak, £3 Ios. per load; camwood, £12 per
ton; mahogany of various kinds at 44 currency or
439s. 4d. sterling. Ebony of very good quality grows
abundantly in Saloum River, and partially in Gambia.
Dittach,a very hard anddurable wood, stands well under

* Martin’s ‘ British Colonies.’

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 205

water, and is used in the construction of vessels, &c.
In support of past facts as regards the export trade
that was carried on from the Gambia, and of my
assertion that the same field of supply now presents
itself, I will only refer to the list (pp. 206-7) of the
representative exhibits that were sent from those
Settlements to the Forestry Exhibition, 1884.

Detailed particulars are afforded of some thirty-
two different specimens of woods, some of which are
very fine indeed, and should commend themselves to
the nursing and protecting care of wood dealers and
cabinet-makers. The prices given may seem high,
but I can advance that the finest of the woods,
such as mahogany, rosewood, &c, could be, with
inducement and encouragement, purchased at the
Gambia at 2d. per foot. Dye-woods will be found
touched upon briefly in a separate chapter of this
work. :

Although I give separately, for locality sake, the
foregoing, the Gambia Flora may be viewed as iden-
tical with that of Senegambia, on which Messrs,
Guillemin, Perrottet and Richard wrote, in 1830-1833,
their ‘ Flore Senegambiz Tentamen.’

Of course steam may have interfered somewhat
with the development, or rather thrown back the
immediate necessity for the export development, in
an extended‘ sense, of the Gambia timber-floating
industry ; yet, so as to remove any wrong impression
my remarks might without further explanation give

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

206

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208 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

rise to, and to do justice to local talent, I would
mention that although West Africa has ceased—let
us hope only temporarily—to form one of the timber
Centres as regards export trade in this commodity, a
quiet, unnoticed and unpretentious but extensive and
important local timber industry proceeds in many
directions. I will specially give two. First, let us
ask ourselves—or, rather, let commercial agents and
merchants in West Africa ask themselves—how
produce is brought to them, or how they can send
for it, and how their goods get to the native markets.
Is and has not the transport been effected by means
of the canoes and cutters that have been built and
floated by the Negro mechanics, and that are and
have been manned by native paddles and sailors? The
tonnage of the Gambia carrying power, represented by
the local cutter industry alone, is returned at 2,500.

Next, look at the general and extensive improve-
ment in the style of house along the Coast—the
marked and growing substitution—whether for comfort
and coolness is another question—of frame for mud
and wattle houses.

Such a provision (as transport) so essential, and
improvements so marked, offer, I contend, results on
which the country is to be congratulated.

It has been conveyed to me by Mr. G. S. Saunders
that in the absence of any regularly organized system
of timber supply such as exists in the teak, mahogany,
and South America cedar districts, it would be

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 209

impossible to introduce the woods of West Africa
into England at anything like a marketable price.
This I am open to question: the assertion is not
supported by the past trade—and maybe our prices
and freights can be lowered to compete with tariffs of
other markets. As a rule, timber for import purposes,
it may be convenient to know, should, he conveys, be
well-grown, clean, straight, free from knots, and well
squared, There should also be given diameter—when
squared—procurable, and the average length and
quantity available of straight timber before getting to
the fork or branches,

Timber trade, as others, is very conservative, and
it is a difficult thing to supplement or supersede
what is already in use and demand.

On West Africa as a field for the production of
walking-sticks, I addressed Messrs. Howell & Co., the
widely-known manufacturers of such articles, of Old
Street, City Road. Those gentlemen were good
enough to reply: “We have no doubt that many
sticks from the West Coast have occasionally reached
us, but they have been in such small quantities that
we have not taken note of them, and at the present
time we cannot speak positively as to any of our
sticks being the product of this region. We should
imagine, however, that there must be a large number
of woods and shrubs which would be very useful for
our manufacturers, and we should be glad of some
opportunity of getting samples.”

P

210 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

In the commercial transformation now proceeding
along West Africa by the general substitution of com-
panies for private enterprise—one of the outcomes,
and a healthy one, of a more divided trade and of
the gradual disappearance of monopolies—it should
be more easy, in the sense of having more available
capital, to establish plantations, either as a speculation
or as model farms for the enlightenment of the natives
—on whom business is built, and in a great measure
depends—of the country, both in the direction of the
extension of the knowledge and treatment of the
products of their countries available for use and of
demand.

It has often occurred to me as surprising that efforts
of the mercantile world in West Africa, represented in
some instances by merchants having a vested and long-
standing interest in the place, and by agents of mer-
chants in other cases, should have resulted in so little
comparatively towards the promotion of economic
botany of that part. I have ventured to ask
them individually what they have done in the many
years they have been associated with West Africa,
and I know of no instance in which any one was able
to give what he considered a satisfactory answer. I
am aware that there are exceptions in putting forth
efforts and in setting noble examples, and to them be
all praise and honour—if such should be extended for
self-interest, or duty done.

I would here refer to our Colonies, where the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. QI

mercantile houses are mainly dependent on imported
labour, in the person of the fine Krooboy of the
Liberian Republic. There one may see these men
in thousands. They are attached by hundreds to cer-
tain houses, and for a fixed time—usually two years—
when they are sent back to their country and replaced
on like terms, These men are fully employed in the
busy trade season, which only lasts so many months :
for the rest of the year they are comparatively idle,
whereas local and absent merchants should satisfy
themselves that they had the return they are entitled
to for the outlay consequent on the employment of so
many hands, and they can best do this by getting
grants of land for agricultural purposes, to be worked,
by their employees during slack seasons, in cereals
and other products of economic value.

View the maintenance alone of such numbers, which
has to be provided for by the employers. Whether
it be in yams, plantains, rice, or kouskous, the product
should and can be the result of an exertion put forth
and insisted upon, as I have brought to notice.
Acknowledge also the value of such employment as
additional lessons for the inculcating of increased
energy and instruction. Natives are said to be idle
and lazy: then teach them and rear them up as I
have suggested. We too have had our idle and
nomadic and untutored age.

Next, economic plants of commercial value else-
where should be introduced: fields would be thus

P 2

212 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

also ready for the home, care, growth and subsequent
distribution of seedlings, and young plants or trees
might in the first instance issue from the imaginary
(but let us hope it will prove a reality) botanic
station, garden or allied institution I later advocate
for West Africa.

I cannot find a more fitting place for the insertion
of the noble sentiments of Mr. Mathew Foster, ex-
pressed some forty years ago :—

“If I am blessed with health and life for a few
years longer, I do not despair of increasing the
number and value of our African imports. It is the
surest method of improving Africa and benefiting the
mother country, and it becomes a British merchant
to carry his views sometimes beyond the boundary of
sordid gain.”

From the Gold Coast Colony no specimens of the
wood of that part has reached commercially, to any
purpose, England, if any other country. Let us hope
there is a good time coming, for trees capable of
affording good, useful and serviceable timber abound
there, as on most parts of that coast line: there, how-
ever, transport to the sea offers, with'‘one or two
exceptions, a difficulty at present insurmountable.

I may with convenience here insert the names of
specimens contributed from behind Accra by me to
Kew in 1882-83 :—

Capparis erythrocarpa, Isert.
Hibiscus microphyllus, L.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA, 213

Grewia pilosa, Lam.

Chailletia flexuosa, Oliv.

Bandeirea simplicifolia, Benth.
Schotia simplicifolia, Sch. and Thonn,
Bryophyllum calycinum 2 Salisb.
Luffa egyptiaca, M.

Passiflora fetida, L.

Scaevola Lobelia, L.

Ipomoea palmata? F.

Scoparia dulcis, L.

Cleome ciliata, Sch. and Thonn.
Lonidium enneaspermum, Vent.
Sida carpinifolia, L.

Aitbiscus micranthus, L.
Indigofera tinctoria, L.
Tephrosia purpurea, Pers.?
Lonchocarpus Barter, Benth.
Schrankia leptocarpa, DC.
Oxyanthus brevifiorus, Benth.
Oldenlandia caffra, E. and Z.
Blumea aurita, DC.

Demia angolensis, Dene.
Strychnos 2?

Lpomea filicaulis, Bl.

Datura alba, Nees.
Phyllanthus niruroides 2

I must not omit to make here special reference to
the “Odoom” tree of the Gold Coast—where it is
“ fetish ”»—known as “ Oroko” in Lagos (Chlorophora
excelsa). ‘To those Colonies this wood is invaluable,
as it can withstand for years not only the weather,
but also the attacks of the “white ant.” It is used
widely for building purposes, as beams, planks,
window-framing, shutters, shingles ; also in furniture.

214 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

I am informed that a shingle roof of this wood lasts
fifteen to twenty years.

Then, again, the valley of the upper Volta river is
handsomely studded with the graceful West African
cycad—Encephalartos Barteri—a consignment of
which to Europe for distribution as a speculation is
worthy of consideration.

On it, the Rev. C. Schénfelt, of the Basel Mission,
wrote in 1875 to Sir Joseph Hooker as follows :—

“The first time I saw this tree (in 1865) I was
struck with its beauty. Imagine a rocky hill over-
grown with newly-sprouting grass, shortly after the
yearly burning of it, here and there a Shea-butter
tree, but above all this beauty for a palm, not more
than four to five feet high, with its erect, dark-green,
shiny branches, shooting out of the crevices of the
rocks, and you have the native home of my protégé.
T heard that it is confined to very few places there-
about. It is called by the natives the ghost palm,
with the explanation for this term that the oil palm
(Elais guineensis) was given by God to the living
Negro, the ghost palm to the shades (because the
living Negro finds nouse for it). After 1865, the way
to those parts was shut up in consequence of the
Ashantee raid, which Sir John Glover opened again by
his successful campaign. This enabled me to revisit
the upper Volta again as far as Drome, and to bring
the tree with me.”

Growing specimens can now be seen in the Palm

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 215

House, Kew, which I was fortunate to be able to
supply from the Gold Coast.

To allow of appreciation of the difficulty of securing
information, I was amused by a description of a tree
given to me by an influential native near Lagos. I
saw suspended round his neck a piece of dark-
coloured wood, shaped as a heart, representing a
“fetish” symbol, he himself being a “ fetishman.”
Thinking it ebony, I asked the wearer what he
knew of it. He replied that it was from a very
wonderful tree, which necessarily grew in an isolated
position, its influence being so great as to prevent
anything from growing near to it. He even added
that if a man were to walk under it, and an ant
fell from the tree on him, he would instantly become
a eunuch—veritable upas tree!!

Of the Colony of Lagos, among the chief com-
ponent parts of its forests are to be found the
following specimens, which were contributed there-
from by me, ably assisted by Dr. Rowland, in 1883,
to the Royal Gardens, Kew :—

Tetracera obtusata, Pl. forma.

Monodora tenutfolia, Benth.

Cissampelos Pareira, L.

Gynandropsis pentaphylla, DC.

Ritchiea polypetala, Hook. f.

LTonidium enneaspermum, Vent.

Oncoba glauca, Hook. f.

Carpolobia alba ? Don.

Two detached flowers only—apparently of Allanblackia
floribunda, O.

216 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Stda cordifolia, L.

Abutilon indicum, Don? imperfect.
fTibiscus surattensis, L.

Impatiens Irvingii, Hook. f.

Sterculia tragacantha, Lindl.
Sterculia cordifolia, Cav. ( = Cola, as this specimen shows).
Acridocarpus Smeathmanni, G. and P.
Aubrya gabonensis, Baill.
Aanthoxylum senegalense, DC.
Irvingia Barteri, Hook. f.

fleisteria parvifolia ? in fruit.
Gomphia reticulata, P. de B.

Trichilia Prieureana, A. Juss.
Paullinia pinnata, L.

Blighia sapida, Koen. :
Ratonia untjugata, Baker, forma?
Ratonia sp? & fl.

Sorindeia? sp. & fl. only.

Cnestis ferruginea, DC.

Aglea obligua, P. de B.

Byrsocarpus coccineus, S. and T.
Crotalaria falcata, V.

Tephrosia Vogelit, Hook. f.

Abrus precatorius, L.

Erythrina senegalensis, DC., forma.
Riynchosia calycina, G. and P.
Cajanus indicus, Spreng.

Sophora tomentosa, L.

Sophora oligophylla, Baker.

Millettia Thonningii, Baker.

Baphia nitida, Afz.

Ornocarpum verrucosum, P. de B.
LEcastaphyllum Browne, Pers.
Stylosanthes erecta, P. de B.
Macrolobium? M. Palisoti, Benth.? (imperfect).
Batkiea insignis, Benth.

Cynometra? cf. C. Manniz.

“ Apara tree,” leaves only : Pentaclethra macrophylla, Bth.
Chrysobalanus Icaco, L.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Kalanchoe crenata, Haw.

Combretum racemosum, P. de B.
Combretum mucronatun, Thonn. (Laws.).
Dactylopetalum Barteri, Hk. f.
Eugenia aff. E. calophylloidi.
Eugenia owariensis, P. de B.
Tristemma hirtum, P. de B.

In fruit only : Dicellandra 2
Lawsonia alba, Lam.

Cucurbitacea dub,

Mormordica cissoides, Pl,

Telfairia occidentalis, Hook. f.
Adcnopus longifiorus, Benth.
Hydrocotyle bonariensis, Lam.
Mussenda Isertiana, DC.
Oldenlandia decumbens, Hiern.
Oldentlandia lancifolia, Schf.
Morinda longifiora, Don (frct.).
Pavetta Baconia, Hiern.

Sabicea calycina? Benth.

Cremaspora africana, Benth.? (Buje).
Craterispermum cerinanthum, Hiern.
Ixora radiata, Hiern.

Psychotria nr. P. longivaginalis ? Schf.
Rutidea sp.?

Rutidea rufipilis, Hiern.
Afitracarpum scabrum, Zucc:
Vernonia ambigua, K. and P.
Aspilia latifolia, O. and H.?

Gynura crepidioides, Benth.

Emilia sagittata, DC.

Senecio gabonicus, O. and H,
Plumbago zeylanica, L.

Strophanthus sarmentosus, DC.

Leafy spray : <{pocynacea ?
Carpodinus ? Rubber vine.

“Tho tree.” 2? Strophanthus: Leafy sprays.
Demia aff. D. angolensi.

Octopleura loeseliotdes, Benth.

218 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Hewittia bicolor, Wt.

Breweria (Prevostea africana, Benth.).
Solanum nigrum, L.
Lankesteria elegans, T. And.
Acanthus (Chetlopsis) montanus, T. And.
Lrillantaisia Vogeliana, Benth.
Rungia grandis, T. And.
Sesanum indicum, L. var.?
Spathodea ? (only leafy branch).
Newbouldia levis, Seem.
(Injured by mould) Kigeléa ?
Lantana Camara, L.
Clerodendron volubile 2? P. de B.
Clerodendron splendens, Don.
Ocymum viride, WN.

Ocymum (cf. O. menthefolium),
Amarantus spinosus, L.

Rivina levis, L.

Celosia argentea, L.

Cyathula geminata, Moq.
Telanthera maritima, Moq.
Aristolochia triactina, Hook. f.
Loranthus, sp.

Loranthus, sp. ;
Loranthus (cf. L. Belvisit, DC).
Phyllanthus (Anisonema floribunda, Baill.).
Vapaca guineensis 2 Muell. Arg.
Croton lobatum, L.

Alchornea cordata? Benth.
Sponta affinis, Pl.

Myrianthus arboreus, P. de B.
Lissochilus macranthus 2? Lindl.
Amomum Grana-Paradisi ? L.
Phrynium brachystachys, Koern.
Trachyspermum sp.

Dioscorea (cf. D. prehensilzs).
Flagellaria indica, L.

Aneilema beninense, Kth.
Commelyna capitata, Benth.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

219

Palisota thyrsifiora, Benth.
Mesanthemum radians, Koern.
Hemanthus rupestris, Baker.
Crinum giganteum ? Andr.
Dracena, sp. nov. near D. Perrottetii, Baker.
Cyperus polystachyus, Rottb.
Strepiogyne crinita, P. de B.
Nephrodium subguinguefidum, Hook.
Pteris atrovirens, W.

Pteris quadriaurita, Retz.

Pteris Currori, Hook.

Monstrous condition of Mzcrodesmis.

Tetracera alnifolia, W. (T. senegalensis, DC).
Tetracera alnifolia, var. scabra.

Uvaria Chama, P. de B.

Chasmanthera dependens, Hochst.

Ritchiea fragrans, Br. var. simplicifolia.
Sauvagesia erecta, L.

A lsodeia brachypetala, Turc. var.

Carpolobia lutea, Don.

Haronga paniculata, Spach, “ with red paint-like juice.”
Symphonia globulifera, L. f., “ Gamboge tree.”
Hibiscus Abelmoschus, L.

Hlonchenya ficifolia, W.

Two leaves of Bombax ?

Acridocarpus Smeathmanni, G. and P.

Ochna multifiora, DC.

Chailletia pallida, Oliv.

Paullinia pinnata, L.

Leea guineensis, Don (L. sambucina of F1. Trop. Afr.).
An Eriocelum cauliflorum ? (imperfect).
Deinbollia insignis, Hook. f.?

Agelea obliqua, P. de B.

Indigofera Anil, L.

Tephrosia Ansellit, Hook. f.

Ecastophyllum Brownzi, Pers.

Psophocarpus longipedunculatus, Hassk,
Millettia Thonningiz, Baker?

220 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Dalbergia pubescens, Hook. f.

Prerocarpus esculentus, S, and T.

Neptunia oleracea, Lour.

Leaves of Pentaclethra macrophylla? Benth.

Albizzia (A. angolensis ?).

Cynometra (Hymenostegia) Afzelii, Oliv. (ex descr.)

? Entada africana, G. and P. (or Tetrapleura Thonningie
Benth.) no fruit.

Griffonia Barteri, Hook. f.

Eugenia nr. £. calophylloides.

Dissotis (Heterotis) segregata (Benth.).

Memecylon Bartert, Hook. f.

Fussiea diffusa, Forsk.

Fussiea pilosa? H.B.K. (as to fruit).

Homalium (nr. H. africanum, Benth.).

Barteria nigritana, Hook. f.

Modecca tamnifolia, Pl. (= M. lobata, Jacq.).

Modecca ? or Triclisia 2 Barren shoots.

Momordica Charantia, L.

Lagenaria vulgaris, Ser.?

?Luffa sp. & fl.

Crossopteryx Kotschyana, F.

Randia acuminata, Benth.

Randia sp.? (no corolla).

Morinda citrifolia, L.?

Psychotria (Grumilea) articulata (Hn.)

Mikania scandens, W.

Vernonia amygdalina, Del,

Microglossa petiolaris, DC. (M. volubilis, DC.)

L£clipta alba, Hassk.

Ethulia conyzoides, L.

Sphenoclea zeylanica, Geertn.

Cf. Chrysophylium albidum, Don (leaves).

Hlolarrhena africana, A. DC.

Orchipeda (Piptolena), sp.

“ Ama Papa” (Ibo tree), probably Horton’s Accra Caoutchouc
(in Carpodinus, Herb. Kew.).

“ Aboutera” Apocynacea ; Landolphia ?

Landolphia sp. nov. vel L. Welwitschiz, var. Dyer.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 221

Wrightia parvifiora, Benth.

Demia angolensis, Dene.

Lpomea reptans, Poir.

Lpomea (Batatas) incurva (Benth.).

lrtanema sesamoides, Benth.

Polygonum senegalensis, Meiss. var.? aff. P. darbato.

Celosia laxa, S. and T.

Vapaca Heudelotiz, Baill.

Alchornea cordifolia, Muell. Arg. ?

Mallotus oppositifolius ? 3 v. aff.

Macaranga Heudeloti¢ (Baill.).

Hymenocardia acida, Tul. &.

Ficus aft. F. exasperate, V.

“ Gutta-percha, juice in bottle,” no fl. nor| fruit. (This may
be a plant of Barter’s, in F7czs.)

Chlorophora (Morus excelsa, Welw. ?).

Thalia geniculata, vel aff.

Anchomanes, leaf only.

Culcasia scandens, Beauv.

Culcasia sp., fragm.

Commelyna (fragm. of C. nudiflora ?L.).

In 1861 Mr. Mann made collections of specimens of
certain woods at different points on the Coast of
West Africa, for the lists of which as follow (pp. 222,
223) I am again a debtor to the Kew Authorities.
These contributions have the advantage of locality,
and I am glad to be able to embody such infor-
mation in this work. .

222 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.
Circum-
Botanical Name. Extent and Uses. ference Locality.
of Stem.
feet.
From Niger
1. Lophira alata, Banks. | Abundant. . 15 to Came-
roons.
a ee altissima, Soft and spongy . 5 <3
3. Erythrophleum gui-\\{ Abundant eee .
neense, Don. soft and spongy 7 | River Nun.
4. Chrysobalanus Icaco, Often seen, good. 5 7”
; ; t, fit f
' 5. Mimusops? i ‘eon ' "| 7 9
6. Pentadesma butyracea | Not hs ae 7 a
. Ab t, fit fe e
7. Rhizophora racemosa, a ae for t for 6 {? ight of
E. Mey. Heads: Biafra.
8. Avicennia cag Abundant, soft and 6
(white mangrove) spongy. 4
9. Myristica*? . . . | Light, not fit. II 5
10. Ficus ? : . | Often seen 6 Sy
11. Zabernemontana . -Light, not fit . 5 | Ambas Bay.
12. Erythrinasp. . .| Scarce. . 7 3
13. Leptonychia . . | Oftenseen . 6 55
14. Dorstenia sp. . . | 33 - 13 5
15. Spondias dubia, Rich.| Scarce. . . 7, 46
: Appears to be
16. Cynometrasp. . . good, specimen 8 se
: too small.
17. Hexalobus? . . .« | Often seen, not fit | 10 5
18. Oncoba glauca, Hook. { oh Soa 6 a5
5 Oftenseen, appears
19. Guitifera «6 « « { to be g cei } vA ae
f foae Abundant, _ light, ;
20. Tvichelia? . . . { ache. > 18 | 6 ”»
at. Baphia?. . . 6 ers appears oy 7 =

be good.

* The wood is split and used by the civilised natives of Fernando
Po for covering the sides of their houses.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

223

Botanical Name.

Extent and Uses.

Circum-
ference
of Stem.

Locality.

1. Hypericum angusti-
Solium.
Lasiosiphon glaucus .
Pittosporum Manni.
Myrsine melanophleos
Paratropia alata. .
Paratropia Manni .
Nuxia congesta .
Pygeum africanum .
flex capensis. .
Omphalocarpum ‘pro-
cerum, Beaum.

lucida, }

OO HI AAAY

-

Morinda
Benth.

II.

. Musanga Smithit,t
Br.

. Casearia. . .

. Pterocarpus esculentus

. Monodora (near JZ. ‘}
myristica).

16. Sterculia

tha, Lindl.

17. Cupania. .

18. Symphonia globuli era?

19. Cedar. . .

20. Nauclea stipulatat .

21. MW. stipulosa A

ee

gyne macrophila,
Hiern.

.

i Abundant, not fit.

Scarce, not fit . |.
(Often seen, hard

and good, substi-
tute for African
oak.,

Often seen, not fit

a9 >?

Light, but good .

oe

feet.

12

. _
"NON N a on ©

{ Cameroon
Mountains.

”

2?

29

3°

39

> |

+5

Oe

”»

3
>>

Corisco Bay.

33

+ Used for same purposes as cork, and called by Europeans on this

Coast ‘* cork-wood.”

{ The wood is used by the Negroes for all kinds of carpentry work.
The Kroomen use it for forming their canoes.

224 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

XVI.

I HAVE alluded to the necessity of reforesting, in
parts of West Africa, and I have mentioned the
“ Casuarina” as a tree likely to answer. I would
now add the growth of Eucalypts of Tropical
Australia has met at Lagos and in Sierra Leone with
a measure of success. They and Melaleucas might
with proper care be most advantageously cultivated,
under Government control and supervision, for their
hygienic properties, as force pumps, to the many
swamps at present existing along and within the
West African Coast line.

On the more general introduction and growth of
Eucalypts and Melaleucas in West Africa, I will
here repeat what I embodied in a Circular I issued
from the Gambia in 1885 :—

The timber denudation and consequent drought
and barrenness in some parts of West Africa must
engage the attention of any observant person. I
ventured to call attention to the subject in a letter
addressed to the Lagos Times in January, 1883.

See what Parkes says in his ‘ Practical Hygiene’

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 225

on the importance of the effect of vegetation on
ground, and especially of the Lucalyptus globulus :-—

“In hot countries vegetation shades the ground,
and makes it cooler. The evaporation from the
surface is lessened; but the evaporation from the
vegetation is so great as to produce a perceptible
lowering effect on the temperature of a place.

“Pettenkofer has calculated that an oak tree,
which had 711,592 leaves, had during the summer
months (May—October) an evaporation equal to 539.1
centimetres (212 inches), while the rainfall was only
65 centimetres (25.6 inches) ; so that the evaporation
was 81 times the rainfall: this shows how much
water was abstracted from the soil, and how the air
must have been moistened and cooled. Observations
in Algeria (Gimbert) have shown that the Eucalyptus
globulus absorbs and evaporates eleven times the
rainfall ; extremely malarious places being rendered
healthy in this way in four or five years.

“ Alluvial soils—Many alluvial soils, especially, as
lately pointed out by Wenzel, those most recently
formed, give out Malaria, although they are not
marshy. It is presumed that the newest alluvium
contains more organic matter and salts than the older
formations. Many alluvial soils have a flat surface, a
bad outfall, and are in the vicinity of streams which
may cause great variations in the level of the
ground water. Mud Banks also, on the side of large
streams, especially if only occasionally covered with

Q

226 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

water, may be highly malarious ; and this is the case
also with deltas and old estuaries.”

Apart from the importance of vegetation in its
relations and contact with the ground, and the
questions of scarcity and consequent dearness of
fire-wood in different places along the West Coast,
the effect of timber denudation on water supply is
making itself felt at Sierra Leone, Accra, and else-
where ; as also on the climate generally.

Again what as to fire-wood, if prohibition was
imposed on the cutting of the Mangrove so univer-
sally resorted to for so necessary an article ; it isa
moot question whether in a sanitary sense its cutting
and clearance should be allowed.

In Lagos during 1879 I was successful in rearing
some specimens of Eucalyptus the seeds of which
had been kindly supplied by the Director of the Royal
Gardens, Kew. I endeavoured in 1881 to have
ascertained the names of the Eucalypts I had
reared, This could not then be done with any
certainty, as in the case of juvenile plants the foliage
is markedly different from that assumed by the
adult plants. Steps should, however, be taken in
this direction. Geologically it may be said that the
Island of St. Mary, Gambia, resembles the Island of
Lagos. It occurred to me as highly desirable to
make an attempt to introduce also there so orna-
mental, useful, and beneficial (in a health sense) trees
as are the Eucalypts.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 227

In my endeavours at Lagos, I was ably and success-
fully followed up later by the zealous Dr. J. W.
Roland. The result of his good work may be
gathered from the following extract from Sir Ferdi-
nand von Mueller’s ‘Eucalyptographia,’ for a copy
of which I am indebted to the Government of
Victoria :—

““E. pruinosa might prove a good tree for fuel,
and perhaps for technical purposes, in any tropical
country: it would at all events be as adapted to
an equinoctial clime as &. dereticornis, E. resinifera,
E. acmenoides, and E. Baileyana have shown them-
selves suited to as well sandy and swampy grounds
in Guinea, as observed by Dr. J. W. Roland.’

“Dr. Roland in July, 1881, wrote :—

“<T find that the £. globulus is the least likely to
succeed, as it requires too much care. But the £,
Baileyana thrives wonderfully well, also the Z£.
acmenoides, and E. resinifera. When I left Lagos I
had 65 plants growing on a swamp near the town,
and I have no doubt they will turn out a great success.’

“On his remarks the Kew authorities dwelt as
follows :—Report on Royal Gardens, 1881. ‘It can-
not be doubted that, apart from their hygienic
qualities, these species (which are all natives of the
hot parts of Australia) will be found valuable
introductions into West Africa if only for their
accommodating disposition in respect to the con-
ditions of growth, and for the value of their timber.’

O! 2

228 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Accordingly I addressed on the subject, in April,
1885, Sir Ferdinand von Mueller, Government Botanist,
Melbourne, Victoria, and invited his kind help and
co-operation in the matter of the supply of such seeds
as he might deem most likely to succeed in Gambia,
and generally along West Tropical Africa.

I entertained and expressed doubts whether any
species of Eucalyptus had been successfully found to
answer in swampy ground somewhat affected by the
tide, and consequently by salt water.

Sir Ferdinand Mueller secured and supplied
a collection of fresh seeds of such Eucalypts as
deserved trial—culture in Gambia as could be procured
at the time of the receipt of my letter.

As regards the saline nature of the ground water in
many parts of the Gambia, as elsewhere in Western
Africa, he remarked “that all Eucalypts are shy to
brackish soil, but doubtless many localities in Gambia
would still be available for the culture of these
important trees.”

To provide timber and fuel for places where
humidity is saline, Sir Ferdinand continued, “it will
be best to choose species of Melaleuca, a few of
which will grow in brackish water, for instance JV.
Leucadendron, M. ericifolia, M. linearifolia. Of these
I will procure seeds purposely and send them for
transmission to the Honourable the Chief Secretary
here.

“The Melaleucas, like the Eucalypts, have great

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 229

anti-malarian power, hence would also for sanitary
purposes be a valuable acquisition to your Colony
and other parts of Western Africa. Some other
kinds of Eucalyptus seed I hope to send later when
fresh procured.”

The seeds he was good enough to supply were the
following :—

Eucalyptus globulus

se obliqua
F rostrata
; polyanthema

5 marginata
s pilularis
melliodora
x amygdalina
Acacia melanoxylon
3 decurrens

of which a share of each kind was generally dis-
tributed among such persons in our West African
Colonies as were likely to endeavour to promote
growth—with what result remains to be seen. Addi-
tional supplies of other kinds were subsequently
received, which I left at Lagos for like distribution
also.

In their growth my experience at Lagos was that
seeds of Eucalypts had best first be sown in boxes,
placed in shade, but exposed to the atmosphere, full
of rich earth or mould. <A sufficiency and not an
excess of water is daily required until the young

230 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

plants are strong enough even after transplanting to
be self-supporting and their roots find water for
themselves. I allowed the plants to grow to two and
three feet before they were transplanted. Shelter
from strong winds is desirable, and almost a necessity,
as my trees ran up so rapidly and such striplings that
tornadoes blew down two or three, which were
consequently lost. When the young trees reached
fifteen to twenty feet, I found topping (removing
some five and six feet every four or five months)
essential and strengthening.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 231

XVII.

IT has been truly said that there is a tendency in
newly-settled countries to regard the timber as a mere
incumbrance to the land, and, as it generally occupies
the most fertile soils, the finest timber is usually that
first selected for destruction by fire, by ring barking
and other rude and wasteful methods in favour with
aborigines, settlers, or aliens.

It is notwithstanding a difficult matter, and one
that might with reason be viewed as arbitrary, to put
in force legislative restraints upon the clearing of the
land in young Colonies ; and, so as to obviate resort
to any legal machinery in the matter, people interested
should not look on supinely while timber is disap-
pearing and a country is gradually but markedly
becoming treeless, and, apart from their economic
advantages, bereft of the shade so essential to health in
tropical climates.

My remarks are directed to our West African
Possessions with the hope of arresting attention on
the part of landowners, and with the aim of their
directing sufficient interest towards the modification
of the reckless system that at present obtains

232 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

generally of denuding the country of its forests, as
Locations multiply and Settlements increase, by which
large areas have been and are being converted into
treeless wastes, taken possession of by rank grasses
and undergrowth, and breeding dangerous miasma.

Of the Gold Coast, I am reminded here of the open
space that lies for miles behind the coast line of the
Accra district, and of the Elmina plain; of the
present condition of Lagos and its environs: as also
of the former wooded islands and banks of the
Gambia.

The open ground, that is now to be seen around
Accra and Christiansborg, of the Gold Coast Colony,
extending for miles inland and spreading out east and
west to some length, has once been covered with
forest, which has now for its substitute a plain of
rank grass, the monotony of which is broken by the
appearance—even there of rare occurrence—of a
cassava or calabash farm, a small patch of ground
nut for home consumption, or a clump of compara-
tively unprofitable but picturesque bush. There also,
as elsewhere along the West Coast, the difficulty of
‘securing fire-wood is making itself felt, as also its
consequent dearness,

Further east, in Lagos, from Ebute-metta inland,
the country is also becoming denuded of the profitable
timber trees, which have to bow to the sawyer’s axe or
the fire-wood collector's cutlass. You now travel
through miles of open country which was not long

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 233

ago covered with forest sheltering many valuable
timber trees, and others of doubtless much economic
worth, had the botanic recources of the country only
been somewhat developed. I may single out as an
example the rubber vine.

On an occasion when I had to send to the north of
the Colony of Lagos I directed that inquiry should be
instituted as to the existence of the Landolphia
owartensis—the rubber-yielding vine found extensively
in the Gold Coast Colony—and that encouragement
towards its protection and development, or the proper
collection of its juice, should be extended. The
people questioned, when they understood the object
of the inquiry, said that the country had been full
of the tree, but as they knew nothing of its value,
it had been cleared away so as to allow of the planting
of corn, yam, and beans, and that the vines of the
Landolphia had been and are being used only for
matchet handles.

In view of the market price of rubber—of much
demand—namely, from Is. to 4s. per lb., dependent
on quality and condition—I do not suppose that the
expression would be there accepted “Where igno-
rance is bliss it is a folly to be wise.” What has
the Island of Lagos to say to such a state of things,
with its adult male population of 14,407, of whom
11,049 are represented in the last Census as persons
engaged in commerce ?

I may repeat the old adage, “A stitch in time saves

234 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

nine,” and appeal to those interested in the country to
bring about, as regards the subject of this chapter, a
more healthy condition of things, which can only at
present be done by instruction and advice, and by the
later strong inducement of giving practical proof of the
value of those forests in the shape of a monetary return.

The sawyer, the fire-wood collector and supplier, the
farm labourer may not know better; but it surely
devolves on their employers to instruct them, and the
duty is greater on the proprietors of land who let out the
same on lease and can impose their own conditions
as to the preservation of forest trees of well-known—
or that should be known—valuable timber.

The harm done would not prove to be so great,
were some system of conservancy to obtain. Where
it has been deemed to have become a necessity to
remove partially a valuable forest, why cannot the
removers after they have satisfied their wants be
got to plant young trees of marketable value, either
as to timber or fruit, in the room of those they have
used up or wasted ; why cannot this be made a con-
dition by owners of wooded land before liberty of
action is accorded to those concerned in wood or
agricultural industry ?

It must be remembered that forests of heavy
timber or vines of commercial value are of very slow
growth, and means of supply in the distant future
should now be taken in hand. It accordingly should
be deemed as very expedient to re-plant, at least in

FORESTRY OF IVEST AFRICA. 235

part, the sites from which valuable timber and vines
cisappear—where a farm is to be deserted either
for good, or to lie fallow for so many years, why
cannot it be partially re-planted by those who may.
have enjoyed its use in the past? Surely such a
condition could be enforced by agreement between
landlord and tenant; as also that certain trees of
known value should not be under any circumstances
removed. I may mention that I am aware of the
superstitious respect that attaches in the Yoruba
country to the Oroko, Afon, Araba, Ashori, and other
large trees, and to the consequent immunity they
enjoy from the axe, as also of the understanding that
palm trees on allotted sites are preserved and remain
the property of the landlord. Notwithstanding he
will surely be ready to increase the value of his re-
cognized vested interest by the adoption of my
suggestions as they stand, or in some modified, yet
advantageous, form.

Let us take time by the forelock. In the older
Colonies, such as the Cape of Good Hope, Ceylon,
Mauritius, Canada, New Zealand, South Australia,
laws and regulations now exist for the conservation of
their forests. There it was not that “necessity had
no law,” but rather law became an absolute necessity,
and legal restraints had to be exercised. It was in
some instances almost a case of shutting the stable
door after the horse had got out. '

I have already implied that there is a general

236 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

tendency to under-estimate the importance of local
action, in the expectation than an unlimited supply of
timber will always be obtainable, either on the mush-
room principle as to growth, or from other sources.
It can be stated without fear of contradiction that
in our Possessions on the Coast of Africa the timber
is rapidly and visibly diminishing, and that the
adoption of steps such as are suggested, or some
others, for re-planting and preventing waste, has
become worthy of early consideration.

I would next call attention to the wanton periodical
burnings—perhaps in some cases in part unavoidable,
at least at present, but not restricted even then as
they should be—that extend to sites on which trees
have been felled for farming purposes, or from which
they have disappeared altogether, as also to those
where nature is struggling to regain herself as regards
forest protection. Wherea farm site has to be fired,
standing trees and surrounding forests should be pro-
tected as much as possible ; and where Nature seems
to be recovering herself, as is to be seen at times on
the grass plains to which I have alluded, she should be
rendered secure from the wanton mischief of those
who take more delight in a good blaze—which they
usually originate at night—and in their own ignorance,
than in interest in the country. Forests attacked in-
discriminately and inconsiderately by axe and fire are
on the road to a rapid detimbering.

My remarks are not so selfishly directed as to

FORESTRY OF IWEST AFRICA. 237

preclude the hope that their aim may reach the
countries bordering on our Colonies where the
disposal of land remains in the hands of the re-
spective Kings, supported in each grant by the con-
currence of the chiefs and elders. It would be no
hardship and would prove highly advantageous to
impose as one of the conditions of lease, that in
clearances for farm purposes, certain trees of known
value should be uninjured, as far as is practicable,
either by axe or by fire.

So far as I can now advance, land is worked, on an
average, ten years, after which it is deserted for virgin
soil. This period is made up as follows:—four or
five years continuously to clearance, cultivation and
harvest, two or three years to lie fallow, and the
balance of time to re-cultivation and fresh harvest,
when the land is considered by the people as “ worn
out.”

Without going into the dry detail of Statistics, it
must be very evident to most people that forests
exert a considerable influence upon the climate and
upon the condition of the water supply. How shade
is sought for and appreciated even by the brute
creation is a fact that presents itself daily in the
tropics to any observer. Forests are appropriately
called condensing apparatus, and Nature’s guards
against droughts which have proved such a curse to
countries in the past where ignorance was not removed
in time, or there was allowed to have its way the

238 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

shortsighted greed for a yard or two more ground
for the production of cane or some other plant when
the price of sugar or some such-like other marketable
commodity stood temporarily _high—sheer selfish
greed of immediate gain.

Humboldt has said, “By felling trees which are
adapted to the soil of the sides and summits of
mountains, men, in every climate, prepare for future
generations two calamities at once, want of fire-wood
and scarcity of water.”

It has also been said that “Forests precede a
population, and deserts follow it.”

Of the Cape Colony, South Africa, it has been
recorded in 1873, that “the immunity which British
Kaffraria enjoys from the droughts so common in
South Africa is believed to be due to the influence of
the forests.”

I may also fittingly quote the following having
reference to Mauritius :—

“Tt is pretty generally believed that the destruction
of the forests has had considerable effects upon the
climate, and that owing to the same cause, the floods
are much more sudden and destructive than formerly.
Many streams which have never failed whilst their
sources were shaded by the forests are now dried
up.”

St. Helena also affords a striking example of the
effects of forest denudation upon climate. It is
stated that “the extirpation of the indigenous trees,

FORESTRY OF IVEST AFRICA. 239

shortly after the first Colonization of the island in
1673, was followed by a succession of severe and
destructive droughts, put that since the forest lands
were replanted, the island has ceased to suffer from
them to anything like the same extent.”

It would seem that the lesson of the past has
not been sufficient, for, on the result of continued
denudation there, Mr. Morris has recorded in his
pamphlet on that island thus -—

“Latterly, the island has suffered very severely
from drought, numerous springs having been almost
dried up. It is probable that such conditions may
be repeated, if the process of denudation is not
immediately stopped, and if the central ridge, where
the chief streams of the island take their rise, is not
reclothed with trees. The beds of the streams should
also be more shaded by suitable trees to prevent
excessive evaporation, and all ponds and reservoirs
should be similarly treated.”

Next, let landlords be influenced by the sugges-
tions briefly given in this chapter, and let them
specially conserve, at least, such belts of wooded land
as cover mountains or hills and flank rivers and
streams.

The author of ‘Akimfoo,’ when he wrote “ But alas !
the African forest is always green, always wet, always
fire-proof,” had not experienced the waste that it has
been my lot to have witnessed and to witness; yet
how appropriately can the remark “always fire-

240 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

proof,” with a generous and limited interpretation, be
extended to some spots—to wit, the island of Lagos—
as regards vegetation, for it in a great measure often
serves as nature’s fire-screens and extinguishers on
occasions of the occurrence of fires there. The fore-
sight in the past of the planter, the late Sir John
Glover, who did so much for Lagos, is to be acknow-
ledged with gratitude in the matter of the laying
out and planting the streets of that island. How
different otherwise would have been the climate, how
precarious perhaps the water supply, and how help-
less its people would be in times of fire !

The following Return and report thereon by the
late Dr. Hart, of the effect of forest denudation at
Sierra Leone, which appeared in the West African
Reporter of the 22nd July, 1882, may be here inserted
with telling significance :—

RETURN SHEWING RAINFALL IN THE YEARS 1878 TO 1885.

Year. rst Quarter. | 2nd Quarter. | 3rd Quarter. | 4th Quarter. Total.

1878 3.01 32.02 101.74 26.37 163.14
1879 5.18 36.88 105.70 20.35 168.11
1880 1.48 32.39 111.76 16.43 162.06
1881 1.04 36.27 95-71 8.80 141.82
1882 1.95 16.90 70.70 19.74 109.29
1883 1.47 27.56 92.31 21.81 143-15
1884. 0.67 42.57 83.08 19.58 145.90
1885 1.88 22.93 99.85 17.12 141.78

“It is desirable that the attention of the community
be drawn to the facts stated in the above Return,

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 241

shewing a remarkable and steady decrease in the
amount of rainfall in this district during the last four
years. The deficiency last year was apparent to the
inhabitants of Freetown when, towards the close of
the dry season, difficulty of obtaining water from the
usual sources was complained of in your columns, and
if this amount be further reduced by one half, as has
occurred in the second quarter of this year, the
result will be disastrous. The only cause that can be
assigned for this decrease is the wholesale destruction
of the woods and forests, which are at once the
collectors and reservoirs of its water supply. This
has occurred in other tropical regions, and when the
cause was learned, by fatal experience through
famine, the result of drought, then the forests were
taken under Government protection and replanted,
with the best results, but at great expense. It would
be well to take warning from our Eastern allies,
profiting by their experience, and put a stop to this
unlimited practice of shaving the forest of timber,
which at one time formed a valuable item of export ;
before its effects are brought home to the people
by the failure of the water supply, at present the
one redeeming element against the many unhealthy
influences at work in the Colony.” I have added the
statistics for 1883, 1884, and 1885, which point to an
improvement in the direction of greater conservancy
or more extended planting: perhaps of both.
Mention has been already made of the dearness of
R

242 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

fire-wood at Accra; let me also point out the scarcity
there of water, and the difficulty, especially in the dry
season, of procuring it except by those who can pay
for it. Miles have at present to be gone over for
water. I remember during 1882 that while con-
siderable anxiety was felt at Accra, as regards the
vitality of a young plantation, from the absence of rain,
there was abundance of it at Cape Coast about seventy-
five miles off—which must be attributed to the fact
that the suburbs of the latter are still protected by
vegetation, and, at a certain depth inland, by forest.

It is well worthy of consideration whether judicious
re-clothing with vegetation should not there proceed,
and with such an object in view the Assistant-
Director of Kew mentioned to me the Casuarina as a
tree likely to answer; it is of much more rapid
growth than Eucalypts, can withstand sea-spray or
climate affected thereby, and furnishes a fine timber
and excellent fire-wood.

I am not now going so far to occupy limited space as
to embody any conclusions based on the average annual
consumption in each Colony of timber as fire-wood
for each house ; nor yet for periodic but regular and
growing requirements as regards windows, doors and
other carpentry fittings, and their renewal ; nor yet for
the local recurring wants in the matter of supply and
renovation of boats, canoes, wharves, &c., although
there thus might be afforded interesting and startling
facts when we knew of the average annual timber

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 243

requirements and consequent clearances as compared
with our available wooded area, and the future steadily
increasing wants.

In dwelling on this subject the people must however
look ahead, and, as far as can be done, anticipate the
requirements of the future, and not selfishly endeavour
to reap all they can in the present, regardless of the
legacy to be left to their country and children.

We all have heard and can estimate the great
advantages that follow on the opening up of a country
by railways. Bearing in mind the references in the
preceding two paragraphs, estimate what then would
be our timber wants additionally for stations, carriages,
sleepers, telegraph poles, their wear and tear, and
occasional renewals, creating a timber demand of
considerable magnitude.

In the Gold Coast Colony, behind Lagos, and in
other parts of that side of Africa there are large
tracts of land now almost valueless, I may venture to
say, from being in a measure inaccessible. To such
land railways would soon give an appreciable value
by opening up fresh markets, and allowing of the
advance of settlements into their depths at present
uninhabited and unknown. Their introduction would
be followed up by an increased circulation of money,
increased vested capital, and consequently pro-
portionally greater credit of real worth—of much
moment to any Colony, much more so to our Posses-
sions in West Africa in view of future opening up—rise

RK 2

244 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

of wages and more employment, growing demand for
produce and general commercial stimulus. Look, for
example, to the United States of America, and see
what the Union Pacific Railroad has done there as
regards the country lying between New York and
San Francisco, to a great extent waste, tenantless and
valueless before it was constructed—now to be seen
studded with villages and towns, surrounded by miles
of land under cultivation. Railways, like human
beings, require wood and water, and, with reference to
the future of West Africa in connection with their
introduction, already thought of and weighed, advan-
tage of present advice against detimbering should
be taken.

The French have in this matter also gone ahead of
us, for they have actually laid down a certain portion
of a railway road in the kingdom of Bondou, near the
upper Gambia, which is being worked, to the astonish-
ment and silent wonder of the natives. It has been
described to me as a “ship that walks on land, and
that it is well armed.” Ex passant I would say how
such a step must attract and divert trade—which I
fear is the case to our cost on the upper Gambia River.
With respect to their pushing and determination to
go ahead—to our loss in those parts, I fear, as regards
undermining our influence and trade—and on the
means adopted towards such an end, I would quote in
translation as follows from ‘Notices Statistiques sur
les Colonies Frangaises, 1883 ’:—

FORESTRY OF IVEST AFRICA. 245

“Penetration of Soudan—The work undertaken
by General Faidherbe, with a view to civilising
Soudan and opening to commerce those unexplored
regions, has been taken up again the last few
years and carried on with great activity. From
Medina, where our French influence got no further
in 1878, our standard was successfully carried to
Bafonlabé, to Kita, and lastly this year to Bannuakow,
on the Niger. The caravan route is thus protected
by a series of posts constructed by Colonel Desbordes
during the three expeditions of 1880-81, 1882,
1883. The route has been improved: at the same
time works of a railway were undertaken intended
some day to join the navigable part of the Niger to
that of the Senegal. The first section of this railway
from Khay (near Medina) to Bafonlabé, over 135
kilometres, has been decided on by parliament ; at
the end of the present expedition the traffic will
be open over a distance of 16 kilometres, and the
working of the ground prepared in a manner to
forward for the next expedition the laying of the
line.”

Nor am I without hope of the future timber in-
dustry in store for our Colonies, so far at all events as
Lagos and the Gold Coast are concerned, blessed as
are those Colonies—the former especially so—with
the inestimable advantages of nature’s highways in
the shape of the network of inland water that
permeates the country, extending, with but a slight

246 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

and removable break, from the Volta on the westward
to the Niger on the eastward ; to the westward of the
Volta and behind Appolonia like water advantages
offer. I also hope for the revival of the Sierra Leone
and Gambia timber-trade.

There again suggests itself the consideration of the
substitution of the shingle for the thatch roof, and the
consequent additional security to lives and property
such a change would bring about in Lagos, as elsewhere.
In Sierra Leone and Gambia it is much used. The
industry of shingle-making has been now for some
years introduced on the Aquapim Hills of the Gold
Coast, and has resulted in a growing use of this
roofing.

For this result the credit is due to the members of
the Basel Mission, who introduced the industry in
1846, first in substitution of the shingle for grass as
roofing for their own houses, next for the extension
of such an improvement to the people among whom
they lived.

The Afram tree is the one used for shingles, as it is
easily split, stands well the weather, and is compara-
tively proof against the white ant (fermes arborum).
Present rate for shingles at sites of manufacture in
Aquapim is £1 for 1,000, each being 21” x 3. The
“odoom” is also used similarly.

An enterprising native gentleman at Lagos, Captain
J. P. L. Davies, also introduced there the art, but it
never got far, in consequence of want of proper

FORESTRY OF IVEST AFRICA. 247

machinery and of the encouragement that it should
have received. Corrugated iron has taken its place,
which is not, however, appreciated by the natives,
as can be well understood.

The more general extension of this industry
should be promoted, and, with the available and
local wants, the prospect of a timber industry of
no small dimensions, even of a local nature, may be
indulged in and viewed as a bright one. Shingles as
regards the Gambia and Sierra Leone are imported ;
why? let wood-workers ask themselves. Let the
large import of staves for casks be also considered
where such wood as “ odoom ” (“ oroko ”) is available.

But before we can hope to build what may prove
to be chateaux en Espagne, the value and worth of the
woods of West Africa must be determined, which in
view of the circumstances of the Colonies can be only
gradually known, and hope in the meantime can but be
entertained that the information will be of avail when
it has been obtained, and that more than statistics
will be forthcoming later, and that we shall not be
without the wares the worth of which to the com-
mercial world we had been collecting information
with a view to advertise. Here I would invite the
contribution, on the part of those who are sufficiently
interested and so placed as to admit thereof, especially
sawyers and carpenters, of specimen slabs of the
timber of such trees as are felled from time to
time; and I would lay stress on scented woods.

248 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

A slab should represent a complete section of full
diameter, with bark on, of the tree from which it is
cut, and should be from three to four inches thick, It
should be accompanied by specimes of leaf, flower,
and fruit. In each Colony some one can doubtless be
found who will undertake the necessary arrangements
for the supply to Kew Gardens of such specimens, for
their classification, and for an estimate of probable
worth in a timber sense. The Public Works Depart-
ment of each Colony offers a ready transit-depot for
such contributions.

FORESTRY OF IVEST AFRICA. 249

XVIII.

STEPS then should be persevered in to remove the
ignorance of the people as far as possible by putting
them in the way of knowing the value of the products
of their country, and towards such an end [had begun
in 1883 the establishment, at the site of Kokomazko
(Lagos), of a nursery garden for the growth of
specimens of present known trees and plants of
marketable value, such as the Rubber, Kola, Cotton,
Shea-butter, Gum, Indigo, Cacoa, &c., so that they
might serve on development later as means of
instruction to natives of that Colony and of the
interior Kingdoms who visit the Government from
time to time. It might have been possible, I thought,
to conduct this operation in such a manner as to
encourage economy, replenishing, and the diffusion of
useful and botanical knowledge of commercial im-
portance.

With such a view I invited at the time the co-opera-
tion of those who might wish to be helpers by asking
them to act as contributors from time to time, as
seasons admitted, of seeds, plants, specimens, &c., which
would be gladly received by the Government.

250 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

But my “castles were in Spain,’ and my dreams
were rudely banished, for I found that Lagos had not
proved an exception to the perversity of human
nature. My garden drooped, I may say ended with
my departure from that Colony—not the victim of
climate, for I left it in promising youth ; but rather of
indifference and neglect—a crying shame. In addition
to enlightenment therefrom, what commercial benefit
might in a few years have been brought about by the
steady distribution of young trees of economic value
from such an Institution among the chiefs and people
of the many villages that border that network of water
which permeates the country in that quarter! Here
again, however, we have had the fate of a private hobby.

Towards the regeneration of St. Helena in a
botanical commercial sense, what does that practical
gentleman, Mr. Morris, say, from whose paper I have
already quoted? Why, to use his own words :—

“TI look entirely to the soil for the elements
necessary to bring prosperity to St. Helena. But
the people require to be shown what those resources
are: they need to be taught how to use those
resources aright, and they require to be encouraged
and assisted while so engaged.

“T would recommend in the first instance, that an
intelligent and competent gardener be sent to the
island to take up the entire question of the revival of
the agricultural pursuits, and that if the local Govern-
ment is unable to support such an officer and a small

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 251,

staff, that a grant be made for the purpose by the
Home Government.”

And last, though not least—in support of the
necessity that has existed and does exist for the
establishment of agricultural training Institutions,
whether in the form of botanic stations, Governmental
model farms, or for the utilisation in such a way of
the spread and established branches of the different
Missions by encouragement and pecuniary grant—let
me quote from that eminent and earnest promoter of
the interests of our Colonies, Sir Joseph Hooker, who
thus expressed himself in connection with the Paris
Exhibition, 1868, on Technical Education and Know-
ledge of Forestry :—

“Forestry, a subject so utterly neglected in this
country that we are forced to send all candidates for
Government appointments in India to France and
Germany for instruction, both in theory and practice,
holds on the Continent an honourable, and even a
distinguished place amongst the branches of a liberal
education. In the estimation of an average Briton,
forests are of infinitely less importance than the game
they shelter, and it is not long since the wanton
destruction of a fine young tree was considered a
venial offence compared with the snaring of a pheasant
or rabbit.

“Wherever the English rule extends, with the single
exception of India, the same apathy, or at least inac-
tion, prevails. In South Africa, according to Colonial

252 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

botanists’ reports, millions of acres have been made
desert, and more are being made desert annually,
through the destruction of the indigenous forests ; in
Demerara the useful timber trees have all been re-
moved from accessible regions, and no care and
thought given to planting others ; from Trinidad we
have the same story; in New Zealand there is not
now a good Kundi pine to be found near the coast ;
and I believe that the annals of almost every English
Colony would repeat the tale of wilful wanton waste
and improvidence.

“On the other hand, in France, Prussia, Switzer-
land, Austria, and Russia, the forests and waste lands
are the subjects of devoted attention on the part of
the Government, and Colleges, provided with a com-
plete staff of accomplished professors, train youths
of good birth and education to the duties of State
foresters. Nor in the case of France is this law con-
fined to the mother country. The Algerian forests
are worked with scrupulous solicitude ; and the collec-
tions of vegetable produce from the French Colonies
and New Caledonia, &c., contain specimens which,
though not falling technically under class 87, abound
in evidence of the forest products being all diligently
explored.”

Bentham, in his ‘ Desiderata from Botanical Collec-
tors in Western Tropical Africa, to be found at the
beginning of Hooker’s ‘Niger Flora, says on the
subject :—

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 253

“A first glance at the ‘Flora Nigritiana’ will
show how very imperfect our acquaintance yet remains,
not only with the luxuriant wild vegetation of West
Tropical Africa, including the herbs or trees which
furnish many of its most valuable products, but even
with many of the plants in general cultivation there.
This circumstance may in a great measure be ascribed
to the want of any of those permanent botanical
establishments which have afforded us so much useful
information on the vegetation of the East and West
Indies, and have been the means of effecting so many
valuable exchanges of plants respectively cultivated in
the two hemispheres. Tropical Africa has never even
had a resident botanist, and all our knowledge on the
subject has been derived from travellers who have
either perished there before their mission has been
completed, or have hastened home to avoid the effects.
of the deadly climate. Much is therefore now to be
done by a collector who will carefully note down
any authentic particulars he can learn, and any ob-
servations that occur to him, relating to the plants of
which he preserves specimens.”

J have alluded to the employment of Missions, Let
me once more acknowledge the great debt Africa and
her sons and the commercial world of its West Coast
owe to the Basel Mission, begun in 1828, and esta-
blished since 1842 on the Aquapim Hills and adjoining
plains of the Gold Coast. That Mission to my mind
went the right way to work as regards the education

254 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

of the people in associating with elementary, industrial
education. Lay missionaries formed part of the
staff, and they opened carpenters’, joiners’, black and
lock-smiths’ shops, with a result that the Gold Coast,
and what are known as the Oil Rivers, are at this day
indebted to their forethought and perseverance for
coopers, carpenters, and joiners.

But the efforts of such a body should have been
encouraged—which has not been the case—in every
way, and followed up by the placing in their hands of
as much carpentry, cabinet and other wood-work as
could have been done: instead of which, orders have
been sent repeatedly, in fact the rule, to England for
such manufactures. Where a wooden structure in the
shape ofa roof, a house, windows, was wanted, the run
was towards England, in disregard of the local interests
and capabilities, both as to skilled labour and material.
Local agents and Government engineers were doubt-
less saved trouble, but what are they for if it be not
to give to their employers the best service? What
better service can there be than the advancement and
enlightenment of the people? It may be advanced
that the people are not capable or competent yet. In
view of work and buildings I have seen, the outcome
of native talent, I am not prepared to admit such
an assertion. Even if it were so, when will they
be under the present system ?

From what I have learnt on inquiry, I must speak
in equally high terms of the industrial work of the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 255

Roman Catholic Missions at Gnasobil, Senegal, and
Gaboon.

I wonder it has never occurred to the many societies
of workmen along that Coast to subscribe together
and send some of their younger members to Europe
to qualify for any and every work needed there, or
to thus remove any ground, if such exist, for being
passed over as I have mentioned. Even towards such
an end, Governments might, with advantage to them-
selves and to the people there, act.

As regards the natives of West Africa, it is indeed
open to question whether there has not been too
much time devoted in the past to the exercise of
memory, to “parrot” teaching, and too little to a
knowledge of their countries and their capabilities, to
a more general instruction in ways of industry, and to
the gradual and appreciable development of the ways
and means of their own industries.

In 1841, Dr. Madden, who had been sent out as
Her Majesty’s Commissioner of Inquiry on the state
of the West African Settlements, advocated the
establishment in England of a normal school for the
exclusive training and instruction of schoolmasters—
natives themselves of Africa—to be destined for
schools in West Africa: he supported also the
introduction of a Model Farm in each Colony in
association with existing schools, to afford masters
the facilities of having every child taught some trade
or calling in addition to acquiring the rudiments of

256 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

elementary education. He was of the opinion that
all the instruction that can be given without
inculcating and teaching them habits of industry
would be of little avail, and he deplored the fact
that the outcome of the ordinary school education
was that industrious habits were, if not altogether
discontinued, but little practised. My own experience
and the Census statistics support to a great length
even now, sad as it may seem, Dr. Madden in his
conclusions arrived at so many years ago.

In a former part of this work I have acknowledged
the private endeavours that have been creditably put
forth to promote the agricultural industry of West
Africa. These endeavours have been shortlived, and
have, as a rule, unfortunately, resulted in relapses
almost to conditions that existed prior to their under-
taking.

We may remind ourselves, for instance—and there
are many like examples—when Mr. Wm. Smith visited,
in 1726, West Africa to survey the Settlements of the
Royal African Company, he found—

“The gardens of Cape Coast are very pleasant and
large, being near eight miles in circumference. They
are nowhere circumscribed by any bounds or hedges
except on the south side near the town, but all in
general is called the garden as far as any regular
walks are planted. They are very fertile, and
produce everything that grows within the Torrid
Zone : such as oranges, lemons, limes, citrons, guavas,

FORESTRY OF IVEST 4FRICA. 257

papaws, plantains, bananas, cocoa-nuts, cinnamon,
tamarinds, pine-apples, Indian cabbage, also European ;
and many sorts of European salads, such as cucum-
bers, pumpkins, water-melons, and parsley.”

again, Dr. Madden, from his experience in the
above-mentioned directions and of the sad fate of the
agricultural work alluded to by Mr. Smith, says :—

“It is unfortunately the lot of all agricultural
improvements in these countries to die with the in-
dividual who commenced and carried them on; and,
unfortunately, the tendency of the climate to abridge
European life is so great, that ere any improvements
can be said to be fairly carried into effect the individual
dies ; and his executors generally find he died em-
barrassed, and his relatives rarely get sufficient means
to keep his plantation in cultivation, and after a
further effort to keep it, it is ultimately abandoned.”

My own experience of the West Coast leads me to
express the opinion that for general marked and
progressive work nothing will answer save permanent
botanical stations or allied establishments, worked and
kept up by the Government. The main features to
be secured at any site are good soil, fresh water
supply, protection by hill or belt of forest against
tornadoes or other strong winds, and accessibility
either by water or good road. Such institutions
could be established on the Sierra Leone hills, on the
hills of Aquapim of the Gold Coast, on the mainland
of Lagos Colony ; and in British Combo, ceded mile,

Ss

258 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

or on one of the islands of the Gambia above the
influence of the tide. Thus would the botany of West
Africa become known, its economy developed and
added to by the introduction of alien elements of
commercial importance. That mother or nurse for
the development of economic botany in our Colonies
—Royal Gardens, Kew—would help, as she has
always done, by the supply of good practical and
educated gardeners, who would become, perhaps, in
time, local curators ; and by the promotion of a system
of training up, as gardeners, at Kew, or in some
Tropical miniature thereof, some of the native youths
of the country.

In support of such a training there will be found in
the Preface, dated 1849, of Hooker's ‘ Niger Flora ;*
to use the Editor’s own words :—

“It further showed that the only hope of en-
lightening the sons of Africa is by native agency:
and it is with no small pride that the Editor of this.
work, in the capacity of Director of the Royal
Gardens of Kew, is at this moment giving in charge
a considerable collection of useful tropical plants for
introduction into Africa, to two native missionaries
(recently ordained by the Bishop of London), than
whom he knows not any well-educated Europeans
more competent to estimate the value of such im-
portations, or likely to feel more interest in their
successful cultivation and use.”

Should such an Institution be at any time decided

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA, 259

on—and it is to be hoped that a decision will prove to
be of early date—from the bitter experience of the
past ; from the sad lessons of our other Colonies, which
have carried their eggs in one basket, and have
as a consequence glutted the markets with their one
commodity at great financial losses; and from the
wants of the present, as regards the permanent
establishment of a Botanic Garden or some allied
institution—call it what you will—it may be deemed
to be convenient to find embodied in this Book the
following “Suggestions (with certain modifications
capable of easy adaptation in West Africa) for the
information of Colonial Governments about to appoint
Superintendents of Botanic Gardens, and for the
guidance of the Superintendents themselves,” a copy
of which has been placed at my disposal through the
thoughtfulness and courtesy of W. Thistleton Dyer,
Esq., C.M.G., the Director of Kew Gardens, to whom
I am also indebted for the Kew standing instructions
for collecting plants and seeds reproduced at Ap-
pendix I., which will be found of much interest and
advantage to collectors in that part of the world with
which this Work has to do :—

I, The Superintendent’s time should be occupied
by the duties of the gardens in the interests of the
Colony and mother country. These duties include
not merely the keep and cultivation of the plants,
but correspondence with other gardens in the Colony
and elsewhere, and activity in procuring by means of

$2

260 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

travellers, visitors, ships’ officers, &c., all plants that
it may be desirable to introduce, whether for use or
ornament, and botanical information generally.

II. The gardens should be both useful and attrac-
tive to the general public, and should contain—

(a.) A conspicuously ticketed collection of the
plants, shrubs, and trees of the Colony.

(.) A collection, also well ticketed, of all such
useful plants as can be cultivated in the Colony.

(c) A collection of useful and ornamental plants
for distribution, exchange, &c.

III. The Superintendent should keep a catalogue of
all the plants cultivated and that have been cultivated
in the garden; a monthly journal of operations, which
may be.consulted by persons desirous of forming
gardens, and a brief meteorological abstract of the
mean maximum and mean minimum temperature of
the month, with its humidity, clearness, or cloudiness,
amount of rain, &c. He should annually prepare a
report on the progress and condition of the garden, of
its receipts and expenditure, donations, donors’ names,
and those of the more important plants distributed from
it; this report should be printed by the Government.

It is also desirable that the Superintendent should
keep an arranged and named Herbarium of the
flowering plants and ferns of the Colony; and a
public museum containing named specimens of the
Colonial woods and other useful vegetable products
should be attached to every garden.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 261

IV. A “brary of botanical books of reference should
be attached to the garden, and catalogued in duplicate,
and no book should be lent out of the library on any
pretext whatever. Of this catalogue, one copy should
be kept in the library, and the other should be de-
posited in some Government office, and these should
be annually compared. The fact and date of com-
parison should be stated in the Annual Report, and
all losses and additions recorded.

V. No Superintendent or other officer of the garden
should be permitted to sell any plants or garden
produce without the written orders of the Govern-
ment, nor should they be permitted for their own
personal emolument to sell or trade in plants of any
kind, indigenous or cultivated, nor to take apprentice
or other fees.

VI. The Superintendent should not be permitted to
cultivate vegetables for the table of any public officer
or private individual but his own, or that of other
persons employed in the gardens; and in all such
cases the value of this perquisite should be calculated
as part of the salary or wages of the individual who
enjoys it. He should not cultivate for his own table
rare or expensive fruits, such as take much care or
time, or offer temptation for pilfering.

With regard to supplying occasionally or periodi-
cally the table of the Governor with vegetables, fruit,
flowers, &c., this as a duty imposed on the Superin-
tendent is in every respect objectionable ; but, on the

262 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

other hand, a Superintendent must be ineligible or
inefficient who has not a sufficient supply of flowers to
send frequently to the Governor's house, if not far
distant, or who does not use every effort to gratify
those institutions or persons, public or private, who
actively promote the interests of the gardens. Under
no circumstances are fees for such objects to be
accepted.

VII. A sufficient stock of all useful and ornamen-
tal plants should be kept for interchange with other
gardens in the Colony and elsewhere ; and, further, the
Superintendent may often be required to cultivate a
large stock of certain plants for distribution in the
Colony or elsewhere. In the case of interchange a
sufficient return in kind or otherwise should be re-
quired, at the discretion of the Superintendent ; but
no general distribution should ever take place, except
under the orders of Government, which should further
decide under which of the following conditions the
stock should be distributed :—

(a.) By sale by auction or otherwise.

(é.) Gratis, under guarantee that the recipient of the
plants will devote a certain amount of land, time, and
labour to their cultivation.

(c.) Gratis to Government establishments, or to
colonists or others who have benefited the gardens
directly or indirectly.

Specific information regarding any of the above
points may be had by application to the Director of

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 263

the Royal Gardens, Kew, who will be glad to recom-
mend the books most suited to each Colonial garden,
and the best and least expensive way of procuring
them. He will also give assistance towards naming
dried specimens of the plants of the Colony for the
Superintendent, provided the latter keeps up a her-
barium and a proper correspondence in plants, &c.,
with the Royal Gardens.

The following extracts on the disadvantages and
advantages of vegetation, from Dr. Parke’s ‘ Practical
Hygiene,’ may be here of comparative interest :—

“Vegetation produces a great effect on the move-
ment of air. Its velocity is checked, and sometimes
in thick clusters of trees or underwood the air is
most stagnant. If moist and decaying vegetation be
a coincident condition of such stagnation, the most
fatal forms of malarious diseases are produced.

“Vegetation may thus do harm by obstructing the
movement of the air; on the other hand, it may guard
from currents of impure air. The protective influence
of a belt of trees against malaria is most striking.

“Herbage is always healthy. In the Tropics, it
cools the ground, both by obstructing the sun’s rays
and by aiding evaporation ; and nothing is more de-
sirable than to cover, if it be possible, the hot sandy
plains of the Tropics with close-cut grass.

“Trees should be removed with judgment. In
cold countries they shelter from cold winds, in hot
they cool the ground ; in both they may protect from

264 FORESTRY OF WEST (AFRICA.

malarious currents; a decided and pernicious inter-
ference with the movement of air should be almost
the only reason for removing them.”

It will be seen from the foregoing remarks, that
while it may be a beneficial thing to thin the forest, it
is a bad thing to fell all the trees.

These Chapters have but the aim of husbanding
and developing in our Colonies Nature’s bountiful
resources, and of thus perhaps bringing forth later
benefit ; and should their contents hit, or even fall any
way near their mark, and thus serve as a guide for
the next archer, the writer will feel fully compensated
for his practice.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 265

XIX.

IT occurred to me in the preparation of this Book
that it. would be useful and convenient, and serve
advantageously its purpose, to have some information,
in a condensed and practical form, of the economic
plants, in their botanical order, of tropical West
Africa ; and, accordingly, with the kind and generous
permission of the Kew Authorities, I employed, at
my own expense, out of official hours, Mr. Hillier, of
the Kew Economic Museum, to help toward such an
end by extracting from the various applicable works.
Where information was meagre or vague, reference to
the specimens in the Museum and Herbarium and to
their description offered ready means of supplying
much supplementary information; as also to the useful
little Catalogue, styled “Official Guide to the Museums
of Economic Botany,” Royal Gardens, Kew. In my
labours generally, and while engaged at the Kew
Economic Museum, I received, as do all, courteous
attention and much assistance at the hands of its
Curator, Mr. Jackson.

Accordingly, appended will be found a list—so far
as it goes—of the “ Economic Plants of West Africa,”
for which I am mainly—indeed I may say altogether

266 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

—indebted to Mr. Hillier, whose good creditable
work, application and zeal I must fully acknowledge.

I trust that the spirit which actuated him and the
result of his labours may, in connection with his
future—in which I wish him well—receive at the
proper time the consideration of the Kew Authorities.

It is my duty, and I hope I may not be viewed as
taking a liberty, to record specially my indebtedness
to Sir Joseph Hooker, the late Director of the Royal
‘Gardens, Kew; to E. Thistleton Dyer, Esq., C.M.G.,
the present Director ; and to Professor Oliver, for the
continuous courtesy and attention, both privately and
officially, I have received from each.

In my desire to do as much as my time admitted, I
have troubled them from time to time as a collector
of botanical specimens ; and I must say that I have
always experienced at Kew the greatest desire and
€ncouragement to meet the wants of the Colonies and
to promote their interests, scientifically and com-
mercially.

As one proof, Mr. Dyer was good enough to place
me in possession, when I left England in 1884 to
assume the government of the Settlements on the
Gambia, of three Wardian cases full of ornamental
and economic plants, our object being to see what
could be done to promote commercial progress in those
parts. Indeed, such stimulants are most beneficial.
The result, of course, remained in local hands. In
view of nature and condition of garden and grounds

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 267

when I arrived, as also of the want of good water—
for it is there pronounced brackish and bad—I regret
to have to say that expectations hoped for may
not be realised, but when I left, in December, 1885,
many of the plants had up to that time been kept
flourishing.

In connection with the preparation of this Work, I
must also thank A, Hutton, Esq., of Liverpool ; Dr.
Murie, Linnean Society ; E. M. Holmes, Esq., Pharma-
ceutical Society ; T. Christie, Esq., and many others,
who will, I hope, be pleased to accept thus my grateful
acknowledgments.

Want of sufficient time for it, absences from
England, and consequent withdrawals from many
available places of reference, must serve as my apology
for any shortcomings, imperfections, omissions or
commissions in this Book, Yet, as it stands, I trust
it may prove of some advantage. It may have
brought within readable compass some information
that has already in a scattered form appeared, and
may have for its issue additional interest towards the
further scientific and commercial development of a
country where above all other parts it behoves every
one connected with it to do his duty, for thus only can
be realised the expression of Sir George Campbell
(vide Fortnightly Review of February, 1877) :—

“The civilisation and utilisation of Africa is the
great enterprise of the future,” or,in other words, the
retribution of justice for the past.

268 FORESTRY Ok WEST AFRICA.

During my stay at the Gambia, I made collections.
in birds, beetles, butterflies, moths, shells, reptiles,
batrachians and fishes. For lists of the three first-
named I am deeply indebted to my friend Captain.
G. F. Shelley, F.Z.S., &c.; and to Mr. Herbert Druce,
F.Z.S., &c., for that of the moths; while for the.
shells, &c., I am grateful for the courtesy and co-
operation of Dr. Giinther and Mr. Edgar Smith of
the British Museum, South Kensington.

As Appendices to this Work, I have decided that.
the publication of such lists, which have the advantage.
of “definite locality,” would be valuable and useful.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 269

XX.

LIstT OF ECONOMIC PLANTS OF WESTERN AFRICA,

RANUNCULACE,

Clematis grandzfiora, DC.—Slender climbing shrub,
Leaves used as a vesicant in Sierra Leone-——Kew
Museum.

Distribution : Upper and Lower Guinea.

DILLENIACEZ,

Water Tree (TZetracera alnifolia, Willd)—The
climbing stems yield a good supply of clear water if
cut across. Sierra Leone.—‘ Treasury of Botany.’

Distribution: Upper and Lower Guinea,

, ANONACEA,

Calabash Nutmeg (Monodora Myristica, Dun.).—
Tree 50 to 60 feet high. Seeds used as a condiment.

—‘Catalogue des Produits des Colonies’ Frangaises,
Exposition Universelle de 1867, p. 141.

Distribution: Upper and Lower Guinea, |

270 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Sour Sop or Custard Apple (Azona muricata, L.).
—Small tree. The pulp of the fruit is edible, and
has an agreeable acid flavour Treasury of Botany.’

Distribution: Native of West Indies. Introduced.

Anona senegalensis, Pers—Shrub or small tree,
affording one of the best native fruits, resembling an
apricot in flavour: the petals are used to flavour
country dishes—Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, Mozambique District, Cape de
Verd Islands.

Alligator Apple (Axona palustris, L.).—Small tree.
The wood is used in Jamaica as a substitute for cork,
being soft and compressible. The fruit is said to be
narcotic and poisonous, and to be eaten by alligators.
Introduced.— Treasury of Botany, Lindley and
Moore.

Custard Apple or Bullock’s Heart (Anona reticu-
/ata, L.).—The tree is cultivated for its fruit, and is
almost naturalized in Golungo Alto, Angola. Intro-
duced.—‘ Flora of Trop. Africa,’ Oliver, vol. i, p. 16.

Cherimoyer (Axona Cherimolia, Mill.)—This tree
is cultivated for its delicious fruit in Tropical Africa.
Introduced. ‘Flora of Trop. Africa,’ Oliver, vol. i,
p- 16.

Sweet Sop (Axona squamosa, L.)—A tree culti-

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 270

vated for its fruit in Tropical Africa and Cape Verd
Islands. The natives use the powdered leaves mixed

with flour as a hair-wash—‘ Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore, &c.

“Krookare” (Uvaria sp.).—Leaves used in fevers.
The fruit is edible. Sierra Leone—Kew Museum.

Finger root (Uvaria Chama, Beauv. ?).—Used in
Sierra Leone as a mild purgative-—Kew Museum.

“Ogana” (Gabon), African, Guinea or Negro.
Pepper (Xylopia Aithiopica, A. Rich.).—Tree attaining
60 feet high. Fruits aromatic. Sold in the markets of
West Africa for use by the natives as pepper, and
also in medicine as a stimulant. The wood is elastic,
and excellent for oars and masts of small boats——
Casamance, ‘Catalogue des Produits des Colonies Fran-
caises, Exposition Universelle de 1867,’ pp. 45; 46, &c..

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

“Dean” of Senegal (Xylopia parvifiora, Benth.).—
Shrub 20 feet high. Wood used for same purposes as.
the last,;and also for cabinet work.—Casamance
‘Catalogue. des Produits des Colonies F fens
Exposition Universelle de 1867, p. 454-2. 6 5.

Distribution : Upper Guinea. :

“ Gbeyido” or “Wasu ” (Xylopia? polycarpa, Oliv.).

272 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

—A shrub. The bark yieids a yellow dye, and is also
used as a remedy for ulcers—Kew Museum.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

MENISPERMACE.

Tinospora Bakis, Miers (Cocculus Bakis, Rich.).—
Climbing plant. In Senegambia the Negroes employ
the roots as a diuretic and febrifuge.—‘ Bulletin
Mensuel de la Société Nationale d’Acclimatation de
France,’ Jan., 1887, p. 33.

Distribution :—Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Cocculus villosus, DC.—A climber. The juice of the
ripe berries makes a durable bluish-purple ink ; roots
and leaves used in native medicine in India—
“Forest Flora of N. W. and Cent. India,’ Brandis,
p. 10.

Distribution: Extratropical W. Africa, Mozamb.
District.

Cocculus Leeba, DC.—A climber, known in India
under the name of “ Ullar-billar,” where it is prescribed
as a febrifuge-— Vegetable Materia Medica of Western
India,” W. Dymock, p. 25.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, N. Central, Nile Land,
Cape de Verd Islands.

Velvet-leaf or Spurious Pareiva Brava (Cissampelos
Pareira, L.).—A variable plant with a climbing stem.
In high repute medicinally in urinary diseases ;

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 273

bitter and tonic—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, South Central, Mozambique District.

NYMPHAZ:ACE.

“Neénuphar” (Vymphea sp.).—An aquatic plant.
Roots used as food in times of scarcity. Senegal.—
‘Catalogue des Produits des Colonies Frangaises,
Exposition Universelle de 1867, p. 133.

PAPAVERACEA.

Red or Corn poppy, Corn rose (Papaver Rheas,
L.).—An erect annual, one to three feet high. The red
petalswhen fresh are supposed to possessslight narcotic
properties, but they are now only used for their beautiful
colour, which is readily communicated to water, and
used for colouring medicines. The milky juice of the
plant has a sedative action.—‘ Medicinal Plants,’
Bentley and Trimen, vol. i, No. 19.

Distribution: Cape de Verd Islands.

Spring poppy (Axgemone mexicana, L.).—A herb of
shrubby habit. Seeds acrid, narcotic and purgative,
employed as a substitute for Ipecacuanha. They
yield an oil recommended as a remedy for cholera
and as a lubricant—‘Treasury of Botany,’ Spon’s

T

274 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

‘Encyclopedia of the Industrial Arts, Manufactures,
and Commercial Products,’ p. 1409, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Mozambique District,
Cape de Verd Islands.

CRUCIFERA.

Nasturtium humifusum, Guill. et Perr—Small
shrub having a taste like that of the watercress.
Sheep are very fond of it—‘ Flora Senegambia,’ Guill.
et Perr., vol. i., p. 20.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Watercress (asturtium officinale, R. Br.).—The well-
known salad. The plant is considered to be a good
antiscorbutic.

Distribution: Cape de Verd Islands.

Cardamine hirsuta, L.—Annual herb. The leaves
and flowers form an agreeable salad— Treasury of
Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Brassica juncea, H. F. and T.—Herb cultivated
abundantly in India for the seeds, which yield
mustard-seed oil; used as a lubricant. It is also
used as a salad.—‘ Oil-seeds and Oils, India Museum,’
Dr. M. C. Cooke, p. 29; ‘ Flora of British India, Sir
J. D. Hooker, vol. i., p. 157.

Distribution : Nile Land, Lower Guinea, Mozam-
bique District.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 275

CAPPARIDEZ,

Gynandropsis pentaphylla, DC.—A herb. Bruised
leaves rubefacient and vesicant ; expressed juice used
in otalgia in India. Usedalsoasa pot-herb.—‘ Pharm.
of India,” E. J. Waring, p. 25; ‘Flora of Tropical
Africa, Oliver, vol. i, p. 82.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, Mozamb. District.

Merua angolensis, DC.—Shrub or small tree. Wood
fine and hard, good for joinery. Fruit said to be
poisonous.—‘ Catalogue des Produits des Colonies
Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867,’ p. 45.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, and South Extratropical Africa,

Boscia salicifolia, Oliv—Shrub. Knotty root, boiled
and eaten on the Shiré.—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’
Oliver, vol. i., p. 93.

Distribution: Nile Land, Lower Guinea, Mozamb.
District.

Crateva religiosa, Forst—Tree attaining: 20 feet.
Wood used in India for drums, models, turnery, &c.
Bark boiled in oil used for outward application in
rheumatism; bark also tonic and stomachic.—
‘Manual of Indian Timbers, J. S. Gamble, p. 16;

T:2

276 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Pharm. of India,’ E. J. Waring, p. 25. Museum,
Kew.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land.

VIOLARIEA.

Herb of St. Martin (Sauvagesia erecta, L.).—Herb
used in Brazil in ophthalmia, in Peru in disorders of
the bowels, and in the West Indies as a diuretic—
‘Treasury of Botany.’

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

BIXINEA.

“Fayar” or yellow dye plant of the Soudan
(Cochlospermum tinctorium, Rich.).—Small tree or
shrub. Roots: large, succulent, yield a yellow dye,
and are also used in medicine in cases of amenorrhea.
—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

“Borotuto” (Cochlospermum angolense, Welw. Mss.).
—Small tree. Bark used by natives in making a
coarse cordage.—‘ Flora of Trop. Africa, Oliver, vol.
L, p. 113.

Distribution : Lower Guinea.

Arnatto (Bixa Orellana, L.).—Small tree. The well-
known orange or yellow-coloured dye known as

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 277

“ Arnatto” or “Rocon” is prepared from the red pulp
covering the seeds of this plant. Used for dyeing
silks, staining cheese, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Oncoba spinosa, Forsk.—Shrub. The fruit, which is
edible, has a hard shell, used for ornamental purposes
by the natives of Upper Guinea. Some snuff-boxes
made of these fruits are exhibited in the Kew
Museum from Natal—Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozamb.
District.

POLYGALE.

“Buaze” fibre plant of the Zambesi (Securidaca
longipedunculata, Fres., var. parvifolia).—Shrub. Fibre
from twigs used for making fishing-nets, cord, &c.,
by the natives.—‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

PORTULACE.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea, L.).—Annual herb.
Antiscorbutic. Used in salads as a pot-herb, and for
pickling.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea.

278 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

TAMARISCINEA.

Tamarisk (Tamarix Gallica, L.).—Bush, or small tree.
Galls formed on twigs of this plant are used in dyeing
and in medicine. The plant affords also a manna con-
sidered to be detergent, aperient, and expectorant.—-
‘Vegetable Materia Medica of Western India,’ W.
Dymock, p. 61.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Tamarix articulata, Vahl.—Bush, or small tree.
Wood used for ploughs, Persian wheels, small orna-
ments, and charcoal. Bark and galls used in tanning,
and as a mordant in dyeing—‘ Manual of Indian
Timbers,’ J. S. Gamble, p. 20.

Distribution: Nile Land, Lower Guinea, South
Central.

HYPERICINE.

Guttier du Gabon, Ogina-gina (Haronga maaagas-
cariensis, Chois.).—Shrub, or small tree. The bark
secretes a sticky liquid or gum, which is used with the
leaves in fumigation as a cure for urinary fistula —
Gabon, ‘Catalogue des Produits des Colonies Fran-
caises, Exposition de 1867,’ p. 47.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, Mo-
zambique District.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 279

GUTTIFERA,

Hog or Doctor’s gum, Gamboge tree (Symphonia
Slobulifera, L.).—Tree 20 to 80 feet high. The
yellow resin found at the roots of old trees is used
as a vulnerary and diuretic, in topical applications to
wounds, in gout plasters, and as a substitute for
copaiba. In British Guiana, under the name of
“ Karamani,” the natives use it for fixing arrow heads
to spears, coating ropes, &.—Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Butter or Tallow tree of West Africa (Pentadesina
butyracea, Don).—Fruits yield a yellow greasy juice
when cut, which is mixed by the Negroes with their
food ; they are also said to be eaten—Sierra Leone.
Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Bitter Kola (Garcinia Kola, Heckel).—A tree of
variable aspect, 10 to 12 feet in height. The fruit is
about the size of an apple, containing three or four
seeds, which are covered with an abundant sourish
pulp ; these seeds have a strongly bitter, astringent,
and aromatic taste, and differ in this respect from
the true kola. They are chewed by the Negroes, and
esteemed by them for their aromatic flavour, which
approaches that of green coffee. They also believe
these seeds to have an aphrodisiac action, and as a

280 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

masticatory are said to be a valuable remedy for
colds.—‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ 3rd series, vol. xiv.,
p. 586.

Distribution: Eastern Coast of Africa and of
Senegal.

African Mammee apple (Ochrocarpus africanus,
Oliv.) —A tree 40 to So feet high. Pulp of the fruit
eaten by the Negroes. Princes Island, Africa—-Kew
Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

DIPTEROCARPE.

Laintlaintain of Sierra Leone (Lophira alata,
Banks).—From the fruits an oil called “Meni” is
obtained in Senegambia and in Sierra Leone, where it
is used for cooking and for the hair. The wood is
hard and heavy, and might be turned to account.
The leafis used as a charm in the Nile Land, and the
calyx of the fruit is worn as an ornament by the
native women. Western Africa—Kew Museum.
‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. i, p. 174, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

MALVACE.

Sida carpinifolia, L.—Perennial fibrous plant of
India. Roots used in medicine—Kew Museum.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 281

‘Vegetable Materia Medica of Western India, W.
Dymock, p. 81.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Sida rhombifolia, L.—A perennial herbaceous plant.
The bark’yields abundant delicate flaxy fibres. Roots
used in medicine in India.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’
H. Drury ; ‘Vegetable Materia Medica of Western
India,’ W. Dymock, p. 80.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Cape de Verd Islands.

Wissandula rostrata, Planch—A small shrub.
Native of the Malay Islands. It yields a beautiful
hemp.—‘ Flora of British India,’ Sir J. D. Hooker,
vol. i, p. 325.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea.

Indian Mallow (A dbutilon indicum, Don).— Shrub.
The stem yields a strong fibre. The roots, leaves
and seeds are used in medicine-——‘ Useful Plants of
India, H. Drury.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozamb.
District.

Malachra capitata, L.—Perennial herbaceous plant,
from which a fibre is obtained in India‘ Memoran-
dum on Materials in India suitable for the Manu-
facture of Paper,’ L. Liotard, p. 78.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

282 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Urena lobata, L.—A common Tropical weed, used
medicinally as a mucilage. The inner bark affords an
abundance of fibre resembling jute. Paper has been
made from this fibre in India —‘ Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore. Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

Pavonia zeylanica, Cav.—Perennial plant, from the
roots of which an infusion is made and prescribed in
fevers.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’ H. Drury.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

ffibiscus tiliaceus, L—A small tree with purplish
branches. It gives a fibre which is extensively used
in Bengal for rough ropes. The bark is used for
caulking purposes in Formosa.—‘ Manual of Indian
Timbers,’ J. S. Gamble, p. 43. Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

Indian Hemp, Bastard Jute (Hibiscus cannabinus, L.).
—Annual. Cultivated for its fibre in most parts of
Africa. The plant is largely grownin Western India,
both as a pot-herb and for its fibre, known as “ Ambari,”
which much resembles jute. Paper made from this
fibre, and an oil from the seeds, are exhibited inthe Kew
Museum.—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’ D.Oliver, vol. i,
p. 204; ‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.
Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, Mozambique District.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 283

Lfitbiscus furcatus, Roxb—Annual or perennial.
The bark yields an abundance of strong white fibre.
—‘ Useful Plants of India, H. Drury.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

“Ochro” (Hibiscus escusentus, L.)—A tall herb
which affords a strong fibre suited for the manufacture
of ropes, gunny-bags, paper, &c. The fruits known
as “Ochro” or “Bendi-kai” are very mucilaginous,
and used in thickening soups, &c.; the young fruits are
pickled like capers. Seeds emollient and demulcent.
Leaves used for poultices.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’
H. Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

fTibiscus Abelmoschus, L—A shrubby plant, from
which a strong fibre is produced. Seeds highly
scented, cordial and stomachic, and sometimes used
as a substitute for animal musk in perfumery. When
bruised or reduced to powder and steeped in rum
they are considered very efficacious in snake bites.
The plant abounds in mucilage.—‘ Useful Plants of
‘India,’ H. Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea
Mozambique District.

“Tabaco” (Aibiscus quinquelobus, Don; Paritium
sterculiefolium, Guill. et Perr.).—Small tree. Wood
used for cabinet-work. Casamance, ‘Catalogue des

284 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Univer-
selle de 1867,’ p. 45.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

fMibiscus surattensis, L.—Herbaceous. Affords a
fibre. A specimen of plaited fibre from this plant is
exhibited in the Kew Museum from Ceylon.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, Mo-
zambique District.

Portia or Tulip Tree of India (Thespesia populnea.
Corr.).—Small tree, the timber of which is durable;
used in India for gun-stocks, boats, cart and carriage
building, and for furniture. The fibre is used for
various purposes, and in Demerara for making coffee-
bags; it is also used in medicine and in dyeing,
The flower-buds and unripe fruits give a yellow dye.
From the seeds an oil is extracted which might be
useful in cutaneous affections—‘Manual of Indian
Timbers,’ J. S. Gamble, p. 43 ; ‘Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore; ‘Oil-seeds and Oils in the
India Museum,’ Dr. M. C. Cooke ; Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

Cotton, American or Sea Island (Gossypium bar-
badense, L.).—Small shrub cultivated in many districts
of Tropical Africa, affording the best cotton of com-
merce.

Distribution: .Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, Mozambique District.

FORESTRY OF IWEST AFRICA. 285

Gossypium herbaceum, L.—Branching annual or
perennial cultivated in almost every district of Tropical
Africa. The bulk of the cotton supply from India is
furnished by this species,

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozamb.
District, Cape de Verd Islands.

Gossypium arboreum, L.—Shrub cultivated in most
tropical countries, and yields part of the cotton of
commerce,

Cotton seeds give a fixed oil, said to be an excel-
lent substitute for olive oil. The residue or cake after
the expression of the oil is employed for feeding
cattle. The root bark is regarded as an excellent
emmenogogue.—‘ Medicinal Plants, Bentley and
Trimen, vol. i, No. 37.

Baobab, Monkey-Bread Tree, or Ethiopian Sour
Gourd (Adansonia digitata, L.)—Tree of moderate
height, with a trunk of vast thickness. The bark is
used for paper-making, and by the natives of the
Umyali River, S. Africa, as quinine in fevers. The
pulp of the fruit is slightly acid, often eaten, and the
juice from it is used as a specific in putrid and pesti-
lential fevers. The powdered leaves are used in soups,
sauces, &c., by the Africans, under the name of * Lalo,”
to diminish perspiration and to keep the blood in a
healthy state—‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore. Kew Museum, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, South

286 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Central, Mozambique District, Cape de Verd
Islands.

Benten in Yoloff, Bintaforo in Mandingue, Silk
Cotton or Kapok (Eriodendron anfractuosum, DC.).—
Large tree. The cotton obtained from the fruits is
used for stuffing pillows, &c. An oil is extracted
from the seeds, of a dark brown colour. A solution of
the gum of this tree is used in medicine. The leaves
are sometimes used as a substitute for Ochro (Aizdiscus
esculentus, L.).—‘Useful Plants of India,’ H. Drury, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

STERCULIACEA,

African Tragacanth (Sterculia Tragacantha, Lindl.).
—Tree 40 to 50 feet high. The gum afforded by this
tree in great quantity is commonly found in parcels of
Senegal (Arabic) gum.—Spon’s ‘Encyclopedia of the
Industrial Arts, Manufactures and Commercial Pro-
ducts,’ p. 1686,

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

“Ndimb” of Casamance (Sterculia ? cordifolia,
Cav.).—Tree 60 to 80 feet high. The Negroes eat
as a delicacy the aril which encloses the bottom of
the seed. The wood is hard, and is employed in the
construction of embankments, domestic utensils, &c.
—‘ Flora Senegambia,’ Guillemin et Perrottet, vol. i.,
p. 80.

Distribution Upper Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 287

Kookomboya (Sterculia cinerea, Rich.).—Tree of
moderate height. The wood makes good poles for
tents, and the bark stripped from the young branches is
used as cordage. S. W. Trop. Africa —Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Sterculia Bartert, Mast.—The wood of this tree is
used on the Niger for floats by fishermen. The bark
is described as resinous, with a disagreeable odour.—
‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ D. Oliver, vol. i, p. 218.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Cola or Kola (Cola acuminata, R. Br.) —Tree 20 to 30
feet high, well known as furnishing the “ Kola nuts,”
so much esteemed by the natives for their bitter
flavour. These nuts are said to possess the power of
rendering putrid water agreeable, but are chiefly used
for satisfying the craving of hunger and to enable the
user to endure prolonged labour without fatigue. The
roots, called “ chew-stick,” are used in Sierra Leone
for cleaning the teeth and sweetening the breath.
Various other virtues are ascribed to this plant.—
‘Flora of Trop. Africa,’ D. Oliver, p. 220; ‘Kew
Museum Guide,’ p. 21.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Waltheria indica, L.—Perennial plant or undershrub
employed as a febrifuge in Surinam.—‘ Treasury of
Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution : Throughout Tropical Africa, Cape de
Verd Islands.

288 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Cacao (Theobroma Cacao, L.).—This tree is culti-
vated for its seeds on some parts of the West Coast
of Africa, and according to Spon’s ‘ Encyclopedia’
some very fine cacao has been sent from Monrovia,
which fetched the highest price of any in the market,
and that in 1878, 185,197 lbs. were imported from the
West Coast. Cacao is said to be the chief product of
Principé, and also to be cultivated in St. Thome,
the Cape Verd Islands, and Senegambia.—Spon’s
‘Encyclopedia of the Industrial Arts, Manufactures
and Commercial Products,’ pp. 687, 690; ‘Society of
Arts Journal,’ vol. xxxii., p. 231.

TILIACEA,

Grewia astatica, L.—Shrub or small tree cultivated
throughout India for its fruits, which are commonly
used for flavouring sherbets. The bark is used in
rope-making.— Manual of Indian Timbers, J. S.
Gamble, p. 55; ‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, South Central.

Grewia mollis, Juss——Shrub or small tree, the bark
of which is said by Barter to be used in soups for its
mucilage.—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa, D. Oliver, vol. i.,

p. 248.
Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Grewia populifolia, Vahl— Shrub of slow growth

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 289

Wood used for walking-sticks. Fruit eaten under
the name of “ Gingo.”—‘ Manual of Indian Timbers,’
J. S. Gamble, p. 54; ‘Flora of British India, Sir J. D.
Hooker, vol. i., p. 385.

Distribution : Throughout the whole of Tropical
Africa.

Grewia villosa, Willd—A small shrub, bearing
edible fruits about the size of a cherry.—‘ Forest Flora
of North-West and Central India,’ Dr. Brandis, p. 39.

Distribution: Throughout Tropical Africa, Cape
de Verd Islands.

Grewia salvifolia, Heyne—Shrub or small tree,
having edible fruits—‘Manual of Indian Timbers,’
J. S. Gamble, p. 55.

Distribution : Throughout all districts of Tropical
Africa.

“Ovumbapoo” Berries (Grewza sp.).—A shrub, three
to five feet high. The fruits are pounded to a pulp
with water and eaten, or fermented into a beer or
spirit. South-West Tropical Africa. (Kew Museum.)

Triumfetta semttriloba, L.—Shrubby plant, the
inner bark of which affords a very good fibre—
‘Treasury of Botany, Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

“Jews’ Mallow” or “ Jute” (Corchorius olitorius, L.)
—Annual. This is one of the species that affords the
U

290 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

well-known fibre of commerce called “Jute,” which
is found wild, or cultivated as a pot-herb in every
part of Tropical Africa—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’
D. Oliver, vol. i, p. 262.

Found also in Cape de Verd Islands.

Corchorus tridens, L.—Annual. The young tops,
according to Dr. Welwitsch, are cooked with palm-oil,
and used as spinach by the natives of Angola‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ D. Oliver, vol. i., p. 264.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District, Cape de Verd Islands.

Corchorus triloculavis, l.—Annual, said to con-
tain a large quantity of mucilage, and to possess
emollient properties. The seeds are used in Bombay
in fever and obstructions of the abdominal viscera.
— Vegetable Materia Medica of West India,
W. Dymock, p. 92; ‘Flora Senegambia, Guillemin
et Perrottet, vol. i., p. 88.

Distribution: Nile Land, Lower Guinea, South
Central, Mozambique District, Cape de Verd Islands.

Corchorus fascicularis, Lam.—Annual, or sometimes
perennial. Under the name of “Bhauphallee” the
whole plant is sold in Bombay ; it is very muci-
laginous, somewhat astringent, and is valued as a
restorative-—‘ Vegetable Materia Medica of Western
India, W. Dymock, p. 92.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 291

HUMIRIACEA,

“Djouga” (Aubrya gabonensis, Baill.).—A large
tree, affording an excellent timber. From the fruits
a fermented drink is made by the natives and called
“Stoutou,” Gabon.—‘ Catalogue des Produits des
Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867,’

Pp. 47.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

ZYGOPHYLLE,

Tribulus terrestris, L.—Annual. The fruit, and
sometimes the whole plant, is used by the Hindoos
under the name of “ Chota Gokhroo,” and is regarded
by them as having cooling, diuretic, tonic and
aphrodisiac properties‘ Vegetable Materia Medica
of Western India, W. Dymock, p. 95.

Distribution : Widely spread thoughout Tropical
Africa, Cape de Verd Islands.

“Nitre Bush” (Vitraria Schoberi, L.).—The fruits of
this genus are eaten in the Caspian Desert. Camels
browse on the young shoots.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Zygophyllum simplex, U.—Annual. The leaves are
used by the Arabs in ophthalmia. The seeds are
U 2

292 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

swept up by the nomad tribes of the Multan Desert,
and eaten; they are known to them as “ Alathi.”—
‘Treasury of Botany, Lindley and Moore ; ‘Flora of
British India,’ Sir J. D. Hooker, vol. i., p. 425.

Distribution: Nile Land, Lower Guinea, Cape de
Verd Islands.

Fagonia arabica, L. (F. cretica, L.)—Annual. Under
the name of “Dhamasa” this plant has a great
reputation in India as a suppurative in the cases of
abscess, and for cooling the mouth, the steam of the
decoction being inhaled. This plant is also used by
the hill people as a remedy for fever—‘ Vegetable
Materia Medica of Western India,” W. Dymock,
p. 96.

Distribution : North Central, Nile Land, Cape de
Verd Islands.

GERANIACEZ.

“Amrulsak” (Oxalis corniciulata, L.).—A herb con-
sidered by the Hindoos to have cooling, refrigerant
and stomachic properties. The fresh juice is used to
relieve intoxication from Datura, and is said to be
useful in dysentery. All parts of the plant have an
acid taste-—‘ Vegetable Materia Medica of Western
India, W. Dymock, p. 97.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District, Cape de Verd Islands.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 293

RUTACEA,

Zanthoxylum senegalense, DC.—Shrub or small
tree. The bark is aromatic and stimulant; when
reduced to a powder it is soaked in water, and
applied externally in rheumatic affections by the
natives.—‘ Flora Senegambia,’ Guillemin et Perrottet,
vol. i., p. 141.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Clausena inequalis, Benth.—Shrub or small tree;
wood heavy and close-grained, but little used. Cape
of Good Hope. (Kew Museum.)

' Distribution : Upper Guinea.

The Orange, Lemon, and Lime are cultivated in
the Cape Verd Islands, St. Thomé, and probably in
various other parts of West Africa.‘ Society of Arts
Journal, vol. xxxii., p. 231, &c.

SIMARUBEZ.

“Woodginoos” of Abyssinia (Brucea antidysen-
zerica, Mill.).—Small tree. Root a specific in dysentery.
A plain bitter without any aromatic or resinous taste.
Bark sold under the name of “Angostura Bark.”
(True Angostura bark is afforded by Galipea Cusparia,
St. Hil. of Venezuela.)—‘ History of Dichlamydeous
Plants,’ G. Don, vol. i., p. 800.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

294 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

* Dika” “Udika,” “Oba” or “Iba” Gremge
Barteri, Hook. f.).—Tree, thirty to fifty feet high. The
fruit is eaten by the blacks, and the seeds, which
contain a quantity of oil, are pounded in a trough,
when a white tallow rises to the surface, and after
removal the residue is allowed to cool ; this constitutes
the Dika or Gabon Chocolat. Mr. Barter calls this
tree the “Wild Mango” of the Sierra Leone people.—
‘Catalogue des Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Ex-
position Universelle de 1867,’ p. 47. (Kew Museum.)

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Irvingia Smithit, Hook. £—A tree, forty feet high.
The fruits are said to be much sought after by
monkeys.—‘Flora of Tropical Africa, D. Oliver,

vol. i, p. 314.
Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

“Soump” (Balanites egyptiaca, Delile).—Shrub or
small tree. Wood hard and durable, used in building ;
bark used as a cattle medicine in India. The young
fruits are purgative ; but when ripe, edible, and formed
into an intoxicating drink by the negroes on the West
Coast of Africa. The seeds are usually mixed with
Gum Senegal, and afford an oil known as “ Zachun.”
The leaves are slightly acrid and anthelmintic.—
‘Treasury of Botany,’ &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile

Land, Lower Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 295

BURSERACE.

African Bdellium (Balsamodendron africanum, Arn.).
-—Shrub or small tree. The bulk of the gum resin,
known under the above name, comes from Senegal,
where its collection is carried on simultaneously with
that of Gum Arabic, the produce being mixed with
the latter to increase its bulk. Classification takes place
when the masses reach Bordeaux. Triturated with
water it forms an emulsion. The resin is hard, with a
bitter flavour and a slight aromatic odour of black
pepper.—‘ Spon’s Encyclopedia of the Industrial Arts,
Manufactures, and Commercial Products,’ p. 1637.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

“Mpafu” or “Mubafo” Tree of Tropical Africa
(Canarium edule, Hook. f.).—The fruits of this tree
afford an oil which is obtained by soaking them in
large pits of water for several days, when the oil rises
to the surface and is skimmed off. Under the bark
are large masses of scented gum, used by the natives
in fumigating themselves. A specimen of the resin
exhibited in the Kew Museum is called “ African
Elemi,” and is stated to be used for roofing. The
names “ Mpafu” and “ Mubafo” are believed to be borne
by the same tree. West Africa. (Kew Museum.)—
‘Report on the Royal Gardens, Kew, 1880,’ p. So.

Canarium macrophyllum, Oliv.—Tree of thirty feet.

296 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

The fruit is said to be eaten by the natives.—‘ Flora of
Tropical Africa,’ D. Oliver, vol. i, p. 328.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

MELIACE.

Persian Lilac, Bastard Cedar or Bead Tree (JZela
A zedarach, L.).—The wood of this tree is handsomely
marked and takes a good polish; it is used in India
for furniture. The bark is extremely bitter, and
employed as an anthelmintic. Leaves and pulp of
the fruit used in native medicine, and from the fruit an
oil is obtained ; the nuts are frequently strung as beads.
—‘ Manual of Indian Timbers,’ J. S.Gamble, p. 7o.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Cape de Verd Islands.

“Motsakiri” (Trichilia emetica, Vah\).—Tree. The
wood is used in South Tropical Africa for small canoes,
&c.; and on the Shiré a large quantity of valuable oil
and tallow is expressed from the seeds. The oil is
used in cookery. (Kew Museum.)

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, South
Central, Mozambique District.

Crab Tree (Carapa guyanensis, Aubl.).—The wood
of this tree is used in Demerara for furniture, shingles,
masts and spars of vessels; it takes a good polish.
The bark is bitter and employed as a tonic. By
pressure the seeds yield an oil, known under the
various names of “Crab,” “Carap,” “ Andiroba,”

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 297

“ Talliconah,” or “Coondi” oil, used for burning in
lamps, anointing the hair, in medicine as a purgative
and anthelmintic and for the healing of wounds. This
oil contains a large proportion of stearine, associated
with oleine and margarine. It makes an excellent
soap, and as a lubricant is said to protect iron and
steel from rust in a remarkable degree— Treasury of
Botany, Lindley and Moore ; ‘Spon’s Encyclopedia
of the Industrial Arts, Manufactures, and Commercial
Products,’ p. 1386.
Distribution: Upper Guinea,

Cail-cédra or Mahogany Tree of the Gambia (Khaya
senegalensis, Juss.).—A. lofty tree, the wood of which
is adapted for building, carpentry and joinery, and
for turning. The bark is used as a bitter tonic, and
as quinine by the blacks.—‘ Catalogue des Produits
des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de
1867, p. 116, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

CHAILLETIACEA,

Ratsbane, Break or Broke-back (Chailletia toxicaria,
Don).—Shrub. The seeds are used as a rat poison in
Sierra Leone, and are said to produce the same effects
as strychnia.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

298 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

OLACINEA.

Ximenia americana, L._—Shrub or small tree, known
in Gabon as Elozy Zégué and Citron of the Sea. The
wood is odoriferous, and used in Western India as a
substitute for Sandal-wood. The fruit is slightly
laxative and the seeds purgative. The seeds yield
an oil said to be good for soap-making—‘ Catalogue
des Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition
Universelle de 1867, p. 115; ‘Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District, Cape de Werd Islands.

Apodytes dimidiata, E. Mey.—Moderate-sized tree.
Wood light, yellowish, polishes well. Used for
common furniture and agricultural implements.—
‘Silva Capensis, Dr. L. Pappe, p. 3.

Distribution: Lower Guinea, Nile Land.

Leacina macrocarpa, Oliv—An extensive climber.

Fruits eaten: by the Boobes. West Tropical Africa.
(Kew Museum.)

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

CELASTRACEA

Guenoudeck des Sénégalais (Celastrus senegalensis,
Lam.).—Shrub, attaining fifteen feet in height. The
wood is white, close-grained, hard, and durable. The
leaves are thrashed out and used as a fodder, and the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 299

branches as dunnage for the roofs of houses in India.
The root-bark is used by the natives of Senegal and
Senegambia in the treatment of chronic dysentery.—
‘Forest Flora of North-West and Central India,’ Dr.
Brandis, p. 81; ‘Flora Senegambia,’ Guillemin et
Perrottet, vol. i, p. 144.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

RHAMNEA.

Jujube or Ber Tree (Zizyphus jujuba, Lam.).—A
loosely-branched tree or shrub, ten to forty feet high.
Used for hedges in West Africa, being periodically
topped. Wood used in India for saddletrees, agri-
cultural implements, oil-mills, &c. The bark is
astringent, and is employed in the Moluccas in
diarrhcea and to strengthen the stomach. The roots
and seeds are used in fevers, and the powdered root-
bark is mixed with oil and applied to ulcers. Leaves
used to polish gems. This tree is largely cultivated
by the Chinese, who preserve the fruits in syrup,
and also use them in a dried state; these fruits
occasionally find their way into the London market.
A lac is produced on this tree in India. —‘ Manual
of Indian Timbers, J. S. Gamble, p. 89; ‘ Useful
Plants of India,’ H. Drury, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea,
Mozambique District, Cape de Verd Islands.

300 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Zizyphus Spina-Christt, Willd——Small tree or
shrub. The fruit, about the size of a sloe, has an
agreeable flavour, affording a very pleasant food to
the inhabitants of Egypt and Arabia.—‘ History of
Dichlamydeous Plants,’ G. Don, vol. ii., p. 24.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land.

“Buffalo-Horn” (Zizyphus mucronata, Willd.).—
Tree, twenty to thirty feet high. Wood tough, chiefly
used for waggon-work.—‘Silva Capensis, Dr. L.
Pappe, p. 12.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

AMPELIDE,

Vitis cornifolia, Baker.—Sub-erect shrub, bearing
black, two-celled, edible fruits——‘ Flora of Tropical
Africa, D. Oliver, vol. i., p. 390.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Vitis palmatifida, Baker.—Sub-erect shrub, with
edible fruits like black currants‘ Flora of Tropical
Africa,’ D. Oliver, vol. i, p. 397.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Forest Grapes (Vitzs Schimperzana, Hochst.).—This
plant bears oblong edible fruits, similar in appearance
to the Frontignac grape-—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’
D. Oliver, vol. i, p. 395 ; Kew Museum.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 301

Vitis Welwitschii, Baker.—A wide-climbing shrub.
Fruits green when unripe, then reddish, edible—
‘Flora of Tropical Africa, D. Oliver, vol. i, p. 393.

Distribution : Lower Guinea.

Vitis Leonensis, Hook. f—A large climber. Fruits
red, about 2 inch long, edible—‘Flora of Tropical
Africa, D. Oliver, vol. i, p. 398.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Vitis bombycina, Baker.—A wide-climbing plant,
with edible fruits—‘Flora of Tropical Africa, D-.
Oliver, vol. i, p. 399.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Vitis aralioides, Welw. Mss.—A climber. Fruits
one-seeded, of a bluish-purple colour, edible-—‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa, D. Oliver, vol. i, p. 411.

Distribution : Lower Guinea.

Country Grapes (Vis cesta, Afzel.)—The fruits of
this climber are black when ripe, and have an acid
taste, not very agreeable to the European; but are
eaten by the negroes, who are rather fond of them.
The plant is called “country grapes” by the settlers
at Sierra Leone.— History of Dichlamydeous Plants,’
G. Don, vol. i, p. 710.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Leea tinctoria, Lindl—A shrub, five to ten feet
high. Used in dyeing—‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’
D. Oliver, vol.i, p. 416.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

302 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

SAPINDACEZ:.

Heart-seed, Heart-pea, or Winter Cherry (Cardio-
spermum Halicacabum, L.)—Stems annual. The root
is white and fibrous, with a disagreeable odour and
somewhat bitter taste; it is described as emetic,
laxative, stomachic, rubefacient, &c. In the Moluccas
the leaves are cooked and used as a vegetable, and on
the Malabar Coast are used with castor-oil as an
internal remedy for lumbago, &c. They are also said
to be used externally to reduce swelling and tumours
of various kinds.—‘ Vegetable Materia Medica of
Western India,” W. Dymock, p. 152; ‘Treasury of
Botany, Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District, Cape de Verd Islands.

Schmidelia africana, DC.—Tree, thirty to forty feet
high. Fruits used in Abyssinia as a remedy against
tape-worm. The dried fruits are pounded, mixed
with flour, and then made into cakes‘ Treasury
of Botany, Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Akee Apple (Blighia sapida, Koenig).—Small tree,
thirty feet high. The flowers are fragrant, and the
distilled water from them is used as a cosmetic.
The fruit is fleshy, and contains three shining black
seeds with a white spongy aril, which is the edible part
of the fruit; it is said to possess an agreeable sub-

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 303

acid taste—‘Flora of Tropical Africa,” D. Oliver,
vol. i, p. 426; ‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Chytranthus Mannii, Hook. f—Small tree, attaining
eighteen feet in height. The fruits are eaten by the
natives. Princes Island. (Kew Museum.)

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

' “Kewer of Senegal” (Sapindus senegalensis, Poir.),—
Small tree, twenty to thirty feet high. Wood suitable
for carpentry work, but is littleused. Outer covering
of fruits edible, but the seeds are poisonous.—‘ Cata-
logue des Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposi-
tion Universelle de 1867,’ p. 43.

Switch Sorrel of Jamaica (Dodonea viscosa, L.).—
Shrub or small tree. The wood is used for engraving
and in turnery, also for tool-handles and walking-
sticks, According to Dr. Bennet, this plant is called
“ Apiri” in Tahiti ; and fillets of it were once used for
binding round the heads and waists of victors, after
a battle and during the pursuit of the vanquished.
The leaves have a sour and bitter taste, and the plant
from this circumstance is called in Jamaica Switch
Sorrel—‘ Manual of Indian Timbers,’ J. S. Gamble,
p. 1or ; ‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

304 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

ANACARDIACE.

Sorindeta juglandifolia, Planch., var. divaricata—A
shrub, the fruit of which is said to be eatable-—‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ D. Oliver, vol. i. p. 440.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

“Cashew Nut” (Axnacardium occidentale, L.).—
Large tree, somewhat like the walnut in appearance.
Wood used for packing-cases in Burmah, for boat-
building and charcoal. A milky juice from the stem,
which dries black and hard, is used as a varnish. The
plant yields a sub-astringent gum, which forms a
strong mucilage of a yellowish colour with water ; this
is largely used in South America by bookbinders, and
is occasionally imported into this country from that
continent under the name of “Cajii” gum; its com-
mercial value being the same as that of the inferior
sorts of Arabic and Senegal gums. The pericarp of
the fruit gives a black acrid oil known as “Cardol,”
from which Anacardic acid is obtained. This oil is very
caustic, raises blisters, and is used in India for warts,
corns, ulcers ; and is sometimes applied to floors of
houses in that country to protect the wood-work from
white ants, and also to the binding of books, as this
oil is highly disliked by insects. The Andamanese
apply it to their fishing-lines, to colour and preserve
them. The nuts or seeds are roasted and eaten as
dessert, and by expression yield an oil similar to

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 305

almond oil. Anexcellent wine is said to be prepared
from them in Brazil. The enlarged pedicel of the fruit
is eaten. This tree is said to grow very abundantly
from the Congo to Ambrizette—‘Manual of Indian
Timbers, J. S. Gamble, p. 108; Spon’s ‘ Encyclo-
pedia of the Industrial Arts, Manufactures and
Commercial Products,’ pp. 1352, 1638; ‘Treasury
of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore, &c,

“Blood Plum” of Sierra Leone, “ Dzingeregza” of
Nupé (Hematostaphis Barteri, Hook. f.).—Small tree,
bearing deep crimson fruits in clusters like grapes,
which are said by Mr. Barter to have a sub-acid and
pleasant taste when ripe, and to be eaten by the
natives. —Kew Museum; ‘Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Odina acida, Rich. (? O. Oghigee, Hook. f.).—Vogel
states that the bark of this small deciduous tree is
converted into a powder by the natives, and mixed
with other substances to form a paint for the face.—
‘Niger Flora,’ Sir W. Hooker, p. 286,

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Hog Plum or Yellow Spanish Plum of Jamaica
(Spondias lutea, L.)—Large tree. The bark is said to
be used for tanning in British Guiana, and the fruits,
which are of an oval shape, with flesh, resembling the
common plum, are used for feeding swine, for which

x

306 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

purpose it is commonly cultivated in Jamacia.—
‘Dictionary of Economic Plants, J. Smith; Kew
Museum, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

“M’Birr” of Senegal (Sclerocarya Birrea, Hochst.
[Spondias Birrea, Rich.])—The fruits of this tree are
the size of a walnut. The seed is edible, and from
the pulp a fermented liquor is prepared—‘ Flora of
Tropical Africa, D, Oliver, vol. i, p. 449.

Mango (Mangifera indica, L.).—This tree is culti-
vated in the Tropics chiefly for its excellent fruit. In
India the wood is used for planking, doors, window-
frames, packing-cases, &c.; canoes and Masula boats
are made of it. The bark yields a gum, and the seed
gallic acid— Manual of Indian Timbers,’ J. S. Gamble,
p. 107, &c.

Distribution: Cultivated.in Tropical Africa.

CONNARACES.

Rourea santaloides, W. &.. A.—Climbing shrub.
Bark made into coarse cattle ropes in Ceylon. Root
used as a bitter tonic in India in rheumatism,
diabetes, scurvy, and pulmonary complaints.—Kew
Museum ; ‘Vegetable Materia Medica of Western
India, W. Dymock, p. 170.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 307

LEGUMINOS.

Crotalaria glauca, Willd.—Erect annual, one to
three feet high ; said by Messrs. Speke and Grant to
be eaten by the people of the Madi as spinach.—
‘Flora of Tropical Africa, D, Oliver, vol. ii., p. 12.

Crotalaria verrucosa, L.—Herbaceous plant. The
juice of the leaves is said to diminish salivation, and
combined with salt is anthelmintic. It is slightly
purgative.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’ H. Drury.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

Crotalaria retusa, L.—A small plant, cultivated in
the Madras Presidency for the fibre used in the
manufacture of cordage, canvas, &c. The root rubbed
up and mixed with wine is said to be an excellent
specific in colic and flatulency. The juice from the
leaves is used in a drink in fevers, and is said to
purify the blood. The plant is used in a decoction in
chronic fevers.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’ H. Drury;
&e. ;

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Mozambique District:

Lupinus Termts, Forsk.—Annual, 12 to 18 inches
high. The peduncles are peeled and eaten raw, and
the seed boiled as other pulse by the. Arabians.
This plant is said by Messrs. Speke and Grant to be
cultivated on the banks of the White Nile. The pods

X 2

308 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

are three inches long—‘History of Dichlamydeous
Plants,’ G. Don, vol. it, p. 365, &c.
Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Trifolium subrotundum, Steud.—Perennial, culti-
vated in the Nile Land under the name of “Mayad”
as a forage.— ‘Flora of Tropical Africa, D. Oliver,
vol. ii, p. 59.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea.

Indigo (Lndigofera tinctoria, V..)—A copiously-
branched shrub, four to six feet high, largely used as
a dye by the natives of the Upper Gambia. Indigo of
commerce is chiefly obtained from two species of
Indigofera, viz., f. tinctoria, L., and I. Ani, L. In
the preparation of indigo the plants are cut down
just before the flowering stage. They are then closely
pressed into a trough or vat, and covered with water.
Fermentation then takes place, and is allowed to
continue from twelve to fifteen hours. The plants
are then removed, and the water is stirred and beaten
with paddles, when its colour passes to a blue, and
the sedimentary matter sinks to the bottom; the
supernatant liquid is drawn off, and the residue, after
being heated, is washed and filtered. After this
process it is pressed into cakes—usually cubical—
dried and stamped, and is then ready for the market.
The use of indigo as a dye is of great antiquity,
and is chiefly imported into this country for that

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 309

purpose. It has also been introduced into the British
and Indian Pharmacopceias; has been used as a
remedial agent in epilepsy, infantile convulsions, &c.,
but has now nearly or entirely gone out of use, as
it is said to cause distressing nausea if used in suffi-
cient doses to cause a desirable effect. Indigo is
chiefly imported into this country from the East
Indies, also from Guatemala and Northern South
America. The imports of this dyein 1882 amounted
to 95,488 cwts.—‘ Medicinal Plants, Bentley and
Trimen, vol. ii, No. 72; ‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley
and Moore; ‘Flore Senegambize Tentamen,’ Guillemin
et Perrottet, p. 178, &c.

Distribution: Universally cultivated. Wild in
Senegambia, and perhaps elsewhere, Capé de Verd
Islands.

Indigofera Anil, L—The West Indian Indigo. A
copiously-branched shrub, three to five feet high.
This species of Judigofera is next in importance to
I. tinctoria as an indigo-producing plant, for which
purpose it is largely cultivated. It has been collected
in Senegambia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Mozambique,
Angola and Zambesi-land, and is said to be sub-
spontaneous in various parts of Tropical Africa, but
especially along the Coast about Sierra Leone.—‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ D. Oliver, vol. ii, p. 98.

This plant was introduced into Senegambia in
1825, where its cultivation resulted in giving less

310 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

indigo than in its native country, Bengal: cultivation
was abandoned in consequence. On the banks of the
Gambia, this species has been cultivated by the
Natives, introduced doubtless to Albreda from Senegal
by the French: it flowers from August to March.—
‘Flore Senegambie Tentamen,’ Messrs. Guillemin,
Perrottet and Richard, p. 180.

Indigofera trita, Linn. f. (LZ. cinerea, Willd.).—This
species is said to yield indigo in West Africa—Spon’s
‘Encyclopedia of the Industrial Arts, Manufactures
and Commercial Products,’ p. 858.

Distribution : Lower Guinea, Nile Land.

Indigofera hirsuta, .—An annual or biennial, said
to yield indigo in West Africa——Spon’s ‘Encyclo-
pedia of the Industrial Arts, Manufactures and
Commercial Products,’ p. 858.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, Mozambique District, Cape de
Verd Islands.

Indigofera endecaphylla, Jacq—Annual or biennial,
believed to be the source of the dye used by the
negroes to dye the cotton with which they make their
pagnes (cotton drawers)—‘ Flore d’Oware et de Benin
en Afrique, A. Palisot, tome ii, p. 44.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Indigofera enneaphylla, L.—Annual or biennial, the

FORESTRY OF IWEST AFRICA. 311

juice of which is said to be given as an antiscorbutic,

alterative and diuretic in India~—‘ Vegetable Materia

Medica of Western India,’ W. Dymock, p. 176.
Distribution : Lower Guinea.

Indigofera. diphylla, Vent—Undershrub. Used as
a dye by the natives in Senegambia—‘ Flora Sene-
gambia,’ Guillemin et Perrotet.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District. .

Tephrosia purpurea, Pers—Perennial plant used in
native medicine in India. It is described as deobstruent
and diuretic, and to be useftl for coughs; also as a
blood purifier, &c. The plant is tied ‘up in bundles
for sale-—‘Materia Medica of Western India,’ W.
Dymock, p. 178.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, Mozambique District.

Tephrosia Vogelii, Hook. £—Shrub, eight to ten
feet high, cultivated by the natives, and called on the
Gaboon “Igongo.” It is thrown into the water to
stupefy fish—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’ D. Oliver,
vol. ii, p. TIO.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District. .

“ Sabral” (Sesbania punctata, DC.).—Shrub, five to
ten feet high, Wood recommended for carpentry.

312 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

—‘ Catalogue des Produits des Colonies Frangaises,
Exposition Universelle de 1867,’ p. 44.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, Cape de Verd Islands.

Sesbania egyptiaca, Pers.—Shrub attaining ten feet
in height. The wood is used in India for poles, and
is said to make the best gunpowder charcoal. The bark
is made into rope, and the leaves and branches used
as a cattle fodder. Messrs. Speke and Grant state
that the herd boys on the banks of the White Nile
used the pod asa rattle —‘ Manual of Indian Timbers,’
J. S. Gamble, p. 119, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

“Dhunchee” or “Danchi” of India (Sesbania
aculeata, Pers.)—Annual. Cultivated about Calcutta
during the rains. It grows to a height of from six
to ten feet, and yields fibre six to seven feet long,
coarser than hemp (Cazzadzs), unless cut at a very
early period. In Bengal the fishermen make the
drag-ropes to their nets of this fibre on account of its
strength and durability in water, as it is said to be
more durable and stronger than jute (Corchorus).
In Spon’s ‘Encyclopedia’ it is stated that, if properly
prepared and scutched, it would doubtless command
a sale on this market for rope-making. The plant
is said to require little attention, and to be of
rapid growth.—‘The Fibrous Plants of India,’ Dr.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 313

F. Royle, p. 294; Spon’s ‘Encyclopedia of the
Industrial Arts, Manufactures and Commercial Pro-
ducts,’ p. 996.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

“Solah” or “Shola” of India (4schynomene as-
pera, L.).—Annual or biennial. Said to grow to a
great size in marshy places. From the pith-like
stems, hats, swimming-jackets, floats for fishing nets,
and various fancy articles are made, as it is found
to be very useful where elasticity and lightness
are required. —‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, Mo-
zambique District.

Ambash or Pith-tree of the Nile, M’Bilor of Sene-
gal (Herminiera Elaphroxylon, Guill. et Perr.).—Erect
shrub, eight to twenty feet high. The wood is very
light, and in the form of small logs is used by the
natives to assist them in crossing rivers, and as floats
to their nets. The wood cut into thin plates is said
to be good for insect boxes. It grows very rapidly,
and is found in or near water—‘ Flora of Tropical
Africa, D. Oliver, vol. ii, p. 145 ; ‘ Flora Senegambia,’
Guillemin et Perrottet, vol. i, p. 202.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Zornia diphylla, Pers—A small plant, with stems a

314 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

foot or more long. It is stacked by the Foulahs for
horse provender.—‘Flora of Tropical Africa, D.
Oliver, vol. ii., p. 158.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District, Cape de Verd Islands.

Ground-nut, Arachides, Earth-pea, Mothu o siaht,
&c. (Arachis hypogea, L.).—Herbaceous. Cultivated
to an immense degree in Western Tropical Africa
and elsewhere for its seeds, which are largely exported
to this country, France, Germany, &c. They yield
an oil largely.used by perfumers for pomades, &c.,
and is now extensively used in soap-making ; it
makes a good substitute for olive oil in pharmacy,
and as a lubricant for delicate machinery and for
burning in lamps is stated to be well adapted. The
refuse cake after the oil has been expressed is used in
this country and elsewhere for feeding cattle. It is
said to have an agreeable sweet taste, and to be very
digestible. The seeds are used in Tropical Africa
and in various other parts of the world as food, either
roasted or boiled, and are also prepared in various
ways as a sweetmeat, &c.—‘ Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley
and Trimen, vol. ii, No. 75; ‘Flora of Tropical
Africa,’ D. Oliver, vol. ii, p. 158.

Distribution: .Cultivated throughout Tropical
Africa; Cape de Verd Islands.

Desmodium gangeticum, DC.—Erect undérshrub
three to five fect high, considered to be febrifuge and

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 315

anticatarrhal.—’ Vegetable Materia Medica of Western
India” W. Dymock, p. 182.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Desmodium triflorum, DC.—Herbaceous plant. It
is valued as a medicine for the cure of dysentery.—
‘Enumeratio Plantarum Zeylanie,’ Dr. Thwaites,
p. 86.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Uraria picta, Desv.—This shrubby plant is supposed
in Western India to be an antidote to the poison of
the Phoorsa snake (Zchis carinata). The Hindoo
name is “Ddabrd.”—‘ Vegetable Materia Medica of
Western India,’ W. Dymock, p. 181.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Common Tare or Vetch (Vicia sativa, L.).—Slender
annual. Largely cultivated in England and else-
where as a fodder plant. The Abyssinians grow it
under the name of “ Ententeratt.’”—‘ Flora of Tropical
Africa,’ D. Oliver, vol. ii, p. 173.

Distribution : Nile Land.

Lathyrus sativus, L.—Slender annual extensively
cultivated in Southern Europe under the name of
Jarosse or Gesse, and in Lower Guinea under those
of “Sobbeure,” “ Ater,” and “ Schimbera,” for its seed,
which is used as food, and also the pods when green.

316 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

The whole plant is used as forage, and the seed
largely used as food for poultry—‘Treasury of
Botany,’ Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution : Nile Land, Lower Guinea.

Crabs’ Eyes, Jequerity, Prayer Beads, Jumble
Beads, &c. (Adrus precatorius, L.)—Small shrub.
The root has a sweetish taste, is mucilaginous, and
is said to form an excellent substitute for Liquorice
(Glycyrrhiza glabra), as it has similar properties. The
small egg-shaped and scarlet-coloured seeds, with a
black patch or scar at one end, are well known, and
have long been used in various parts of the world as
beads and for many other ornamental purposes. In
India they are employed as a standard weight by
jewellers and druggists under the name of Rati, and
in Egypt have been used as food, but are hard and
very indigestible. Recently these seeds have been
brought into notice, under the name of “ Jequerity,”
as a valuable addition to the list of plants used in
ophthalmia, and the results after careful investigation
were so surprising that they will form an important
agent in ophthalmic therapeutics, inasmuch as granu-
lations which had long resisted other treatment were
cured by Jequerity in from twenty to thirty days.
According to Dr. Moura these seeds have long been
used in the provinces of Ceara and Piauhy in Brazil
with good results in chronic granulations, but require
very careful application, Hindoo medical authors

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 317

recommend a paste formed of the powdered seeds for
outward application in nervous diseases.—‘ Pharmaceu-
tical Journal,’ 1883, 3rd series, vol. 14, p. 3; ‘ Medi-
cinal Plants,’ Bentley and Trimen, vol. ii, No. 77, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, Mo-
zambique District, Cape de Verd Islands,

“Cajlee” (Ciitoria Ternatea, L.).—A climbing plant.
The root is said to be a powerful purgative, and to be
used in India in ascites and enlargements of the
abdominal viscera, and also to promote sickness and
vomiting. The seeds are said to possess purgative
properties, and the flowers to afford a blue dye, said by
Rumphius to be used for colouring boiled rice in
Amboyna.—‘ Vegetable Materia Medica of Western
India,’ W. Dymock, p. 190, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, Mozambique District.

Erythrina senegalensis, DC.—Small tree, cited by
Vogel as being medicinal—‘ Niger Flora, Sir W.
Hooker, p. 308.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Cowhage or Cow-itch (Mucuna pruriens, DC.).—
Herbaceous climbing plant. The hairs of the pods
are used as a mechanical anthelmintic in the expul-
sion of intestinal worms; the pods are dipped in
treacle or honey, then scraped, and the mixture ad-
ministered in the form of an electuary. The hairs

318 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

are said to pierce the bodies of the worms, causing
them to writhe, and so they become detached from the
intestines. The administration is usually followed by
a brisk purgative. An infusion of the roots is said
to be used in some parts of India as a remedy in
cholera, and in that country the young pods are
cooked and eaten.—‘ Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley and
Trimen, vol. ii, No. 78; ‘Pharmacopceia of India,’
Dr. Waring, p. 73, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

Canavalia ensiformis, DC. (C. gladiata, DC.).—
Perennial. Cultivated in India for its esculent pods,
extensively used by Europeans, as by the natives. The
white-seeded variety is considered to be the most
wholesome. In Jamaica. this plant is called “ Over-
look” by the negroes, who it is said have a supersti-
tious idea that it fulfils the duties of a watchman,
and from some dreaded power ascribed to it protects
property from plunder, and for this reason it is planted
along their provision grounds.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’
H. Drury ; ‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower

Guinea.

Canavalia obtusifolia, DC.—Biennial. Said to be
useful. for binding sands on the sea-shore.—‘ Useful
Plants of India,’ H. Drury, p. 105, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, Mo-

zambique District.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 319

Ordeal Bean of Old Calabar (Physostigma vene-
nosum, Balf.).—Large perennial climber. Under the
name of “ Eséré” the seeds are employed as an ordeal
by the natives of Old Calabar. Its principal me-
dicinal use is as a local application to the eye, to
contract the pupil in certain diseases and injuries
of that organ. It has however been used in nervous
affections, and in the treatment of strychnine poison-
ing, &c. The active principle is a peculiar alkaloid
called Physostigmia, or Eseria——‘ Medicinal Plants,’
Bentley and Trimen, vol. ii., No. 80, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Physostigma cylindrosperma, Holmes (Mucuna
cylindrospermum, Welw.)—A. wide-climbing shrub.
The seeds of this plant have for some time past been
mixed with the Calabar beans of commerce (Physo-
stigma venenosum, Balf.). The attention of Mr. Holmes
having been attracted by this fact, he compared the
available herbarium material of the two plants, and
found them to be closely allied, and has substituted
the name of P. cylindrosperma for that of Mucuna
cylindrospermuim, Welw. The actual yield of Eserine
in the two sorts of Calabar bean is now under investi-
gation, The seeds of P. cylindrosperma are. longer
than those of P. venenosum, Balf—‘ Pharmaceutical
Journal,’ 3rd series, vol. ix., p. 913.

Distribution : Lower Guinea.

Sugar Bean of Jamaica (Phaseolus lunattis, L.)—

320 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Biennial, The seeds, which are dark purple with white
streaks or wholly white, are said to be eaten in Cochin
China, as also in the East Indies, but the plant is said
to be grown more for the beauty of the seeds than for
their use as food.— History of the Dichlamydeous
Plants,’ G. Don, vol. ii, p. 354, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Phaseolus adenanthus, E.Mey. (P. rostratus, Wall.).
—Herbaceous. The tuberous roots are eaten by the
Hindoos. The whole plant is used in gonorrhcea, also
in decoction of rice-water in diabetes, &c. The root
is scraped, and together with sandal-wood, fresh
butter and sugar is used as a liniment for sore eyes.—
“Useful Plants of India,” H. Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea.

Kidney, French or Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vutl-
garis, L.).—Annual, cultivated in various parts of the
world for its pods and seeds, which are extensively
used as food.

Distribution : Commonly cultivated in Tropical
Africa.

“Chowlee” of India (Vigna catiang, Endl.; V.
sinensis, End}.)—Anannual climbing plant, universally
cultivated throughout the Tropics for its seeds, which
are used as food. The Chinese cal this plant “Tow-

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 321

Cok,” and cook the green pods, which are frequently
very long. The pulverised seeds are applied to sore
eyes in India. In Tropical Africa the fibres of the
long peduncles are used for making ropes, nets, and
cloth_— Treasury of Botany, Lindley and Moore ;
‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ D. Oliver, vol. ii, p. 205.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

Bambarra Ground-nut, “ Litlo” of the Shiré Valley
(Voandzeta subterranea, Thouars).—A creeping plant,
native of and cultivated in many parts of Africa for
its pods and seeds, which are largely used as food.
The pods are known in Brazil by the name of Mandubi
d’Angola. This plant also occurs in the Cape de
Verd Islands.—‘Treasury of Botany, Lindley and
Moore ; ‘Flora Senegambia,’ Guill. et Perr. vol. i,
Pp. 254.

Yam Bean (Pachyrhisus angulatus, Rich.).—Peren-
nial. Cultivated throughout the Tropics for its tubers,
which are like turnips. They are used as food, either
raw or cooked. Starch obtained from these tubers
in Jamaica, and flour from them from Formosa, are
exhibited in the Kew Museum. The seeds are used
as food, and in Fiji the natives call the plant Yaka or
Wayaka, and prepare a tough fibre from the stems,
which they use for making fishing-nets——‘ Treasury
of Botany, Lindley and Moore; ‘History of the
Dichlamydeous Plants,’ G. Don, vol. ii, p. 361.

x

322 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

“Wall” of India (Dolichos Lablab, L.).—A climbing
perennial largely cultivated in the Tropics for its
unpalatable seeds, which are considered to form
wholesome and substantial food largely used by the
poorer classes. In India cattle feed on the seeds,
and readily eat the straw. The young pods are
cooked and eaten.—‘ Useful Plants of India, H.
Drury, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District, Cape de Verd Islands.

Horse Gram of India (Dolichos biflorus, L.; D.
wunifiorus, Lam.)—A wide-climbing plant cultivated
in India for the seeds, which are used for food in
curries, &c., by the natives, and also to feed cattle.
This plant yields abundantly in a good soil.—
‘Treasury of Botany, Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District, Cape de Verd Islands.

Pigeon Pea, Congo Pea, “Dhal” of India (Cajanus
zndicus, Spreng.).—Erect shrub, eight to ten feet
high, cultivated throughout the Tropics for the seeds,
which are used as food by the poorer inhabitants and
negroes, and is esteemed as a wholesome pulse. The
seeds are commonly used in Jamaica for feeding
pigeons, hence the name Pigeon Pea. MHorses and
other cattle are said to thrive on the seeds and young
branches. The Wahiyou strike a light by using its
wood and a recd.—‘ History of the Dichlamydeous

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 323

Plants, G. Don, vol. ii, p. 365; ‘Treasury of
Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District, Cape de Verd Islands.

“Dialambam,” Ebene du Senegal (Dalbergia
melanoxylon, Guill. et Perr.)—Bush or small tree
fifteen to twenty feet high. Wood valuable, said to
be impervious to insects. It is extremely hard and
heavy, the dull purple heart resembling rosewood
when polished. This wood is in general use for furni-
ture in Senegal, and was said to be worth 150 francs
the metre cube at Goree in 1865. According to
Colonel Grant, the wood is used for arrow-tips, wooden
hammers for beating bark cloths, and for rafters. A
native comb of this wood from East Tropical Africa
is exhibited in the Kew Museum. The root is said
to be a remedy for toothache—‘Catalogue des
Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Uni-
verselle de 1867, p. 44; ‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’
D. Oliver, vol. ii, p. 233, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

Ecastaphyllum monetaria, Pers—A wide-climbing
shrub, the wood of which is red, and affords a resin
resembling dragon’s blood.—‘A History of the
Dichlamydeous Plants,’ G. Don, vol. ii, p. 378.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Prerocarpus esculentus, Schum. et Thon.—Erect tree

XY 2

324 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

twenty to thirty feet high. Seeds eatable, but if eaten
uncooked are said to produce an intoxicating effect.
—Nupé’ Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

African Rosewood, Santal Rouge d’Afrique, Kino
Véne et Wenn of Senegal. Bois de Sang-Vene in
Yoloff, African or .Gambia Kino (Pterocarpus
erinaceus, Poir.).—Tree often 40 to 70 feet high, with
a very hard, fine-grained red wood suitable for naval
construction, planking, &c. It is used on the East
Coast of Africa at Shupanga for paddles, oars, &c.,
under the name of “ Malompe,” and is imported into
England for use in turning, &c. This wood was said
to be worth 150 francs the metre cube at Goree in
1865. The Kino known to the Portuguese as sangue
adel drago (dragon’s blood), and imported into this
country, is obtained from this tree from incisions made
in the trunk. This juice soon coagulates to a blood-
red and brittle mass, and is said to be practically indis-
tinguishable from the officinal Kino (P. marsupiunt).
Kino is used as an astringent medicine, and in its
action is closely allied to Catechu, and may be used
in medicine internally in diarrhoea, &c., as a substitute
for tannin, and as an injection in leucorrhcea, and used
as a topical application to indolent and flabby ulcers.
It is also used in the manufacture of wines, and would
be valuable as a tanning and dyeing material if
obtained in large quantities‘ Catalogue des Produits

FORESTRY OF IWEST AFRICA. 325

des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de
1867,’ p. 44; ‘Encyclopedia of the Industrial Arts,
Manufactures and Commercial Products, p. 1668 ;
‘Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley and Trimen, vol. ii., No.
81, &e.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

“Qssani,” Lonchocarpus sericeus, H.B.K.—Erect tree
30 to 40 feet high, very common on the sea-shore.
Wood close-grained and durable. The bark is em-
ployed in abdominal complaints, and for children
as a laxative-—Gabon, ‘ Catalogue des Produits des
Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867,’
P. 47.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

West African Indigo; Yoruba name * Elu” Wild
Indigo (Lonchocarpus cyanescens, Benth.).—Woody
climber, 20 to 30feet long. From specimens collected
by Captain Moloney, C.M.G., on the Gold Coast, it
is clear that this plant, or a closely allied species, is
the source of an abundant supply of indigo, which,
according to Mr. Barter and Captain Moloney, is
contained in the leaves, and is prepared by the natives
by powdering them in a mortar and forming them
into pasty balls and dried ready for the market. It is
used in dyeing cloth, and affords a fine deep and per-
manent blue, which is mixed with potash. In England
it is worth from 4s. to 4s. 6a. per lb.—‘ New Economic
Products at the Royal Gardens, Kew,’ W. T. T.

326 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Dyer, C.M.G., ‘Linnzean Society’s Journal,’ vol. xx.,
P. 405.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Cabbage Tree of the West Indies, Angelin of
Trinidad (Andira inermis, H.B.K.).—Tree 20 to 30
feet high. The bark is anthelmintic and a powerful
narcotic, and requires much care and judgment in
using it. The tree is said to afford a valuable timber,
and by some is credited with being the source of
Partridge wood of commerce.— Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Barwood or Camwood (Baphia nitida, Afzel.).—
Erect shrub, 8 to 10 feet high... The wood is of a deep
red colour and hard, with a fine close grain. Its chief
use is as a dye, for which purpose it is imported into
this country to the extent of about 300 or 400 tons
annually from Sierra Leone. It usually comes in the
form of trimmed logs about four feet long and one foot
in diameter. It yieldsa brilliant deep red colour, with
which the English Bandana handkerchiefs are dyed.
The powdered wood is used by the native women on
the West Coast of Africa to paint their bodies;
amulets are also made of it, and they use it in their
Fetish ceremonies.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley
and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

M’Pano (Baphia pubescens, Hook. f.; B. laurifolia,

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 327

H. Baill.)—Tree about 20 feet high. Wood valuable,
chiefly used in dyeing‘ Catalogue des Produits des
Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867,’
P. 47.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Baphiopsis parviflora, Benth.—Tree 40 to sofeet high.
The wood is heavy and close-grained.—Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Swartsia madagascariensis, Desv.—Tree 20 to 30
feet high. According to Messrs. Speke and Grant, the
wood is very hard, and of a deep red colour.—‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ D. Oliver, vol. ii., p. 257.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, South Central, Mozambique
District.

Motunda (Cordyla africana, Lour.).—Tree some-
times 12 feet in circumference, from which a gum is
obtained, and used for making size for whitewash by
the natives. The fruit when ripe is about the size of
a large lemon, yellow and pulpy, and is eaten by the
natives—‘ Tette. E. Africa, Coll. Sir J. Kirk.” Kew
Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

Barbadoes Pride, Macata Wood (Ce@salpinia
pulcherrima, Sw.; Poinciana pulcherrima, L.)—Small
tree 10 to 15 feet high. Cultivated throughout the

328 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Tropics for its brilliant flowers, which are called by
the French in the West Indies “ Fleurs de paradis.”
All parts of this plant are said to be emmenogogue
and purgative, and to be frequently used for those
purposes by the natives of the West Indies. The
wood is said to make the best of all charcoal, and
the bark, which is acid and tonic, is said: to be
poisonous. The ieaves and flowers are used in decoc-
tions in fevers in the West Indies, and the leaves alone
as a substitute for senna in the East Indies. The
powdered seeds are used as a remedy in colic pains.—
‘Useful Plants of India, H. Drury; ‘Vegetable
Materia Medica of Western India, W. Dymock, p. 208.
Kew Museum.

Distribution : Sierra Leone, Loanda, and Zanzibar.

Bonduc Seeds, Grey Nicker Seeds or Nuts, Guilan-
dina Seeds (Ce@salpinia Bonducella, Roxb.).—Scram-
bling shrub. The root bark is used as a tonic. The
seeds are regarded in India as a tonic and antiperiodic,
and are there especially employed in intermittent
fevers, and also as a tonic in debility and other cases.
A fatty oil is obtained from these seeds in India, and
is reputed to be useful in convulsions, paralysis, &c. ;
it is also used as a cosmetic. Various other medicinal
uses are ascribed to these seeds by the Indian doctors,
but their principal use seems to be for making into
necklaces, bracelets, rosaries, &c. ; and strung upon red
silk are worn as acharm by the native women in India,

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 329

and are also hung upon trees to prevent their fruit
falling off. Under the name of “Warree Warree”
the natives of the Gambia use these seeds for playing
a game called Warree Warree—‘ Medicinal Plants,’
Bentley and Trimen, vol. ii., No.85. Kew Museum, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

“ Jerusalem Thorn” of Jamaica, “ Genet epineux ” of
the French West Indian Islands (Parkinsonia aculeata,
L.).—An ornamental spring shrub from 12 to 15 feet
high; it is not indigenous in Africa, but is cultivated
or naturalized in various localities. In Senegal the
Colonists make impenetrable hedges of it round their
gardens, cattle enclosures, &c., on account of the
numerous spines with which the plant is armed. The
young shoots afford a beautiful white fibre, but wanting
in strength. It has been recommended with other
substances as a half-stuff for paper-making.—‘ Flora
Senegambia,’ Guillemin et Perrottet, vol. i, p. 257;
‘The Fibrous Plants of India,’ Dr. Royle, p. 298.

Cassia A bsus,L.—A much-branched herb or under-
shrub, from one to four feet high. Under the name of
“Chichm” the seeds are used by the Arabs and
Egyptians in ophthalmia. They are reduced to a
powder, mixed with sugar, and applied between the
ball and lid of the eye. This remedy is also used by
the negroes on the West Coast of Africa, and can only
be employed in chronic cases when the malady is not
in a high state of inflammation. The remedy should

330 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

be applied with great care—‘Flora Senegambia,’
Guillemin et Perrottet, vol. i, p. 257, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Negro Coffee, L’herbe puante. Fedigose seeds of
Tette. Café Marron, Wild Coffee of Dominica (Cassza
occidentalis, L.).—Annual, or of two or three years’
duration. The seeds of this plant, which‘is found in
abundance in the environs of negro villages, acquires
by torrefaction an agreeable odour analogous with
that of coffee. The natives, and especially the
European colonists, are said to frequently employ
these seeds in infusion as a substitute for coffee, for
which purpose it is also used in Dominica ; they are
also used in France and the West Indies as a
febrifuge, and an infusion of the root is considered by
the American Indians as an antidote against various
poisons. The whole plant is purgative-—‘ Flora
Senegambia,’ Guillemin et Perrottet, vol. i, p. 261;
“Kew Report for 1881,’ p. 34, &c.

Distribution: Widely diffused in Tropical Africa,
growing in damp and watery places; Cape de Verd
Islands.

Italian, Tripoli or Senegal Senna (Cassia obovata,
Collad.).—Perennial. It is one of the species that
afford senna of commerce. It is known under the
above names, and also in Jamaica as Port Royal or

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 331

Jamaica Senna.—‘ Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley and
Trimen, vol ii., No. 89.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, Cape de Verd Islands.

Cassia alata, L.—Erect shrub three to eight feet high.
The leaves are said to cure ringworm and also to have
purgative properties, and have been used in the same
manner assenna. The plant is said by Hindoo doctors
to cure all poisonous bites.—‘ Vegetable Materia
Medica of Western India,’ W. Dymock, p. 217, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

“Doré” of the Gambia (Cassia Tora, L.).—Annual,
two to three feet high. The leaves are said to beaperient
and to be used as a remedy for ulcers and ringworm.
The seeds are used to ease irritation of itchy eruptions
in India. On the Gambia the leaves and stalks are eaten
as food, and the leaves used in medicine —‘ Vegetable
Materia Medica of Western India, W. Dymock,
p. 216; Kew Museum.

Distribution : Widely diffused in Tropical Africa ;
Cape de Verd Islands.

Cassia Sophera, L.—An annual, three to five feet
high. In India the leaves are eaten in curries by the
natives. The bark and powdered seeds are used in
diabetes. A plaster of the root with sandal-wood
is said to cure ringworm.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’
H. Drury, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

332 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Sengeng (Cassia sp.)—This plant is used freely in
venereal diseases and in leprosy; it is very bitter.—
Gambia. Kew Museum.

Velvet Tamarind of Sierra Leone, Black Tamarind,
Solum in Yoloff, Kocyto in Mandingue (Dialaum
guineense, Willd ; D. nitidum, Guill. et Perr.)—Tree of
moderate size. The pulp surrounding the seeds is
pleasantly acid and commonly eaten. The wood is
said.to be strong and excellent for carpentry, and to
be suitable for small boats, &c. It is used by the
natives of Senegal and Casamance.—‘ Catalogue des
Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Univer-
selle de 1867,’ pp. 44 and 45.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

St. Thomas’ Tree (Bauhinia tomentosa, L.).—Shrub
or small tree. Dried leaves and flower-buds used by
native Indian doctors in dysenteric affections, also a
decoction of the bark and root in liver and phlegmatic
complaints, and as a vermifuge. The bruised bark
is occasionally aplied to tumours and wounds. Fibre
and cord made of the fibre of this plant are exhibited
in Kew Museum.—‘ Useful Plants of India, H.
Drury.

Distribution: Lower Guinea, Mozambique Dis-
trict.

Bei (Bauhinia rufescens, Lam.).—Shrub or small
tree. Wood used in carpentry.—‘ Catalogue des Pro-

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 333

duits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Universelle
de 1867,’ p. 44.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land.

Nguiguis or Guiguis (Bauhinia reticulata, DC.).—
Small spreading tree. Wood durable and easily
worked. Bark yields a tough fibre, used for making
cords in Senegal, and is also used in medicine as an
astringent. The seeds when burnt produce a black
(? blue) dye.—‘ Catalogue des Produits des Colonies
Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867, p. 44;
Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Frankincense Tree of Sierra Leone, Thiévi of Sene-
gambia, Bumbo, Bungo or Bungbo (Daniellia thurt-
jera, Bennett).—Tree 50 to 150 feet high. This tree
is said to yield two kinds of frankincense: the one is
recognised by the dark brown or black shining and
irregular fragments, while the other is of a lighter
brown or yellow tint, less compact and more friable ;
the lighter of the two is least valued, but both are
usually intermixed in samples offered for sale. The
bark of the tree is perforated deeply in all directions
by an insect termed Tumbo by the natives, the bore
being circular and about an inch in diameter, in
which the gummy matter accumulates, blended with
the woody fibre, and then issues from the orifice and

334 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

falls to the ground ; it is then collected by the negro
women and children, who resort to the woods for that
purpose. The gum is also obtained by stripping the
dead or unsound bark from the wood, the more
decayed portions of which are commonly saturated
with the gummy substance. This woody resinous
secretion is used for a variety of purposes, but chiefly
as a perfume by the native females of Sierra Leone,
who triturate the gum with lime manufactured from
sea-shells between two purposely adapted stones, and
when reduced to a fine powder they rub their bodies
with it. It is also used occasionally for fumigating
houses in sickness.—‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol. xiv.,
1855, pp. 402-3. Kew Museum.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Ogea Gum (Yoruba name), (Dazzellia sp.). Tree
nearly allied to D. ¢hurifera, Bennett—From material
collected by Captain Moloney on the Gold Coast,
the tree affording this substance is believed to be a
new species of Danzellia, but until further specimens
have been received the specific name cannot be
determined. The gum exudes from orifices in the
trunk caused by the boring of a grub. Ogea is used
by the natives for fires and for light, and when
powdered, as a body perfume by the women. Some
excellent specimens of the gum, and a transverse
section of the stem of the tree, shewing the borings
of the grub, from Lagos, are exhibited in the Kew

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 335

Museum (Coll. Capt. Moloney). The habitat of the
Ogea tree seems to be in swamp-lands.—‘ New
Economic Products at the Royal Gardens, Kew,
W. T. T. Dyer; ‘Linnzan Society’s Journal, vol. xx.,
p. 408, &c.

Tamarind (Zamarindus indica, L.)—Tree 60 to
80 feet high. The wood, which is very hard, and
sinks in water, is highly prized in India, though so
difficult to work. The natives employ it for wheels,
planes, furniture, oil and sugar mills, &c. It is also
an excellent wood for turning purposes, as also for
gunpowder charcoal. The fruits have an agreeable
acid flavour, and are highly valued in very hot
countries for the preparation of cooling beverages ;
they are also used in medicine in various ways, but
chiefly as a laxative. The leaves are said to furnish
a yellow dye, and to be used in curries in India.
The powdered seeds mixed with gum form a strong
cement, and when deprived of the hard outer covering
by long boiling, the kernels are used as food by the
natives of India in times of scarcity.—‘ Manual of
Indian Timbers, Gamble, p. 142; ‘Treasury of
Botany,’ Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, South Central, Mozambique District.

Brachystegia spiceformis, Benth—-Tree 20 to 40
feet high. Bark said by Messrs. Speke and Grant
to be employed by the natives of the Mozambique

336 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

District for various fabrics, and that a red juice exudes
on cutting it—‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver,
vol. ii., p. 306.

Distribution : Lower Guinea, Mozambique District.

Dattock of the Gambia, Detarr in Yoloff, Manbode
in Mandingue (Detarium senegalense, Gmelin)—Much-
branching tree. Wood adapted for naval construc-
tion, carpentry work, and fancy turning. Fruits
edible, and when cooked have a slight flavour of
gingerbread. There are said to be two varieties of
this fruit, one bitter and the other sweet; the latter is
much prized by the negroes, and is eagerly sought
after by monkeys and other animals, The bitter
variety is regarded as a violent poison. The seeds of
D. senegalense are said by Dr. Baikie to be beaten
into an oil-cake for feeding cattle in some parts of the
Nupe District.‘ Catalogue des Produits des Colonies
Francaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867, p. 44;
‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land.

Sierra Leone Copal, Kobo Tree (Copatfera Guibour-
tiana, Benth.)—Tree large, much branched; wood
white, close-grained, hard and odoriferous; used by
the natives for various purposes, and is said to take a
fine polish. This tree furnishes the Sierra Leone
copal of commerce. It is an almost white gum,
exceedingly elastic, and is said to form the foundation

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 337

of all fine varnishes ; besides the ordinary copal, this
tree is said to afford inferior sorts, gathered from the
trunks or branches of young or immature productions
and are used toadulterate the finer samples. Accord-
ing to Spon’s ‘Encyclopedia, Sierra Leone copal
fetches from 74d. to Iod. per pound on the London
market. The young leaves are said to be employed
by the Timneh and Sherbro peoples as a cure for
sores and ulcerations‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ 1856,
vol. xvi, p. 371 ; Spon’s ‘Encyclopedia of the Indus-
trial Arts, Manufactures and Commercial Products,’
p. 1644, &c.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Mopane, or Iron-wood (Copazfera (Colophospermum)
Mopane, Kirk).—A fine forest tree. According to
Dr. Kirk it forms in the Zambesi District large,
monotonous, shadeless forests; the heart-wood is
dark, heavy, and very durable, but difficult to work.
Specimens of the wood and gum from this tree are in
the Kew Museum.—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver,
vol. ii, p. 315, &c.

Distribution: Lower Guinea, Mozambique Dis-

trict.

Cynometra Jiannit, Oliv. (?).—Tree, thirty to eighty
feet high. Wood close-grained and heavy.—Kew
Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Sassy Bark of Sierra Leone, Cassa of the Congo,
z

338 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Mancone of the Portuguese, Bourane, Red-water Tree,
Ordeal Bark, &c. (Erythrophleum guineense, Don).
—Large tree, forty to one hundred feet high. Wood
highly valued for its hard and almost incorruptible
nature. It is said to be used at Bissao and Cacheo
for gun-carriages on account of its durability, as
also im the construction of houses and in ship-
building, as it is supposed to be almost fireproof. The
natives value the wood for domestic utensils, as it is
stated not to be attacked by termites. The bark of
‘shis tree is powerfully poisonous, and is administered
by native tribes in widely remote regions as an ordeal ;
when used for this purpose, it is either chewed by the
accused or administered in the form of a decoction
which is of a red colour, and generally proves fatal. A
decoction of the bark is also used by the natives for
poisoning their arrows.—‘ Catalogue des Produits des
Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867,
pp. 44 and 45; ‘Pharmaceutical Journal, vol. xvi.,
1856, p. 236, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Mozambique Dis-

rict.

Owala of Gabon, Opochala of the Eboe Country
(Pentaclethra macrophylla, Benth.).—Tree, fifteen to
sixty feet or higher. Seeds used as food on the
Niger, and yield a limpid oil adapted to soap-making
and lubricating—‘Flora of Tropical Africa, Oliver,
vol. il, p. 323. Spon’s ‘ Encyclopedia of the Industrial

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA, 339

Arts, Manufactures, and Commercial Products,’ p.
1406.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

West Indian Filberts, &c. (Eztada scandens, Benth.).
—A large climber of the forest. In Manila, the bark is
used under the name of “gogo,” for washing the hair
by ladies; and in Ceylon, the fibre which is called
“ Poospatte” is employed for making ropes. The seeds
are used as an antifebrile medicine by the Ghaut
people, and in various parts of the Tropics are roasted
and eaten after having been steeped in water; they
are also made into snuff-boxes, spoons, &c. The
Nepalese use the kernels for washing their hair, and
the Bengalese washermen for crimping their linen.—
‘Manual of Indian Timbers,’ Gamble, p. 145, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Neté des Yoloffs, Houlle des Séréres, Nitta or Nutta,
Arbre Sacré, Doura of the Soudan, African Locust
Tree, &c. (Parkia biglobosa, Benth.).—Tree, forty to
fifty feet high. Wood useful for carpentry work.
The fruit-pulp is eaten and also prepared into a
pleasant beverage. The natives of the Soudan roast
the seeds, and then bruise and allow them to ferment in
water until they become putrid, when they are care-
fully washed, pounded into powder, and made ‘into
cakes which are excellent sauce for all kinds of food
but have an unpleasant smell. The torrefied seeds
are used as coffee or chocolate—‘ Catalogue des

Z2

340 “FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Uni-
verselle de 1867, p. 45; ‘Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Parkia filicoidea, Welw. mss.—Tree, forty to fifty
feet high. The mealy contents of the fruits are eaten
and the crushed seeds used in native cookery.—‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. ii., p. 324.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea,
Mozambique District.

Adenanthera pavonina, L.—Large tree. Wood
used in South India in house-building and for cabinet
work, and also asa red dye. The seeds are used as
weights by jewellers, and are also made into necklaces ;
they also yield an oil‘ Manual of Indian Timbers,’
Gamble, p. 146.

With regard to the distribution of this plant
Professor Oliver, in his ‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’
vol. ii., p. 239, says:— A. pavonina has been intro-
duced into the New World, and is doubtless met
with here and there on the African coast, although
I have not seen specimens from thence. M. Baillon
says, it is found on the Gaboon River (Adans. vi.,
207). In the Kew herbarium there is an imper-
fect specimen, collected by Dr. Meller on the Rovuma
River in young fruit, which may belong to this genus.”

Ogagouma ( Tetrapleura Thonningii, Benth.).—Large

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA, 341

tree. According to the Gabonaise, a decoction of the
bark will produce vomiting and a fumigation of the
fruits is useful as a febrifuge. In the markets of
Sierra Leone the fruits are sold for washing purposes,
and are likewise used on the Zambesi.— Catalogue
des Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition
Universelle de 1867,’ p. 121; ‘Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore, &c.
Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Desmanthus virgatus, Willd—Shrub, two to three
feet high. In Jamaica the small brown seeds are
strung like beads and made into bracelets, work-bags,
&c.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Oliver, in his ‘Flora of Tropical
Africa, vol. ii, p. 335, says:—‘ The only Tropical
African specimens I have seen are in Dr. Welwitsch’s
herbarium, collected in Ambriz (Congo), where the
plant occurs sporadically amongst cultivated A7ma-
ranthacee.”

Soune of Senegal (Mimosa asperata, L.).—Much-
branched, prickly shrub, often attaining several feet
in height. Wood suitable for carpentry.—‘ Catalogue
des Produits des Colonies Francaises, Exposition
Universelle de 1867,’ p. 44.

Distribution: Very abundant and widely spread
through Tropical Africa.

Bois Sophie of Dominica (Leucena glauca, Benth.).
—Small tree. Wood durable and suitable for fancy

342 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

cabinet work. The small brown seeds are used in
the West Indies as beads for necklaces, work-bags,
and other fancy articles.

Distribution : Widely distributed in all tropical
countries, but not known as being indigenous to
Tropical Africa.

Acacia mellifera, Benth.—Shrub or small tree, said
to yield a gum like gum-arabic. From the flowers
bees collect a great deal of honey.—‘ History of the
Dichlamydeous Plants,’ Don, vol. ii. p. 392.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Acacia erubescens, Welw. mss. Small much-
branched tree, said by Dr. Welwitsch to afford
abundantly the best gum collected in the Angola
region‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. ii,
P. 343.

Distribution: Lower Guinea.

Acacia pennata, Willd.—Small tree. The bark is
converted into a sort of tow, which is used in Cochin-
china to fill up cracks in houses and also for caulking
boats.—‘ History of the Dichlamydeous Plants, Don,
vol. ii., p. 416.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Acacia Sieberiana, DC.—Tree, twenty to thirty feet
high, and sometimes more than twice that height. Bark
used for making a coarse cordage. Pods used in

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 343°

tanning.—‘ Catalogue des Produits des Colonies Fran-
gaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867, p. 83, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea.

Gonakie (Acacia Adansoniz, Guill. et Perr.)—Tree,
thirty to forty feet high. Wood very fine, hard, and
durable ; suitable for naval construction: for knees,
planking for decks, futtocks, &c. The astringent
fruits are used in tanning. The gum from this tree is
used by the Moors in dysentery, and the pods, bark
and leaves are employed by the Negroes in scorbutic
affections and ophthalmia.—‘ Catalogue des Produits
des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de
1867,’ pp. 44, 102; ‘ Flora Senegambia,’ Guillemin et
Perrottet.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Acacia albida, Delile—Large tree. It affords a
gum similar to gum arabic—Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Gum Arabic, Babool of India, Neb Neb (Yoloff)
(Acacia arabica, Willd.)—Moderate-sized or large
tree. In India the wood is used for wheels, agri-
cultural implements, railway-sleepers, fuel, &c., and
on the Nile for boat-building. The bark is a most
powerful astringent, and is employed by the Negroes
of Senegambia in dysentery ; it is also used in dyeing

344 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

and tanning. The pods are used for making ink, and
on the Nile are largely used in tanning ; when young,
they are given as fodder to cattle, sheep, and goats ;
the natives of Tette use them for dyeing black. This
tree affords the Morocco, Mogadore, Brown Barbary,
or East Indian gum-arabic of commerce.‘ Medicinal
Plants,’ Bentley and Trimen, vol. ii, No. 94; ‘Manual
of Indian Timbers,’ Gamble, p. 151, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal, Willd. [A. Verek, Guill.
et Perr.])—Small tree, about twenty feet high ; wood
said to be hard and heavy, to take a beautiful polish,
and to be used for weavers’ shuttles and also to be
good for carpentry and cabinet work. The chief
supply and best quality gum-arabic is afforded by
this species, and is known in commerce under the
names of Kordofan, Picked Turkey, White Sennaar,
or Senegal Gum. Asa general rule the gum exudes
spontaneously, but in some districts incisions are
made in the bark to facilitate the outflow. In
Senegal the collecting is carried on from November
to July, at which time the dry winds from the desert
prevail, which causes the bark to crack and the gum
to flow and harden in large masses. This gum is
mostly shipped to Bordeaux, where over 100,000 ewts.
are imported in some years. The best gum comes
from Kordofan, where 30,000 cwts. are collected

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 345

annually. Gum-arabic is largely used in medicine,
in the arts for giving lustre to crape and silks, for
thickening colours and mordants in calico-printing, in
the manufacture of blacking, &c.—‘ Medicinal Plants,’
Bentley and Trimen, vol. ii, No. 94, &c.

Distribution: Senegal, Upper Nile, South Nubia,
Atbara, Kordofan.

Acacia etbaica, Schweinf.—Slender tree, attaining
twenty to thirty feet. This species is said by Dr.
Schweinfurth to afford an excellent gum-arabic.—
‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. ii., p. 349.

Distribution : Nile Land, Lower Guinea.

Acacia Farnesiana, Willd.—Shrub or low tree,
largely cultivated on the perfume farms of the South
of France, and frequently throughout the Tropics, for
the perfume obtained from the flowers and known as
Cassie.—‘ Guide to Museums,’ Kew, 1883, p. 54, &c.

Distribution : Not indigenous in Tropical Africa,
unless:‘in Angola, Cape de Verd Islands.

Acacia Seyal, Delile-—Small or medium-sized tree.
The Nile variety of this plant, named /7stula, together
with A. stenocarpa, Hochst., yield an inferior kind of
gum-arabic known in commerce as Suakim, Talca or
Talka gum.—‘ Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley and Trimen,
vol. ii, No. 94.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Mozambique District.

346 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Koh-Fay (Acacia sp.).—The seeds yield an oil
with which the natives anoint their bodies, Sierra
Leone.—Kew Museum.

Besenna or Mesenna (Adbizzia anthelmintica, A.
Brongn.).—Shrub or small tree. Bark used under
the above native names by the Abyssinians as an
anthelmintic. Wood hard, and used on the Zambesi
in canoe-building.— Flora of Tropical Africa, Oliver,
Wl. Thy py 357, Sec.

Distribution: Nile Land, Lower Guinea, Mozam-
bique District.

Siris Tree of India, Laebach of the Arabs (A Jdzza7a
Lebbek, Benth.).—Large tree. Wood fairly durable,
works well, and takes a good polish. Used in India
for furniture, oil-mills, boats, &c., and in the Andaman
Islands for building purposes. The tree affords a
gum, and the leaves and twigs are used as fodder for
camels.—‘ Manual of Indian Timbers,’ Gamble, p. 157.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

Apaon on the Bagroo, Flatcrown of Natal (A lbizzia
Jfastigiata, E. Mey.).—Tree. Wood used in Natal for
naves of wheels. On the West Coast of Africa the
natives prepare a sauce from the seeds by maceration.
—‘Flora of Tropical Africa, Oliver, vol. ii, p. 362;
Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 347

Albizzia Brownet, Walp.—Tree, thirty feet high ; said
to afford a fine gum, like copal.— Flora of Tropical
Africa,’ Oliver, vol. ii., p. 362.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Pithecolobium sp.—Pods used in tanning hides, as a
dye, and also in the manufacture of ink. River
Niger.—Kew Museum.

ROSACEZ.

Icaco or Cocoa Plum of the West Indies, Ouaraye of
Senegal (Chrysobalanus Icaco, L.).—Shrub, one to three
feet high. The fruits, which are about the size of a
plum, are sold in the markets of the West Indies,
where they are eaten by the natives ; in a preserved
state they are largely exported from Cuba. The
seeds yield a fixed oil, and are said to be used in
dysentery. An astringent bath prepared from the
leaves and roots has been recommended in leucorrhcea
and blenorrhcea.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Grey or Rough-skinned Plum of Sierra Leone,
Mampatasof Senegal (Parinarium excelsum, Sabine).—
Large tree. Wood close-grained, used for building
and cabinet work. The fruits are farinaceous and
have an insipid taste, but are said to be much

348 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

esteemed by the negroes.—‘ History of the Dichlamy-
deous Plants,’ Don, vol. ii., p. 479; ‘Catalogue des
Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Univer-
selle de 1867, p. 43, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Parinarium curatellefolium, Planch.—Small or
medium-sized tree. The fruit, which is about the size
of an ordinary plum, is of a mealy and not unpleasant
taste ; and, according to Mr. Barter, is one of the
best native fruits of the Niger—‘ Flora of Tropical
Africa, Oliver, vol. ii., p. 368.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

Ginger-bread Plum, Neou of Senegal (Parinarium
macrophyllum, Sabine).—Shrub or small tree. Wood
hard. Fruits eaten by the natives—‘ Flora of Tropical
Africa,’ Oliver, vol. ii, p. 369, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Parinarium polyandrum, Benth.—Shrub or small
tree. According to Mr. Barter, the fruit is hardly
edible ; but the wood is well suited for the charcoal
used by native smiths. Nupe.—‘Flora of Tropical
Africa,’ Oliver, vol. ii, p. 370.

Mola or Mobola Plum (Parinarium Mobola, Oliv.).
—Tree of considerable size. The fruit-pulp is of a
strawberry-like flavour, and is eaten by. the natives.
The oily kernels, known as Mabo seeds, are occasion-

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 349

ally imported into this country from the West Coast
of Africa as an oil-seed—Kew Museum.

Distribution: Lower Guinea, South Central, Mo-
zambique District.

M’Poga Nuts, Iku of the Yorubas (Parinarium
sp.).—Tree. Fruits edible and sold in the markets of
Ekpé. The seeds are used medicinally by the
Yorubas, and are occasionally imported into this
country as an oil-seed; they are said to yield 80
per cent. of oil—‘Kew Report, 1877, p. 35; Kew
Museum.

Distribution : Abundant in the Gaboon.

Niko Seeds or Nuts (Parinarium sp.).—The seeds of
this plant are occasionally imported into this country
as an oil-seed. The oil obtained from them is of a
yellow colour and dries readily into a thick varnish-like
mass.—' Kew Report, 1877,’ p. 35; and 1881, p. 51.

Distribution : Liberia.

Bramble or Blackberry Bush of the Cape (Rudus
pinnatus, Willd.).—Shrub, loosely scrambling or scan-
dent, sometimes reaching ten to fifteen feet. Roots
astringent and used as a decoction in diarrhcea, &c.—
‘An Enumeration of South African Medicinal Plants,’
Pappe, p. 12.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

350 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

CRASSULACE.

Bryophyllum calycinum, Salisb.—Shrubby plant,
two to four feet high. It is used in Mauritius as a
fomentation or poultice in intestinal complaints.
Messrs. Speke and Grant say regarding this plant:
‘Planted by huts in Madi; said to have medicinal
properties; also grows wild in dells.”—‘ Treasury
of Botany, Lindley and Moore; ‘Flora of Tropical
Africa,’ vol. ii, p. 390.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Kalanchoe brasiliensis, Camb.—Plant, two to six
feet high; said to be used by the Brazilians in
domestic medicine-—‘ History of the Dichlamydeous
Plants,’ Don, vol. tii, p. 108.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea.

Varkensooren (Pig’s Ears) of the Cape (Cotyledon
orbiculata, L.).—Shrubby plant, one to two feet high.
The fresh juice of this plant has been used in epilepsy,
and the leaves form an excellent application to hard
corns.— An Enumeration of South African Medicinal
Plants,’ Pappe, p. 16.

Distribution : Lower Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 351

RHIZOPHOREZ.

Mangrove, Paletuvier of Senegal (Rhzzophora
mucronata, Lam.).—Small ever-green tree. Wood
tough and durable, but rarely used. Bark used in
tanning, and also as an astringent in medicine. Fruit
said to be edible—‘Manual of Indian Timbers,’
Gamble, p. 176, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

COMBRETACE.

Terminalia macroptera, Guill. et Perr.—Tree, sixty
feet high. Wood beautiful and close-grained.—
‘Catalogue des Produits des Colonies Frangaises,
Exposition Universelle de 1867,’ p. 45.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Terminalia avicenntoides, Guill. et Perr—Small
tree, twelve to twenty feet high. Wood good for
cabinet work.—‘ Catalogue des Produits des Colonies
Francaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867,’ p. 45.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land.

Indian Almond (Zerminalia Catappa, L.).—Large
tree. Wood light, lasting, and useful for many pur-
poses. The bark and leaves yield a black pigment,
used by the Indians to dye their teeth. The kernels
of the fruits are said to taste like almonds, and are

352 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

extensively eaten as dessert. This tree is one upon
which the Tasar silkworm is fed—‘ Manual of Indian
Timbers,’ Gamble, p. 182, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea (cultivated at St.
Louis and Gambia).

Button Mangrove (Conocarpus erecta, Jacq.).—Small
tree. Wood very hard and valuable for posts, being
durable in the ground.—‘ Catalogue of the Trinidad
Collection, International Exhibition, 1862,’ p. 17, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Combretum glutinosum, Perr.—Small tree, branching
from the base. Wood useful for carpentry work, but
of small dimensions. The ash of the leaves of this
species is said to be used in Senegal as a mordant
in dyeing cotton stuffs with indigo.—‘ Catalogue des
Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Univer-
selle de 1867, p. 43 ; Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land.

Combretum Kirkit, Laws.—Climbing shrub. Ac-
cording to Dr. Welwitsch, the leaves and fruit of a
variety of this plant, called by him C. tizctorum, are
used by the natives as a yellow dye—‘Flora of
Tropical Africa, Oliver, vol. ii, p. 430.

Distribution : Lower Guinea, Mozambique District.

Mozambiti, “Lignum Vite” (Combretum truncatum,
Welw. mss.)—Large tree. Wood dense, close-grained,

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 353

and very heavy, with a deep reddish-brown heartwood
and light sapwood. The ash. left on burning the
wood is used by the Portuguese as whitewash for
houses, and by the natives to reduce the acidity of
the native Tamarind pulp, Mozambique District—
Kew Museum.

Distribution: Lower Guinea, Mozambique District.

Rangoon Creeper (Quzsgualis indica, L.).—Shrub,
eight to fifteen feet high. The seeds are reputed to
be used as a vermifuge.—‘ Pharmacopeeia of India,’
Waring, p. go.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Gyrocarpus Facquint, Roxb.—Large tree. Wood
used in Southern India for making boxes and toys.
Seeds used for rosaries and necklaces.—‘ Manual of
Indian Timbers,’ Gamble, p. 187.

Distribution: Lower Guinea.

MYRTACEAL

Napoleona imperialis, Beauv—Tree. Fruits eaten
by the natives of Onitsha—Kew Museum.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

LYTHRARIEZ.

Ammannia baccifera, L—Annual. The leaves
are highly acrid and are largely employed by the
2A

z

354 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

natives of India as a vesicant.—‘Pharmacopeeia of
India, Waring, p. 87.
Distribution : Nile Land, Lower Guinea.

Henna, Foudenn of Senegal (Lawsonia alba, Lam.).
—Shrub, six feet high. Largely cultivated in India and
Arabia for the leaves, which are used by the natives
to dye their finger-nails and hair, and also the manes
and hoofs of horses ; it is also said to prevent whitlow.
The flowers are very fragrant, and are used in per-
fumery and embalming. An essential oil, known as
““mehudee,” is distilled from the leaves by the natives
of some parts of India, notably in Lucknow, which is
delightfully fragrant—Spon’s ‘Encyclopedia of the
Industrial Arts, Manufactures and Commercial Pro-
ducts, pp. 858, 1424, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Hardpeer of the Cape (Ofna cyimosa, Thunb.).—
Shrub 4 to 10 feet high. Wood hard, close-grained
and tough ; well adapted for turner’s work. Used in
the manufacture of musical instruments, picture
frames, and fancy work, also for axles and poles for
waggons.— Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Nile Land, Lower Guinea.

Pomegranate (Punica Granatum, L.)—Shrub or
small tree. The bark and the rind of the fruit are
used for tanning, and for dyeing morocco leather,
The root-bark is an effectual anthelmintic. The

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 355

flowers give a light-red dye. Wood not used, but
might be tried as a substitute for boxwood.—‘ Manual
of Indian Timbers,’ Gamble, p. 205.

Distribution: Occurs occasionally as an escape
from cultivation in Angola.

ONAGRARIEA.

Fussiea villosa, Lam.—Erect branching herb. The
plant reduced to a pulp and steeped in buttermilk is
considered to be useful in dysentery ; a decoction is
used as a vermifuge and purgative.—‘ Vegetable
Materia Medica of Western India,’ Dymock, p. 265.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

Fussiea pilosa, H.B.K.—Branching herb, attaining
three feet. Said to afford a yellow dye—‘ Treasury
of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

CUCURBITACEA.

Telfairia occidentalis, Hook. f—Climbing plant
cultivated for the seeds, which are boiled and eaten
by the Negroes of the Fernando Po district—‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. ii, p. 524.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

2A2

356 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Trochomerta vitifolia, Wook. f—Small plant.
Roots very large and eaten by Negroes, and also
used in medicine.-—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver,
vol. ii, p. 525.

Distribution : Lower Guinea.

Bottle or Club Gourd, White Pumpkin, Charrah of
the Arabs, &c. (Lagenaria vulgaris, Ser.).—Climbing
plant. The fruit is said to be eaten by the poorer
classes in India, where it is also used in poultices. It
has bitter and slightly purgative properties. The
shells of the fruit or gourds are largely employed in
the Tropics for domestic utensils, musical instruments,
snuff-boxes, buoys used in swimming across rivers,
and for a variety of other purposes. A decoction of
the leaves mixed with sugar is used in jaundice. The
seeds are said to be used in medicine in India, and
to yield an oil of a light yellow colour.— Useful
Plants of India, Drury, &c.

Distribution: Cultivated throughout Tropical and
Sub-Tropical Africa.

Loofah, Konyikon, or Native Sponge of Western
Africa, Bonnet or Dish-cloth Gourd of North America,
&c. (Luffa e@egyptiaca, Mill.).— Herb. Cultivated
throughout the Tropics for its fruits, which, when
young, are eaten. The close vascular network of the
inside of this gourd serves as a scrubbing-brush,
sponge, and to strain palm-wine. It is also nade
into light ornamental articles, baskets, &c. The

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 357

seeds afford an oil, and are said to be emetic and
cathartic.—‘ Oil-seeds and Oils in the India Museum,’
Cooke, p. 56; ‘Guide to the Museums of Economic
Botany, Kew,’ 1883, p. 71.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Papengaye of the Negroes (Luffa acutangula, Rxb.).
—Climbing plant. The young fruit is said to be one
of the best native vegetables of India, and is much
esteemed by the natives in curries, &c. The root in
decoction is purgative, and is said to check cholera.
An oil expressed from the seeds is useful in impcetigo.
This species is said to present both bitter and poison-
ous, and edible sweet varieties—‘ Useful Plants of
India, Drury, &c.

Distribution : Tropical Africa.

Narras (Acanthosicyos horrida, Welw.).—Furze-like
spinous shrub, attaining five feet or more in height.
The fruit is eaten by the natives of Mossamedes.
The seeds are also said to be eaten‘ Treasury of
Botany, Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Lower Guinea.

White Gourd of India (Benincasa cerifera, Savi.).—
Herbaceous plant. The fruit, the flesh of which is
white, is a common vegetable in some parts of India,
and is extensively used by the natives in curries, &c.
Under the name of Petha it is sold asa preserve

358 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

in the Bazaars. It is also considered tonic and
diuretic, and a specific for hemorrhage ; the fresh
juice from it is given either with sugar or as an
adjunct to other medicines in the treatment of
nervous diseases.—‘ Vegetable Materia Medica of
Western India,’ Dymock, p. 287. Kew Museum,

Distribution : Cultivated throughout Asia and the
Islands, also in Africa.

Cladosicycos edulis, Hook. f.—Large herb. The
fruits are one foot long and three inches diameter.
Edible—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. ii,
P. 534.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Hairy Cerasee of Jamaica, Condeamor of Venezuela
(Momordica Charantia, L.).—Climbing herb. The fruit
after having been steeped in salt water is eaten in
curries by the natives in India, and in an unripe state
is used as a vegetable in various parts of the Tropics.
The tubers are used medicinally, and the juice of
the leaves mixed with warm water is considered
anthelmintic. The pulverised plant is a good specific
applied externally in leprosy and malignant ulcers.—
‘ Useful Plants of India,’ Drury ; ‘ Hortus Jamaicensis,’
Lunan, p. 174, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, North Central, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Smooth-leaved Cerasee (Momordica Balsamina, L.).

FORESTRY OF IWEST AFRICA, 359

—Climbing herb. This plant is famous in Syria for
curing wounds. The unripe fruit is cut open, infused
in sweet oil, and exposed to the sun until it becomes
red; it is then applied to fresh wounds on cotton.
The Syrians esteem this next to Balsam of Mecca.—
‘ History of the Dichlamydeous Plants,’ Don, vol. iii.,

p. 35, &c.
Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Cucumber (Czucumzs sativus, L.)—The well-known
fruits of this plant are largely used as a salad, and in
a young state, when they are known as gherkins, are
preserved in vinegar. In India a pale bland oil is
obtained from the seeds by expression, and is used in
cookery, and for burning in lamps; the seeds are also
used in confectionery.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley
and Moore; ‘ Oil-seeds and Oils in the India Museum,’
Cooke, p. 40.

Distribution : Cultivated in Tropical Africa.

Chate of Egypt (Cucumis dipsaceus, Ehrenb.).—
Annual. Fruit eaten in Egypt by grandees and
Europeans.—‘ History of the Dichlamydeous Plants,’
Don, vol. iii., p. 27.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Cucumis Prophetarum, L—Annual. Fruits ex-
tremely bitter, equalling that of the Colocynth. Under
the name of Kirbut they are sold in a dried state in
the markets of Sind for use as an emetic, and in small

360 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

doses with honey as a stomachic for children.—
‘Vegetable Materia Medica of Western India,’
Dymock, p. 281, &c.

Distribution: Nile Land, Lower Guinea.

Melon (Cucumis Melo, L.).—Annual. Cultivated in
many parts of the world for its fruits, of which there
are many varieties. According to Mr. Barter this fruit
is called Boange by the Nupé people, and is eaten,
being of the flavour of a green flesh melon.—‘ Flora of
Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. ii, p. 546.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Cucumis hirsutus, Sond.—Perennial. According to
Sonder the fruit is acidulous and edible—‘ Flora of
Tropical Africa, Oliver, vol. ii., p. 547.

Distribution: Lower Guinea, Mozambique District,

Water Melon, Béraf of Senegal (Crtrullus vulgaris,
Schrad.)—Annual. Commonly cultivated in all warm
countries of the world for its fleshy edible fruit. The
seeds, called Turbooj, together with those of Czcuszs
utilissimus, C. Melo, and Benincasa cerifera, are used
by the natives in India as a cooling diuretic and
strengthening medicine. The seeds are also said to
yield an oil. This plant is exceedingly variable.
—‘ Vegetable Materia Medica of Western India,’
Dymock, p. 289, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

LORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 361

Colocynth (Citrullus Colocynthis, Schrad.).—Peren-
nial herb. The Colocynth is well known on account
of its purgative properties, and comes into the market
under the names of Turkey or Peeled Colocynth, and
Mogador or Unpeeled Colocynth. The Turkey form
is chiefly imported from Spain and Syria in a peeled
state, but is sometimes imported simply dried, without
having been peeled. The Mogador variety is larger
than the Turkey, to which it is inferior in quality, and
usually comes into the market in an unpeeled state.
The seeds are used as food in some parts of Africa,
more especially in the Sahara, where the Tibboos free
them from the bitter pulp by treading upon them
inclosed in strong bags; the testa is afterwards
separated from the kernel by rubbing the seeds and
by winnowing ; after which the kernels are heated to
boiling, then washed with cold water, dried and
powdered, and eaten with dried dates, or used in
other ways as food. The seeds are also said to yield
a clear limpid oil—' Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley and
Trimen, No. 114, &c.

Distribution: Cape Verd Islands, Nile Land.

Pompion or Pumpkin (Cucurbeta Pepo, Duch.).—
Annual. Cultivated in all warm and temperate parts
of the globe. The young unripe fruits are universally
eaten by the natives in India in stews, curries, &c.
They are also used in some parts of England by the
poorer classes as a vegetable. A sample of Pumpkin

362 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Meal from Jamaica, and a sweetmeat made of the fruit
from Formosa, are shown in the Kew Museum. The
seeds yield a clear, limpid, and almost colourless sweet-
oil, which is edible, and also used for burning in lamps.
—‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore; ‘ Oil-
seeds and Oils in the India Museum,’ Cooke, p. 41.
Distribution : Nile Land, Lower Guinea.

Common Gourd, Melon, Pumpkin, &c. (Cucurbita
maxima, Duch.).—Annual, cultivated in all warm and
temperate parts of the globe. The fruits of this
species are largely used in India, France, and North
America as an article of food, and as it keeps well it
is used in the latter country through a great part of
the winter. Some specimens of these fruits or gourds
grown in Western Africa and carved by the Negroes at
Bahia are to be seen in the Kew Museum.— Treasury
of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea.

Bryonta laciniosa, L.—Perennial. The whole plant
is collected when in fruit for medicinal purposes. It
is bitter and aperient, and is considered to have tonic
properties.—‘ Vegetable Materia Medica of Western
India, Dymock, p. 293.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District.

Haffafalu (Tigre name), Aregressa (Amhara name)

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 363

(Zehueria scrobiculata, Hochst.).—Herb. The powdered
leaves are soothing and sedative, and are used by the
Abyssinians as a remedy for tapeworm.— Pharma-
ceutical Journal,’ 1851, vol. xi., p. 163.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Sicyos angulatus, L.—Climbing plant. Root and
seeds bitter and diuretic—‘ Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Nile Land, Lower Guinea.

Eguse, Argosee, or Laikee Seeds.—The seeds known
under these names are produced by some Cucurbzta-
ceous plant. In Sierra Leone and other parts of
Western Africa they are used as food by the inhabi-
tants in various country dishes. An oil is extracted
from them, which when pure is said to be an excellent
substitute for salad oil and for burning in lamps; it
is also employed for various medicinal purposes.—
‘Pharmaceutical Journal,’ 1856, vol. xvi. p. 307, &c.

CACTEA:.

The cochineal insect fed upon species of Opuztza is
largely cultivated in the Canary Islands. The imports
into this country from there in 1879 amounted to
24,720 cwt.—Spon’s ‘ Encyclopedia of the Industrial
Arts, Manufactures and Commercial Products,’ p. 857.

364 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

FICOIDEZ.

Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, L.).—
This plant is burned for its ashes, which contain an
alkali used in the manufacture of glass Dictionary
of Economic Plants, Smith, p. 218.

Distribution: Canary Islands.

Sesuvium Portulacastrum, L.—A prostrate herb
often wholly blood-red or purple. Used as a pot-
herb, but has a rather saltish taste—‘Treasury of
Botany, Lindley and Moore.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, Mozam-
bique District.

Khapra of India (Zrianthema monogyna, L.)—A
perennial plant common in rice-fields. The leaves
are used as a pot-herb, and the root when reduced to
a powder as a cathartic.—‘ Vegetable Materia Medica
of Western India, Dymock, p. 59.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Mollugo Cerviana, Ser—Annual herb. The young
shoots and flowers are given in infusion in fevers as a
mild diaphoretic, and the plant mixed with oil is used
as an ointment for scabies and other cutaneous affec-
tions.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’ Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Mollugo Spergula, L.—Small plant. The leaves

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 365

are bitter, and are used by the natives in India as a
stomachic, aperient, and antiseptic, and in infusion are
considered efficacious in suppressed lochia. Moistened
with castor-oil they are said to be a good remedy for
earache.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’ Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Mollugo nudicaulis, Lam.—Annual. Used in Mada-
gascar as a cough medicine, and known there as
“ Antananarivo.”—Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Gisekia pharnaceoides, L.—Annual. The plant is
pounded in a mortar with water, and then used as a
powerful anthelmintic‘ Useful Plants of India,’
Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea.

UMBELLIFER.

Hydrocotyle asiatica, L.—Perennial. Leaves bitter,
and given in infusion in bowel complaints to children.
The plant is one of the remedies for leprosy on the
Malabar Coast, &c.—‘ Useful Plants of India, Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Eryngium fetidum, L.—Biennial herb cultivated
in South America. as a condiment. According to

366 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Don all parts of the plant are reckoned very powerful
antihysterics, and much used by negroes and the
poorer whites on all occasions of that nature, whence
they call it filweed. It is chiefly administered in de-
coctions or infusions.—‘ History of the Dichlamydeous
Plants, Don, vol. iii, p. 272.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

RUBIACE.

“Doy” (Bassa), “Amelliky” or Peach (Sierra
Leone), (Sarcocephalus esculentus, Afzel.).—A large
shrub or tree. The root is used in medicine in Sierra
Leone under the names of “ Egbessye” or “Doundake.”
Fruit edible, and is the country fig or peach of Sierra
Leone. The plant yields a gum.—Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Koos of Senegal (Atttragyne africana, Korth.).—
Bush 6 feet high, or tree 20 to 40 feet. Wood
durable and largely used by the people of Nupé. It
is also used for carving, being easy to work—Kew
Museum, and ‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver,
vol. ill, p. 41.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Corynanthe paniculata, Welw.—Tree 25 to 4o feet,
or a shrub 12 to 15 feet high. Timber useful for
building purposes.—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver,
vol. iii, p. 43.

Distribution: Lower Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 367

Bellenda or Bembee of Sierra Leone, African Bark
(Crossopteryx Kotschyana, Fenzl.)—Bushy tree or
shrub. The bark is employed as a febrifuge.—‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. iii, p. 44.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Urophyllum rubens, Benth.—Shrub six feet high.
Used as a red dye by the natives of Fernando Po.—-
‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. ili, p. 73.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Randia malleifera, Benth—Shrub or small tree.
The “Blippo,” with the inky sap of which the Niam-
Niam and the Monbuttoo delight to dye themselves.
—‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. iii, p. 98.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea.

Wilde Katjepiering, Buffelsbal (Gardenia Thun-
bergia, L.).—Shrub or tree. Wood hard, heavy, and
strong, and used for making tools, clubs, kieries,
yokes, axles, fellies, ploughs, &c., at the Cape of
Good Hope. The fruit is eaten by elephants in the
Mozambique District. This tree is said to be used
medicinally in the Madi country.—‘ Silva Capensis,’
Pappe, p. 18; ‘Flora of Tropical Africa, Oliver,
vol. ili, p. 101.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Lower Guinea, South Central, Mozambique
District.

368 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Gardenia Vogelit, Hook. f£—Shrub 8 to 15 feet high.
Used in Djer Land as a paint for the body.—‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. iii, p. 103.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea.

Oxyanthus tubiflorus, DC.—Evergreen shrub. The
fruit is beaten in a mortar and used as food.—‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. iii., p. 108.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Morelia senegalensis, A. Rich.—Evergreen shrub
12 to 30 feet high. Used to intoxicate fish. Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. iii, p. 113.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Canthium Afzelianum, Hiern.—Shrub of moderate
size. The bruised bark is employed by the natives
of Sierra Leone in the case of swollen legs and knees.
—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. iii, p. 143.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Vangueria edulis, Vah\l—A_ good-sized shrub.
Fruit eaten by the natives of Madagascar and
Mauritius under the names of Voa-vanga and Voa-
vanguer.— History of the Dichlamydeous Plants,’
Don, vol. iii, p. 549.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, South
Central.

Craterispermum laurinum, Benth—Shrub, Ac-
cording to Mann it gives a yellow dye when beaten

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 369

up with grass.—‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver,
vol. iii., p. 161.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Kattah Bark (Zvora sp.)—A celebrated vermifuge
of Sierra Leone—Kew Museum.

Coffee (Coffea arabica, L.)—Tree 10 to 15 feet
high, or large shrub. Native of Tropical parts of
Africa, and cultivated for its fruits, which afford the
well-known coffee of commerce. Coffee-leaf tea
from Jamaica and the East Indies are exhibited in the
Kew Museum, as are also walking-sticks made of the
wood.—‘ Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley and Trimen,
vol. ii, No. 144.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Liberian or Monrovian Coffee (Coffea liberica, Bull
and Hiern).—Native of Liberia. A larger and more
robust plant than C. arabica, and producing consider-
ably larger berries and of afiner flavour. This species
probably affords the Cape Coast Coffee —‘ Medicinal
Plants,’ Bentley and Trimen, vol. ii, No. 144; ‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. iii., p. 181.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Coffea stenophylla, G. Don.—Small tree 20 feet high,
or shrub four to six feet. The fruits of this species are
the source of the Highland Coffee of Sierra Leone.—
‘Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. iii., p. 182.

2B

370 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Tolmgah or Brimstone Tree of Sierra Leone (Mo-
vinda citrifolia, L.).—Tree sometimes of immense size.
Bitter and astringent, used at Nupé in dysentery and
fevers. The wood is used in Upper Guinea for
flooring, as it is said to be excellent, and also to resist
the attacks of insects ; in India it is used for native
slippers. From the root-bark a scarlet dye is pro-
cured, used for dyeing handkerchiefs, turbans, &c.
The fruit and leaves are used in medicine.—‘ Flora of
Tropical Africa, Oliver, vol. iii, p. 192; ‘Useful
Plants of India,’ Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, North
Central.

Galium Aparine,L.—Annual. Known in England
under the name of Cleavers, and in Scotland as Grip-
grass. The plant has astringent properties, and is a
rural remedy for colds, in infusion. It is also said
to be useful in scorbutic affections. In France the
crushed herb is used as a poultice to sores and
blisters.—‘ Useful Plants of Great Britain,’ Sowerby,
p. 137.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

DIPSACEZ.

Scabiosa succisa, L.—Herbaceous perennial plant.
Used on the Continent as a yellow and green dye.
The root is very astringent, and has been suggested
as a tanning material. It is called Devil’s bit in

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 371

England.—‘ Useful Plants of Great Britain,’ Sowerby,
p. 140.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, and widely distri-
buted over the temperate regions of the Old World.

COMPOSIT.

Vernonia cinerea, Less——An erect herb, said to be
used in medicine by the Hindus in decoction to
promote perspiration in febrile affections.—‘ Vegetable
Materia Medica of Western India, Dymock, p. 351.

Distribution : Widely spread in Tropical Africa,
north and south of the Equator.

Vernonia senegalensis, Less—Shrub 10 to 15 feet
high. Used in medicine in West Tropical Africa.—
Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, Mo-
zambique District.

Chew-stick of Ewuro (Vernonia amygdalina, Del.).
—Shrub 6 to 10 feet high, used in Sierra Leone as a
bitter. This plant is called Grabra in Abyssinia.
—‘Flora of Tropical Africa, Oliver, vol. iii,
p. 284.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, Nile
Land.

Vernonia Perrottetii, Sch—Annual, one to two feet
or more in height, mixed with Aygrophila spinosa, T.
2B 2

372 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

And. ; burnt salt is extracted from their ashes. —‘ Flora
of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. iii., p. 272.
Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Elephantopus scaber, L.—Erect herb two to eight feet
high. In Travancore the bruised leaves are boiled
with rice and given internally in swellings of the
body or pains of the stomach. A decoction of the
root is given in dysuria—‘ Useful Plants of India,
Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Grangea maderaspatana, Poir.—Herb varying from
a few inches to a foot or more in height. The leaves
are used in India as a stomachic, deobstruent, and
antispasmodic. In Brazil the plant is known under
the name of Marcella, and is used as a substitute for
chamomile.—‘ Vegetable Materia Medica of Western
India, Dymock, p. 360 ; ‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley
and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Blumea aurita, DC.—Herb one and a-half to three
feet high. The plant has a strong turpentine smell,
and is used by the natives of India in dyspepsia.—
‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Cape
Verd.

Blumea lacera, DC.—Herb growing to four feet

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 373

high. Has similar properties to the last, and is like-
wise used by the natives of India,—‘ Treasury of
Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

Ra-sana or kowra-sana of India (Pluchea lanceolata,
O. and H. (Berthelotia lanceolata, DC.).—Small shrub
three feet or more high. Leaves aperient ; used in
India as a substitute for senna Vegetable Materia
Medica of Western India,’ Dymock, p. 372.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Spheranthus indicus, L. (S. hirtus, Willd.).—Herb
two to three feet high. Seeds considered anthel-
mintic, and are prescribed in powders. The powdered
root is stomachic, and the powdered root-bark mixed
with whey is a valuable remedy for piles. In Java the
plant is considered to be a useful diuretic. Flowers
used in cutaneous affections and as a blood purifier.
Roots anthelmintic.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’ Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

Helichrysum auriculatum, Less—Small plant. An
infusion of this plant is used as tea by the natives of
the Cape of Good Hope.—‘ Flora Capensis Medice,’
Pappe, p. 24.

Distribution: Lower Guinea, \lozambique District.

Eclipta alba, Haask. (E£. prostrata, L.)—Small herb.
Used in Brazil as a remedy for diarrhcea, and as a

374 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

black stain for the hair. The root has purgative and
emetic properties assigned to it, and has been used in
affections of the liver and spleen, and in dropsy. The
expressed juice appears to be the best form of
administration‘ Pharmacopceia of India,’ Waring,
p. 128; Kew Museum.

Distribution : Widely spread in Tropical Africa.

Hemorrhage Plant (Aspilia latifolia, O. & H.).—
Herb, one and a half to four feet high. In Liberia
this plant is used in hemorrhage by the natives, and
is preferred by them to any European treatment.
The pounded leaves and flowers applied to a wound
are said to stop hemorrhage in a few minutes and to
heal the wound rapidly.—‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’
vol. viii., 1878, p. 563.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

Spilanthes Acmella, la—Annual. This plant has
similar properties to the Para cress of Brazil (S. ole-
vacea, L.), the flower-heads of which have a _ hot
burning taste, and cause profuse salivation: they are’
sometimes chewed to relieve toothache.—‘ Vegetable
Materia Medica of Western India,’ Dymock, p. 360.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, Mozambique District.

African Marigold (Zagetes erecta, L.)—Small plant
used in India in diseases of the eye and to purify the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 375

blood. The flowers are sometimes used as a yellow
dye.— Punjab Products,’ Powell, p. 358.

Distribution : Abyssinia and other parts of Tropical
Africa.

Emilia sonchifolia, D.C.—Annual, six inches to two
feet high. On the Malabar Coast a decoction of this
plant is used as a febrifuge, and the juice mixed with
sugar in bowel complaints. In China the leaves are
eaten raw in salads, and in Travancore the juice from
them is applied in cases of night-blindness ; it is also
considered as cooling, and is used as a remedy for
inflammation of the eyes.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’
Drury.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Mozambique District.

Senecio Tedliei,O. & H.—Herbaceous plant, known
in Ashantee under the name of “ Yangkompno.” The
pounded leaves are said to be applied to cuts and
contusions.—‘ Flora of Tropical Africa,’ Oliver, vol. iii.,
Pp. 420.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Star Thistle (Centaurea Calcitrapa, L.).—Annual
or biennial, one to two feet high. The roots are bitter,
and used as a substitute for Cyicus Benedictus, L.,
which has tonic, diaphoretic and emetic properties
‘Medical and Economical Botany,’ Lindley, p. 232.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land.

376 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Blessed Thistle of the Parisians (Carthamus lanatus,
L.).—Annual, said to possess sudorific; febrifuge and
anthelmintic properties——‘Mérat et Lens’ Diction-
naite Médicale, tom. ii, p. 115.

Distribution : Nile Land, Canary Islands, Madeira,
&c. (widely cultivated).

Dicoma tomentosa, Cass.—Annual, six inches to two
feet high. Plant strongly bitter. Used in the neigh-
bourhood of Belgaum as a febrifuge, especially in the
febrile attacks to which women are subject after
childbirth‘ Vegetable Materia Medica of Western
India,’ Dymock, p. 388.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, North Central, Nile
Land, Mozambique District.

Chicory or Succory (Cichorium Intybus, L.).—
Perennial. The leaves are blanched and used as a
salad, under the name of “ Barbe du Capucine.” The
root roasted and ground is largely used to mix with
and to adulterate coffee ; its medicinal properties are
closely like those of the dandelion. The herbage
forms good food for cattle—‘ Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore.

Distribution : St. Thomas,

GOODENOVIE.

Taccada of India and Ceylon (Scevola Lobelia, L.).
—Shrubby plant. The pith of the young stems

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 377

resembles that of the Rice Paper plant (fatsza
papyrifera, Bth.), and is much used by the Siamese
and Malays for making artificial flowers, &c—Kew
Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea,
Mozambique District.

ERICACE.

Agauria salicifolia, Hook. f—Tree fifteen to
twenty-five feet high, Used in Madagascar as a
lotion in scabies, under the name of “ Angavodiana.”
—‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol. xi., 1881, p. 853.

Distribution: Upper Guinea and the Mascarine
Islands.

PLUMBAGINE

Chitra or Chita of Bengal (Plumbago zeylanica,
L.).—Perennial shrubby plant. A tincture of the
root-bark has been employed as an antiperiodic and
also in the treatment of intermittents with good
results. It acts as a powerful sudorific— Pharma-
copceia of India, Waring, p. 170, &c.

Distribution: Widely spread in Tropical Africa.

MYRSINE-E.

Soaria (Mesa lanceolata, Forsk).—Tree twenty to
thirty feet high. In Abyssinia the fresh fruit, or
more frequently the dried, is reduced to a powder,

378 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

and taken mixed with cheuro or with a bouillie
of wheat as an anthelmintic. — ‘Pharmaceutical
Journal,’ vol. iii, 1861, p. 23.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam-
bique District, also Arabia.

Buekenhout of the Cape (Myrsine melanophleos, R.
Br.).—Tree forty to fifty feet high, Wood tough,
used chiefly for wagon-work.—‘ Silva Capensis, Pappe,
p. 22.

Distribution: Upper Guinea,

SAPOTACEZ:.

Miraculous Berry, Assarbah of the Fante races,
Tahme of the Akkrah and Adampe Districts
(Sideroxylon dulcificum, A.DC.).—Shrub six feet high.
The fruits are exceedingly sweet, and in size somewhat
resemble the olive; they are credited with rendering
the most sour and acidulous substances intensely
sweet. The natives of the Gold Coast usually reserve
them for rendering the stale and acidulated kankies
more palatable, and in bestowing a sweetness on sour
palm wine and pitto. During the rainy season these
fruits may be purchased in the native markets at
comparatively trifling prices. The peculiar principle
is said to be soon dissipated. —‘ Pharmaceutical
Journal,’ 1852, vol, xi., p. 445.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 379

Shea, Galam or Bambouk Butter (Butyrosperimune
Parkii, Kotschy).—Tree reaching a height of thirty to
forty feet, with a trunk five to six feet in diameter.
The wood is red like cedar, very hard and close-
grained. Shea butter is a solid fat obtained from the
kernels, which are first dried in the sun, then bruised,
and finally boiled, when the fat floats on the surface
and is skimmed off for use; it constitutes a main
article of inland commerce, and is employed by the
natives for anointing their bodies, for lighting, and for
food. This fat is imported from Sierra Leone to the
extent of from 300 to 500 tons annually for use in
the manufacture of hard soaps, chiefly in combination
with other oils. A substance somewhat resembling
gutta-percha is found in Shea Butter, and is called
Gutta-Shea; no application, however, has been found
for it. The fleshy portion of the fruit is very sweet,
and is eaten by the natives.—‘ Spon’s Encyclopedia
of the Industrial Arts, Manufactures and Commercial
Products, pp. 1410 and 1654; ‘Pharmaceutical
Journal,’ 1879, vol. ix., p. 818.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land.

EBENACE-.

Bush Guarri, Omgwali of the Kafirs, Emboto of
Mossamedes (Zuclea lanceolata, E. Mey.).—Shrub or
small tree. Wood dark, heavy, and durable. Fruits

380 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

edible Silva Capensis,’ Pappe, p. 26 ; ‘Monograph
of Ebenacez,’ Hiern, p. 97.
Distribution : Lower Guinea.

Cape and Orange River Ebony, Black Ebony,
Zwartebbenhout, Sneezewood, Emboto or Embolo of
South Africa (Euclea pseudebenus, E. Mey.).—Shrub
six to eight feet high. The heart-wood is extremely
hard, black, and durable. Fruit the size of a pea, and
edible-—‘ Monograph of Ebenaceex,’ Hiern, p. 96, &c.

Distribution : Lower Guinea, South Central.

Mualala (dlaba Mualala, Welw. MSS.).—Tree
fifteen to thirty-five feet high. Wood very hard and
valuable, black in the centre, but not always so.—
‘Monograph of Ebenacee,’ Hiern, p. 111.

Distribution: Lower Guinea.

Maba buxifolia, Pers—Shrub or tree. Wood
dark-coloured, remarkably hard and durable. Used
for making anchors for large boats in the Province of
Tavoy, Burma. The berries when ripe are univer-
sally eaten. A decoction of the leaves is employed
in gastritis in Madagascar.—‘ Monograph of Eben-
acee, Hiern, pp. 30 and 118.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea.

Ajé or Ajejeh of Abyssinia, Makudima of
Sechuana, Kasinjamtolmera of Tette, Musolveira
of Golungo Alto and Monkey Guava (Dvospyros
mespiliformis, Hochst).—Shrub or tree, six to forty

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 381

feet high. The wood is white, compact, and much
valued by the natives, and is useful for many pur-
poses ; the heart-wood is black, like ebony. Fruits
edible-—‘ Monograph of Ebenacee,’ Hiern, p. 165.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower
Guinea, South Central, Mozambique District.

Musolveira (Diospyros platyphylla, Welw.)—A mo-
derate-sized tree. According to Dr. Welwitsch the
fruits are edible—‘ Monograph of Ebenacez,’ Hiern,
p. 267.

Distribution : Lower Guinea,

Dendo or N’Dendo (Diospyros Dendo, Welw.
MSS.).—Tree twenty-five to thirty-five feet high,
and one to two feet in diameter. Valuable as a
timber tree. The wood is very black, and hard in
the centre—‘Monograph of Ebenacee,’ Hiern, p.
196.

Distribution : Lower Guinea.

Diospyros Loureiviana, G. Don.—Shrub or small
tree. Under the name of Nhamodéma the natives
of the Mozambique District use the roots to clean
and to dye their teeth red. The fruit is said to be
edible——‘ Monograph of Ebenacez,’ Hiern, p. 195.

Distribution: Lower Guinea, Mozambique District.

382 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

APOCYNACEA

White Rubber Vine, “Abo” of the Niger (ZLan-
aolphia owariensis, Beauv.)—The genus Landolphia
was founded upon specimens of this species collected
in Oware by Palisot de Beauvois, and it extends from
Sierra Leone, where it was collected by Don, to
Angola, from which Kew possesses specimens from
Welwitsch and Monteiro. It was collected on the
Niger by Barter, and near the mouth of the Congo
by R. C. Phillips (who states that it bears the native
name of “Mvoochi”). A form not specifically dis-
tinguishable was found by Schweinfurth in North
Central Africa. He remarks (‘Heart of Africa,’ i.,
p- 192) that “it is well known in the Guinea trade
for its production of caoutchouc.” From the fruit,
“the sourness of which exceeds that of the citron,
the natives of Djurland manufacture a beverage
refreshing as lemonade.”—‘ Report of the Royal
Gardens at Kew,’ 1880, p. 38.

Landolphia Manniz, sp. n—A very distinct spe-
cies collected by Gustav Mann at Corisco Bay (Lat.
1° N.), and not at present known from any other
locality. Mann describes it as a climber twenty feet
high, and yielding caoutchouc.—‘ Report of the Royal
Gardens at Kew,’ 1880, p. 39.

Mbungu Rubber Plant (Landolphia flortda, Bth.)

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 383

—wWoody climber. This beautiful species, originally
described in the Niger Flora by Bentham, appears to
be distributed over the whole of Central Tropical
Africa. On the Niger, according to Barter, the fruit,
which is very sour, is eaten by the natives under the
name of Aboli. According to Monteiro, who
collected specimens in Angola, the india-rubber of
South-West Africa is derived from this species, Z.
fiorida is said to yield the best rubber of any of the
species of Landolphia. The natives make playing
balls of it, and consider it to be the most adhesive
known. The milk if rubbed upon the skin adheres
like birdlime, and can scarcely be rubbed off.

The form in which West African Rubber comes
into commerce is somewhat peculiar. It is ac-
counted for by the method of collection, which has
been described as follows:—Every part exudes a
milky juice when cut or wounded ; but this will not
run into a vessel placed to catch it, as it dries so
quickly as to form a ridge on the wound, which stops
its further flow. The blacks collect it by making
long cuts in the bark with a knife, and as the milky
juice gushes out it is wiped off continually with the
fingers and smeared on their arms, shoulders and
breast, till a thick covering is formed. This is peeled
off their bodies and cut into small squares, which are
then said to be boiled in water. In the English
market it appears as more or less agglutinated masses

384 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

of small cubes, of which there are specimens in the
Kew Museum under the name of Thimble Rubber.—
‘Report of the Royal Gardens at Kew,’ 1880, p. 39;
‘New Commercial Plants,’ Christy, No. 1, p. 8.

Carissa edulis, Schum. et Thon.—Spiny shrub. The
fruits are black and edible, and have an agreeable
flavour, much like sweet cherries; and make an ex-
cellent soup for the sick.—‘ Niger Flora,’ Hooker, p. 446.

Distribution: Accra; rather common in Guinea.

Hpokpoka Tree of Sierra Leone (Tabernemontana
crassa, Bth.)—The Kew Museum contains a fibre and
cloth, called Dodo cloth, made from fibre obtained
from this tree from Sierra Leone. The husk of the
fruit is full of rubber, and is said to yield a consider-
able proportion of the West African kind.‘ New
Commercial Plants,’ Christy, No. 4, p. 13, etc.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Iboga of the Gabon (Tabernemontana sp.).—The
roots are tonic, and in large doses have an exciting
effect on the nervous system.—‘ Catalogue des Produits
des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de
1867,’ p. 108.

Distribution : Gabon.

Vegetable Silk (Stvophanthus sp.).—The seed hairs
are used for stuffing purposes.—‘Spon’s Encyclopedia
of the Industrial Arts, Manufactures and Commercial
Products,’ p. 998.

Distribution: Native of Senegal.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 385

“Umtsuti,” or poison plant of S. Africa (Strophanthus
hispidus, D.C.).—Shrub. Professor Fraser, speaking
of this species at a meeting of the Edinburgh Botanical
Society, May 14th, 1885, said that he had “discovered
how the active principle of this plant, used by the
natives on the Shiré, East Africa, as well as many
other districts of that Continent for poisoning their
arrows, is of incalculable benefit in cardiac diseases.
Though acting in the same manner, it far surpasses
the principle of digitalis in intensity.” The Wanika
arrow-poison of the East Coast of Africa is stated to
be either prepared from the roots of S. Aispidus, DC.,
or S. Kombe, Oliv. A full account of this by Mr.
Gerrard appeared in the ‘Pharmaceutical Journal,
1881, pp. 833-834, and 849-850.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Inge or Onaye of the Gabon (Szrophanthus sp.).—
The seeds are used to poison the arrows of the
Pahouins ; the poison exercises a powerful action on
the heart‘ Catalogue des Produits des Colonies
Francaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867,’ p. 108.

Distribution : Gabon.

ASCLEPIADE.

Xysmalobium Heudelotianum, Dene. — Perennial
herb. This plant produces a watery, turnip-shaped
root called “ Yahhop” by the negroes, Senegambia,

2C

386 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

by whom it is eaten.—‘ Treasury of Botany, Lindley
and Moore.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Mudar of India, Ashoor or Oshoor of the Arabs
(Calotropis procera, R. Br.).—Shrub six to ten feet
high. The economic uses of this species, together
with the Calotropis gigantea of India, are probably
similar in every respect. The silky hairs from the
apex of the seeds of the latter species are used in
India for stuffing pillows, and may be used as a
paper material. The fibre produced from the stems
is called Bowstring Hemp, and is very strong and
valuable. The root-bark of C procera is used in
European pharmacy as a substitute for ipecacuanha,
both as an emetic and in the treatment of leprosy.
The fresh juice is used in rheumatism and chest
diseases as a rubefacient, and the leaves are given as
a cure for guinea worm. In the Peshawur Valley the
juice from the plant is employed in the preparation
of catgut, &—‘ Economic Products of India,’ Watt,
part iii, No. 60; ‘Useful Plants of India, Drury, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape de Verd Islands.

Pergularia sanguinolenta, Lind|—Twining shrub.
This plant yields a kind of dragon’s-blood, with
which the Dragon’s Blood of commerce is adulterated.
—‘ Treasury of Botany, Lindley and Moore.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 387

LOGANIACE.

Nuxia congesta, Br.—Shrub. The wood is close-
grained, heavy, and looks worthy of attention —Kew
Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Anthocleista Vogeliz, Planch—Tree. The hollow
stems are used as quivers for small poisoned arrows
by the natives on the River Niger—Kew Museum,

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

M’boundou, Casa or Icaja of Gabon (Sérychnos sp.).
—In Gabon the leaves and roots are employed as
an ordeal. Catalogue des Produits des Colonies
Frangaises, Exposition Universelle de 1867,’ p. 109.

Distribution : Gabon.

Voiva Vountaca or Voavotaka of Madagascar
(Strychnos spinosa, Lam. [Brehmia spinosa, Harv.]).—
Shrub growing to ten feet high. The hard-shelled
ripe fruit resembles an orange in size and appearance,
and contains many seeds immersed in a copious pulp.
The latter is of a somewhat acid taste, and is said to
be delicious and commonly eaten by the natives
wherever it grows.—‘ Treasury of Botany, Lindley
and Moore.

Distribution: West and Central Africa.

388 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

GENTIANE.

Faroa sp-—Annual herb. The plant possesses
bitter tonic properties, and is favourably spoken of
by Dr. Welwitsch‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley
and Moore.

Distribution : Lower Guinea.

BORAGINEA.

Heliotropium undulatum, Vahl.—Shrubby plant.
In India this plant is given after snake-bite, while
tobacco oil is locally applied to the bite itself.
‘Economic Products of India, Watt, part v., No.
615.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Indian Turnsole (Heliotropium indicum, L.)—Small
annual. In India the juice from the leaves is applied
to gum-boils, pimples on the face, and in certain cases
of ophthalmia. In Jamaica it is used to cleanse and
consolidate wounds and ulcers, and boiled with
castor-oil it is of use in the stings or bites of poisonous
animals. It is said by Martius to allay inflammation
with undoubted advantage-—‘ The Useful Plants of
India,’ Drury, p. 426.

Distribution : Common in W. Tropical Africa.

Trichodesma africana, Br—Herb. The leaves are

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 389

used in India as a diuretic—‘ Economic Products of
India, Watt, part v., No. 1174.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

CONVOLVULACE,

Ipom@a digitata, L.—Large scandent perennial.
This plant is greatly cultivated in India on account
of its large red flowers. The great tuberous roots are
much used in native medicine, being regarded as
tonic, alterative, aphrodisiac, demulcent, and lacta-
gogue. The powdered root-stock is given with wine,
for the purpose of increasing the secretion of milk.—
* Economic Products of India,” Watt, part v., No, 658.

Distribution: Cultivated at Cape Palmas.

L[pomea hederacea, Jacq.—(Pharbitis Nil, Chois.).—
Annual. The seeds of this plant are sold in the
Indian bazaars under the name of “Kala-dana” as
an effectual and safe cathartic, for which purpose it is
equal to jalap, and is superior to it in portability and
flavour. A resin called pharbitism is obtained from
these seeds, and is said to be a safe and effective
purgative.—‘ Useful Plants of India,’ Drury, p. 337.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Moon Flower (Jpom@a bona-nox, L.)—Scandent
-herb. In India the seeds are eaten when young.
The dried capsules and seeds, as also the flowers,
leaves and roots, are used as remedies for snake-bite.

390 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

The juice from the plant is used to hasten the in-
spissation of Central American Rubber (Castz/loa
elastica, Cerv.).—‘ Economic Products of India,’ Watt,
part v., No. 657. ‘Dictionary of Economic Plants,’
Smith, p. 88.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

LIpomea biloba, Forsk. (Convolvulus Pes-Capre, L.).
—Creeping and twining plant, found on the sea-shore ;
it is a good sand-binder and is eaten by goats, horses,
and rabbits. In India the natives boil the leaves and
apply them externally as an anodyne in colic, and in
decoction use them in rheumatism.—‘ Useful Plants
of India,’ Drury, p. 259.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Lpomea aquatica, Forsk. (I. reptans, Poir.)—Annual.
Commonly eaten by the poorer classes of India as a
vegetable. The roots are also said to be eaten.—
‘Economic Products of India,’ Watt, part vi, No.
414.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Sweet Potato (/pomea Batatas, Lam.).—Perennial.
This plant has long been universally cultivated in
tropical and sub-tropical regions for its tuberous
roots. It forms one of the chief articles of food of
the natives of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
It is cultivated in the South of France and Spain, and
makes an excellent preserve, which is highly prized by

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 391

the Spaniards. From the latter country tubers are
occasionally exported to England.—‘ Dictionary of
Economic Products,’ Smith, p. 399.

Distribution : Cultivated in Tropical Africa.

Evolvulus alsinoides, L.—Perennial. According to
Mr. Barter the plant is fragrant, and is burnt to
perfume houses. Confluence—Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

SOLANACEA,

Tomato or Love Apple (Lycopersicum esculentum,
Mill.).—Annual. The fruits, known as tomatoes, are
largely eaten, either raw, or cooked in various ways.
In a green state they form an excellent pickle. Used
as an article of diet they are considered beneficial
in affections of the liver, indigestion, diarrhoea, and
other complaints.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Solanum nigrum, L.—Herbaceous or shrubby plant.
This species possesses slight narcotic properties,
on which account the Bohemians place the leaves in
the cradles of infants to promote sleep; they are also
used for poultices, as a soothing agent. In Bourbon
and Mauritius these leaves are eaten as a substitute
for spinach. In India the berries are considered
tonic, diuretic, and useful in anasarca and heart-

392 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

disease. The plant is also used in fevers, dropsical
affections, &c.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore; ‘Economic Products of India, Watt, part v.,
No. 1098.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Brinjal or Aubergine, Egg plant (Solanum Melon-
gena, L.).—Herbaceous plant two to eight feet high.
It is largely cultivated in hot countries for the fruits,
which are more or less egg-shaped, and which vary
considerably in size and colour. They are very highly
esteemed in France, and are sometimes to be found
in the English markets. —‘Guide to Museums of
Economic Botany,’ Kew.

Distribution: Upper Guinea; common in cultivated
grounds,

Physalis minima, L.—Herbaceous annual. In India
the fruit is officinal, being considered tonic, diuretic,
and purgative-—‘ Economic Products of India,’ Watt,
part. v., No. 883.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Winter Cherry (Physalis Alkekengi, L.).— Herbaceous
plant. The fruits have an acidulous and not unpleasant
flavour, followed. by a slight bitterness. Though es-
teemed detergent and aperient, they are chiefly recom-
mended as a diuretic. In some parts of Germany the
country people eat them, and in Spain and Switzerland
they frequently supply the place of other eatable fruits.
By some they are esteemed equal to gooseberries for

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 393

tarts. Instances are related of their good effects in
‘dropsical and calculous disorders, but at present
they are wholly disregarded.—‘ History of the Dichla-
mydeous Plants,’ Don, vol. iv., p. 448.

Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

Capsicums, Chillies, Red Pepper, &c. (Capsicum
annuum, L.).—Herbaceous plant. This species is
‘cultivated in various parts of the world for the fruits
which are the source of Cayenne pepper, which is
prepared as follows:—The ripe fruits are first dried
in the sun or oven, and then ground into powder; this
is mixed with a large quantity of wheat-flour. The
mixed powder is formed into cakes with leaven, and
baked till they are thoroughly hard, after which they
are ground and sifted. The pulverised rind or skin
makes the best Cayenne pepper, and chiefly from the
small kinds known as “bird peppers.” Capsicum
fruits are used medicinally in powder or as a tincture,
as an external application, or as a gargle in certain
cases of sore throat, particularly those of a malignant
character; and internally as a stimulant in cases
of impaired digestion, &c. In India these fruits
are used for plasters in cholera, and to counteract
bad climate. — ‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Shrubby Capsicum or Spur Pepper (Capsicum

394 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Jrutescens, L.).—Dwarf bushy shrub. The fruits are
used for pickling, both in their green and ripe states,
as well as for making chilli vinegar; but they are
chiefly used, however, for making Cayenne pepper.
In India they are used as medicine in typhus and
intermittent fevers and dropsy ; they are stomachic
and rubefacient, and in native practice are prescribed
in gout, dyspepsia, cholera, and ague-——‘ Treasury of
Botany, Lindley and Moore; ‘Economic Products
of India, Watt, part v., No. 263.
Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

Withania somnifera, Dunal. (Physalis somnifera,
L.).—A shrubby perennial. The root is said to have
deobstruent and diuretic properties. The leaves
moistened with warm castor-oil are useful externally
applied in cases of carbuncle. They are very bitter,
and are given in infusion in fevers. The seeds are
employed inthe coagulation of milk in making butter.
The fruit is diuretic. The root and leaves are power-
fully narcotic: the latter are applied to inflamed
tumours, and the former in obstinate ulcers and
rheumatic swellings of the joint, being mixed with
dried ginger and so applied. The Telinga physicians
reckon the roots alexipharmic.—‘ The Useful Plants
of India,’ Drury, p. 446.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Thorn Apple, Stramonium (Datura Stramoniui,
L.)—A coarse weedy annual, over three feet in height.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 395.

The properties of stramonium are regarded as.
anodyne and antispasmodic, and in overdoses is a
powerful poison ; it has been found useful in neuralgic
and rheumatic affections, in gastrodia and other
painful diseases. Some have regarded it as a very
valuable remedy in mania and epilepsy, but in these
diseases it not unfrequently produces injurious effects.
In spasmodic asthma, dyspnoea, catarrhs, &c., the
leaves are generally smoked like tobacco, or an in-
halation from an infusion of them in warm water is
resorted to. In Cochin China a strong decoction of
the leaves is regarded as a very efficacious remedy in
hydrophobia.—‘ Medicinal Plants, Bentley and Tri-
men, vol. iii, No. 192.
Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

Metel or Hairy Thorn Apple (Datura Metel, L.).—
Herbaceous plant. This species is said to possess.
similar properties to D. Stramonium, L.—‘ Dictionary.
of Economic Plants,’ Smith, p. 152.

Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum, .).—Handsome.
plant, attaining a height of three.to six feet. Tobacco
forms avery important article of commerce ; but though
it is cultivated in the Cape Verd Archipelago and
other parts of Western Africa, it appears only to be
grown for local consumption. Besides its use for
smoking and for making snuff, tobacco affords an
alkaloid known as nicotine, which is a very energetic

396 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

poison. Asa medicine, tobacco-leaf owes its value to
its powerfully sedative and antispasmodic properties.
In overdoses it acts as an acro-narcotic poison. The
imports of tobacco into Great Britain for the year
1886 amounted to 87,022,051 lbs. the home con-
sumption amounting to 52,817,991 lbs.—‘ Medicinal
Plants, Bentley and Trimen, No. 191, &c.

SCROPHULARINEA.

Herpestris Monniera, H. B. and K.—Annual creeping
plant. The Hindus regard this as a powerful diuretic
and aperient, but there is no trustworthy evidence of
its value in these respects. According to Roxburgh
the juice of the leaves conjoined with petroleum is
used in India in rheumatism. Whatsoever benefit is
‘derived from this formula is doubtless due to the
petroleam,—‘ Pharmacopceia of India,’ Waring, p.
161.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Paraguay Herb (Vandellia diffusa, L.).—Small herb.
In South America this plant is used as anemetic. For
this purpose a good handful of it is boiled in half a
litre of water, and a small cupful taken every ten
minutes until vomiting ensues. Employed in this
manner the vandellia is as certain in its action as
ipecacuanha, without occasioning violent purgations
or uncontrollable vomiting ; the only drawback to its

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 397

use being its very bitter taste—‘ Pharmaceutical
Journal,’ vol. ii., 1872, p. 849.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Pipybras (Scoparia dulcis, L.)—Herbaceous plant,
one to three feet high. Used in Sierra Leone as a
diuretic. In Liberia a decoction of the plant is used.
for gravel and kidney complaints.—‘ Pharmaceutical,
Journal,’ vol. viii., 1878, p. 564.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

BIGNONIAGE&.

Kindee seu Brochee (NMewdbouldia sp.)—The boiled.
roots of this plant, together with the leaves, are used
in native medicine in Sierra Leone in fevers—Kew
Museum.

Distribution : Sierra Leone.

Tchiogo or Tulipier of Gabon (Spathodea campanu-
lata, Beauv.)—Tree. The flowers are employed in
Gabon as an application to ulcers—‘Catalogue des.
Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Uni-
verselle de 1867,’ p. 46.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Etua Tree of the Fantees (Kigelia pinnata, DC. ;
[K. africana, Benth.]).—Tree of large size, having a
whitish bark and spreading branches. The fruit,
which is often more than two feet long, and from five
to eight inches broad, has an astringent taste, and.

3098 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

after having been cut in half and roasted, is employed
in Nubia as an outward application in rheumatic and
other complaints. On the Gold Coast this fruit is
employed as a charm by the fetish men and women,
in which case it is painted in alternate stripes of red,
white, and black, or entirely black, and dotted all over
with red and white spots. The ceremony in which it
is used is an invocation to the fetish to discover the
remedy to cure the disease of the person seeking
advice from the fetish man or woman. The natives
also esteem the bark as a sovereign cure for dysentery,
and have done so for many ages. The Nubians hold
this tree sacred, and celebrate their religious festivals
under it by moonlight.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley
and Moore; ‘Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol. ili, 1861,
p. 182.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

PEDALINE.

Pedalium Murex, L.—Tall, succulent, branching
annual plant. All parts of the plant give off a musky
odour when rubbed, and the fresh branches possess
the curious property of rendering water or milk
mucilaginous by simply drawing them a few times
round in the vessel containing it. In India the
buttermilk sold in the markets is frequently adulte-
rated with water thickened by this means. The seeds
are also mucilaginous, and are used in India for

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 399

making poultices.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley
and Moore.
Distribution: Tropical Africa.

Gingelly, Sesame, Til or Benné Oil plant (Sesame
indicum, DC.)— Annual, two to four feet high,
cultivated in warm countries for the sake of the seed,
from which a valuable oil is obtained, known in
commerce under the above names. It is commonly
reckoned that an acre requires +1; of a bushel of seed,
and yields 14 ’to 2 bushels, occupying the land for
about three to four months. When the crop is ripe
it is cut down and stacked for seven days ; it is then
sun-dried for three days, being collected into a heap
at night, and kept in a heap on alternate days between
the sun-drying. This causes the bursting of the pods
and the liberation of the seeds. The latter are then
subjected to frequent washings in cold water and
subsequent exposure to the sun, with the object of
bleaching ; the oil is then extracted by pressure. In
India the common yield is two quarts of oil from
nine pounds of seed. The oil is used for cooking,
anointing the body and hair, in medicine, for absorbing
the fugitive odours of plants, and for illumination.
In Europe the superfine quality largely replaces
olive-oil for domestic purposes, and the other grades
are employed by soap-makers. In some parts of
North America the leaves are used in infusion as a
demulcent ; they also serve for the preparation of

400 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

emollient poultices. Senegal exported 600 cwts. of

Sesamum seed in 1870. Lagos (where it is called

“Beni” seed) shipped 729 tons in the same year.—

‘Spon’s Encyclopedia of the Industrial Arts, Manu-

factures and Commercial Products,’ p. 1388, &c.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

ACANTHACE.

Peristrophe bicalyculata, Nees.—Erect annual. The
whole plant macerated in an infusion of rice is said
to be a useful remedy for poisonous snake-bites.
The plant is also said to have like properties to
Fumaria parvifiora, and is used in its stead, but has
not the bitterness of that plant.‘ Economic Products
of India,’ Watt, part v., No. 868.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

VERBENACE

Lippia nodiflora, Rich—Wide trailing perennial
herb. In Bombay this plant is used under the name
of Ratoliya as a demulcent in gonorrheea. According
to Ainslie, the tender stalks and leaves are in a slight
degree bitter, and are used, when toasted, in infusion
by native practitioners in cases of indigestion in
children, to the extent of two ozs. twice daily; it is
also ordered as a drink for women after childbirth.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 401

‘Materia Medica of Western India,’ Dymock,

P. 499.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Bormbor or Gambia Tea (Lippia adoensis, Hochst.).
—Herbaceous plant commonly used in the Gambia in
fevers to promote perspiration Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Vervain or Vervein (Verbena officinalis, L.).—
Herbaceous plant. This plant was an object of much
superstition amongst the ancients, by whom it was
worn as a charm against evil, and for good luck. In
medicine it was much used in affections of the bladder,
and particularly in calculus. The flowers were em-
ployed as a remedy for defective vision. In India
the fresh leaves are used as a febrifuge and tonic,
and the plant is officinal at Lahore, being depurative
and febrifuge— Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore ; ‘Economic Products of India,’ Watt, part v.,
No. 1209.

Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

Evino of Gabon (Vitex cuneata, Schum. et Thon.).
—Large tree. The wood is good for planking and
for furniture. The natives employ it for the ribs of
small boats, and for pirogues of small dimensions.—
‘Catalogue des Produits des Colonies Frangaises
Exposition Universelle de 1867,’ p. 46.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

402 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Vitex sp—Shrub. Fruits edible, from Lagos.—
Kew Museum. Coll. Barter.

Cantong (Vitex sp..—Wood of a dark-brown
colour and useful-looking, from the River Bagroo.—
Kew Museum, Coll. Mann.

White Mangrove, Garigari or Aguirigui of Gabon
(Avicennia africana, Beauv.)—This tree is very
abundant by the rivers, but scarce by the sea. The
wood is compact, fibrous, and good for ship-building.
The bark is employed by the natives in medicine
against eruptions of the skin.— ‘Catalogue des
Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition Uni-
verselle de 1867,’ p. 46.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

LABIATA.

Fever plant of Liberia (Ocimum viride, Willd.).—
Erect shrubby plant, about three feet high, said to be
used in Sierra Leone and Liberia in fevers; it has
also been used as a substitute for quinine, and is
said to be much cheaper and equaliy effectual. It is
given in the form of an infusion, a wine-glassful being
administered at intervals until perspiration is freely
induced, the patient being kept warm in bed.—
“ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol. viii, 1878, p. 563.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Ocimum canum, Sims.—Herbaceous erect plant.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 403

Used in India to restrain mucous discharge in
catarrh.—‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol. viii, 1878,

Pp. 563.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Common Sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum, L.)—
Erect herbaceous annual. The seeds are mucilaginous
and cooling, and are used in infusion in gonorrhea,
diarrhoea, and chronic dysentery. A cold infusion of
the seeds can relieve after-pains of parturition. The
juice of the leaves forms an excellent nostrum for the
cure of ringworm, and the bruised leaves for scorpion
stings. The leaves and leafy tops have a flavour
somewhat resembling that of cloves, and are on this
account much employed for seasoning soups, stews,
sauces, and other dishes. The roots are used in
India for making rosaries. Diaphoretic and ex-
pectorant properties are also ascribed to this plant.—
‘Economic Products of India, Watt, part v., No.
821 ; ‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Hyptis spicigera, Lamk.—Herbaceous plant. The
seeds are occasionally imported as an oil-seed into
this country from the east and west coasts of Africa,
but nothing seems to be known as to its uses.—Kew
Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Salvia egyptiaca, L._—Dwarf undershrub. In Scinde
2D2

404° FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

the seeds are used as food and in medicine, and are
known under the name of “ Tookmeria.” The plant
is browsed by sheep and goats in the Punjab.—
‘Economic Products of India, Watt, part vi,
No. 712, &c.

Distribution : Cape Verd Islands.

Leonotis nepetefolia, Br—Tall annual, four to six
feet high. In Bombay, where it is known as
“Matisul,” the ashes of the flower-heads mixed with
curds are applied to ringworm and other itchy
diseases of the skin. In Brazil the plant is employed
under the name of “Cordao do Frade” in baths
as a remedy for rheumatic complaints.‘ Materia
Medica of Western India,’ Dymock, p. 508; Lindley’s
‘Flora Medica,’ p. 488.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

PLANTAGINEA.

Way Bread (Plantago major, L.).—Perennial herb.
The broad leaves are a popular and probably bene-
ficial application to wounds and bruises, and are
much valued by the Highlanders for this purpose.
The small seeds are relished by granivorous birds,
and large quantities of the [ripe spikes are gathered
in the neighbourhood of London for. the supply of
the caged birds of the metropolis. Under the name
of “Ohbako” the plant is used in medicine by the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 405

Japanese.— The Useful Plants of Great Britain,’
Sowerby, p. 213, &c.
Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

Plantago Psyllium, L.—Erect annual.” The seeds
when soaked in water yield a mucilage which is
largely used in France and Germany as a stiffening
material for muslin and other fabrics; it has also been
recommended as a sizing material for photographic
prints—— Photographic News,’ June 20th, 1884, &c.

Distribution : Cape Verd Islands.

NYCTAGINEZ,

Boerhaavia repens, L. (B. diffusa, L.)—Herbaceous
plant. The plant is a good expectorant and has
been prescribed in asthma with marked success; it is
given in the form of a powder, decoction, or infusion.
Taken largely it acts as an emetic.—‘ Pharmacopceia
of India, Waring, p. 185.

Distribution : Cape Verd Islands.

AMARANTACEZ.

Celosia argentea, L.—Annual, one to three feet
high. Used in India under the name of “Sarwali”
as a pot-herb in times of scarcity. The fruits are
used in North Formosa in ophthalmia, and the seed
in Japan in medicine under the name of “ Nogeito.”—

406 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

‘Economic Products of India,’ Watt, part vi., No. 188.
Kew Museum.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Amarantus spinosus, L.—Erect annual, one to two
feet high. A poultice of the leaves is officinal in the
Bengal Pharmacopceia: but it is a simple emollient.
In Mauritius a decoction of the leaves and roots is
used internally as a diuretic, and in Central America
the root is used in dysentery. The plant also
possesses mucilaginous properties‘ Pharmacopceia
of India,’ Waring, p. 184.—Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Amarantus paniculatus, L.—Annual, with a stem
four to five feet high. Largely cultivated in India
for its seed, which when ground into flour is used as
food by the natives—Kew Museum,

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Amarantus viridis, L.—Erect annual. According
to Roxburgh the tender tops of this plant are eaten
by the natives, though not so much esteemed as the
cultivated sorts—Roxburgh’s ‘Flora Indica, vol. iii,
p. 605.

Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

Cyathula prostrata, Blume (Achyranthes prostrata,
L.).—Slender annual, one to two feet high. Tonic,
diaphoretic, and astringent. Used in Ceylon under
the name of “Bin Sebo” in fevers, diarrhoea, and

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 407

dysentery‘ Catalogue of Ceylon Exhibits, Paris
Exhibition,’ 1855, p. 17.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Brua javanica, Juss. (A. tomentosa, Forsk.).—
Shrubby plant. In Egypt the flowers are used
under the name of “ Toorf” for stuffing mattresses.—
‘Treasures of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Achyranthes aspera, L.—Herb, one to three feet
high. Astringent and diuretic properties are as-
signed to this plant. In India it is said to be
successfully employed in native practice in menor-
rhagia and diarrhoea, and is also favourably reported
upon asadiuretic. The whole plant when incinerated
affords a considerable quantity of potash, which is
used for washing clothes; and also in medicine in
conjunction with an infusion of ginger in dropsical
affections. The stem is used as a tooth-brush in the
Punjab. The flowering spike is believed to be a
curing agent in the bites of scorpions and other
venomous insects and reptiles. In Ceylon the plant
is known under the name of “Karalsebo,” and is
used in dysentery, fevers, and diarrhcea—‘ Pharma-
copeeia of India,’ Waring, p. 184, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

408 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

CHENOPODIACE4.

White Goosefoot (Chenopodium album, L.).—An-
nual, attaining several feet in height. In some of the
Hebrides it is commonly collected by the inhabi-
tants, boiled and eaten as a green vegetable. Under
the name of “ Bathu” this plant is used in Lahore as
food, in medicine, and to clean copper vessels
preparatory for tinning them. It is considered a
laxative in diseases of the spleen, bile, and worms.—
‘The Useful Plants of Great Britain, Sowerby,
p. 217; ‘Punjab Products, Powell, vol. i, p. 372,
&e,

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Herba Santa Maria of Brazil, Herva tormiguera of
the Azores and Lisbon (Chenopodium ambrosioides, L.).
—Small plant, with a powerful aromatic odour. It has
been used in Europe by Plenk with good results in
nervous affections, chiefly in chorea. It is administered
in the form of an infusion, eight grams of the herb
to 230 grams of boiling water, with some bruised
peppermint ; it has also been used with success in
similar complaints in conjunction with cinchona. In
Brazil the tops of the plants are used as a vermifuge,
for which purpose it is said to be remarkably effica-
cious; and an infusion of the plant as a carminative,
diaphoretic, and emmenogogue in amenorrheea, and

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 409

in coughs and congestion of the lungs.—‘ Pharma-

ceutical Journal,’ vol. ix., 1879, p. 713.
Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Arthrocnemum indicum, Mog.—Small plant. It
has been recommended as a source for fossil alkali or
barilla—‘ Economic Products of India,’ Watt, part v.,
No. 142.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Seablite (Sueda fruticosa, Forsk.).—Perennial, one
to three feet high. This plant was formerly burnt for
barilla in the South of Europe‘ Student’s Flora of
the British Islands,’ Hooker, p. 321.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Sueda maritima, Dum.—Universally eaten, and an
essential article of food during famines.—‘ Indian
Flora,’ Hooker, vol. v., p. 14.

Distribution : Cape Verd Islands.

PIPERACE.

Black Pepper of Western Africa, African or Guinea
Cubebs, Benin Pepper, Irrei, Ere or Eeré of Yoruba
(Piper Clusiz, Cas. DC.).—Climbing plant, usually
found attached to the larger brushwood or moderate-
sized trees of the forest thickets. In the mountainous
districts of Sierra Leone it grows abundantly, and
considerable quantities of the fruit are transmitted to

AIO FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

the markets of the town for sale during the dry
season, where they can be purchased at a cheap rate.
They have a camphoraceous taste, are moderately
acrid, and in a fresh state diffuse a rich aromatic
odour. In Sierra Leone this pepper is used as a
condiment to flavour soups and other dishes. In the
Kongo region an infusion of the green fruits, leaves,
or entire plant constitutes one of the component parts
of a fetish potion with which the. Gangas or native
doctors attempt the cure of manifold series of diseases.
—‘ Pharmaceutical Journal, vol. xiv., 1854, p. 198.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Ashantee Pepper, or Dojvie (Piper guineense,
Thon.).—This species is probably identical with the
last. The fruits are brought by the native merchants
from the interior and exhibited for sale in the markets
of the Gold Coast. The natives of Akkrah sometimes
employ them in lieu of the common black pepper—-
‘Pharmaceutical Journal, vol. xiv., 1854, p. 199.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

MYRISTICEZ.

Combo of the Gabon, Mutago of Angola (AZpristica
angolensis, Welw.).—The seeds of this plant have
been reeently imported into Liverpool from St
Thomas as an oil-seed. They are said to yield 72
per cent., or nearly three-quarters of their weight, of a

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 4It

fatty oil. They have no smell and little taste —‘ New
Commercial Plants and Drugs, Christy, No. 8, p. 26.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Niowe of Gabon (Myristica longifolia)—The seeds
contain 54 to 58 per cent. of fat—‘ New Commercial
Plants and Drugs,’ Christy, No. 8, p. 27.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Myristica sp.—According to Mann, the wood of a
species of Myristica is split and used by the civilized
natives of Fernando Po for covering the sides of their
houses.—Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

BALANOPHOREZ.

Thonningia sanguinea, Vahl.—A fleshy, parasitical,
leafless plant found growing on roots of trees. It is
said by Barter to possess an astringent property, and
to be sold inthe markets on the Niger for use in
native medicine—Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

EUPHORBIACEZ.

Australian Asthma Herb (Euphorbia pilulifera, L.).
—FProstrate or ascending branched annual, attaining
one to two feet. A decoction made by immersing a
handful of stalks and leaves in two quarts of water,

4Al2 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

reduced by boiling to three pints, and a wineglassful
taken three times a day, is said to be an excellent
remedy for asthma, bronchitis, and other like com-
plaints. The plant is said to possess tonic and
suporific qualities— The Colonies and India, May 7th,
1881,

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Euphorbia hypericifolia, L.—Annual. An infusion
of the dried leaves has been highly recommended as
a remedy in dysentery after due depletion, diarrhcea,
menorrhagia, and leucorrhcea. The plant is said to
have a harsh and astringent taste, and its effects upon
the system are those of an astringent and feeble
narcotic.—‘ United States Dispensatory, Wood and
Bache, p. 335.

Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Euphorbia sp.—Specimens of a concrete milky juice
collected from a species of Euphorbia on the River
Niger are exhibited in the Kew Museum.

Euphorbia sp—According to Mr. Barter a species
of Euphorbia is used by the natives at Nupe to poison
their arrows.—Kew Museum.

Oro Plant of Sierra Leone (Euphorbia sp. ?).—It
has recently come under the notice of the Colonial
Office that a poisonous herb has been used by the
prisoners of Freetown Gaol, Sierra Leone, for the
purpose of malingering. The fact was discovered as

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 413

the result of an enquiry made into the cause of an
unusual rate of mortality among the prisoners. It.
appears that the young shoots when eaten produce
sickness and act as an irritant poison, cumulative in
its effects. It is said to be well known to the natives,
and that a most powerful purgative prepared by them,
and called “agoomoo,” consists of a dried extract of
the juice—Pharmacentical Fournal, August 1, 1885,.

p. 105.

Phyllanthus Niruri,L.—Annual. In India this spe-
cies, together with P. urinaria, L., are held in con-
siderable repute by the natives as diuretics, and as
such are much employed in dropsical affections,
gonorrhea, &c., but they do not appear to possess any
special claims to notice.——‘ Pharmacopceia of India,”
Waring, p. 205.

Distribution: Common in Tropical Africa.

African Oak or African Teak (Oldjieldta africana,
Bth.).—Large tree. The wood is extremely heavy,.
and is imported into this country from the West Coast
of Africa for ship-building purposes. It is very useful
for beams, keelsons, waterways, shelf-pieces, &c., and
particularly in steamboats, as it will stand a great.
degree of heat in the wake of fires where there is a
free current of air; but when in confined situations it
decays rapidly. The heart-wood does not escape
the attacks of large larve, or from being perforated

414 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

by teredos—‘Treasury of Botany,’ Lindley and
Moore.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

lle (Uapaca Heudelotii, Baill.)—The fruit has a plea-
sant flavour somewhat resembling that of a medlar,
and is known by the natives of Bonny as “Ile.”—
‘ Niger Expedition,’ Coll. Mr. Barter, Kew Museum.

Fatropha multifida, .—Ornamental shrub. The
seeds are powerfully purgative and emetic. In Brazil
an oil called “Pinhoen” is extracted from them and
is used as an emetic.—‘ Materia Medica of Western
India,” Dymock, p. 573.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Physic Nut, Mocassit Seeds (Fatropha Curcas,
L.).—A_ soft-wooded evergreen shrub. The seeds
are occasionally used by Hindu physicians as a
purgative and alterative, but are said to have a very
uncertain action. An oil obtained from them is
considered to be a valuable external application in
itch, herpes, and chronic rheumatism, and is also used
for burning. The leaves are applied as a rubefacient
and discutient, and warmed and rubbed with castor-
oil are used as a suppurative. A viscid juice ob-
tained from the stem by incision is painted over cuts
and wounds to check bleeding and promote healing.
In Goa the root-bark is applied externally in
rheumatism. A sample of the seeds of this species

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 415

imported from Western Africa under the name of
“ Mocassit ” are shown in the Kew Museum.
Distribution : Found here and there in Guinea.

Manioc, Mandioc, Cassava, Cassada (Manihot
wtzlisstma, Pohl.)—Herbaceous or semi-shrubby pe-
rennial, with very large cylindrical, tapering yellow-
ish roots, reaching as much as three feet long and six”
to nine inches in diameter, and filled with a poisonous
milky juice. This plant is universally cultivated in
West Tropical Africa for its roots, known as Bitter
Cassava, and which are difficult to distinguish from the
Sweet Cassava ((Zanihot Api, Pohl.), but it is devoid
of the tough, fibrous, or woody portions found in the
centre of that root, and does not become soft like it
in boiling or roasting. Cassava meal is obtained by
subjecting the grated root to pressure to express the
juice, and then drying and pounding the residual
cake. Of this meal Cassava bread is made. Cassava
starch or Tapioca meal is the meal deposited from
the expressed juice of the roots after having been
washed and dried in the air without heat. The sauce
called Cassareep is made from the juice concentrated
by heat, which dissipates its poisonous properties, and
afterwards flavoured with aromatics. West Indian
“Pepper Pot” is composed of Cassareep mixed with
peppers and meat.—‘ Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley and
Trimen, No. 235.

Distribution: Cultivated in Western Tropical Africa,

416 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Sweet Cassava (Manihot Aipi, Pohl.).—This plant
resembles the Bitter Cassava in external appearance,
but differs from it in being non-poisonous, and may
be eaten with impunity. In the West Indies it is a
common article of food when boiled or roasted, and
is also eaten in some parts of South America. When
boiled it is as mealy as a potato. The expressed
juice of this root when fermented constitutes the
intoxicating liquor drunk by the Indians, and called
Piwarry. Cassava meal and bread and Cassava
starch and tapioca are prepared from the Sweet as
well as from the Bitter Cassava Root.—‘ Medicinal
Plants, Bentley and Trimen, No. 235.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

(Acalypha indica, L.).—Small plant. The expressed
juice of the leaves is in great repute in India as an
emetic for children, and is safe, certain and speedy in
its action; it is also highly spoken of as an ex-
pectorant, being especially useful in the bronchitis of
children. A cataplasm of the leaves is favourably
spoken of as a local application to syphilitic ulcers,
and to relieve pain and irritation attendant on the
bites of venomous insects. The root is purgative—
‘ Pharmacopceia of India,’ Waring, p. 205.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Castor Oil (Ricinus communis, L.).—A very vari-
able plant, both in habit and appearance. In tropical
countries it forms a tree reaching forty feet high, and

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 4l7

in warm temperate regions is a slender, woody, branch-
ing bush of twelve to fourteen feet. In England it
forms a very large branched bush four to five feet
high. The oil known in commerce as Castor-oil is
obtained from the seeds. It is a mild and most
efficient purgative, and in fact is one of the most
reliable purgatives we possess for the relief of ob-
stinate constipation; it has also been strongly
recommended as an eliminant in malignant cholera.
In India, Algeria, &c., this oil has been used for
burning in lamps, and the inferior qualities are also
employed in India for soap-making. Formerly the
seeds were used as a purgative, but on account of
their violent action are not now administered. The
leaves have been recommended, in the form of a
decoction or poultice, as an application to the breasts
of women to increase the secretion of milk. The
decoction has also been reputed to act as a lacta-
gogue and emmenogogue when administered in-
ternally—‘ Medicinal Plants, Bentley and Trimen,
No. 237.
Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

Bomah Nut (Pycnocoma macrophylla, Bth.)—Small
tree. The fruits are used in Natal for tanning
purposes. The Bomah Nut, which is extensively
cultivated by the natives near the Victoria Falls, and
is also found in the Shire Valley, is a species of

Vitex, and yields an abundance of a sweet bland oil
2E

418 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

much used in native cookery—Kew Museum. The
Technologist, May 1, 1864, p. 475.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

URTICACEA,

Maconia of Congo, Deiamba, Hemp, &c. (Cannabis
sativa, L.).—Annual from three to ten feet high,
cultivated in various parts of the world for its in-
valuable fibre. It is found, however, that the Hemp
plant grown in tropical countries produces less
valuable fibres than the plant of colder latitudes, but
that the former is far more active as an intoxicating
and medicinal agent from secreting a much larger
quantity of the narcotic resin. In the East various
forms and preparations of this plant are enormously
used for smoking, with or without tobacco, or by
swallowing them in combination with other substances,
er by infusion in water, &c. Gunjah, Bhang, and
Churrus are the principal forms of hemp found in
India. In Arabia it is largely employed for similar
purposes under the name of Hashish or Hashash.
Deiamba, or Tobacco of Congo, is said to grow wild
in the marshy districts of the Congo or Zaire. The
flowers when dried are used for smoking, and soon
produce a narcotic effect. The plant is well known
to the Portuguese inhabitants of the African Coasts,
who use it partly as an article of luxury and partly
as a medicine. Hemp-seed is used for feeding birds,

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 419

and when submitted to pressure yields about 25 per
cent. of a fixed oil, which is employed as a varnish
and for other purposes. Hemp fibre is principally
obtained from Russia, but the best is produced in
Italy. Inferior hemp is also obtained from the
United States and India, Its chief uses are for
cordage, sacking, and sail-cloths. In 1873, 1,251,000
cwt. were imported into this country.— Medicinal
Plants,’ Bentley and Trimen, vol. iv., No. 231; ‘Phar-
maceutical Journal,’ vol. ix., 1849, p. 143.
Distribution : Cultivated in Upper Guinea, &c.

Roko, Iroko or Odum Tree (Chlorophora excelsa,
Bth. & Hook. f.).—The wood, which has a finely-
mottled grain, is much used in Western Africa for
building purposes, on account of its resisting the
attacks of white ants——‘Museum Guide, Royal
Gardens, Kew.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Ficus asperifolia, Mig.—The leaves are much used
by the natives of Zanzibar, under the name of
“Ursasa,” for polishing sticks, to which they give a
very fine finish; they have recently been tried in
England, but will not compete with the finest glass-
paper.—Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Liberian Rubber (Ficus [ Urostigma Vogelit, Miq.]):
—Tree twenty to thirty feet high. To obtain the
2E 2

420 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

rubber the trees are tapped when about five years old,
by making gashes or incisions in the trunk ; the juice
then exudes and is collected in vessels, the gum being
separated from the sap by the use of acids ; it is then
made into balls of about the size of a large orange.
In order to obtain as large a yield of juice as possible
the natives pollard the trees when at a height of ten
to twelve feet, and cut back the branches to prevent
the strength being used up in growth. This causes
a free and regular flow of sap. The rubber obtained
from this tree is valued in the London market (1878)
at Is. 6a. per pound, and if sent home clean would no
doubt command a higher price—‘ New Commercial
Plants, Christy, No. 2, 1878, p. 10; ‘Report of the
Royal Gardens at Kew,’ 1878, p. 39.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

African Bread Fruit, or Okwa of Western Africa
(Treculia africana, Dec.)—Tall tree. The fruit is
about a foot in diameter, having numerous seeds
buried in a spongy substance. The seeds are ground
into a meal and used as food by the natives.—
‘ Dictionary of Economic Plants,’ Smith, p. 62.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Cork-wood (Musanga Smithii, Br.) Tree—The
wood is extremely light, and is used as cork by the
Europeans on the Sierra Leone Coast. The fruits
are edible—Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 421

HYDROCHARIDE.E.

Vallisneria spiralis, L.—Aquatic perennial herb
used in India by sugar refiners. The sugar is covered
with a layer of the leaves, and the moisture from them
drains slowly through the sugar, carrying with it the
dark-coloured masses. Every several days the leaves
are replaced by fresh ones, until the whole mass ts
refined, when it is dried in the sun——‘ Useful Plants
of India, Drury, p. 374.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

ORCHIDE,

Vanilla planifolia, And—The Kew Museum con-
tains a bracelet said to be made of the roots of this
plant, which is also the source of the vanilla pods of
commerce. It was collected by Gustav Mann in
West Tropical Africa.

SCITAMINEA,

Turmeric (Curcuma longa, L.).—Perennial herb.
The rootstock or tubers form the turmeric of commerce,
of which there are two sorts, known as the round and
the long ; but both are the produce of the same plant.
Turmeric is not now used as a remedial agent, but is
introduced into the Pharmacopceias as a test of the
presence of alkalis. It is also employed as a condi-

422 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

ment, and is a constituent of the well-known curry
powder, and of many other articles of Indian cookery.
Turmeric is likewise used for dyeing wool, silk, &c.,
and is occasionally employed in pharmacy for colour-
ing ointments and other preparations.—‘ Medicinal
Plants,’ Bentley and Trimen, vol. iv., No. 269.
Distribution : Cultivated in West Tropical Africa.

Grains of Paradise, Guinea Grains, Melegueta
Pepper (Amomum Melegueta, Roscoe).—Herbaceous
perennial. The seeds are of a hard texture and have
a shining golden brown or reddish brown colour, and
are marked with a somewhat beak-shaped hilum of a
paler hue than the rest of the seed ; when crushed
and rubbed between the fingers their odour is feebly
aromatic, and their taste very pungent and burning.
The principal constituents of grains of paradise are a
volatile oil, resin, and starch, and their properties are
due to the resin and volatile oil which are essentially
contained in the seed-coats. The pungency depends
upon the resin. These seeds were formerly regarded
in this country as very injurious, but this idea is quite
erroneous. In Africa they are esteemed as the most
wholesome of spices, and are generally used by the
natives to season their food ; and in Great Britain and
the United States of America they are chiefly used in
the preparation of cattle medicines, and to give
pungency to cordials, and also to give an artificial
strength to spirits, wine, beer and vinegar. Their

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 423

chief export is from the Gold Coast, and principally

from the stations of Cape Coast Castle and Accra.

The exports average nearly 2,000 cwt. annually,

nearly half coming to Great Britain.—‘ Medicinal

Plants, Bentley and Trimen, vol. iv., No. 268.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Amomum citratum, Per.—The seeds of this species
are angular, oblong, of a shining brownish yellow
colour, are larger than the Malabar cardamoms, and
have a large concave depression at one extremity ;
they have a warm aromatic flavour, and when crushed
give off an odour somewhat analogous to that of
lemon-grass oil (Andropogon). In Gabon the natives
use them as an excitant and vermifuge.—‘ Pharma-
ceutical Journal,’ vol. ix., 1850, p. 313; ‘Catalogue
des Produits des Colonies Frangaises, Exposition
Universelle de 1867,’ p. 105.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Large or Grape-seeded Amomum (A momum lati-
Folium, Afz.).—This species commonly grows on the
outskirts of thickets and amid the long grass on the
elevated slopes in the vicinity of Kongo-town and
Kissy, Sierra Leone, and consequently has obtained
the title of the “ grass-field Obro” among the Ako
colonists. It is indigenous to the Foulah, Soosu and
Timneh countries, and is scattered throughout the
intermediate regions northward as far as the River
Gambia, where it abundantly flourishes at Koto and

424 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Jesswon, near Cape St. Mary’s. Among the Timnehs
it is called “ Mabubu” or “ Egbubu,” while the Soosus
term it Goguoi. Afzelius remarks that the root and
entire plant are employed as medicinal agents by the
native populations, principally to remove the debility
which follows fevers. With this object they boil the
plant, together with the leaves of Morinda citrifolia,
L., and with the decoction wash the body every
morning. The acid pulp is also used to relieve the
thirst in febrile diseases, or when induced by long
journeys.—‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol. xvi, 1857,

p. 470.

Black Amomum, Obro-duddu of Yoruba, &c.
(Amomum escapum, Sims)—In favourable localities
this Amomum attains a height of eight or ten feet.
Under the name of “ Massa amquona,” Afzelius states
that the leaves and stems are endowed with the finest
aroma, both in respect to scent and taste. The seeds
are enveloped in a whitish pulp, free from acidity, are
numerous, and of a shining brown colour; they are
extremely hot, peppery, and camphoraceous, and
when chewed in any quantity leave a cool sensation
on the palate like some of the oils of mint. Among
the native tribes every portion of the plant is rendered
available for medicinal purposes. A decoction of the
roots, leaves, &c., is frequently used in colic, diarrhcea,
dysentery, and other gastro-enteritic affections. The
pulverised seeds applied to the temples constitute a

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 425

favourite mode of relieving headache and certain
forms of ophthalmia; they have also been used as a
substitute for cardamoms, as a carminative and stimu-
lant in flatulent colic, dyspepsia, visceral irritations,
and as an adjunct with purgatives, and with results
uniformally favourable‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’
vol. xvi. 1857, p. 467.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Yellow Amomum, Massa-aba of the Timnehs,
Obro-wawa of Yorubas, Longouze of Madagascar
(Amomum Danielli, Hook. f.).—This plant differs
more or less in development, according to the elevation
at which it exists. It flourishes in a swampy situa-
tion, but in mountainous localities the reduction in its
size is considerable. The pulp of the fruit is eaten
with avidity by the negro races of Guinea for its
agreeable acid flavour and refrigerant qualities. The
women and children of the Timneh and Soosu
countries often wander in the woods in search of the
ripe capsules, both for edible purposes and as an
ingredient for some of their medicinal decoctions.
The roots and entire plant are also used by them in
medicine.—‘ Pharmaceutical Journal, vol. xvi. 1857,
p. 511.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Swamp or Water Amomum Parlancunpon (Man-
dingo), Massa-egbané (Timneh), Kumbulu (Soosu),
(Amomum palustre, Afz.)—This species is usually

426 FORESTRV OF WEST AFRICA.

limited to swampy lowlands or margins of lagoons,
and seldom attains six feet in height. The portions
of the plant held mostly in requisition by the negroes
are the seeds, which are employed more as an article
of perfumery than of medicine. The Timneh women
pulverise the fresh seeds between two stones, and
when reduced to a fine powder triturate with Bamba-
tulu or Donah Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii, Kot-
schy), and then use it toanoint their bodies. Afzelius
states that the powdered seeds are applied to the
forehead, temples and neck in pains of the head. It
may however be considered doubtful whether this is
their legitimate use, as the native doctors invariably
prefer the pungent and peppery seeds of Amomum
Melegueta or A. escapum for rubefacient purposes——
‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol. xvi. 1857, p. 513.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale, Roscoe).—Perennial
herb. The dried rhizomes of this plant are known
as ginger. Two forms enter into commerce and are
respectively termed uncoated or scraped ginger, and
coated or unscraped ginger ; the latter is alone official
in the British and Indian Pharmacopceias. For the
preparation of the uncoated or scraped ginger the
rhizomes are dug up when about a year old, then
washed and scraped so as to remove their cortical
integument or skin, after which they are dried in the
sun; this kind has been sometimes termed ‘“ white

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 427

ginger.” The coated or unscraped sort is similarly
prepared, excepting that the rhizomes are unscraped ;
this is sometimes called Black Ginger. The varieties
now commonly found in British commerce are
Jamaica, Cochin, Bengal, and African. The African
is a coated ginger; but the three others are scraped
or uncoated. Ginger is used in medicine as a stimu-
lant, aromatic, and carminative, and as a rubefacient
to relieve toothache and headache; it is also ex-
tensively used as a condiment, and is sometimes
imported in a green state. Preserved ginger of the
shops is prepared by carefully picking the young
rhizomes or the young shoots of the old rhizomes,
which after being washed and scraped are preserved
in jars with syrup—‘ Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley and
Trimen, vol. 'iv., 270.
Distribution: Upper Guinea. (Cultivated.)

Costus afer, Ker—The plant is used by the natives
of Sierra Leone as a specific againt nausea—Kew
Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea, L.).—Herbaceous
perennial, valued for its rhizomes, from which a starch
is extracted known as Arrowroot. The process of
extraction adopted in Jamaica is as follows. The
rhizomes are dug up, well washed in water, and then
beaten to a pulp in large deep wooden mortars, and
thrown into a large tub of clean water ; the whole is

428 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

then well stirred and the fibrous parts wrung out by
hand and thrown away, the milky liquor is afterwards
pressed through a hair sieve or coarse cloth and
allowed to settle, the clear water being drained off.
At the bottom of the vessel is left a white mass of
starch which is again mixed with clean water and
drained ; lastly the mass is dried on sheets in the sun
and is pure starch. The rhizomes yield about one-
fifth of their weight of starch. Arrowroot or Maranta
starch is white, odourless and tasteless, and enters
commerce either in the form of a powder, or of more
or less aggregated masses which rarely exceed a pea
in size. Arrowroot possesses demulcent and nutritious
properties, and is a valuable demulcent in bowel
complaints and diseases of the urinary organs, and
is also an agreeable article of food. The mashed
rhizomes have been employed by the South American
Indians and others to counteract the effects of wounds
caused by poisoned arrows. The expressed juice has
also been stated to be an antidote to poisons taken
into the stomach, and to the bites of venomous insects
and reptiles.—‘ Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley and Trimen,
vol. iv., No. 265.
Distribution: Cultivated in West Tropical Africa.

Katémfe or Katemphe of the Akoos and other
Yoruba tribes, Miraculous fruit of the Soudan
(Thaumatococcus [Phrynium Danielli, Bennett]).—
The fruits of this plant are commonly used by the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 429

natives of Sierra Leone to render sweet and palat-
able an acidulated kind of bread called Aggadé,
prepared from maize, sour fruit and bad palm wine.
The seeds are enveloped in a thick viscid mucilage,
which contains the dulcificant property ; when this
substance is placed in contact with the tongue an
indescribable yet intense degree of dulcidity is im-
mediately conveyed to the palate, the influence of
it remaining unimpaired for a considerable period.
Under this abnormal effect sour oranges and every
species of unripe fruit, however acid or austere they
may be, become transmuted into a pleasant and
delicious sweetness,—‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol.
xiv., 1855, p. 159.
Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Banana (Musa sapientum, L.).—Perennial, with a
stem four to fifteen or more feet high, and usually
marked with purple spots. The fruit is three to
six inches long, with yellowish flesh, a thinner skin
and a more fragrant odour than that of the Plaintain,
and fit to eat without cooking. In many parts of the
world this fruit forms the chief article of food and is
very nutritious. The leaves afford a valuable fibre,
which is fine, white, silky, long, light and strong, and
is said to make a good paper and to bear ink without
being sized. The quality of the fibre depends in a
very great measure upon the mode of cultivation and
preparation.—‘ Spon’s Encyclopedia of the Industrial

430 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Arts, Manufactures and Commercial Products,’ p.
983, &c.

Distribution : Cultivated in the Cape Verd Archi-
pelago.

Musa sp—According to Mr. Barter the strung
seeds of a species of AZusa are worn round the wrist
by the natives of Sierra Leone to prevent sickness.—
Kew Museum.

BROMELIACE,

Pine Apple (Azanas sativa, L.).—Perennial, culti-
vated in various parts of the world for its well-known
fruits. The West Indies is the chief seat of Pine
Apple culture, and is mostly carried on in Eleuthera,
Abacos, and San Salvadcr. Two kinds are grown—
“ Sugar-loaf,” the best, principally shipped to Eng-
land ; and Spanish, or “Red Pine,” for the American
market. New York in 1879 imported 2,740,002, of
which 26 per cent. perished. In 1874 the value of
the total shipments from the West Indies was
£40,066. Pine Apples grown in the Azores are
much finer than West Indian, and are more carefully
packed. Great quantities of this fruit are produced
in Assam, and the gardens of Malacca and Singapore
yield enormous specimens; but these do not enter
into commerce. Fruit for exportation is gathered
while green, and allowed to ripen during the voyage
Large quantities of the canned fruit now arrive from

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 431

the West Indies. The leaves yield a valuable fibre,
which is woven into textile fabrics in the Philippines,
Singapore, and Malacca. The fibre intended for
similar purposes is a large article of commerce
between Singapore and China. Fishing-lines and
ropes are made of this fibre ; and in Bengal the leaves
are retted for four or five days, and the fibres are
converted into twine, which is used by local shoe-
makers. The fibre works “wet” in pulping; but
makes a good strong paper, which bears ink well.—
‘ Spon’s Encyclopedia of the Industrial Arts, Manu-
factures and Commercial Products, pp. 918 and
1027.
Distribution : Cultivated in Upper Guinea.

HA4MODORACEA,

African Bowstring Hemp, Blaw of Akkrah (Saz-
seviera guineensis, Willd.),—Stemless perennial plant,
having lance-shaped leaves from one to four feet long,
and three to four inches wide. The natives of
Akkrah prepare a useful fibre from this plant in the
following manner. With the view of obtaining fibre
of the length necessary for their purposes they select
the exterior or largest leaves in preference to the’
others; these in the first instance are well beaten
between two stones, then placed in water or in holes
dug out of the ground, and closely covered over with
moist soil for three days ; at the expiration of this

432 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

period the mass has become fully softened, and is
removed and subjected to another pounding in order
to dissever the fibres from the pulpy portions of the
leaves, and is then thoroughly cleansed in fresh water
and dried in the sun; it is subsequently made up for
sale in small bundles containing each about a dozen
lesser portions twisted at one end, and seldom ex-
ceeding a foot in length, and of a light brown hue.
The natives use this fibre in the manufacture of
fishing-lines, nets, thread, and other kinds of cordage,
and consider them to be better capable of resisting
the destructive action of continual immersions in
sea-water than other vegetable substances similarly
prepared.— Pharmaceutical Journal, vol. xii, 1852,
p. 130, &c.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.
TRIDE,

Barca (/ridee).—The corms of a species of [ridea,
together with bitter cola, onions, &c., are, according
to Mr. Venn, reduced to a powder by beating or
grinding, and then drunk with lime juice or warm
water as a vermifuge in Sierra Leone. Mr. Barter
also mentions a species of /ridee as being used
medicinally in Sierra Leone.—Kew Museum.

TACCACEA.

Tacca involucrata, S. and T.—Perennial herb. The

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 433

tubers are edible, and from them a starch is prepared
by the natives of the West Coast of Africa—Kew
Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

DIOSCOREACEA:

Yam (Dioscorea sativa, L.)—Climbing plant, ex-
tensively cultivated in Asia, Africa and America for
its tuberous root, which is flat and palmated, about a
foot in breadth, white, within, and externally of a
dark-brown colour, almost approaching to black: it
is nutritious, of a good flavour, and is eaten either
roasted or boiled as a substitute for bread, and
somewhat resembles the potato, but is of a closer
texture.—‘ Vegetable Substances Used for the Food
of Man, Lankester, p. 167.

Distribution : Cultivated in Sierra Leone.

White Bockra or Winged Yam (Dioscorea alata, L.).
—-Square-stemmed climbing plant. The roots of
this species afford a much more delicate and agreeable
food than those of D. sativa, and on account of their
lightness and easy digestion are preferred to bread by
many of the inhabitants of the West Indies. There
are several varieties, distinguished principally by the
size and shape of the roots, all of which, if well dried
in the sun and covered with ashes or sand, or put
into casks, will keep well in a dry situation for

2F

434 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

many months.—‘ Hortus Jamaicensis, Lunan, vol. ii,
P. 309.
Distribution : Cultivated in Sierra Leone.

Yam (Dioscorea sp.)—Dried slices of the root of
a species of Yam are sold in the markets of Tsadda
for making a favourite dish of the natives—Kew
Museum. Coll. Dr. Baikie.

LILIACEA.

Smilax sp.—The seeds of an unknown species of
Smilax are used by the natives of Lagos to make
bird-lime.—Kew Museum. Coll., Mr. Barter.

Aloe spp.—The negroes of Western Africa are
said to make nets and cord of fibre obtained
from various species of A/oe.—‘ Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore.

Gloriosa superba, L.—Climbing plant. In Hindu
medicine a paste-made from the fresh root is used in
childbirth ; sometimes the application is made to the
palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The starch
obtained from the root by washing is given internally
in gonorrhcea. A small piece of the root is said to
be a certain remedy for worms in cattle. The plant
is supposed to be poisonous.—‘ Materia Medica of
Western India,’ Dymock, p. 677.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 435

FLAGELLARIE.

Flagellaria indica, L.—Perennial. The leaves of
this plant are said to be astringent and vulnerary.—
‘Lindley’s Vegetable Kingdom, p. 188.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

JUNCACE.

Funcus acutus, L.—Glabrous herb. The culms are
extensively used for making chair bottoms, hassocks,
mats, baskets, etc., and the pith is used as wicks for
“rushlights” or night candles‘ Domestic Botany,
Smith, p. 130.

Distribution : Cape Verd Islands.

PALMA,

Podococcus Barteri, M. and W.—Slender palm, five
to eight feet high. The fruits are edible-—‘ Treasury
of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Sclerosperma Mannii, Wend|.—Stemless palm: The
leaves are used by the natives for roofing and con-
structing the walls of huts, being tied between the
petioles of Raphia—‘On the Palms of Western
Tropical Africa,’ Mann and Wendland; ‘ Transactions
of the Linnean Society,’ vol. xxiv., p. 426.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

436 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Phenix spinosa, Thon.—According to Mr. Barter
the natives of Yoruba and Nupe dye the leaves
yellow, black with iron and charcoal, and red with
liquala of Dawa (Sorghum vulgare, Pers.). The very
young leaflets before the leaves expand are used for
the plaiting of hats and caps at Accra. Wine is
obtained from this species, and the fruits are much
liked by the natives—‘ On the Palms of Western
Tropical Africa,” Mann and Wendland (as above),
p. 426, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Date Palm (Phenix dactylifera, L.).—A jigidah or
waistband said to be made of the seeds of the Date
Palm from Sierra Leone is exhibited in the Kew
Museum.

Calamus sp.—According to Mr. Barter the stems
of a species of Calamus are prepared for basket-
making by the natives on the Niger.—Kew Museum.

Ukot of Old Calabar (Raphia Hookeri, M. and W.).
—tThe pleasant taste of the wine obtained from this
palm has caused the natives of Old Calabar to
cultivate it. The wine is procured by cutting out
the terminal inflorescence as soon as it makes its
appearance; the wine is then produced in large
quantities. The natives also manufacture cloths,
&c., from the epidermis of the leaflets, and the
natives on the Sherboro make hammocks from it, as

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 437

J

well as all sorts of basket-work, mats, &c. The leaves
are also used for roofing —‘ On the Palms of Western
Tropical Africa, Mann and Wendland (as above),
page.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, and cultivated.

Raphia Welwitschit, Wend|.—The epidermis of the
leaflets is used by the natives of South West Tropical
Africa in the manufacture of cloths, &c.—‘On the
Palms of Western Tropical Africa,’ Mann and Wend-
land (as above), p. 425.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Bamboo Palm (Raphia vinifera, Beauv.)—The
petioles of this palm are employed as poles on which
to carry palanquins, and roofing made of the leaflets
is said to last for three years. A loom formed of
the petioles from the Gold Coast, and a broom made
of the midribs of the leaves from Sierra Leone are
shewn in the Kew Museum, as are also some neatly
made baskets of the leaves, collected by the Niger
Expedition. The seeds are occasionally imported
into this country as oil seeds—‘On the Palms of
Western Tropical Africa,’ Mann and Wendland (as
above), p. 425. Kew Museum.

Distribution: Upper Guinea,

Ancistrophyllum secundifiorum, M. and W. (Calamus
secundiflorus, Beauv.).—The Bafan people take large
quantities of Ancistrophyllum with them as food

438 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

when they go into the hills of Sierra del Crystal to
procure the rubber. For this purpose they select the
extremities of the stem, cutting off the leaves to
make the bundles more portable; whe required for
use they simply roast the whole in the fire and then
eat the soft central part, which is, however, rather
bitter and tough to persons not accustomed to such
primitive fare—‘On the Palms of Western Tropical
Africa” Mann and Wendland (as above), p. 425.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Palmyra or Black Run Palm, Sibboo Colono of
Gambia, etc. (Borassus flabelliformis, L. [B. ethiopum,
Mart.]).—Tree attaining from sixty to seventy feet
high. The uses to which this palm is applied are
manifold. The young germinating bud: is cooked
and eaten as a vegetable by the Nupe people, who
call it Morintshi; and it is likewise used in Ceylon
under the name of Kelingoos. Toddy is procured
from the spathes in very large quantities in India,
and also in Ceylon, where it is extensively used as
yeast by the bakers; large quantities of it are also
converted into vinegar, but by far the greatest quan-
tity is boiled down for jaggery or sugar. The leaves
and cuticle of the leaves are used wherever the tree is
found for thatching purposes and for making baskets,
‘mats, hammocks, and various other articles. The
hollowed-out stems are used in India as water-pipes,
and split in half, for gutters and open water channels.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 439

The hard outer wood is used for posts, rafters, and
other purposes, and is imported into Europe for
the manufacture of umbrella-handles, walking-sticks,
rulers, fancy-boxes, &c.—‘ Popular History of Palms,’
Seemann, p. 100, &c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Doum Palm of Egypt, or Gingerbread Tree (Ay phene
Thebaica, Mart. [H. guineensis, Thon.])—Tree about
thirty feet high. The wood is used in Africa for
various domestic purposes. The rind of the fruit is
eaten, and the seeds turned into beads for rosaries.
—‘ Popular History of Palms,’ Seemann, p. 214.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

African Oil Palm (Eleds guineensis, Jacq.)——This
palm attains a height of from twenty to thirty feet,
and is the source of the celebrated palm oil. The
natives use the oil which is obtained from the
mesocarp of the fruit very largely in their food, and
for oiling their bodies. The Bubis or Boobees of
the Island of Fernando Po make an excellent poultice
of it, which they apply when the hand of any person
found guilty of adultery has, in accordance with the
usage of these people, been cut off. Among the
more civilized natives this oil is used in the manu-
facture of soap and for lighting their huts, but for this
latter purpose the oil from the kernel is generally
preferred. The harvest of nuts fit for use is biennial,
but the chief quantity of commercial oil is obtained

440 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

from nuts gathered during the rainy season. The
kernels now form a distinct article of trade not less
important than the oil itself. 27,873 tons were
shipped from Lagos in 1878; 100,000 tons from
Sierra Leone in 1870; 104 tons from the Gambia
in 1877, and 87 tons and g1 bags in 1878. The meal
left after the expression of the oil from the kernels
is one of the most valuable fat-producing foods for
cattle. The industrial applications of the oil in
Great Britain are for the manufacture of candles
and soap, and in the manufacture of tin-plate in
South Wales and elsewhere. For this latter purpose
its non-drying qualities render it valuable as a
preservative of the surfaces of the heated iron sheet
from oxidation, until the moment of dipping into the
bath of melted tin, the sheets being rapidly trans-
ferred to that’ from the hot oil bath—which consists
almost entirely of palm oil. The softest, purest and
most neutral oil is preferred for this purpose, and the
kind known as Lagos is much used therefor. The
exports of palm oil from Lagos were 3,304,967
gallons, value £239,133, in 1877; and 1,570,638 gallons,
value £139,094, in 1878. Elais wine, a drink much
liked by the natives of Western Africa, is obtained by
cutting off the male flower-spike. The Europeans use
it as yeast for making bread. The main nerves of the
exterior of the pinna, and the exterior of the petiole, are
used for basket-work, for brooms, &c. At S. Paul de
Loango the fibre at the base of the leaves, and also

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 441

that of the spathe, is used for stuffing cushions, &c.
The soft centre of the upper part of the stem,
consisting of the undeveloped petioles, is much
relished as a vegetable. Finger-rings, bracelets,
necklaces and other ornaments are cut from the
endocarp of the seed.—‘On the Palms of Western
Africa, Mann and Wendland ; ‘Transactions of the
Linnean Society, vol. xxiv. p. 424; ‘Spon’s Ency-
clopedia of the Industrial Arts, Manufactures and
Commercial Products,’ pp. 1359 and 1407, &c.
Distribution : All along the Coast.

Cocoa-nut (Cocos nucifera,L.)—This palm has a
cylindrical trunk, sometimes as much as two feet in
diameter, and attaining the height of sixty to one
hundred feet. Every part of the tree is put to some
useful purpose. The wood is commercially known as
Porcupine wood, and is used in India for rafters and
ridge poles, house-posts, and other building purposes,
also for spear-handles, walking-sticks, and fancy
work. The leaves are used for thatching, and the net
of fibres at the base of the petioles is made into bags
and paper, and is used in Ceylon for straining Toddy.
The cut flower-stalks yield Toddy, which is fermented
or made into sugar. The kernels of the nuts are
eaten, and the sweet fluid of the young nut is a
pleasant drink. The thick fibrous rind of the fruit
affords “Coir” fibre, which is used for ropes, mats,
&c.; and the shell of the nut is made into spoons, cups,

442 FORESTRY OF IWEST AFRICA.

&c., and is often very beautifully carved ; while the
oil obtained from the fruit is an important article of
trade, and is used for burning, for cooking, and in the
manufacture of candles and soap. In fact the uses
of the cocoa-nut tree are innumerable.—‘ A Manual of
Indian Timbers,’ Gamble, p. 422, &c.

Distribution: Cultivated on the West Coast of
Africa.

PANDANE.

Pandanus sp.—The split leaves of a species of
Pandanus are used on the Niger for making pouches,
specimens of which are in the Kew Museum.

TYPHACEA,

Typha angustifolia, L—Aquatic plant. The Kew
Museum contains a specimen of fibre prepared from
this plant in Melbourne ; it is said to be a first-rate
paper material. A specimen of paper made from
this fibre, and a sample of down obtained from the
plant, and said to be used in Victoria, Australia, for
stuffing beds, cushions, &c., are also in the Museum.

' Distribution : Upper Guinea.

AROIDE.

Pistia stratiotes, L.—Aquatic plant, considered by
the Hindus to be cooling and demulcent, and is

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 443

prescribed in cases of dysuria. The leaves are made
into a poultice for the piles. The ashes are applied
to ringworm of the scalp, and in some parts of
India are known as “ Pana salt.” —‘ Materia Medica of
Western India,’ Dymock, p. 661.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Taro (Colocasia antiquorum, Schott [Caladium
esculentum, Vent.]).—The pressed juice of the petioles
of this Aroid is highly styptic, and is said to arrest
arterial hemorrhage. In Bengal the leaves and
petioles are eaten by the natives. The young leaves
may be eaten like spinach, but like the root they
require to be well cooked in order to destroy the
acridity peculiar to Aroidaceous plants; the leaves
also afford a fibre, and the corms a starch. A con-
siderable number of varieties are cultivated in India.
—‘ The Useful Plants of-India, Drury, p. 154, &c.

Distribution : Cultivated in Upper Guinea.

CYPERACE.

Motha of the Hindus (Cyperus rotundus, L. [C.
hexastachyus, Rottb.])—The tubers are sweet and
slightly aromatic, and are sold in the Indian bazaars.
They are used by perfumers on account of their
fragrance, and also in medicine as a tonic and stimu-
lant, and have been employed in the treatment of
cholera; in a fresh state they are given in infusion as

444 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

a demulcent in fevers, and are also used in dysentery
and diarrhea. Hogs are very fond of the tubers,
and cattle eat the culms. In Ceylon the roots are
used in medicine under the name of “ Kallandooroo,”
and also in Japan, where they are known as “ Hama-
sugi.”—‘ The Useful Plants of India, Drury, p. 173 ;
Kew Museum.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Adouro root of West Indies (Cyperus articulatus,
L.).—An infusion of the roots is occasionally em-
ployed to check irritability of the stomach in the
endemic fever of the West Indies—Kew Museum.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Cyperus exaltatus, Retz—This plant yields a fibre.
—‘Economic Products of India,’ Watt, vol. i. part
iii., No. 75.

Distribution : St. Thomas.

Papyrus (Cyperus Papyrus, L.).—This plant afforded
the substance used as paper by the ancient Egyptians,
The paper was made from thin slices cut vertically
from the apex to the base of the stem, between its
surface and centre; these slices were placed side by
side according to the size required, and then, after
being watered and beaten with a wooden instrument
until smooth, were dressed and dried in the sun.
This species is said to contain about 40 per cent. of
strong fibre, excellent for paper-making, and very
easily bleached. In Madagascar the plant is burnt

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 445

to ashes and mixed with lard, and is made into

an ointment used by the Malagasy doctors under

the name of Zozéro for cuts and bruises.‘ Treasury

of Botany,’ Lindley and Moore; ‘Pharmaceutical

Journal,’ vol. xv., 1856, p. 237; and vol. xi., 1881, p. 854.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Chefa, Chufa or Earth Almond, Tiger or Rush
Nut (Cyperus esculentus, L.)\—Rush attaining three
feet in height. The tubers, which are about the size of
an ordinary bean, may be eaten either raw or cooked.
In Spain they are commonly sold in the markets
for making a refreshing acid drink in hot weather.
For this purpose the tubers are soaked for two days
in water, then pounded, and the liquid frozen. They
are also eaten by the natives of Sierra Leone, and
will yield by expression a mild inodorous oil.—
‘Pharmaceutical Journal, vol. vi, 1876, pp. 748 and
772, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Scirpus maritimus, L.—Marsh plant, one to three
feet high. When fresh it is said to make a fair
forage-—‘ Punjab Plants,’ Dr. Stewart.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

GRAMINEZ.

Kodon of India (Paspalum scrobiculatum, L.).—
Smooth, herbaceous, annual grass, extensively culti-
vated in India by the natives for the grain, which

446 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

forms a cheap article of diet with the poorer classes,
but is not considered wholesome, as it produces
diarrhoea. A curious fact connected with this grass
is its liability to produce a sort of intoxication, which
is vouched for by many authorities. The straw is
given to cattle, and is readily eaten by them, whether
green or dry.—‘ Economic Products of India,’ Watt,
part vi., No. 557, &c.
Distribution : Cape Verd Islands, Upper Guinea.

Fundi, Fundungi or Hungry Rice, Sierra Leone
Millet (Paspalum exile, Kippist)—Slender grass, much
cultivated and esteemed in Sierra Leone and other
places on the African Coast, where it is known by
the Foulahs, Joloffs and other native tribes under
the name of Hungry Rice. When cut down it is tied
up in small sheaves and placed in a dry situation
within the hut. The grain is trodden out with the
feet, and is then parched or dried in the sun, to allow
the more easy removal of the chaff in the process of
pounding, which is performed in wooden mortars ;
it is afterwards winnowed with a kind of cane fanner
or mats. The grain is prepared for food in various
ways; but it should be well washed in cold water and
afterwards washed in boiling water, in which case the
grain will be white and perfectly free from gritty
matter.—‘ Simmonds’s Commercial Products of the
Vegetable Kingdom,’ p. 310.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. “447

Paspalum distichum, Burm.—A creeping swamp
grass. It keeps beautifully green throughout the
year, and affords a sufficiently tender blade for feed.
—‘Select Plants,’ Mueller, p. 157.

Distribution : Upper Guinea, St. Thomas.

Sawan or Sanwan of India (Panicum frumentaceum,
Roxb.).—Annual herbaceous grass. The grain is
wholesome and nourishing, and is a favourite one for
home consumption amongst the poorer classes of
India. The Hindus ‘consider it to be a very pure
grain, and use it for religious offerings in preference to
all others. The stalks are used as fodder for cattle.
—‘Field and Garden Crops of the N. W. Provinces
and Oudh,’ Duthie and Fuller, part ii. p. 3, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea. (Cultivated.)

Panicum sanguinale, L. (P. horizontale, Mey.).—
Annual tufted grass. Stock is said to relish this
grass.—‘ Select Plants,’ Mueller, p. 154.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Many-flowered tall Millet or Guinea Grass (Panicum
maximum, L.).—Perennial grass, attaining the height
of eight feet in the-tropics. It is highly nutritious.—
“Select Plants,’ Mueller, p. 153.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Setaria verticillata, Beauv. (Panicum verticillata, L.).
—Annual grass. Cattle eat it when young, before
the flower spikes are formed. The seeds are eaten

448 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

by small birds—‘ Economic Products of India,’ Watt,
part vi., No. 727.
Distribution : Cape Verd Islands.

Bur Grass of Jamaica (Cenchrus echinatus, L.).—
Annual. This species is considered to be a whole-
some and pleasant food for all sorts of cattle—
‘Hortus Jamaicensis,’ Lunan, p. 126.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Dhaman of Punjab (Pennisetum cenchroides, Rich.).
—This grass is esteemed extremely fattening for cattle.
In the dry parts round Multan the seeds are used by
the natives as food.—‘ Punjab Products,’ Powell, p.
245; ‘Economic Products of India,’ Watt, part vi,

No. 559.
Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

Kous of Gambia, Gero, African Millet, Bajra of
India, &c. (Pennisetum typhotdium, Rich. |Penicillaria
spicata, Willd.])—Tall, erect grass, cultivated in
Western Africa for the grain. On the Gold Coast the
natives reduce it to a fine meal with grinding stones,
and then make it into a kind of bread resembling the
kankie ; it is mostly eaten by the upper ranks, or is
confined in other localities for use at sacred festivities.
At Bathurst the Joloffs and neighbouring races prepare
a favourite dish from this millet, and in Bornou, where
it is known under the name of “gussub,” it is eaten
either raw or after having been parched in the sun;

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 449

bruised and steeped in water it forms the travelling
stock of pilgrims and soldiers. Independently of
an inebriating liquor, another pleasant drink is made
from “gussub,” and is highly prized by travellers for
its tonic and refrigerant properties. Animals and
birds also feed on the seed.‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’
vol. xi., 1852, p. 396, &c.
Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Pennisetum dichotomum, Delil—In Bornou and
other adjacent kingdoms the seeds of this grass are
known under the name of “kasheia,” and are prepared
for food by being denuded of their husks, dried in the
sun and well pounded or bruised, after which they
are converted into a kind of bazeen, or eaten like
rice. In Egypt and Arabia this plant constitutes the
common fodder of camels and asses, and is also
employed to thatch the native huts. Birds are said
to be very partial to the grain.—‘ Pharmaceutical
Journal, vol. xi, 1852, p. 399.

Distribution: Western Africa.

Job’s Tears (Cozx Lachryma, L.).—Erect grass. The
round shining fruits are used as beads for necklaces
in Sierra Leone, and also in other countries where the
plant grows. Its medicinal properties are said to be
strengthening and diuretic.—‘Treasury of Botany,’
Lindley and Moore, &c.

Distribution: Cultivated in Sierra Leone.

2G

450 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Maize, Ebru (Fante), Abblé (Akkrah), Birrie or
Abirrie (Popo), Agbahdo (Yoruba), Beakpa (Bonny),
Ebocboat (Old Calabar), M’bah (Gabon), Massah
(Congo), (Zea Mays, L.)—Annual cane-like grass,
growing to a height of four to five feet. Maize
possesses the nutritive properties of the cereal grains
generally ; but it is especially remarkable amongst
them for its fattening quality, which depends on its
containing a larger amount of fatty matter than any
other of these grains. It is enormously used in warm
countries as we use wheaten flour, and on the West
Coast of Africa is prepared into a kind of bread called
“kankie,” and also a favourite beverage known as
‘“‘pitto,” or “peto.” In India the green cobs are
gathered and cooked like peas or asparagus, and
afford a very agreeable article of food; and the
mature cobs are also roasted and eaten. In South
America a kind of beer called Chica or Maize beer
is made from the grain, and is extensively used.
The finer qualities of Maize starch are largely used as
a substitute for arrowroot, and for making biscuits;
while the lower grades serve for laundry purposes.
Maize also yields a limpid yellowish oil which burns
well and is a good lubricant. The leaves afford a
fibre capable of being spun and woven like flax, and
ultimately a pulp from which a most beautiful paper
can be produced.‘ Pharmaceutical Journal, 1852,
vol. xi, p. 348; ‘Medicinal Plants, Bentley and
Trimen, No. 296; ‘Spon’s Encyclopedia of the

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 451

Industrial Arts, Manufactures and Commercial Pro-
ducts,’ pp. 1475 and 1823, &c.
Distribution : Cultivated largely in W. Africa.

Rice (Oryza sativa, L.)—This plant is cultivated
in various countries of Western Africa. In Haussa,
Nufe, and Yoruba considerable quantities are annually
reared for the native markets. In the vicinity of
Rabbah and other Fellata towns near the confluence
of Tsadda, extensive tracts of land are constantly
irrigated for its production, while the swampy ex-
pansions and fertilized banks of the Kowara and its
tributaries are rendered available for its cultivation.
The Kroo coasts yield the largest amount of this
important grain, and the numerous rivers intersecting
the country between them and the Senegal north-
wards, where it is so plentifully sown as to comprehend
the chief article of food on which the inhabitants of
many localities have to subsist. Converted by the
Fantes into kankie-cakes, and by the Mandingoes into
various preparations, it is considered to be one of the
most healthy and nutritious of farinaceous products
consumed by the natives. In the East, rice is one of
the most important articles of food of the poorer
classes. In India a coarse kind of confection is made
from it and sold in the bazaars, and in many
districts rice-straw is almost the only food which
cattle have. In medicine rice makes an excellent
demulcent refrigerant drink in febrile and inflam-

2G 2

452 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

matory diseases, dysuria, &c.; and poultices of it are
often used, and form an excellent substitute for lin-
seed meal. Starch is an important product of rice, and
sometimes has a percentage of as much as 85 per
cent. In Japan a spirit known under the name of
“Sake” is very extensively distilled from this grain,
and forms an important article of commerce of that
country.—‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol. xi, 1852,
p. 400; ‘The Useful Plants of India,’ Drury, p.
321, &e.

Distribution : Generally cultivated in West Tropical
Afreia.

Imperata arundinacea, Cyrill—Small grass much
used by the Bengalese for thatching. The Telingas
use it in their marriage ceremonies. As a fodder
plant it is not of much use, as cattle refuse it, except
when it is quite young and when none other can be
obtained.—‘ Economic Products of India,’ Watt, part
vi, No. 411.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

Sugar-cane (Saccharum officinarum, L.).—A very
large perennial herb cultivated in all suitable countries
throughout the world, and especially in the West
Indies, Mauritius, British Guiana, &c. There are many
varieties recognised by cultivators, depending upon
the thickness, texture, and colour of the stem. Sugar
is the expressed juice of the stem, which by boiling
and other processes becomes crystallised, and is called

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 453

Brown sugar; after having been refined and cast in
conical moulds it is known as Lump or Loaf sugar,
the uncrystallised portion being Treacle or Molasses ;
from the scum and rough portions of the latter Rum
is distilled. The domestic uses of sugar are very
numerous ; it is a powerful antiseptic, and is largely
used for preserving meat and fruit, but is considered
of little importance from a medical point of view.
Treacle is used in pharmacy to give cohesiveness to
pill-masses, to preserve them in a softened state, and
to prevent mouldiness, &c. Megasse or Bagasse, the
refuse cane after the juice has been extracted and
which has hitherto been used only as fuel, contains a
fibre that may be utilized for paper-making. A ton of
Bagasse will yield about 650 pounds of fibre, while
every ton of the latter can be converted into 1500
pounds of pulp; numerous experiments have satisfac-
torily ascertained that paper of an excellent quality
can be made from this substance.—‘ Dictionary of
Economic Plants,’ Smith ; ‘ Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley
and Trimen, No. 298; ‘The Paper-maker’s Monthly
Journal,’ March 19, 1884, &c.

Spear Grass (Heteropogon contortus, R. and S.
[Andropogon conxtortus, L.]).—Stems erect, one te
two feet high. Cattle are said to eat this grass when
fresh; it also makes good hay when the seeds fall
off. The leaves afford a fibre suitable for paper-
making; the yield is 50 per cent. of half stuff, and

454 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

28 per cent. of paper pulp bleached—Kew
Museum, &c.
Distribution : Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

Ginger or Lemon Grass, &c. (Andropogon Schenan-
thus, L.).—Erect perennial plant. An essential oil
known as Lemon grass, often also as “rusa” or rose,
and Geranium oil is the produce of this species. The
leaves are distilled in the Khandesh collectorate of
the Bombay Presidency. The oil produced in the
Namar district of the Nerbudda Valley is sometimes
called grass oil of Namar. The export of the oil
from Bombay during the year ending March, 1867,
was 41,643 lbs; it is shipped to England and
the Ports of the Red Sea, and its largest consump-
tion is for the adulteration of Otto of Rose. The
fresh leaves are much used in India as a substitute
for tea, and the fully-developed leaves roasted arc
considered by Indian practitioners as an excellent
stomachic. The white succulent centre of the culms
is often put into curries as a flavouring agent. The
whole plant has an aromatic bitter flavour, and is said
to be much liked by cattle—‘ Spon’s Encyclopedia
of the Industrial Arts, Manufactures and Commercial
Products, p. 1422; Lindley’s ‘Flora Medica, p. 612,
&c.

Distribution : Upper Guinea.

Sangare-Sangue (Andropogon sp.)—The fruiting

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 455

spikes of this plant are used in medicine at Bembi—
Kew Museum.

Indian Millet or Guinea Corn, Dawa of Nupe, &c.
(Sorghum vulgare, Pers.)—A tall handsome grass,
bearing numerous small corn grains which are very
valuable as food. In the Nupé country Dawa is
sown in April, and the crop ripens about Christmas,
and forms a considerable part of the food of the
natives. The sheathing leaves often assume a purple
tint, and are then employed by the natives as a
crimson dye for mats, nets, and cotton fabrics.
Baskets, brushes, &c. are made of the spikelets, and
brushes are made of the roots. In India the dry
stalks and leaves are chopped up into small pieces,
and used as fodder—‘ Field and Garden Crops of
India, Duthie and Fuller, part i, p. 25.-Kew
Museum.

Distribution: Generally cultivated in Guinea.

Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense, Pers.),—Peren-
nial. This grass is being introduced on the low wet
prairie lands of Texas, and the reports are quite
favourable. It is essentially a hay grass,and may be
cut three or four times a year. It should always be
cut before the seed stalks run up, else it will be too
coarse. It is also said to make a good pasture grass.
—‘ Department of Agriculture Report,’ 1881 and 1882,
Washington, p. 239, &c.

Distribution: Upper Guinea.

456 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

Dog’s-tooth Grass (Cynodon Dactylon, Pers.).—
Annual creeping grass. The long rhizomes or
runners and the rapid growth of this species render
it an excellent sand-binder, The leaves yield a
tolerable fodder for cattle and sheep. In India it is
considered the best pasture grass, and is known as
Doorba or Durva. From the roots a cooling drink
is said to be made, and at Naples they are used as
food for horses. This plant has also been recom-
mended as a substitute for sarsaparilla—‘ The
Useful Plants of Great Britain,’ Sowerby, p. 291 ;
‘The Vegetable Kingdom,’ Robert Hogg, p. 821, &c.

Distribution : Cape Verd Islands.

Sangala-la (Eragrostis fascicularis, Trin.)—The
internodes of this grass are used on the Coast of
Angola by the natives for making bird-cages.—Kew
Museum.

Distribution: Lower Guinea.

FILICES.

Maiden-hair Fern (Adiantum Capillus Veneris, L.)—
In Italy a syrup is made from the fronds of this fern,
and is known as Capillaire. Many medicinal virtues
are ascribed to Capillaire by Dioscorides and ancient
writers, but as a medicine it is now obsolete, except
as a remedy for coughs. Capillaire is used at the
present day as a hair producer, but its chief use is for

FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA, 457

making a refreshing drink, which is diluted with water

before use. Most of the Capillaire sold in London is

composed of syrup flavoured with orange flowers.—

‘Dictionary of Economic Plants,’ Smith, p. 91.
Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

LICHENS.

Ramalina scopulorum, Ach.—This lichen has been
used to yield a red dye. So high an opinion did
Lightfoot form of its tinctorial qualities, that he spoke
of it as a formidable rival to Roccelle— Popular
History of British Lichens, Lindsay, p. 142.

Distribution: Cape Verd Islands.

Orchella Weed, Dyer’s Weed, Rock Moss (Roccella
tinctoria, DC.).—Perennial thallophyte, two tosix inches
high. Litmus, a colouring matter obtained from this
and other species of Roccella, is prepared chiefly if not
exclusively in Holland, and usually enters commerce
in the form of rectangular cakes, from a quarter of an
inch toan inch in length, which are light, friable, finely
granular, and of an indigo-blue or deep violet colour.
Litmus is used as a test for acids and alkalis, for which
purpose it is made officinal in the British Pharmaco-
poeia and the Pharmacopeeia of India. Orchil, Archil
and Cudbear are colouring matters which are also
prepared from the same lichens as those from which
litmus is manufactured, and are used for staining and

458 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA.

dyeing purple and red colours, and also occasionally
as tests for acids and alkalis. A decoction of Orchella
weed is said to possess mucilaginous, emollient and
demulcent properties, and to be useful in coughs and
catarrhs and in other cases where such properties are
required.‘ Medicinal Plants,’ Bentley and Trimen,
vol. iv., No. 301.
Distribution: Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands.

APPENDIX I. 459

APPENDS 1

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING PLANTS
AND SEEDS FOR THE GARDEN AND
THE HERBARIUM, AND THE USEFUL
PRODUCTS OF VEGETABLES.—ROYAL
GARDENS, KEW.

I. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.

Pants for cx/tivation may be introduced,—1z. As SEEDS,
Buss, and Tusers, which are easily collected and trans-
mitted: the Seeds to be gathered when quite ripe and each
kind folded in dry paper, then enclosed as a parcel, or
placed in a box, and kept in an airy part of the cabin during
the voyage. Bulbs and TZuders to be taken, if possible,
when the foliage is withered, and similarly packed.—z.
Cuttincs. Most succulent plants, should be severed where
there is a constriction or articulation in the stem ; and these,
when carefully freed from extraneous moisture, will bear a
long voyage, packed in a box, with paper wrapped about
them, or any dry elastic substance to keep them steady.—3.
RooTeD PLants: some of these, such as small Cactuses,
Aloes, Tillandsias, Zamias, and the various epiphytal
tropical orchidaceous plants will travel safely if placed in a
box, like the cuttings just noticed, the larger kinds packed
with straw. But others require a Wardian case, forming a
small portable greenhouse. In it the young rooted plants

460 APPENDIX I.

should be established, in soil about six inches deep, the
surface of the mass secured by a little moss and transverse
splints (to confine the roots in the event of the box being
overturned); moderately watered; the glazed lid fastened
on with screws and putty. The case must be placed on
deck during the voyage, occasionally protected from the too
powerful rays of the sun, and the contents will require no
watering or attention unless the glass should be broken
during the voyage.

Il. MUSEUM DEPARTMENT.

The Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Works, &c., having
been pleased to form a Museum of Economic Botany within
the Royal Gardens, the Director solicits the co-operation of
Her Majesty’s Ministers and Consuls in foreign countries,
of the Governors of Her-Majesty’s Colonies, of Officers in the
Army and Navy, Merchants and Travellers generally, to aid in
contributing specimens towards so desirable an object.—The
design is to bring together in one spot and to exhibit such
interesting vegetable products from all parts of the world, as
cannot be shewn in the //ving plants of a garden, nor in the
preserved ones of an Herbarium. The public may indeed
see in our stoves the rare Lace tree of Jamaica, the still rarer
Lvory Palm-nut of the Magdalena, the Bread-fruit tree from
the Friendly Islands, &c.; but the interest of these is
greatly enhanced, if, within the walls of the same Establish-
ment, the curious and beautiful Lace of the first, the fruit
and ivory-like seeds of the second, and the celebrated bread-
fruit of the third, can also be inspected.—Among the
objects, therefore, which are to be collected and deposited,
arranged and named in the Museum, are—r. Frurrs and
SEEDS, especially those which are of Jarge size, or possess
any peculiarity of form or structure entitling them to notice.
Many of these are naturally dry and require little care
(except to be freed from moisture) previous to packing.
Those that, when ripe, burst open into valves, or separate
by their scales, as Pne-cones, &c., should be bound round
with pack-thread. The soft and fleshy fruits can only be
preserved in wide-mouthed bottles, or jars, or casks, (ac-

APPENDIX I. 461

cording to size,) in alcohol, as rum, arrack, or in diluted
pyroligneous acid or strong brine.—-2, ENTIRE PLaNts, or
parts ofthem. Many have a very /lesky character, and ought
to be preserved entire, in alcohol ; or portions of the stem and
branches (according to their size) with flowers and fruit ;
such as those of Palms, Stapelia, Rafflesia, and others of a
similar kind.—3. Trunxs of TREEs, portions and sections
of them, especially when they exhibit any remarkable
structure ; as Palms, and many other Monocotyledonous
plants, and Zee Ferns. Specimens of Wood should be in
sections, a foot or more long, and about the average
diameter of the tree. The kinds used in commerce for
veneering, cabinet-work, or other useful purposes, or such
as recommend themselves by their beauty, hardness, or any
other valuable quality, are particularly desired. Tye
scientific or other names should be attached, and specimens of
the leaves and flowers to identify them.—4. Gums and
Resins, VEGETABLE Waxes, especially those employed in
the Arts or in Domestic Economy.—s5. Dye Srurrs of
various kinds.—6. MEDICINAL SupsTaNces. ‘These latter
are of vast importance, and merit the attention of travellers
in every country. Of many it is not yet known, except to
the natives who collect and prepare them, what are the
particular plants that afford them, nor how they are prepared.
—y. GENERAL PRopucts of VEGETABLES; in the state of
the raw material, and manufactured. It would be extremely
difficult, not to say impossible, to enumerate all of these
which a Museum ought to contain ; but the enlightened
traveller can form a pretty correct judgment. Such as are
useful to mankind cannot fail to be interesting. It would be
idle to send every we//-known object of this kind, Zea, Sugar,
Coffee, Cocoa, Chocolate, Paper, Textiles, Platting, Basket-
work, Clothing, &c.; but there are states, even of these
familiar articles, which will prove both useful and instruc-
tive. Paper, for example, is made from an infinite variety
of vegetable substances, and the different sorts are well
worth collecting ; from that afforded by the Papyrus of the
ancients (which gives the name) to what is manufactured
out of the inner bark of an East Indian Daphne (or Spurge-
laurel), and another from the pith of a little known plant in

462 APPENDIX I.

China (the so-called 2ice-pager), or the leaves of a Palm in
India, or Straw in North America. Of all such, the several
states of preparation should be collected and exhibited, not
only as objects of curiosity, but as exemplifying the progress
of Art and Science.

In case of samples of timber, of various fibres, dye-stuffs,
drugs, or any other vegetable product, it is of the first
importance that there should be sent along with each ex-
ample a dried specimen of the leaves and flowers of the tree
or plant affording the same, marked distinctly with a corre-
sponding number, so that the source of the product may be
scientifically determined. Through want of such dried speci-
mens accompanying the timbers, drugs, fibres, &c., which
have been sent to the Royal Gardens, and to the Inter-
national Exhibition, a large number are absolutely useless.

Il]. HERBARIUM DEPARTMENT.

In preserving Plants for the Herbarium, or Hortus
Siccus, the object is to prepare specimens in such a manner
that they may be thoroughly dried, the colours as far as
possible retained, and such a degree of pressure given that
they do not curl up in drying. For this purpose provide a
quantity of paper of a common folio size, brown, or stout
grey, moderately absorbent, 16 inches by 10, folded. Two
boards are requisite, of the size of the paper, one for the
top, the other for the bottom, of each mass of papers.
Pieces of paste- or mill-board placed between the papers, if
the specimens are numerous or particularly thick or woody,
are very useful. For pressure, nothing is better than a heavy
weight on the topmost board, or, while travelling, three
leathern straps and buckles; two to bind the boards and
papers transversely, and one longitudinally. Thus provided,
gather your specimens, if small, root and stem—if large, cut
off portions of the branches, a foot or rather more in length,
always selecting those in flower and in a more or less
advanced state of fruit. Long, slender plants, as Grasses,
Sedges and many Ferns, may be doubled once or twice. Place
them, before they wither, side by side, but never one upon

APPENDIX 1. 463

the other on the same sheet, taking care that one part is not
materially thicker than the other, and lay over the specimens
one, two, three, or more sheets of paper, according to its
thickness or the thickness of your plants; and so on, layer
above layer of paper and specimens, subjecting them then
to pressure. In a day or two, according to the more or less
succulent nature of the piants, or to the nature of the
climate, remove them successively into fresh papers till the
moisture is absorbed, and dry the spare papers in the sun or
by a fire for future use.

A tin box or Vasculum is essential, made to shut close, to
prevent evaporation, in which the plants will, if required, re-
main uninjured a day and night, especially if the box is well
filled. Some very succulent plants, and those of the Heath
and Pine tribe, are the better for being plunged into boiling
water for an instant before they are pressed. A portfolio
slung over the shoulder and containing a few quires of
drying paper to receive the plant as gathered, is em-
ployed by many collectors.

When sufficiently dry, the specimens should be put into
papers ; one sheet or folio (more if the specimens be thick)
between each layer of plants; and thus a great many may
be safely arranged in a small compass: and are ready for
transport covered with oil-cloth or packed in boxes. AZosses
and other Cryptogamic plants may be generally dried in the
common way, those which grow in tufts being separated by
the hand, so as to form neat specimens. Most sea-weeds
require a slight washing in fresh water, and common
blotting paper is the best for removing the moisture from
this tribe of plants.

Parcels or packages which may come by Her Majesty’s
ships, or by any of the Royal Mail, or Peninsular and
Oriental Company’s Steamers, should be addressed :

“On Her Majesty's Service. For the Royal Gardens, Kew.
“W. T. Thiselton Dyer, Director ;
‘“* Royal Gardens, Kew,
“LONDON.”

464 APPENDIX I.

APPENDIX. I,

ORNITHOLOGY OF THE GAMBIA.
By Caprain G, E. SHELLEY, F.Z.5., &c.

ORDER I. ACCIPITRES.
Suborder I.—FAa.LcongEs.

Fam. FALCONIDA.

1. POLYBOROIDES Typicus, Smith, S. Afr. Q. J. 1830, p.
107; id. Ill. Zool. S. Afr. pls. 81, 82; Hartl. W. Afr.
pp. 2, 269; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 48;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 35.

2. CrRcUS MACRURUS (Gm. Accipiter), N. Comm. Petrop.
xv. 1877, p. 439, pl. 8; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. 1,
p- 67 ; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 37; Czrcus swainsonit,
Hartl W. Afr. p. 16; Dresser B. Eur. v. p. 441,
pl. 330.

3. MELIERAX MONOGRAMMICUS (Temm. (adc), Pl. Col.
1824, pl. 314; Astur monogrammicus, Swains B, W.
Afr. 1. p. 114, pl. 4; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 13. Asturi-
nula monogrammica, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p.
275. Kaupifalco monogrammicus, Rochebrune, Seneg.
P. 45;

4. GYPOHIEREX ANGOLENSIS (Gm. Falco), S. N. i. 1788,
p- 252; Gray Gen. B.i. pl. 4; Hartl. W. Afr. pp. 1,

APPENDIX II. 465

Io.

246; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus, i. p. 312; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 58.

. Mitvus AScyptius (Gm. Falco), S. N. i. 1788, p. 261;

Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 320; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 59. Le Parasite, Levaill. Ois. Afr. i, pl. 22.
Milvus parasiticus, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 10.

. ELANuS CHRULEUS (Desf. Falco), Mem. Ac. R. Sciences,

1787, p. 503, pl. 15; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit, Mus, i.
p. 336; Dresser, B. Eur. v. p. 663, pl. 363; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 61. lanus melanopterus, Hartl.
W. Afr. p. rr.

. FaLco ARDESIACUS, Vieill. Euc. Méth, i. 1823, p. 1238;

Hartl. W. Afr. p. 9. Falco concolor, Swains, W. Afr.
1. p. 112, pl. 3. Cerchneis ardesiaca, Sharpe, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. 1. p. 446; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 67.

Suborder II,—StrRIcEs.

Fam. 1. BUBONID&.

. Scops LEucoTis (Temm. S¢rix), Pl. Col. pl. 16 ; Hart.

W. Afr. p. 20; Sharpe, Cat. B, Brit. Mus. ii. p. 97;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 73.

. GLAUCIDIUM PERLATUM (Vieill. Strix), N. Dict. vil. p.

26; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 209; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 74. La Chevéchette perlée, Levaill.
Ois. Afr. vi. pl. 284. <Ashene perlata, Hartl. W. Afr.

p. 17.
Fam. 2. STRIGIDA.

STRIX FLAMMEA, Linn. S. N. i. 1766, p. 133 ; Hartl. W.
Afr. p. 21; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ii. p. 2917;
Dresser, B. Eur. v. p. 237, pl. 302; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 79. Strix insularis et S. poensis, Roche-
brune, t. c.

2H

466

APPENDIX II.

It.

I2.

13:

14.

15.

16.

ORDER II. PSITTACI.

PaL#orNIs DocILis (Vieill. Psittacus), N. Dict. xxv.
1817, p. 343; Reichenow, J. f O. 1881, p. 236.
Paleornis torquatus, Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 174, pl.
Vignette; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 166. Paleornis parvi-
rostris, Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 81.

P#OCEPHALUS SENEGALUS (Linn. Psiéfacus), S. N. i.
1766, p. 149; Reichenow, J. f. O. 1881, p. 384; id.
Vogelb. pl. 7, fig. 2; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 88;
Psittacus senegalus, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 168.

ORDER III. PICARI.

Fam, 1. PIcip&.

MESOPIcuS GOERTAN (P. L. S. Miill, Prews), S. N. Suppl.
1776, p. 91; Malh. Monogr. Pic. ii. pl. 63, figs. 1, 2;
Hargitt, Ibis, 1883, p. 412; Rochebrune, Seneg. p.
92; Dendropicus goertan, D. poliocephalus a D.
immaculatus, Hartl. W. Afr. pp. 179,180. Afesopicus
immaculatus, Rochebrune, Seneg. p. gI.

CAMPOTHERA PUNCTATA (Valenc. Ficus), Dict. Sc. Nat.
xl. 1826, p. 171; Hargitt, Ibis, 1883, p. 463; Den-
dromus punctuligerus, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 180. Chryspi-
cus punctuligerus, Malh. Monogr. Pic. ii. p. 92, figs.
4-6; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 95.

Fam. 2. CaPITONIDA.

POGONORHYNCHUS DUBIUS (Gm. Bucco), 5. N. 1. 1788,
p. 109; Marshall’s Monogr. Capit. p. 7, pl. 4; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 106. Pogonias dubius, Hartl. W. Afr.
p. 169.

P, viEtLLoTi (Leach, Pogonias), Zool. Misc. 1815, p.
97; Marshall’s Monogr. Capit. p. 21, pl. 11; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 108. ogonias vieilloti, Hartl. W.
Afr. p. 170.

APPENDIX II. 467

Fam. 3. ALCEDINIDA.

17. CORYTHORNIS CYANOSTIGMA (Rupp. A/cedo), Neue Wirb.
1835-40, p. 70, pl 24, fig. 2; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p- 141. Adcedo cristata, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 36. Cory-
thornis cristata, Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. p. 35, pl.
Ti:

18. CERYLE RUDIS (Linn. Aledo), S. N. i. 1766, p. 181;
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 37; Sharpe, Monog. Alced. p. 61,
pl. 19; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 142.

19. C. Maxima (Pall. Azedo), Spic. Zool. fasc. iv. 1769, p.
14; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 37; Sharpe, Monogr. Alced.
p. 67, pl. 20; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 143.

20. HaLcyon SENEGALENSIS (Linn. Aledo), S. N. i. 1766,
p- 180; Hartl W. Afr. p. 31; Sharpe, Monogr.
Alced. p. 191, pl. 70; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 146.

21. H. Matimpica (Shaw, Aledo), Gen. Zool. vill. 1812,
p- 66; Sharpe, Monogr. Alced. p. 195, pl. 72;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 146; Halcyon cinereifrons,
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 32.

Fam. 4. BUCEROTIDA.

22. Tockus nasutus (Linn. Buceros), S. N. i. 1776, p. 154
Buceros nasutus, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 163. Lophoceros
nasutus, Elliot, Monogr. Bucerotide, pl. 47 ; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 119.

23. T. SEMIFAScIATUS (Hartl. Buceros), J. f. O. 1885,
p. 3563 Elliot Monogr. Bucerotide, pl. 50, fig. 2;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 120. Buceros semifasciatus,
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 163.

24. T. ERYTHRORHYNCHUS (Temm. Buceros), Pl. Col. 1824,
texte to pl. 283 ; Elliot, Monogr. Bucerotidz, pl. 56 ;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 121; Buceros erythrorhynchus,
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 165.

2H 2

468 APPENDIX Il.
Fam. 5. Upupip&.
25. IRRISOR SENEGALENSIS (Vieill. Fadcinelius), N. Dict.

Xxvilll. p. 168; Hartl W. Afr. p. 43; Promerops
Senegalensis, Swains. W. Afr. ii. p. 117; Lrrisor melano-
rhynchus, Gray Gen. B. i. pl. 31. Lrrisor erythro-
rhynchus, Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 154.

Fam, 6. MEROPIDA.

26, MeRops Nusicus, Gen. S. N. 1. 1788, p. 464; Hartl.

W. Afr. p. 41; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 149 ; Dresser,
Monogr. Meropide, p. 86, pl. 20; Merops ceruleo-
cephalus, Swains. W. Afr. ii. p. 87, pl. 9.

27. M. Persicus, Pall. Reise Russ. Reichs. ii. Anh. 1773,

28.

p. 708; Dresser, Monogr. Meropide, p. 63, pl. 14;
Merops savigni, Swains. W, Afr. i. p. 77, pl. 7 ; Hartl.
W. Afr. p. 38. Merops superciliosus, Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 147.

MELITIOPHAGUS PUSILLUS (P. L. S. Mill. AZerops),

S. N. Suppl. 1776, p. 95; Dresser, Monogr. Mero-
pide, p. 111, pl. 25. erops erythropterus, Swains.
W. Afr. i. p. 88; Hartl W. Afr. p. 40; Merops
variegatus, Hartl. p. 39. Melittophagus erythropterus,
Rochelbrune, Seneg. p. 150.

29. M,. puLtocxt (Vieill. Merops), N. Dict. xiv. 1817, p. 13;

Dresser, Monogr. Meropide, p. 133, pl. 32; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 151. ALerops cyanogaster, Swains.
W. Afr. i. p. 80, pl 7. Merops bullockii, Hartl.
W. Afr. p. 41.

Fam. 7. CoRActIDaA,

30. Coracias N&via, Dand. Traité Orn, ii, 1880, p. 259;

Sharpe, Ibis, 1871, p. 190; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 133; Le Roller varié dans son jeune age, Levaill.
Rolliers, pl. 29; Coracias nucalis, Swains. W. Afr. ii.
p. 110 ; Coracias pilosa, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 30.

APPENDIX II. 469

31.

32:

33:

34.

35:

36.

37+

C. Garruta, Linn. S. N. i. 1766, p. 159; Hartl. W.
Afr. p. 29; Sharpe, Ibis, 1871, p. 189; Dresser,
B. Eur. v. p. 141, pl. 293; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 132.

C. Asyssixnica, Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. 1783, p. 626;
Hartl W. Afr. p. 30; Sharpe, Ibis, 1871, p. 197;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 132; Le Rollier a longs brins
@ Afrique, Levaill. Rolliers, pl. 25.

C. cyanocastTra, Cuv. Régne Anim. i. 1817, p. 401 ;
Swains. W. Afr. il, p. 108, pL 13; Hartl W. Afr.
p- 303 Sharpe, Ibis, 1871, p. 202; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 135.

Eurystomus AFER (Lath. Coracias), Ind. Orn. i. 1790,
p. 172; Hartl W. Afr. p. 28; Sharpe, Ibis, 1871,
p. 2743; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 135. Le petit Lolle
violet, Levaill. Rolliers, pl. 35. urystomus rubescens,
Swains. W. Afr. iL p. 112.

Fam. 8. CucuLipaé.

CucuLus GULARIS, Steph. Gen. Zool. ix. pt. 1, 1815,
p. 83, pl 17; Hartlh W. Afr. p. 189; Sharpe
P. Z. S. 1873, p. 585; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 97 ;
Cuculus lineatus, Swains. W. Afr. ti. p. 178, pl. 18 ;
Cuculus aurantiirostris, Sharpe P. Z. 8. 1873, p. 591.

Curvsococcyx cupreus (Bodd. Cuculus), Tabl. Pl.
Enl. 1783, p. 40; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 100; Le
Coucou Didric, Levaill. Ois. Afr. v. pls. 210, 211;
Chalcites auratus, Swains. W. Afr. il, p. 187 5 Chryso-
coccyx auratus, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 190; Cwuculus
cupreus, Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1873, p. 591.

C. xtaast (Steph. Cuculus), Gen. Zool. ix. pt. 1, 1815,
p. 129; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 190; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 101; Chalcites klaasi, Swains. W. Afr. ii. p. 189,
pl. 21 ; Cuculus klaasi, Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1873, p. 592.

CoccystEs AFER (Licht. Cucu/us), Cat. Ber. Nat. Hamb.
1793, p- 143 Sharpe, P. Z. S, 1873, p. 596; Roche-

470

APPENDIX II.

39.

40.

44.

45.

brune, Seneg. p. 102; VWariété du Coucu Edolio,
Levaill. Ois Afr. v. pl. 209; Oxylophus vaillantt,
Swains. W. Afr. il. p. 182; Oxylophus ater, Hartl.
W. Afr p. 188.

CENTROPUS SENEGALENSIS (Linn. Cwcwlus), S. N. i.
1766, p. 169; Swains. W. Afr. ii, p. 185, pl. 20;
Hartl W. Afr. p. 187; Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1873,
p. 617: Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 104.

Fam. 9. MusopHaGID&.

Scuizoruis Arricanus (Lath. Phasianus), Ind. Orn. ii.
1790, p. 631; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 160; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 125; Schalow, J. f. O. 1886, p. 67;
Chizerhis variegata, Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 223,
pl. 20.

. CORYTHAIX PERSA (Linn. Cuculus), S. N. i. 1766,

p- 171; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 156 ; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p- 127; Schalow, J. f. O. 1886, p. 21.

. MuUSOPHAGA VIOLACEA, Isert. Schrift. Berlin. Nat. Fr. ix.

1789, p. 18, pl 1; Swains. B. W. Afr. i. p. 218,
pl. 19; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 159; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p- 123; Schalow, J. f. O. 1886, p 13.

Fam. 10. CAPRIMULGIDA.

. CAPRIMULGUS RUFICOLLIS, Temm. Man. Orn. i. 1820,

p. 428; Dresser, B. Eur. iv. p. 635, pl. 273.

SCOTORNIS CLIMACURUS (Vieill. Caprimulgus), Gal. Ois,
1805, p. 195, pl. 122; Swains. W. Afr. il. p. 66;
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 23; Scotornis longicauda, Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 160.

MACRODIPTERYX LONGIPENNIS (Shaw, Caprimulgus)
Nat. Misc, pl. 265; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 23; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 160, Macrodipteryx Africanus,
Swains, W. Aft. ii. p. 62, pl. 5.

APPENDIX JI. 471

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

ils

52.

Fam. 11. CYPSELIDA.

CYPSELUS AFFINIS, J. E. Gray, Ill. Ind. Zool. i. 1832,
pl. 35, fig. 2; Dresser, B. Eur. iv. p. 59, pl. 267;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 157. Cypselus Abyssinicus,
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 24.

ORDER IV. PASSERES.

Fam. 1. HIRUNDINIDA.

Hirunpo rustica, Linn. S. N. i. 1766, p. 343;
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 26; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. x.
p. 126; Dresser B. Eur. iii. p. 477, pl. 160, fig. 1;
Rochebrune, Seneg, p. 217.

H. SenecAtensis, Linn. S. N. i. 1766, p. 345 ; Swains,
W. Afr. ii p. 72, pl 6; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 27;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. x. p. 168; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 219.

Fam. 2. MuscIcaPIDA,

PLaTysTira Cvanea (P. L. S. Mull. Afuscicapa), S. N.
Suppl. 1776, p. 170; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. iv.
Pp. 145; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 213; Platystira
Zobata, Swains, W. Afr. ii. p. 49: Platystira melanop-
tera, Hartl. W. Afr. pp. 93, 272. ;

TERPSIPHONE CRisTaTa (Gm. Auscicapa), S. N. i. 1788,
p- 938; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. iv. p. 354.
Muscepeta melanogastra, Swains. W. Afr. il. p. 55.
Tchitrea melanogathra, T. Senegalensis, et T. melampyra,
Hartl. W. Afr. pp. go, 91, 96, 272. Muscipeta
duchailui et M. speciosa, Cass. Jour. Philad. Ac. iv.
pl. 50; Zerpsiphone cristata, T. melanogastra, et T.
Senegalensis, Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 214.

T. nicRiceps, Hartl. J. f. O. 1855, pp. 355, 361; Hartl.
W. Afr. p. 91; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit, Mus. iv. p. 359 ;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 215.

ELMINIA LONGICAUDA (Swains. AZjiagra), Monogr.

472 APPENDIX II.
Flyc. in Nat. Libr. x. 1838, p. 210, pl. 25; Hartl.
W. Afr. p. 93; Sharpe, Cat. B, Brit. Mus. iv. p. 363 ;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 215.
Fam. 3. CAMPOPHAGIDA.
53. GRAUCALUS PECTORALIS, Jard. & Selby, Ill. Orn. ii.

54.

55

56

57

p- 57, Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 249; Sharpe, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. iv. p. 29; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 200;
Campephaga anderssoni, Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1870, pl. 4.

Fam. 4. DiIcRURID&.

Dicrurus assimiLis (Bechet. Corvus), Lath, Allg.

Uebers. Vog. ii. p. 562. dolius lugubris, Hempr.
& Ehr. Symb. Phys. fol. s. pl. 8, fig. 3. Dzerurus
canipennis, Swains. W. Afr. 1. p. 254. Dicrurus
musicus e¢ D. divaricatus, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 100.
Buchanga assimilis, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i.
p. 247. Buchanga musicus, Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 200.

Fam. 5. LaNniipé.

. Prionops pLumatus (Swains. Lanius), Gen. Zool. vii.

pt. 2, 1809, p. 290; Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 246,
pl. 26; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 107 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. iii. p. 320.

. CORVINELLA corvina (Shaw, Zanius), Gen. Zool. vii.,

pt. 2, 1809, p. 337; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 104; Gadow,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. viii. p. 231; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 206. La Grande Piegrieche, Levaill. Ois. Afr. il.
pl. 78. Lanius cissoides, Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 233.

. Lantus auricutatus, P. L. §. Mill. S. N. Suppl. 1776,

p- 71; Gadow, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. viii. p. 283:
Dresser, B. Eur. iii. p. 407, pl. 151; Lanius rufus,
Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 231; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 102;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 209.

. TELEPHONUS SENEGALUS (Linn. Lanius), S. N. i. 1766,

p. 137; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 105 ; Gadow, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. vill. p. 124; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 205 ;

APPENDIX II. 473

Telephonus erythropterus, Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 235;
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 106,

59. Dryoscopus GamBensis (Licht. Zanius), Verz. Doubl.
1823, p. 48; Hartl W. Afr. p. 110; Gadow, Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. viii. p. 146; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 204; Malaconotus mollissimus, Swains. W. Afr. 1.
p. 240, pl. 23.

60. LANIARIUS BARBARUS (Linn. Zanius), S. N. i. 1766,
p. 137; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 107 ; Gadow, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. villi. p. 153; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 201;
Malaconotus barbarus, Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 343,
pl. 20.

61, L. POLIOCEPHALUS (Licht. Zanius), Verz. Doubl. 1823,
p. 45; Gadow, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. viii. p. 156; Mada-
conotus olivaceus, Swains. W. Afr. 1. p. 237, pl. 22;
Laniarius icterus, Hartl W. Afr. p. 110; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 204.

Fam. 6. CRATEROPIDA,

62. HyPERcuS aTRICEPS (Less. Moho), Traité Orn. 1831,
p. 646; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 80: Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. vil. p. 353; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 167; Cra-
teropus orioloides, Swains. W. Afr. 1. p. 280, pl. 31.

63. CRATEROPUS PLATYCERCUS, Swains. W. Afr. i. 1837,
p. 274; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 79; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. vii. p. 471 ; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 166.

64. C. REINWARDTI, Swains. Zool. Ill, 2nd ser. ii. 1831,
pl. 80; id. W. Afr. i. p. 276; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 79:
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vii. p. 470; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 166.

Fam. 7. TIMELIIDA.

65. CRINIGER BARBATUS (Temm. TZyrichophorus), Pl. Col.
1824, pl. 28; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vi. p. 82;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 194; Zrichophorus strigilatus,
Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 267; Zrichophorus barbatus,
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 82.

474

APPENDIX II.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73:

PYCNONOTUS DARBATUS (Desf. Zurdus), Mem. Ac. R.
Sciences, 1787, p. 50, pl. 13; Dresser, B. Eur, ii.
Pp. 353, pl. 142; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. vi.
p. 146; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 197; Lxos inornatus
et I. ashanteus, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 88; Pycnonotus
ashanteus, Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 197.

CosSYPHA VERTICALIS, Hartl. Beitr. Orn. W. Afr. in
Abh. Geb. Nat. Hamb. it. pt. 2, 1852, p. 23; id. W.
Afr. p. 77; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit, Mus. vii. p. 45;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 163; Hetrocincla albicapilla,
Swains. (nec. v.) W. Afr. i. p. 284, pl. 32.

MELANORNIS EDOLIOIDES (Swains. d@éelasoma) B. W.
Afr. 1. 1837, p. 257, pl. 27; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 102;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ui. p. 315 ; Rochebrune
Seneg. p. 211.

Fam. 8. NECTARINIDA.

NECTARINIA PULCHELLA (Linn. Certhia) S. N. i. 1766,
p. 187; Hartl W. Afr. p. 52; Shelley, Monogr.
Sun-birds, p. 9, pl. 4; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 222;
Cinnyris pulchella, Swains. W. Afr. il. p. 123, pl. 14.

CINNYRIS CUPREUS (Shaw, Certia), Gen. Zool. viii.
1812, p. 201; Shelley, Monogr. Sun-birds, p. 191,
pl. 58; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 225; Cinnyris ery-
thronotus, Swains. W. Afr. p. 130, pl. 15 ; LWVectarinia
cuprea, Hartl. W. Afz. p. 48.

C. spLenDIDUS (Shaw, Certhia), Gen. Zool. viii. 1812,
p. 191 ; Swains. W. Afr. i, p. 125 ; Shelley, Monogr.
Sun-birds, p. 201, pl. 62; Rochebrune, Seneg.
Pp. 223; Nectarinia splendida, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 46.

C, SENEGALENSIS (Linn. Certhia), S. N. i. 1766, p. 186 ;
Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 1273; Shelley, Monogr. Sun-
birds, p. 267, pl. 83; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 224;
Nectarinia Senegalensis, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 49.

C. verticaLis (Lath. Certhia), Ind. Om. i. 1790,
p. 198; Shelley, Monogr. Sun-birds, p. 301, pl. 97;
Cinnyris chloronatus, Swains. W. ‘Aft, il, p. 136,

APPENDIX Il. 475

14.

75+

76.

77+

78

79

pl. 16; Mectarinia cyanocephalus et N. verticalis,
Hartl. W. Afr. pp. 49, 50.

Fam. 9. MOoraciLLip&.

MOTACILLA ALBA, Linn. S. N. i. 1766, p. 331; Dresser,
B. Eur. iii, p. 233, pl. 126; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. x. p. 464; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 190: Mota-
cilla gularis, Swains. W. Afr. 1. p. 38; Hartl. W.
Afr. p. 72.

M. cAMPESTRIS, Pall. Reis. Russ. Reichs. iii, Auhang.
1776, p. 697; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. x. p. 510,
pl. 6, figs. 1, 2; Budytes rayi, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 72;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 191 3 Alotacil/a raiz, Dresser,
B. Eur. ii. p. 277, pl. 131.

ANTHUS PYRRHONOTUS (Vieill. Alauda), N. Dict. i.
1816, p. 361; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. x. 1885,
P- 5553 L Alouette & dos roux, Levaill. Ois. Afr. iv.
pl. 197; <Authus gouldit, Hartl, W. Afr. p. 733
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 193.

Fam. Io. ALAUDID&,

GALERITA cRIsTATA (Linn. Alauda), S. N. i. 1766,
p. 288; Dresser, B. Eur. iv. p. 285, pls. 228, 229;
Alauda Senegalensis, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 153; Galerita
Senegalensis, Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 261.

Fam. 11. FRINGILLIDA.

PassSER OCCIDENTALIS, Shelley Ibis, 1883, p. 548;
PLyrgita simplex, Swains. (nec. Licht.) W. Afr. i
p. 208; Passer simplex, Hartl W. Aft. p. 1503.
‘Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 256.

CRITHAGRA ICTERA (Vieill. Fyingilla), N. Dict. xii.
1817, p. 170; Crithagra chrysopyga, Swains. W.
Afr. 1. p. 206; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 154.

476 APPENDIX II.

80.

81.

82.

83:

84.

85.

86.

87

Fam. 12. PLocEIpDA. *

SPERMESTES CUCULLATUS, Swains. B. W. Afr. i. 1837,
p. 201; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 147; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 248; Shelley Ibis, 1886, p. 309.

LaGonostTIcTa SENEGALA (Linn. Fvingilla), S. N. 1
1766, p. 320; Shelley Ibis, 1886, p. 323; Petit
Stnégali rouge, Vieill. Ois. Chant. pl. 10; Lstrelda
senegala et LE. minima, Hartl. W. Afr. pp. 143, 144;
Lagonosticta senegala et L. minima, Rochebrune, pp.
254, 255.

EsTRELDA MELPODA (Vieill. Fringifla) N. Dict. xii.
1817, p. 1773 Hartl W. Afr. p. 141; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 2513; Shelley Ibis, 1886, p. 332; Bengali
a joues orangées, Vieill. Ois. Chant. pl. 7.

HiypocHERA CHALYBEATA (P. L. S. Mull. Arincidia), S.
N. Suppl. 1776, p. 166 ; Shelley, Ibis, 886, p. 338;
Combac-sou, Viel. Ois. Chant. pl. 21; Amadina
nitens, Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 199; Aypochera nitens
et Hi, ultramarina, Harll. W. Afr. p. 149; Hypochera
enea et Hf. ultramarina, Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 245.

VIDUA PRINCIPALIS (Linn. ELméberiza), S. N. i. 1766,
p. 313; Hartl W. Afr. p. 136; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 244; Shelley, Ibis, 1886, p. 341; Midua erythro-
rhyncha, Swains. B. W. Afr. i. p. 176, pl. 12.

CoLIUSPASSER MACROURUS (Gm. Loxia), S. N. i. 1788,
p- 845; Shelley, Ibis, 1886, p. 348. Fringilla
flavoptera, Vieill. Ois. Chant., pl. 41. Vidua chry-
sonotus, Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 178. Vidua macroura,
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 137. Lenthetria macroura, Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 242.

PYROMELANA FRANCISCANA (Isert, Zoxia), Schrift.
Berlin Nat. Tr. ix. p. 3323 Shelley, Ibis, 1886,
Pp. 353. uplectes ignicolor, Swains. W. Afr. i.
p. 184. uplectes franciscanus, Hartl. W. Afr.
p. 128; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 241.

. P, Arra (Gm. Lowia), S. N. i. 1788, p. 857; Shelley

APPENDIX II. 477

88,

89.

go.

gt.

92.

93-

Ibis, 1886, p. 355. Warabdée, Vieill. Ois. Chant.,
pl. 28. Huplectes melanogastra, Swains. W. Afr. i.
p. 182; Hartl. W. Afr, p. 128 ; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 242.

QuELEA AiTHIOPICA (Sund FPloceus), fv. K. Vet. Ak.
Forh. Stockh. 1850, p, 126; Shelley, Ibis, 1886,
p. 358. Quelea occidentalis, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 129,
Quelea occidentalis et Q. orientalis, Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 237.

PLOCEUS BRACHYPTERUS, Swains. W. Afr. i, 1837,
p. 168, pl. 10; Shelley, Ibis, 1887, p. 23. Ayphan-
tornis brachypterus, Hartl, W. Afr. p. 121; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 238.

PLOCEUS MELANOCEPHALUS (Gm. Loxia), S. N. i. 1788,
p- 859, Shelley, Ibis, 1887, p. 33. Ploceus cucullatus,
Swains. (nec Mill.) W. Afr. p. 261. yphantornis
capitalis, Hartl. (nec Licht.) W. Afr. p. 124; A-
phantornis cucullatus, Hartl. t. c. p. 125; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 240.

PLoceus cucuLLatus (P. Z. S. Mill. Oriolus), S. N
Suppl. 1776, p. 87; Shelley, Ibis, 1887, p. 36.
Ploceus textor, Swains. W. Afr. p. 167. Ayphantornis
textor, Hartl, W. Afr. p. 124; Rochebrune, Seneg.
Pp. 240,

PEXTOR ALBIROSTRIS (Vieill. Coccothraustes), N. Dict.
xiii, 1817, p. 5343; Shelley, Ibis, 1887, p. 43.
Textor alecto, Temm. Pl. Col. pl. 446; Hartl. W. Afr.
p: 131; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 235. WDertroides
albirostris, Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 163.

Fam. 14. ORIOLIDA.

ORIOLUS AURATUS, Vieill. N. Dict. xviii, p. 194;
Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 33; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit,
Mus. iii, p. 195; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 198. Le
Loriodor, Levaill. Ois. Afr. vi. pl, 260. Oriolus
bicolor, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 80.

478 APPENDIX I.

Fam. 15. STURNIDA.

94. BupHaca Arricana, Linn. S. N. i. 1766, p. 154;
Swains. W. Afr. li. p. 200; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 120;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 232; Le Pique-bceuf, Levaill.
Ois. Afr. il, p. 97.

95. LaMPROTORNIS caupaTus (P. L. S. Mill. Zurdus),
S.N. Suppl. 1776, p. 144. Lamprotornis longicauda,
Swains. W. Afr. 1. p. 148, pl. 7. Lamprotornis
@neus, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 115; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 228.

96. LAMPROCOLIUS SPLENDIDUS, Vieill. Enc. Méth. 1823,
p. 658; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 117; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 229. Lamprotornis chrysonotus, Swains. W. Afr.
L p. 143, pl. 6.

97. L cuatypeus (Henspr. & Ehr. Lamprotornis), Symb.
Phys. 1828, pl. ro ; Rochebrune, Senegal, p. 230.

98 L. purpuREus (P. L. S. Mill. Zurdus), S. N. Suppl.
1776, p. 143. Le Couignop, Levaill. Ois. Afr. i.
pl. 90. Lamprocolius auratus, Hartl, W. Afr. p. 117;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 236.

99. PHOLIDANGES LEUCOGASTER (Gm. Zurdus), S. N. 1.
1788, p. 819; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 120; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 231. Lamprocolius leucogaster, Swains.
W. Afr. i. p. 152, pl. 8

Fam. 16. CoRVIDA,

100. CoRvuUS scAPuLATUS, Dand. Traité. Orn. i. 1800,
p. 232; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ui. p. 22;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 234. Corvus Jleuconotus,
Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 133, pl. 5. Corvus curvirostris,
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 114.

ort, Cryproruina Arra (Linn. Corvus), S. N. i. 1766,
Pp. 157; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. iii, p. 75;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 233. Le Piapiac, Levaill.
Ois. Afr. i. p. 54. LPétilostomus Senegalensis, Swains.
W. Afr. i, p. 135; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 113.

APPENDIX II. 479

ORDER V. CoLuMBzA.

102, TRERON caLva (Temm. & Knip, Columba), Pig. 1.
1808-11, p. 35, pl. 7; Hartl W. Afr, p. 192;
Shelley, Ibis, 1883, p. 267: Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 263. Finago nudirostris, Swains. W. Afr. il.
p. 205. Zreron crassirostris et T. nudirostris, Hartl.
W. Afr. p. 192.

103. TURTUR SEMITORQUATUS (Riipp. Columba), Neue
Wirb. 1835, p. 66, pl. 23, fig. 2; Shelley, Ibis, 1833,
p. 303; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 266. Turtur ery-
throphrys, Swains. W. Afr. il. p. 207 ; Hartl. W. Afr.
p. 195; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 267.

104. T. vinacEus (Gm. Columba), S. N. i. 1788, p. 782;
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 195; Shelley, Ibis, 1883, p. 311;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 266. TZurtur semitorquata,
Swains. (see Riipp.) W. Afr. ii, p. 208; Hartl W.
Afr. p. 196.

105. CENA capensis (Linn. Columba), S. N. 1. 1766,
p. 286; Swains. W. Afr. li, p. 214; Hartl. W. Afr.
p- 198; Shelley, Ibis, 1883, p. 328.

ORDER VI. PTrEROCLETES.

106, PTEROCLES QUADRICINCTA, Temm. Pig. et Gall. il.
1815, p. 252; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 205 ; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 270. Péerocles tricinotus, Swains. W. Afr. ii.

p- 222, pl. 23.

ORDER VII. Gatiinaz.

Fam. 1. NUMIDA.

107. NUMIDA MELEAGRIS, Linn. S. N. i. 1766, p. 273,
Hartl. W. Afr. ; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 271. umida
maculipennis, Swains. W. Afr. ii. p. 226.

480

APPENDIX I.

108,

109.

IIo.

Ifl.

112.

113.

114.

Fam. 2. PERDICIDA.

FRANCOLINUS BICALCARATUS (Linn. Zetrao), S, N. i.
1766, p. 277; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 201; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 274. Chatopus adansoni, Swains. W.
Aff. i. p. 217.

CoTuRNIx coTURNIx (Linn. Zefrac) S. N. i. 1766,
p. 278. Coturnix communis, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 203;
Dresser, B. Eur. vil. p. 143, pl. 476; Rochebrune,

Seneg. p. 275.

ORDER VIII. Futicartra.

Fam, 1. PARRIDA&.

Parra Arricana, Gm. S. N. i. 1788, p. 709; Swains.
Zool. Ill. pl. 43; Hartl W. Afr. p. 240; Roche-
brune, Seneg. p. 315.

CREX EGREGIA, Peters, Mosalb. K. Ak. Wissensch,
Berlin, 185, p. 134. Vew ¢o the Gambia.

Fam. 3. HELIORNITHIDA.

Popoca SENEGALENSIS, Less. Traité, 1831, p. 596;
Hartl. W. Afr. p. 249; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 320,
pl. 25.

ORDER IX. HEeERopDIONEs.

Fam. 1. PLATALEIDA.

Ipis HAGEDASH (Lath. Zantalus), Ind. Orn. ii. 1790,
p. 709; /bis chalcoptera, Vieill. Gal. Ois. p. 245.
Geronticus hagedash, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 231. Hage-
dasia chatoptera, Elliot, P. Z. S. 1877, p. 500;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 307.

Fam. 2, CIconIDA,
PSEUDOTANTALUS IBIS (Linn. Tantalus), S. N. i. 1766,

APPENDIX II. 481

115.

116.

117.

118.

IQ.

120.

[21.

p. 241. TZantalas ibis, Hartl, W. Aft. pl. 230;
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 305.

Fam. 3. ARDEIDA.

ARDEA ARDESIACA, Wagl. Syst. Av. 1827, sp. 20;
Hartl W. Afr. p. 222; Du. Bus., Acad. Brux. iv.
pl. 3. Demigretta ardesiaca, Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 291.

A. susutcus, Audouin Expl. somm Pl. Ois. Egypte i.
1825, p. 298; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 222; Dresser, B.
Eur. vi. p. 245, pl. 400, fig. 1. Bubulcus ibis, Roche-

brune, Seneg. p. 293.

A. RALLOIDES, Scop. Ann. I. Hist. Nat. 1769, p. 88;
Dresser, B. Eur. vi. p. 251, pl. 400, fig. 2. Ardea
comata, Uartl W. Afr. p. 223. Buphus comatus,
Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 293.

A. atricaPitta, Afzel. Acta Stockh. 1804; Hartl.
W. Aft. p. 223. Butorides atricapilla, Rochebrune,

Seneg. p. 294.
Fam. 4. SCOPIDA.

Scopus UMBRETTA, Gm. S. N. i. 1788, p. 618; Hartl.
W. Afr. p. 229; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 300; Des
Murs & Grandid. Hist. Madag. Ois. Atlas, iii. pl. 208.

ORDER X._ LIMICOLA.

Fam. 1. CGEDICNEMUS.
CE, SENEGALENSIS, Swains. W. Afr. ii. 1837, p. 228 ;

Hartl. W. Afr. p. 208 ; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 280.
Fam. 2. CHARADRIIDE.

LoBIvVANELLUS SENEGALUS (Linn. Parra), S. N. 1.
1766, p. 2593 Hartl. W. Aff. p. 213 ; Rochebrune,
21

482

APPENDIX I.

122.

123.

124.

125,

126.

127.

128,

129.

Seneg. p. 283. Vanella strigilatus, Swains. B. W.
Aff. i. p. 241, pl. 27.

HopLopterus spinosus (Linn. Charadrius), S. N. i.
1766, p. 256; Hartl, W. Afr. p. 214; Dresser, B.
Eur. vil. p. 539, pl. 530; Rochebrune, Seneg.
p. 283. Vanellus melasomus, Swains. W. Afz. il.
Pp. 237, pl. 26.

SARCIOPHORUS TEXTUS (Bodd) Hengl. Orn. N. O.
Afr. p. 1,008. Sarctophorus pileatus, Hartl, W. Afr.
p- 215 ; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 284.

STREPSILAS INTERPRES (Linn. Zringa), S. N. i. 1766,
p. 248; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 217; Dresser, B. Eur. vii.
p. 555, pl. 532. Crnclus interpres, Rochebrune,
Seneg, p. 286.

Fam. 3. SCOLOPACIDA.

CALIDRIS ARENARIA (Linn, Z7inga), S. N. i. 1766,
p. 251; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 238; Dresser, B. Eur. viii.
p. tor, pls. 559, 560; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 313.

TRINGOIDES HYPOLEUCUS (Linn. Zyinga), S. N. i
1766, p. 250; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 311. Adctitis
hypoleucus, Hartl W. Afr. p. 235. Zofanus hypo-
éeucus, Dresser, B, Eur. vii. p. 127, pl. 563.

Toranus ToTANuS (Linn. Scolopax), S. N. i. 1766,
p. 245. Totanus glottis, Hartl. W. Afr. p. 235.
Totanus canescens, Dresser, B, Eur. viii. p. 173,
pl. 570.

ToTANus CaLipRis (Linn. Scolopax), S. N. i. 1766,
p. 245; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 234; Dresser, B. Eur. viii.,
Pp. 157; pls. 568 fig. 1, 569 fig. 2 ; Rochebrune, Seneg.
Pp. 310.

NuMENIUS PH#oPUS (Linn. Scolopax), S. N. i. 1766,
p. 243; Hartl. W. Afr. p. 232; Dresser, B. Eur. viii.
p. 227, pl. 576; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 308,

APPENDIX Il. 483

ORDER XI. ANSERES,

Fam. ANSERIDA,

130. NETTAPUS AURATUS (Bodd. Azas), Tabl. Pl Eul.
1783, p. 48; Des Murs & Grandid. Hist. Madag.
Atlas, ii, pl. 264; Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 324.
Nettapus Madagascariensis, Hartl, W. Afr. p. 247.

ORDER XII. Gavia.

Fam. Larip&.

131. Larus Fuscus, Linn. 5S. N. i. 1766, p. 225; H.
Saunders, P. Z. S. 1878, p. 1733; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 334.

132. L. Ripipunpus, Linn. S. N. i. 1766, p. 225; H.
Sanders, P. Z. S. 1878, p. 200; Rochebrune,
Seneg. p. 334.

133. L. CIRRHOCEPHALUS, Vieill. N. Dict. xxi. 1818, p. 502,
H. Saunders, P. Z. S. 1878, p. 204. Larus pot-
cephalus, Swains. W. Afr. ii. p. 245, pl. 29; Hartl.
W. Afr. p. 252; H. Saunders, P. Z. S. 1878, p. 204.
Larus hartlaubi, Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 334.

ORDER XIII. SricanopoDeEs.

134. PHaLacocorax AFRIcANUS (Gm. FPelecanus), S. N. i,
1788, p. 177; Hartl W. Afr. p. 260; Carbo Jongz-
cauda, Swains. W. Afr. i. p. 255, pl. 31. Graculus
Africanus, Rochebrune, Seneg. p. 347.

484 APPENDIX II.

APPENDIX TH.

COLEOPTERA OF THE GAMBIA.
By Captain G. E. SHELLEY, F.Z.S., &c.

(The numbers in brackets refer to the pages in Dr.
Gemmiger and Harold’s “ Catalogus Coleoptorum.”)

Fam. 1. CICINDELIDA.

(8) Cicindeda, Linn... =. 1. C. Littoralis, Linn.
2. C. Chiloleuca, Fsch.

Fam. 2. CARABIDA.
(92) Galerita, Fabr. . . 3. G. Africana, Dej.

(102) Pleropsophus, Sol. 4. P. marginatus, Dej.
(161) Stagona, Latr. . . 5. S. brunniceps, De}.
(166) Graphipterus, Latr.. 6. G. obsoletus, Oliv.
(183) Zaniolubus, Chaod.. 7. TZ. gagalinus, De}.
(207) effius, Latr.. . 8. LZ. megerlit, Fabr.
(208) EHudema, Cast. . . 9. &. brevicollis, Dej.
(214) Chlenius, Bonn, . 0. C. cecus, De}.

11. C. Dusaultii, Duf.
(265) Selenophorus, Dej. . 12. S, exaratus, De}.
(267) Pangus, Lec. . . 13. PB. Senegalensis, De}.
(268) Hypolithus, Dej.. . 14. H. tomentosus, De}.

15. A. pulchellus, De}.

APPENDIX Ill.

485

Fam. 3. DyTiscipé.

15. Z. immarginatus, Fabr.
16. Z: Africanus, Castl,

(458) Zrogus, Leach

17.
18.

T. congestus, Klug.
T. sp.?

Fam. 4. HIsTERIDA.

19. HZ. sp.?
20. Hf, sp.?

(765) ister, Linn.

Fam. 5. DERMESTID&,

(913) Dermestes, Linn.

2iI.

D. felinus, Fabr.

Fam. 6. SCARABAZIDA.

(985) Gymnopleurus, Ul.

(1012) Heliocopris, Hope .
(1012) Catharsius, Hope. .

(1021) Onitis, Fabr.

(1024) Onthophagus, Latr..

(1042) Aphodius, Il. .
2

(1087) Zrox, Fabr.

(1118) Serica, McLeay

(1158) Schizonycha, Blanch

(1198) Azxomala, Sam.

(1232) Zrigonostomum, Burm.
(1256) Phyllognathus, Esch,

(1257) Oryetes, Ill.

(1276) Ceratorrhina, West. .
(1280) Plesiorhinus, Burm.

22.
23.
24.

25.

26.

27.
28,

29.

30.

31.

32.

G. smaragdifer, Walk.

G. cyaneus, Fabr.

G. fulgidus, Oliv.

FT, antenor, Fabr.

C. achates, Fabr.

C. pithecius, Fabr.

C. ammon, Fabr.

O.7 inuus, Fabr.

O. auratus, Fabr.

O. gazella, Fabr.

A. bohemanni, Harold
sp. ?

T. squalidus, Oliv.

. TZ. gemmatus, Oliv.

. 1S. SP. P

. . crenata, Gyll.

. A. distinguenda, Blanch
. A. crenata, Sch.

. LT. cdypeatum, Burm.

. P. orion, Oliv.

. O. boas, Oliv.

. C. daphnis, Buq.

. 2. abbreviatus, Fabr.

486

APPENDIX II.

(1303) Guathocera, Kirby
(1308) Gametes, Burm.

(1320) Cefonia, Fabr.. .
(1332) Diphlognatha, Gory

varians, Gory and
Perch.

46. G. sanguinolenta, Oliv.

47. G. equinoctialis, Oliv.

48. C. consentanea, Schaum.

49. D. gagates, Fabr.

45. G.

Fam. 7. BUPRESTIDA.

(1347) Sternocera, Esch.

50. S. interrupta, Fabr.

Fam. 8. ELATERIDA.

(1508) Zetralobus, Serv.
(1552) Cardiotarsus, Esch.

51. Z: goryi, Hope
52. C. acuminatus, Guér.

Fam. 9. MALACODERMIDA.

(1626) Lycus, Fabr.

53. L. xanthomelas, Dalm.

Fam. 10. BosTRYCHIDA.

(1788) Apate, Fabr. Fabr.
(1789) Sinoxylon, Dej..

54. A. francisca, Fabr.
55. 9. decora, Ch.

Fam. 11, TENEBRIONID&,

(1831) Zhalpophila, Sol. .
(1841) Himantismus, Ex. .
(1845) Logonobasis, Sol.
(1890) Pimelia, Fabr. .
(1901) Phrynocolus, Lac. .

(1929) Pachypterus, Lucas.
(1930) Opatrum, Fabr. .

(2039) Preugena, Cast.

56. Z. abbreviata, Faby.
57. 4. vestatus, Dej.
58. P. rugosula, Guér.
56. P. Senegalensis, Oliv.
57. P. spinoliie, Sol.

58. £. dentatus, Sol.

59. 2. elongatus, Muls,
60. O. pubescens, Beauv.
61. O. micans, Germ.
62. O. proteum.

63. O. ovalis, Muls.

64. P. beneuensis, Dej.
65. 2. melanornis, Dej.

APPENDIX III. 487

Fam. 12. Can

THARIDA.

(2133) AQjlabris, Fabr. . 66. M. bifasciata.
67. MW. sp.?
68. MZ. sp. ?
(2147) Epicauta, Redtenb. 69. &. flavicornis, De}.

70
71
72

. £. vestita, Dut.
. £. mélanocephala, Fabr.
. £. sp. ?

Fam. 13. CURCULIONIDA.

(2411) Lixus, Fabre . . 73

. L. acuminatus, Bohn.

(2641) Rhynchophorus, Herb. 74. Le. phenicis, Fabr.

(2646) Sphenophorus, Sch. 75

. S. senegalensis, Gylh.

Fam. 14. ANTHROTRIBIDA,
(2723) Phlaotragus, Schonh. 75. P. imhofi, Bohem.

Fam, 15. CERAMBYCIDA.

(2759) Zithoes, Thomson.. 76
(2770) ALallodon, Serville. 77

(2840) Obrium, Serville. . 78.

(2804) Pachydissus, Newman.79
(3055) Phryneta, Cast.. . 80

: 81
(3058) Letrognatha, Leach. 82
(3094) Apomecyna, Serv. . 83

. LZ. maculatus, Fabr.
. M. downst, Hope.
O. fuscatum, Chevr.
: Le Spi

. P. aurocincta, Guer.
. £. spinator, Fabr.

. £. gigas, Fabr.

. A, binubila, Pase.

Fam. 16. CHRYSOMELIDA,

(3413) Chrysomela, Linn. . 84
85
(3464) Entomoscelis, Chevr. 86

(3491) Haltica, Geoff.. . 87.

(3647) Aspidomorpha, Hope. 88
(3651) Cassida, Linn... . 89

. C.sp.?

« €, Sp.sr

. £. cincta, Oliv.
AZ, sp. ?

. A, cincta, Fabr.
. C. hybrida, De}.

488 APPENDIX IV.

APPEND TY,

-_—_——

DIURNAL LEPIDOPTERA OF THE GAMBIA.
By Captain G. E. SHELLEY, F.Z.S., &c.

(The numbers in brackets refer to the pages in Mr. W. F.
Kirby’s “ Synonymic Catalogue of Diurnal Lepidoptera.”)

Fam. 1. NYMPHALID&.

Subfam. 1. DANAINA,

(3) Danais, Latr. . . 1. D. Leonora, Butt.
2. D. alcippus, Cram.

Subfam. 2, SaTYRINA,

MM. leda, Linn.
M. safitza, Hew.
M, saga, Butt.
MM. sp. ?

. ML, angulosa, Butt.
MM. desolata, Butt.
. Y. itonia, Hew.
to. Y. delata, Kirby.
11. Visp.e

(43) M@elanitis, Fabr..
(87) M€ycalesis, Hiibn.

P SATAN BY

(94) Ypthima, Hibn..

APPENDIX IV. 489

Subfam., 3. ACREINA,

(130) Acrea, Fabr.

12.? A. lycia, Fabr. var.

13. A. cecilia, Fabr.
14. A. zetes, Linn.
15. A. donasia, Fabr.
16, A. serena, Fabr.
17. A. egina, Cram,
18 A. umbra, Dru.

Subfam. 4. NyMPHALINA,

(154) Atella, Doubl.
(181) Vanessa, Hiibn. .
(185) /wnonia, Hiibn. .

(189) Precis, Hiibn.

(196) Aypanis, Boisd. .

(224) Aypolimnas, Hiibn. .

(239) LVeptis, Fabr.
(246) ELuryphene, Boisd.

(247) Luphedra, Hibn.

(249) Hamanumida, Hibn.

(250) Azerica, Boisd. .
(267) Charaxes, Ochs. .

(273) Palla, Hiibn.

19. A. eurytis, Doubl.
20. V. cardui, Sp.

21. J. celia, Cram.

22, J. enone, Linn,

23. J. orithya, Linn,
24. £. terea, Dru.

25. L. sophia, Fabr.
26. L. chorimene, Guér.
27. P. cuama, Hew.
28. P. cloantha, Cram.
29. HH. ilithyia, Dru.
30. A. misippus, Linn.
31. , anthedon, Doubl.
32. WV. agatha, Cram,
33. &. cocalia, Fabr.
34. L£. plautilla, Hew.
35. £. agnes, Butt.

36. A. dedalus, Fabr.
37. A. cupavia, Cram.
38. C. epijasius, Reiche.
39. C. viola, Butt.

40. P. varanes, Cram.

Fam. 2. LYC#NIDA,
(335) ? Liptena, Doubl. Hew. 41. LZ. sp.?

(345) Cupido, Schrank.

42. C. calice, Hopf.

43. C. lingeus, Cram.

490 APPENDIX IV.

(379) Zhecla, Fabr.

(406) Aypolycena, Feld.

(409) Lolaus, Hiibn.
(416) Deudorix, Hew..

44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49. :
. C. knysna, Trim,

. C. pulchra, Murr.

(Ge Spek

. L. larydas, Cram.
. Af, philippus, Fabr.
. Af. lacides, Hew.

. Lf, princeps, Butt.

. L. ismenias, Klug.
. L, iasis, Hew.

. D. anta, Trim.

C. jesous, Gueér.

C. moriqua, Wallengr.
C. sp. ?

C. amarah, Guer.

C. telecanus, Hiibn.

C. trochilus, Frey.

Fam. 3. PAPILIONIDA.

Subfam.

(439) Pontia, Fabr.
(441) Zerias, Swains. .
(450) Pieris, Schrank.

(463) Zachyris, Wall. .

(479) Eronia, Hiibn.

(481) Catopsilia, Hiibn.

(500) Callosune, Doubl.

(517) Papilio, Linn.

. PIERINA.

. P. alcesta, Cram.

. £. sylvicola, Boisd.

. L. brigetta, Cram.

. LZ. Senegalensis, Hubn.
. P. Larima, Boisd.

. PL. mesentina, Cram.
. 2. creone, Cram.

. £. gidica, Godt.

. PL. calypso, Dru.

. P. lacteipennis, Butt.
. LZ. chloris, Faby.

. Z. saba, Fabr.

. £. thalassina, Boisd.
. C. florella, Fabr.

C. anteupompe, Feld.

. C. sera, Lue.
. C. evippe, Linn,

C. epigone, Feld.

. P. leonidas, Fabr.

APPENDIX IV. 491

79. £. demoleus, Linn.

80.
81.

P. prlades, Fabr,
P, nireus, Linn.

82. Po spe?

Fam. 5. HESPERIDA,
83. J. forestan, Cram.

(581) Lsmene, Swains. .
(589) Carystus, Hiibn..
(596) Pamphila, Fabr..

(611) Hesperia, Fabr. .

(628) Misoniades, Hiibn. :

(634) Zagiades, Hiibn.

. C. cerymica, Hew.

. 2. mohopaani, Wallengr.
. 2. hottentota, Latr.

. £. linda, Hew.

. #Z, spio, Linn.

. WV. delele, Wallenge.

. TZ. flesus, Fabr.

492 APPENDIX V.

APPENDIX Y.

LEPIDOPTERA HETEROCERA.
By Hersert Drucz, F.LS., F.Z.5., &c.

(All the species are from the Gambia unless otherwise
noted.)

Fam. 1. SPHINGID.
Subfam. 1. MACROGLOSSINA.

Genus Hemaris, Dalman.
1. . hylas, Linn. Mant. i. p. 539.

Genus Aélopus, Hiibner.

2. A. hirundo, Gerst. V. d. Decken, Reisen in Ost
Afrika, p. 375, t. xv. f. 7.

Subfam. CH#ROCAMPINA,

Genus Basiothea, Walker.
3. B. idricus, Drury. Ill, Nat. Hist. 3, p. 2, t. 2, f 2.

Genus Cherocampa, Duponchel.

4. C. eson, Cram, Pap. Exot. ii t. 226, fic.
5. C. celerio, Linn, Syst. Nat. 1, 2, p. 800.

APPENDIX V. 493

Io.

It.

12.

15.
16.

17.
18.

19.

. C. osiris, Dalm. Anal. Ent. p. 48.
. C. balsaming, Walk. Cat. vill. p. 138.

Genus ZDaphnis, Hiibner.
D. nerii, Linn, Syst. Nat. 1, 2, p. 798.

Genus Clanus, Hiibner.

. C. postica, Walk. Cat. vill. p. 237.

Subfam. SMERINTHINA.

Genus Lophostethus, Butler.
L. demolinii, Anyas, Kaffirs Ill. t. xxx. f. 11.

Genus Zyripfogon, Bremer.
T. rosea, Druce, Ent. Mo. Mag. 19, p. 17.

Subfam, ACHERONTIINA.

Genus Acherontia, Hiibner.
A. atropos, Linn. Mus. Lud. Ulr., p. 348.

Subfam. SPHINGINA.

Genus Protoparce, Burmister.

. P. solani, Boisd. Faun. ent. de Madag., p. 76, t. xi.,

. P. convolvuli, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1. iL, p. 789.

Genus Wephele, Hiibner.

NV. egquivalens, Walk. Cat. viii., p. T9T.

NV. rose, Butl. P.Z.S. 1875, p. 14.

NV. variegata, Butl. P.Z.S. 1875, p. 15.

NV. peneus, Cram. Pap. Exot. i. p. 139, t. 88, £ D.

LV. comma, Hopff. in Peters’s Reise nach Mossambique,

Ins., p. 424, t. 27, f. 12. .
20. LV. viridescens, Walk. Cat. vill., p. 192.

494 APPENDIX V.

Fam. AGARISTIDA.

Genus -Zgocera, Latr.

ar. Atgocera rectilinea, Guér. Icon, Reigne Anim. Ins.
t. 84, fi 2.
22. 42. magna, Walk. Cat. i. p. 56.

Genus Charilina, Walk.
23. C. intercis, Feld. Reise Nov. Lep. t. 107, f. 17.

Fam. ZYGHNIDA.

Genus Syntomis, Ochs.
24. S, tomasina, Butl. Jour. Linn. Soc. Zool. xii. p. 348.

Genus Aydrusa, Walk.
25. H. bivitiata, Walk. Cat. xxxi. p. 66.

Genus Luchromia, Hiibn.
26, E. sperchius, Cram. Pap. Exot. il. p. 79, t. 146, f. c.

Genus Zhyretes, Boisd.

24. T. caffra, Wign. Wien. Ent. Mon. vil. p. 138.
28. Z. sp.

Fam. ARCTIIDA.

Genus Anace, Walk.
29. Anace (?) perpusilla, Walk. Cat, vii. p. 1720.

Genus Areas, Walk.
30. Areas moloneyi, Druce, n. sp.

Genus Luchetes, Harris.
31. Euchetes Madagascarensis, Butl. Cist. Ent. ii. p. 3.

APPENDIX V. 495

Genus Phissama, Moore.
32. 2. mundata, Walk. Cat. xxxi. p. 309.

Genus Setrarctia, Packard.

33. S. seita, Walk, Cat. xxxi, p. 302.
34. S. sp.

Genus Leucaloa, Butl.
35. L. sp.
Genus A/penus, Walk.
36. A. maculosus, Cr. Pap. Exot. iv. p. 156, t. 370, f. D.

Fam. LIrHosIIpé.

Genus Lithosia, Fabr.
37. L. bipunctigera, Wign. Wien. Ent. Mon. vil. p. 146.

Genus Afteva, Walk.
38. A. sp.
Genus Deiopeia, Steph.
39. D. pulchella, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1, 2, p. 884.

Genus Argina, Hibn.

40. A. ocellina, Walk. Cat. ii. p. 571.
41. A. cingulifera, Walk. Cat. 1. p. 569.
42. A. leonina, Walk. Cat. xxxi. p. 262.

Subfam. Hypsina&.

Genus Aypsa, Hiibn.

43. 4. speciosa, Drury, Exot. Ent. ii. p. 10, t. 5, f 2.
44. Hf. subretracta, Walk. Cat. vii. p. 1676.

Genus Godasa, Walk.
45. G. maculatrix, Walk. Cat, xxxi, p. 272.

496 APPENDIX V.

Fam. LIPARIDA.
Genus Crorema, Walk.
46. C. mentiens, Walk. Cat. iv. p. 811.

Genus Porthisia, Steph.
47. P. producta, Walk.

Genus Lelia, Steph.
48. L. (anthora) subrosea, Walk. Cat. iv. p. 801.

Genus Artaxa, Walk.
49. A. pygmea, Walk. Cat. iv. p. 793.

Genus Anaphe, Walk.

50. A. infracta, Walsingham, Trans. Linn. Soc. Zool. ii.
p. 422, t. xlv., f. 8.
51. A. moloneyi, n. sp. Druce.

Genus Aroa, Walk.

52. A. discalis, Walk. Cat. iv. p. 792.
53. A. crocata, Her-Schf. Lep. Exot. f. 112.

Genus Polymona, Walk.
54. LP. rufifemur, Walk. Cat. i. p. 768.

Genus Dasychira, Steph.

55. D. crausis, Druce, P.Z.S, 1884, p. 228, t. xvil, fi. 5.
56. D. remota, Druce, n. sp.

Genus Phiala, Wallgr.
57. P. xanthosoma, Wallgr. Wien. Ent. Mon. iv. p. 165.

APPENDIX V. 497

Fam. SATURNIIDG,

Genus Axntherea, Hiibn
58. A. obscura, Butl. ?

Genus Attacus, Hiibn.

59. A. bauhinie, Guér. Icon, Régne Anim. Ins., p. 506,
t. 86, f. 1.

Genus Crenogyna, Feld.
60. C. Matalensis, Feld, Reise Nov. Lep. t. 85, f. 4.

Fam. LasSIOCAMPIDA.

Genus Phyllalia, Walk.
61. P. unicolor, Walk. Cat. vi. p. 1414.

Genus Chrysopoloma, Wallgr.
62. C. rudis, Walk. Cat. xxxil. p. 561,

Genus Odenestis, Germar.

63. O. directa, Walk, Cat. xxxii. p. 566.
64. O. (?) honrathii, Dewitz. Nova Acta Acad. C.L.C.G.,
Nat. Cur., vol. xlii, p. 73, t. 11, f. 17.

Genus Pachypasa, Walk.
65. P. subfascia, Walk, Cat. vi. p. 1426. Lagos.

Fam. LIMACODIDA,

Genus AMiresa, Walk.
66. MZ. sp.
Genus Woerdenia, Snell.

67. W. weyenberghi, Snell. Tijdsch, voor Ent. xv. p. 43,
t. lik, fi 9.
2K

498 APPENDIX V.

Fam. BomByciDé.

: Genus aroma, Walk.
68. WV. signifera, Walk. Cat. vii. p. 1744.

Genus Zrilocha.
69. Z. sp.
Fam. PsycHIDA.
Genus ZLumeta, Walk.
yo. Eumeta cervina, sp. n., Druce.

Fam. CossIpA.

Genus Cossus, Fabr.
71. C. moloneyi, sp. n., Druce.

Fam, NOTODONTIDA,

Genus Antheua, Walk.

72. A. cinerea, Walk. Cat. iii. p. 767.
73. A. simplex, Walk. Cat. il. p. 687.

Genus Ovesia, Guén,
74. O. emarginata, Fabr, Ent. Syst. ti, 2, p. 240.

Fam, LEUCANIIDA,

Genus Leucania, Ochs.
75. L. curvula, Walk. Cat. ix. p. 102.

Fam, GLOTTULIDA.

Genus Polytela, Guén.
76. P. florifera, Walk. Cat. xv. p. 1666.

APPENDIX V. 499

Genus Glottula, Guén.
77. G. pancratii, Cyrillo. Ent’ Neap. t. 12, f. 4.

Subfam. XvLOPHASIDES,

Genus Laphygma, Guén.
98. L. cycloides, Guen. Noct. i, p. 157.

Genus Prodenia, Guén.
79. P. retina, Feiv, Herr-Schaf. Eur. Schmett, ii. t. 29,

| 145.
80. P. infecta, Walk. Cat. ix. p. 196.

Fam. NocruIp&.

Genus Agrotis, Ochs.

81. A. spiculifera, Guen. Noc. i. p. 266,
82. A. decipiens, Feld. Reise Nov. Lep. t. go, f. 17.

Fam. HELIOTHIDA.

Genus Heliothis, Ochs..
83. H. peltigera, Wien. Verz. p. 89.

’ Fam, ACONTIHDA,

‘Genus Acontia, Ochs.

84. A. insocia, Walk. Cat. xii. p. 788.
85. A. concinnula, Walk. Cat. xii. p. 789.
86. A. pyralina, Walk. Cat. xii. p. 789.
87. A. bipunctata, Walk. Cat. xii. p. 798.
88. A. luminosa, Walk. Cat. xv. p. 1759.
89. A. formosa, Walk.
go. A. sp.

Genus Xanthodes, Guen.

ot. X. fimbriata, Walk. Cat. xxxiil. p. 777.
2 Kk. 2

500 APPENDIX V.

Fam. PLusiipé.

Genus Plusia, Ochs.

92. £. Mi, Hiibn. Eur. Schmett. Noct. t. 58, f. 284.
93. P. acuta, Walk. Cat. xii. p. 922.

Fam, ToxocAaMPIDA,

Genus Baniana, Walk.
94. B. sp.
Fam. PoLyDESMIDA,
Genus Pandesma, Guén.
95. P. Quenavadi, Guén. Noe. ii. p. 438.

Genus Polydesma, Boisd.
96. P. laudula, Guén. Noc. ii. p. 441.

Fam, OPHIDERIDA,

Genus Ophideres, Boisd.

97. O. materna, Linn. Syst. Nat. ii. p. 840.
98. O. divitosa, Walk. Proc. Nat. Soc. Glasgow i. p. 357,
t. vil. f, 11.

Subfam. PHyLLopID&,

Genus Miniodes, Guén.
99. M. discolor, Guen. Noc. iii. p. 119.

Fam. OMMATOPHORIDA,

Genus Patula, Guén.
too. P. Walkeri, Butl Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. s. iv.
vol. xvi. p. 406,
Genus Cylgramma, Boisd.
zor. C, dafona, Cram. Pap, Exot, i. t. 13, f. B.

APPENDIX V. 501

102. C. fluctuosa, Drury, Ill. Exot. Inst. ii, t 14, fi 1.
103. C. dimacina, Guér. Icon, Régne Anim. t. 89, f. 2.

Fam. HypoPpyriDa&,

Genus Aypopyra, Guén.
104. HZ. Capensis, Herr-Schaff. Lep. Ex. fi 121, 122.

Genus Entomogramma, Guén.
105. 2. medtocris, Walk. Cat. xxxili. p. 949.

Fam. BENDID&.

Genus Homea, Guén.
106. Z. clathrum, Guen. Noc. ili. p. 207.

Fam, OPHIUSIDA.

Genus Sphingomorpha, Guén.
107. S. chlorea, Cram. Pap. Exot. ii. t. 104, f. c.

Genus Ophiodes, Guén.
108. O. Hottentota, Guen. Noc, ili. p. 229.

Genus Ophisma, Guén.
109. O. albicilia, Walk. Cat. xiv. p. 1374.
110. O. rivudaris, Butl. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. s. iv. vol. xvi.
p. 407. :
Genus Achea, Hiibn.
. esea, Cram. Pap. Exot. ii. t. 239, f D.
. mormoides, Walk. Cat. xiv. p. 1393.
. illustrata, Walk. Cat. xiv. p. 1392.
. melicerta, Drury, i. t. 23, f. 1.

iS
Bs BS pS Ds

Genus Serrodes, Guén.
i1s. S. nigha, Guén. Noc. il p. 253.

502

APPENDIX V.

116.

117.
118,

119.
120,

121,
122,
123.

124,

125,

126.

127,

Genus Ophiusa, Ochs.
O. festina, Walk, Cat. xiv. p. 1425.

Genus Grammodes, Guén.

G. stolida, Fab. Sp. In. ii. p. 218.
G. geometrica, Rossi, Faun. Ety. il. p. 179.

Fam. EvucLipiIpé&.

Genus Zrigonodes, Guén.

T. acutata, Guen. Noc. iii. p. 283.
T. hyppasia, Cram. Pap. Exot. ii. t. 250, f. E.

Fam. REMIGIDA,

Genus Remigia, Guén.

R. pellita, Guen. Noe. iii. p. 319.
R. inconcisa, Walk. Cat. xxxiii. p. 1013.
R. congregata, Walk. Cat. xv. p. 1847.

Fam. THERMESIIDA,

Genus Azazia, Walk.
A, rubricans, Boisd. Faun. Madag, t. 16, f. 1.

Genus Girpa, Walk,
G. aliena, Walk. Cat. xv. p. 1849.

Fam. POAPHILIDA,

Genus Poaphila, Guén.
P. reversa, Walk. Cat, xxxill. p. 991.

Genus Bareia, Walk.
B. incidens, Walk. Cat. xv. p. 1840.

APPENDIX V. 503

Fam, HyPEeNnIDA,

Genus Ayfena, Schr.
128, A. jussalis, Walk. Cat. xvi: p. 52.
129. 4. obacerralis, Walk. Cat. xvi. p. 53.
130. A. echionalis, Walk. Cat. xvi. p. 230.
131. &@. sp.
132. A. sp.
133. A. sp.
Fam. ENNOMIDA,
Genus “yperythra, Guén.
134. H. leucicolor, Butl, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. s. iv. vol.
XVl. Pp. 417.
Fam. BoaRMIIDA,

Genus Aypochroma, Gn,
135. A, attenuans, Walk. Cat. xxi. p, 430.

Fam. GEOMETRIDA,

Genus Geometra, Linn,
136. G. leucospilata, Walk. Cat. xxvi. p. 1554.
137. G. latilineata, Walk. Cat. xxxv. p. 1605.
138. G, sp.
Genus Vemoria, Hiibn.
139. UW, stillata, Feld. Reise Nov. Lep. t. 127, f. 17.

Fam. ACIDALIIDA, ©

Genus Acidalia, Treit.
140. A, illiturata, Walk. Cat. xxvi. p. 1602.
141. A. intervulsata, Walk. Cat. xxii. p. 745.
142. A, reconditaria, Snell. Tijdschrift v. Ent. xv. p. 76
t. 6, f. 8, 9.
143. A. sp.

504 ‘APPENDIX V.

Fam. MECOCERID.

‘Genus Rhamidava, Walk.
144. &. fulvata, Drury, Exot. Ins. iii. p. t 21, fi 4.

Fam. MIcRONIIDA.

Genus Micronia, Guén.
145. MM. erycinaria, Guen. Phol. ii. p. 30.

Fam. MAcaRIID&.

Genus Macaria, Curt.
146. M. lataria, Walk. Cat. xxill. p. 921.
147. 42. Gnophosata, Walk. Cat. xxvi. p. 1645.
148. MM. postvittata, Walk. Cat. xxvi. p. 1646.
149. MZ. sp... ;
150. MZ. Angolaria, Snell. Tijdschrift v. Ent. xv. p, 83,
t. 6, f. 12, 13.
Fam. ASOPIDA.

Genus Desmia, Westw.
151. D. affictatis, Guen. Delt. et Pyral. p. 190.

Genus Daraéa, Walk.
152. D. tdmonealis, Walk. Cat. xvii. p. 385.

Genus Leucinodes, Guén.
153. L. splendens, n. sp., Druce.

Genus Aymenia, Hiibn.
154. “7. fascialis, Cram. Pap. Exot. v. t 36, fF,

APPENDIX V.

595

155.

156.

157.
158.

159.

160.

161,
162.

163.
164.

165.

166.
167.
168,
169.
170.

Fam. STENIADA.

Genus Stenia, Guén.

S. Sp.
Fam. SPILOMELIDA.
Genus Phalangiodes, Guén.
LP. geometralis, Guén. Delt. et Pyral. p. 278.

Genus Zebronia, Hib.

Z. phenicealis, Cram. Pap, Exot. iv. t. 382, f. G.

Z. salomealis, Walk. Cat. xvii. p. 476.
Z. cassusalis, Walk, Cat. xvil. p. 477.

Genus Diathrauste,
D, timaralis, Feld. Reise Nov. Lep.

Fam. MARGARODIDA,

Genus Glyphodes, Guén.
G. stolalis, Guén. Delt. et Pyral. p. 293.
G. sp.
Genus Phakellura, Guild.
P. indica, Saund, Zool. 1x. n. 3070.
P. sp.
Genus Zobata, Walk.
T. elealis, Walk, Cat. xviii. p. 516,

Genus Margaronia, Hiibn,

M. transvisalis, Guén. Delt. et Pyral. p. 304.
M. sericeolalis, Guén. Delt. et Pyral. p. 307.
M. pomonalis, Guén. Delt. et Pyral. p. 309.
MM. sp.

MM. sp.

506 APPENDIX V.

Genus Maruca, Walk.

171. M. aquatilis, Boisd. Guer. Icon. Regne Anim. Ins.
t. go, f. 9.

Fam. BotipIpa&,

Genus Zotys, Latr.

172. B. creonalis, Walk. Cat. xviii. p. 579.

173. B. marginalis, Guen. Delt. et Pyral. p. 343.

174. B. sarronalis, Walk. Cat. xviii. p. 636.

175. LB. ovialis, Walk. Cat. xviii. p. 636.

176. B. triarialis, Walk. Cat. xviii. p. 639.

178. BL. monesusalis, Walk. Cat. xviii. p. 653.

179. B. intactalis, Walk. Cat. xxxiv. p. 1402,

180, ZB. sp.

181. &. aegrotalis, Snell. Tijdschrift voor Ento. xv. p. 90,
t. vil, f 8

Fam. SCOPARIDA.
Genus Stenopteryx, Guén.
183. S. hybridalis, Hiibn. Pyral. t.17, f 114.

Genus Scopula.
184. S, massalis, Walk. Cat. xviii. p. 792.

CRAMBITES.
Fam. GALLERIIDA,

. Genus Anerastia, Hiibn,
185. A. phycidella, Rag.

Genus Zvicella, Tr.
186. £. sincenella, Rag,

APPENDIX V. 507

Fam. CRAMBIDA,

Genus Chilo, Zk.
187. C. discellus, Walk, Cat. xxvii. p. 141.

Genus Jartheza, Walk.
188. J. chrysographella, Kir, Walk. Cat. xxvii. p. 184.

About thirty species of obscure (Voctuade and Pyralide
are in to be identified. Descriptions of the new species
will shortly be published.

508 APPENDIX VI.

APE LDL WI,

LIST OF THE SHELLS COLLECTED IN 1884-5
AT THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER GAMBIA,
WEST AFRICA, BY CAPTAIN MOLONEY.

CEPHALOPODA,.
Sepia sp. (shell only).
GASTROPODA,

Muricide.

Murex cornutus, Linn. M. saxatilis, Linn, MM. varius,
Sowerby. JZ. megaceros, Sowerby.

Buccinide.

Purpura coronata, Lamarck. PP. hemastoma, Lamk.
Melongena morio, Linn.

Olivide.
Oliva subulata, Lamarck. O. hiatula, Lamarck.

Cassidida,
Cassis spinosa, Gronovius.

Conidae.

Conus prometheus, Hwass. C. mercator, Linn. C.
guinaicus, Hwass.

APPENDIX VI. 509

Pleurotomide.
Pusionella aculeiformis, Lamk. Clavatula muricata,
Lamk. C. sacerdos, Reeve. —
Volutide.

Cymbium neptuni, Gmelin. C. porcinum, Lamk. C.
proboscidalis, Lamk. Marginella glabelia, Linn. MM. adan-
soni, Kiener. JZ. crassilabrum, Sowerby. M. (Persicula)
cornea, Lamarck, MM. (Persicula) cingulata, Dillwyn.

Cypraeide,

Cyprea stercoraria, Linn. C. sonata, Chemnitz C.
nebulosa, Solander. Radius seminulum, Sowerby.

Naticide.

Natica fulminea, Lamarck. WV. variabilis, Réclez. WN.
maroccana, Chemnitz.

Cerithiida,
Tympanotomus fuscatus, Linn, TZ. radulus, Linn.

Terebride,
Terebra senegalensis, Lamarck. TZ. micans, Hinds.

Turritellide,

Turritela ungulina, Linn, TZ. annulata, Kiener. T.
candida, Reeve. Mesalia varia, Kiener.

Vermetide.
2 Vermetus varians, V Orbigny.

Ampullariide.
Lanistes ovum, Peters.
Littorinide,
Littorina ahenea, Reeve.

510 APPENDIX VI.

Calyptreide.
Crypta porcellana, Linn. C. (Mitrella) sinensis, Linn.

Lanthinide.
Lanthina communis, Lamk. J, globosa, Swainson.

Fissurellida.
Fissurella obtusa, Sowerby.

Neritide.
Nerita atrata, Chemnitz.

Siphonariida.
Stphonaria venosa, Reeve.

Flelicide.
Limicolaria adansoni, Pfr. L. flammea, Miiller.

Auriculide, |
Melampus liberianus, H. & A. Adams.

Bullide.
Bulla striata, Bruguitre,

PELECYPODA.

Ostreide.
Ostrea parasitica, Gmelin. O. dacerans, Hanley.

Pectinide,
Pecten gibbus, Linn, LP. pseudamusium, Kein.

Aviculida.
Avicula argentea, Reeve.

APPENDIX VI. Sir

Mytilide.
Modiola atropurpurea, Dunker. AL. sp. ?

Arcde.

Arca (Barbatia) gambiensis, Reeve. A, (Senilia) senilis,
Linn. fectunculus rubens, Lamarck.

Chamide@.
Chama sp. ?
Cardiide.

Cardium costatum, Linn. C. ringens, Chemnitz. C.
rusticum, Linn.

Lucinide.
Lucina columbella, Lamarck.

Astartide.
Crassatella contraria, Lamarck.

Carditide.
Cardita ajar, Bruguietre.

Veneride.

Venus plicata, Gmelin. Cytherea (Tivela) tripla, Linn.
C. (Zivela) bicolor, Gray. C. (Callista) tumens, Gmelin.
C. (Callista) africana, Phil. Zapes dura, Gmelin. Dosinia
africana, Gray. D. isocardia, Dunker.

Mactride.
Mactra adansoni, Philippi. AL nitida, Schroeter.

Tellinida,

Tellina wroblewskyi, Bock. TZ. mnymphalis, Lamk.
Semele radiata? Say. Scrobicularia plebeia, Hanley. S.
lacunosa, Chemnitz. Donax rugosa, Linn. Lphigenia altior,
Sowerby.

512 APPENDIX VI.

Ungulinide.
Diplodonta senegalensis, Reeve.

Solenide.
Solen guineensis, Gray. Tagelus caribea, Lamk.

Myide.
Tugonia guineensis, Chemnitz.

Pholadide.
Talona explanata, Spengler.

APPENDIX VII. 513

APPENDIX Vil.

LIST OF REPTILES, BATRACHIANS, AND FISHES
COLLECTED BY CAPTAIN MOLONEY IN
1884-5 AT THE GAMBIA.

Reptiles,

Tarentola ephippiata, O’Sh.
Varanus exanthematicus, Bosc.
Chameleon senegalensis, Daud.
Lyphlops liberiensis, Hallow.
Python regius, Merr.
Naia haie, L.

Batrachian.

Rana adspersa, Bibr.
Fishes.

Batrachus didactylus, Schn.
Periophthalmus koetreuteri, Schn.
Echeneis naucrates, L.
Chromis microcephalus, Blkr.
C. latus, Gthr.

Alestes wytsii, Stdr.
Ophichthys semicinctus, Rich.
O. rostellatus, Rich.

O. sp. (near QO. imberbis).
Hippocampus guttulatus, Cuv.
Protopterus annectens, Ow.
Pristis perroteii, M. & H,

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS.

Order. Species. Vulgar Name. Page.
Ranunculacez Clematis grandiflora aia tes 269
Dilleniacee . Tetracera alnifolia . . .| Water-tree . . . 3
Anonaceze . Monodora Myristica . . | Calabash nutmeg. -

65 . Anona muricata. . . | Sour sop or custard apple 270
we A. senegalensis. « vee 3
35 . + | A. palustris . Alligator apple . 2
2
35 ~ «= | A. rehculata. 2 se gees apple ie bullock’s ak a
5% A. Cherimolia . . . | Cherimoyer ae
of A. squamosa. = ed Sweetsopy. 4. ys ry)
ad Vvaria?. -= « » » « | Krookare, 271
5 . | Gvariachame . . . Finger root : 53
. Ce ae gee Guinea or N’ e=70} 7
pepper. . ge
se é X. parviflora . . . . | Dean. ge Wee Las
a . «| X. polycarpa ‘ Gbeyido or wasu. Pee er
Menispermacee . | Zinospora Bakis. . 2 ea 5 272
= Cocculus villosus. ‘ a a ue
ae C. Leeba. ~ «+ | Ullar-billar 2 2 aw | ay
oe brava acacaas| asics leaf or spurious

29 Pareira) : Bareirats a gs 7 i
NYMPHAACEE . | Mympheasp. . . . .{Nenuphar. . . . . | 273
Papaveracez. Lapaver Rheas . « « «| Redorcorn poppy . ”

505 Argemone mexicana - | Spring poppy. . . .] ,,
Cruciferae Nasturtium humifusum . si 274

3 XN. officinale . . | Watercress . nae ae ess

55 » «| Cardamine hirsuta . . Pe 35

3 : Brassica juncea. . . $s a3
Capparidee . Gynandropsis pentaphylla . bs 275

Pe) . .
99 . .

a9 . .

Merua angolensis . .
Boscia salicifolia. ay fe
Cratava religiosa .

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS.

Order.

Species.

Vulgar Name.

Violariez
Bixinese ,
a2 *
ES *

Polygalex
Portulaceze

.

Tamariscinez

Hypericinex -

Guttiferze

a>
3°?

ao "
Dipterocarpeze

Malvaceze
ae
2%
>?
a
223
22
so

Ee)

tle}
29

39)

3-9)
29

29

29

.

STERCULIACEA.

er)
at
am
29
a9

|
Tiliacez .

Sauvagesia erecta. . .
Cochlospermum tinctorium .
C. angolense. . « « .
Bixa Orellana . .
Oncoba spinosa

Securidaca longipedunculata
fortulaca oleracea

Tamarix gallica. .
T.articulata, . . .
flaronga madagascariensis .

Symphonia globulifera .

Pentadesma butyracea .
Garcinia Kola . . .
Ochrocarpus africanus .
Lophiraalata . .« . .
Sida carpinifolia. . . .
S. rhombifolia . 6. 1
Wissandula rostrata. .
Abutilon indicum . .
Malachra capitata . .
Urena lobata. . «. .
Pavonia seylanica .
Liibiscus tiliaceus .

ZI. cannabinus

ff. furcatus .

fT. esculentus. . 6 6.
ff. Abelmoscthus. 1. . .
fT. quinguelobus., . « .
AY, surattensis 65 .
Thespesia populnea .

Gossypium barbadense . .

G. herbaceum .« «© .
G. arboreum. . « .
Adansonia digitata. .

£ viodendron anfractuosum .

Sterculia Tragacantha . .
Sterculia? cordifolia, .

S. cimeveas wn
S. Barteyri . « s
Cola acuminata. .
Waltheria indica.
Theobroma cacao. .
Grewia asiatica. .

oe hog or doctor’s

(ciahene, bastard inte)

ences or sea eas

gee

Fayar. 2...
Borotuto . ‘
Arnatto or Rocon

Buaze | RR OO
Purslane . . .
Tamarisk. . . .

Guttier, Ogina-gina .

gum, karamani. .
Butter or tallow tree.
Bitterkola . . .
Mammee apple . .
Men &. Ses

Indian mallow e .

ambari. . . .
Okro, bendi-kai ..
‘Tabaco’. . ..
Portia or tulip tree

cotton .

Cotton of commerce .
Baobab, monkey-bread .
Bintaforo, saa
cotton or kapok
Tragacanth . .
Ndimb. . . .
Kook omboyon .

Cola or kola , ee ie 38

Cacaei. a =) ws

516 INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS.
Order. Species. Vulgar Name. Page.
Tiliacez . | SGemrOllise Wek dea i 8 des sis 288
= - » «| G. populifolia . . . «| Gingo. . 2. . . ss
se ew | Ga vellosa:: a ee dase a 289
ee . | G. salifolia. . ' dh ase es
he . | Grewia sp. . . . | Ovumbapoo. .. . x
ae. S . | Triumfetta semitriloba . sis Bee 4
Sur. ce . | Corchorus oliteurius . . | Jew’s mallow orjute. .| ;,
35 =) Gxtvidens 3. : was a 290
sis » | C. trilocularis ; vid oe 35
55 » | C. fascicularis . | Bhauphallee . . Bl sig
Humiriacese . . | Aubrya gabonensis . . | Djonga. > ee) ee POT
Zygophyllee. . | Zrzbulus terrestris . | Chota gokhroo bee 284) 5g
555 . « | Metraria Schoberi . | Nitrebush . . . «J 5,
is a ycophyllum simplex . | Alathi. : 5
55 . . | Fagonia arabica . | Dhamasa. . . . . | 292
GERANIACEH . | Oxalis corniculata « | SAmrulsak??. 5 Foy
Rutacez . . | Zanthoxylum senegalense . 293
o> ee | Clausena inequalis . : is
SIMARUBEA. . | Brucea antidysenterica . . Woodginoos feed cl) as,
505 . | Lrvingia Bartert . | Dika, Udika, eee Iba » | 294
335 . | Lrvingia Smithit 55
38 . « | Balanites agypiiaca . Soump. as “es ed ares 5
Burseraceze . . | Bad dendron afric Bdellium . . : 295
$5 . . | Canarium edule . - | Mpatu or Mubafo 7 3
a9 . «| C. macrophyllum . . . i
’ Persian lilac, ‘Eastard
MELIACEH . Melia Azedarach . . { cedar, bead tree. i 296
55 Trichilia emetica Motsakiri . 5
33 Carapa guyanensis . (os Speen oil, ’} $3
33 Khaya senegalensis . . cee oe ee 207
Chailletiaceee . | Chavlletia toxicaria. . ee break OF ced a
Olacinez. Ximenia americana . F 298
55 alpodytes dinudiata . i 55
43 » . « | Leacina macrocarpa . ‘ vane 5
CELASTRACEE . | Ceélastrus senegalensis - | Guenoudeck . B
Rhamnez Zizyphus jujuba . . | Jujube or ber . 299
55. Z, Spina-Christi é ais aes 300
Fae 8 Z, mucronata . | Buffalo-hom . . . . | ,,
AMPELIDEE. Vitis cornifolia vie ans ‘i
>) . V. palmatifida he
55 V. Schimperiana. i
a V. Welwitschit 301

22
499

Vv. Leonensis.
V. bombycina

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS.

517
Order. Species. Vulgar Name. Page
AMPELIDEA. V. aralioides . oe fe 301
a ‘ DCEO is Se 0 Te BES pS Country grapes . . is
ee : Leeatinetoria . . . ce oat 5
Sapindacee . . Caedagatiite Halicacabum a 2 on segs 302
a » . | Schmidelia africana ex ies 5
ars . . | Blighia sapida . . Akee apple ae ope 8 is
59 » . | Chytranthus Mannit ths 303
a » «| Sapindus senegalensis Kewer. .. ep ay
ss . . | Dodonea viscosa. . | Switch sorrel, Apiria ell Sag
ANACARDIACEE | Sorindeia juglandi ifolia . . oon 304
39 Anacardium occidentale, .| Cashew . . -
5 Hematostaphis Barteri . Blood plum, Daingeregza 305
55 Odinaacida. . . « 3
a Spondias lutea. . « « Hog plum. ee _
ae Sclerocarya Birrea . . .|M’Birr . . . « « | 306
sds Mangifera indica Mango. . « +» «© «| yy
Connaracez . Rourea santaloides are oe 7 ‘3
; | ( (Papilionacee Crotalaria
Leguminose . {' Does . : oe ‘| 307
a . «6 | Ci verrucosa, «© «6 « « 53
“ Pen Ne Oe 2272 em ae i
55 . . | Lupinus Termis. . oe ee 55
sly . . | Qrifolium subrotundum. Mayad. . . «© « « | 308
55 . .« | Lndigofera tinctoria . Indigo. . . ames ers
a5 . «| L Anil. . . . « . | West India indigo + + | 309
35 ie WERE see ojo as os 310
9 . . | Lhirsuta . . 9
55 . . | Lendecaphylla . “3
24 . «| Z enneaphylla . : 0
5 . . |Z digylla . « s. . 9
35 . . | Lephrosia cates oa Es 311
35 . «| LZ Vogel . . Igongo . « « 35
6 1D | Sesbania punctate . Sabral. 2 2 we -
. « | Si @gyptiaca, . . . one sla 312
= . «| Si aculeata . 6 ss Dhunchee or Danchi A
a . . | Leschynomene aspera. Solah or Shola . «© | 313
35 . « | Merminiera Elaphroxylon : . | Ambash or ae i ee ee
a5 . . | Zorniadiphylla., . . . 5
545 . . | Arachis hypog@a. . . Ground-nut . . . 314
au . . | Desmodium gangeticum as 35
ate . « | D.triflorum. « 1» 6 . joe 315
ae . «| Graria pica. . . Dabra. . $3
is . | Vicia sativa .. «+: Tare or vetch ententeratt -
Toathiyras satis : Jarosse or Gesse. Sob-
mm. to 4 ay : beure, Ater, Schimberaf| »

518

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS.

Order. Species. Vulgar Name. Page.
?

Leguminose. . | Abrus precatorius . . + aes -eyes,J eneetas | 316
45 . « | Chtoria Ternatea | Cajlee. 2. . © « » | 317
5 . » | 2rythrina senegalensis. . ‘iss ”
5 . « | Mucuna pruriens . 5 oe iss Si
3% . » | Canavalia ensiformis . | Overlook. . . « + | 318
46 - « | C. obtusifolia. i fies sd -
53 . . | Physostigma venenosum .|Esere. «6 «© «© + 319
2% . . | Beylindrosperma . . . oe oe 56
ss . +» | Phaseolus linatus . | Sugar-bean . . » «| 9
-_ . « | Padenanthus . . «. . as vaste 320
Ss . . | Pvulgaris . . . . «| Kidneybean. « « J] 55
5 . . | Vignacatiang . . . . | Chowlee, tow-cok . . |] 4,
os » + | Voandzeia subterranea . Bambarra ground-nut . | 321
a . . | Lachyrhizus angulatus . gifs oes 3”
sa . «| Dolichos Lablab. . . Walle ts: 8) ee e322
aa ea) DE GOFHS: 6 ee els ae a
a6 . « | Cajanus indicus. . Pigeon pea, Dhal . . | ,,
a . | Dalbergia melanoxylon . ea ca 323
is . « | Lcastaphyllum monetaria . a8
ae . . | Lterocarpus esculentus . . 86 _ ”
5:5 » @ | Beerimaceis 3. «ee 4 | Kimo, Wenn. «2 + «| 324
Pe . « | Lonchocarpus sericeus « | Ossani 8° SP te Se A BSH.
si . . | Leeyanescens . « . OR As, er St a 3s
a8 . . | Andivainermis, . . .| Cabbage. . ‘ 326
a8 . . | Baphianitida . . . | Bar or camwood . ”
53 . «| B. pubescens. . « »|M’Pano . 3
an . » | Baphiopsis parviflora . wel 327
i - « | Swartzia madagascariensis . dig aa ”
3% . . | Cordyla africana - | Motunda. . . . ”
5 . «| Caesalpinia pulcherrima, . | Barbadoes pride . 55
ss © | C. Bonducella - | Bonduc seeds, &c. . 328
i » « | Larkinsonia aculeata « | Jerusalem thorn . . . | 329
A « « | Cessna Adm, « ae (MOWER M: gees Gee cee, My
33) . «| C. occidentalis . . . «| Negrocoffee. . . .« | 330
Be « «| Goobsvata ss sw ap Senna. 6. 6» % ”
5 i Ce Qlata x. es ee ee 256 ae 331
as WCE LOPE we we | Dore a ee mw ss
oe - «| C. Sophera « « « a ce = ”
a8 . » | Cassia sp. - «| Sengeng . . . . . | 332
an . . | Dialium guineense ae oe ae ra
< . . | Bauhinia tomentosa. . . | St. Thomastree. . . | ,,
ne ee | Br eepescens nw we ce we | Bel gk ee we | 5s
iy . . | Bveticulata. . - « | Nguiguis. . 333

Daniellia thurifera. .

{¥rankincense, “Thievi,
Bungo, &. . we

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 519
Order. Species. Vulgar Name. Page.
Leguminose. . | Danielliasp. .. . . «| Ogea. . . . . . | 334
» «| Zamarindusindica. . .| Tamarind. . . . .« | 335
a . . | Brachystegia spiceformis . es 2 aS
a . . | Detarium senegalense . .|-Dittack, manbode . 336
55 . .« | Copaifera Guibourtiana. . | Kobotree. . . « «| a5
ats . .|C. Mopane . . . « «| Mopame . ... « | 337
ae . « | Cynometra Mannit. . .. ae oe 3
af * ° | Erythrophlaum guineense . are ete on 338
2 my rn er) . .
ny . Pentaclethra macrophylla .. |. OQwala, opochala. . . | 4,
33 . . | Zxtada scandens . . . | West Indian filberts. . | 339
oi . « | Larkia biglobosa. .. . » | NETE, Houlle, NITTA | ,,
5 . .| Bfilcoidea . . -. . . nee a 340
iv . . | Adenanthera pavonina. . ss ae 3
as . . | Zetrapleura Thonninga . |Ogagouma. . . ‘
1 . « | Desmanthus virgatus . . ao ve 341
ss . . | Mimosa asperata . . | Soune. . «© « « «1/35
55 . . | Leucena glauca. . . «| BoisSophie. .-. «|,
sy . . | Acacia mellifera, . . « eas . 342
i . . | A. erubescens »« »« «6 » ¥ 5
55 ~- «| A. pennata. . 2 = s , 5
5 . . | A. Steberianad .. . 2 » os a vo
i . | 4, Adansonti . . . .|Gonakie . . «© « » | 343
= Pa |e 6717/7) am ae see tes 5
Re ie arama ee 5 a We a ee
oe » «| A. senegal . . . » «| Gumearabic . .. » | 344
” . | A etbaica . 6 5 0 ‘ 345
3 . . | A. Farnesianad . 6 » ist ses 5
3 . .| A. Seyal. . « » « . | Suakim, Talka . . «| yy
Pr - «| 4.sp. . 2 es +s © © | Koh-Fay . + + « | 346
Ss . . | Albizzia anthelmintica . .| Besenna . . . » se
Pe . . | 4. Lebbee . . . . » | Siris, Laebach . . i
3 . «| A. fastigiatas «» . » » | Apaone. © . mall | a
5 . « | A. Brownee. « 6 «© « wee 347
Pe . « | Lithecolobium sp. « + F Pe siee om 3
Rosacew. . . | Chrysobalanus Icaco . . { tee are oe as ¥5
iy . . | PLarinarium excelsum +. .|Mampata. .- +» «| 5,
S53 . . | B curatellefolium.... .« es se 348
$3 . . | 2 macrophyllum . . . | GingerBread plum, Neou | ,,
3 . «| B polyandrum:, 1. .« + aes a n
oi . .|BMobola . . . » «| Mola or mobola pluma . | ,,
9 . «°| Rarinarium sp... . -» | Mpoga, Iku. . « « | 349
+a ae. | BE SPE ek ee eo pee ae e a aes le
. r
ken Riduelnter ooo {Bunnie er Uncen)

520

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS.

Order.

Species.

Vulgar Name.

Crassulacez .

a>

Pe &
Rhizophorez
Combretaceze

29
29
a”
29
>>
a9
a9

os
Myrtacece
Lythrarieze
9?
9

9
Onagrarieze

»

2 ,
Cucurbitaceze

a9
a?

a2
a9
a>
a9
a9
2?
2?
2?
29
oy:
baat
a9
99
a9
ay
a9
a”
a9
a9

>

>
Cactez .,
Ficoidez.

K

Bryophyllum calycinum
Kalanchoe brasiliensis .
Cotyledon orbiculata
Rhizophora mucronata .
Terminaha macroptera .
ZT. avicennioides. . .
T. Catappa. . |
Conocarpus erecta . .
Combretum glutinosum .
CoB RIB ig par eis
Cy. truncatum . .
Quisqualis indica
Gyrocarpus Facquini
Napoleona imperialis
Ammania baccifera
Lawsonia alba .
Okinia cymosa ...
Punica Granatum
Fussiga villosa «
f. pilosa . .
Telfairia occidentalis
Trochomeria vitifolia ..

MS eee ee a ee
oe eee ae ee ew

‘| Lagenaria vulgaris .

Luffa egyptiaca, ». .
L. acutangula .'. .«
Acanthosicyos horrida ;
Benincasa cerifera .. |.
Cladosicyos edulis. .
Momordica Charanjia .«
Md. Balsamina . « .
Cucumis sativus. «. .«
C. dipsaceus . -
C. Prophetarum. .
C. Melo. . E
C. hirsutus 7
Citrullus vulgaris.
C. Colocynthis .«
Cucurbita Pepo . .
C. maxima. .
Bryonia laciniosa .
Zehneria scrobiculata
Steyos aaa rae

oe © © © © © oe 2

. ° °

Qpuntia . . .«

Mesembryanthemum crystal.

BRURE en a ES

Varkensooren. . . -
Mangrove. . . + +

ci er

Button mangrove. . .

Lignum vite . ... .
Rangoon creeper... .

Henna, Foudenn. - ee
Hlardpeets . ea:
Pomegranate. . . .

eee cory

Bottle or Club “gourd,
Charrah, . .
Loofah, Konyikon

| Narras. 2...

White gourd. .

H. Cerasee, Condeamor.
S. Cerasee . . . .
Cucumber. . . .

JChate: 2 a: a % :

Herbie se See Sa? ae? bia
Melon, Boange . .

Water-melon, Béraf .

Colocynth. .°. 1°.
Pompion or pumpkin .
Common gourd, &.. .

Hofiafalu, Aregressa. .
Eguse _ ee he, Ya — ng eS

eum WS eh

7

’ Papengaye . . .

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS.

Order.

Species.

Vulgar Name.

Ficoidez.
es
99
a2
a

Umbelliferse .

3°
Rubiaceze
>
a9
a5
2?
33.
= a |
Ea
3
a9
ae
F
cee
a
Re.
3°
ace:
a>”
2s
Dipsaceze.
Compositz
3°
29
a9
72
2°?
a?
99.
a9
a9
aa
Me
a
a9
a3
29
33
>
ar i

,

er a eC ee ae OO

Sesuvium Portulacastrum
Trianthema monogyna .
Mollugo Cerviana

MM. Spergula. 1. « .
M. nudicaulis . .
Gisekia pharnaceoides .
Aydrocotyle asiatica
Eryngium fetidum. .
Sarcocephalus esculentus
Mitragyne africana .
Corynanthe paniculata, .
Crossopteryx Kotschyana
Urophylium rubens. .«
Randia malleifera . .
Gardenia T eee
G. Vogelit ‘
Oxyanthus tuby oe P
Morelia senegalensis.
Canthium Afzelianum .
Vangueria edulis. .

Craterispermum laurinum .

Ixora sp. s % &
Coffea arabica +.
C. liberica sw oe

C. stenophylla . .
Morinda citrifolia .
Galium Aparine.
Scabiosa suctisa. . «+
Vernonia cinerea

V. senegalensis...
V.amygdalina . .. +
V. Perrottetii « 14 +
Elephantopus scaber .
Grangea mader aspatana
Blumeaaurita ..
B.lacera. « « +
Pluchea lanceolata
Sphevranthus indicus .
Helichrysum auriculatum
Lclipta alba. .
Aspilia latifolia, O. & i,
Spilanthes Acmella, L. .
Tagetes erecta, L. .» «
Emilia sonchifolia,, DC.
Senecio Tedlict, O. & TH.
Centaurea Calcitrapa, L
Carthamus lanatus, L,

Khapra . . w

Antananarivo. . ,;

Doy, Amelliky

Koos . . 26 6 «
Bellenda or Bembee .

Blippo. . .

Voa-vanga . ~
Kattah. eo ee i
Coffee. . . - .
Liberian coffee . .
Tolmgah or brimstone

Cleavers, Grip a
Devil’s bit

Chew-stick e

Ra-sana, Kowra-sana

Hemorrhage plant
African Marigold :
Yangkompno tiated

Star Thistle . .
Blessed ‘lhistle.

ae

322 INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS.

Order. Species. Vulgar Name. Page.
Composite . . | Dicoma tomentosa, Cass. ae at 376
r . . | Cichorium Intybus,L. . «| Chicory 2. 2 6 «© 6 | yy
Goodenovieer . | Scevola Lobelia, L. . Taccada. eos ce od | cy
Ericacee . Agauria salicifola, Hook. £. Angavodiana . s. & | B77
Plumbaginee . Plumbago seylanica, L. . | Chitra. Spa ea GP eas
Myrsinee . . | Mesa lanceolata, Forsk. SOaria... se: te ow HP op,
$3 . . | Myrsine melanophieos,R.Br.| Buekenhout . . . 378
Sinot Sideroxylon dulcificum, A. hss ae berry, Asia)
BPOtAcer 6 TC es ee td Bees bah, Tahme, Adampa J| ”
Butyrospermum els nie Galam, or ee
ao oe Kotschy . . . + bouk Butter 7 379
i Bush G O 1
EBENACEE. . | Luclea lanceolata, E. Mey. { Par etes i Bt ‘e
3) « » | &. pseudebenus, E. Mey. ee ae } 380
$5 . | Maba Mualala, Welw.MSS.| Mualala . . 59
383 . «+ | 4 buxifolia, Pers. eee ne
D li F ai
ps ‘i oe : ia oh orm) Ajé, Monkey eu ke gy
an . « | D. platyphylla, Welw. Musolveira . . 381
a6 . | D. Dendo, Welw. MSS. Dendo. . . . . ag
sar - «| D, Loureiriana, G. Don — Nhamodéma . te es
Apocynacee . eo aun | Abo, white rubber vine . | 382
5% . | LZ. Manniisp. . .« « s aie aaa 55
a . | Z. florida, Bth.. . . . | Mbungurubber plant . | ,,
Carissa edulis, Schum. et
+0) . Thon, aoe oy ba fea 384
i . | Tabernemontana bcrasta, Bth.| Hpokpoka . . . .| 4,
oo . | Zsp « « « | Sboga ss eee wl og
as 0 ie ne sp. - » « | Vegetable ilk «ih as
ay . | S. Aespidus, DC. «. . « | Umtsuti, or poison plant | 385
ee . | S. sp. F oe Bo Inge orOnaye . . on
‘ Xysmali G Tetage ;
Asclepiadee . Dineen s Yahhop: 2 <2 « #3. | 45
rr . | Calotropis procera, R. Br. Mudar, Ashoor . . . | 386
P Pergularia sanguinolenta. ‘
Asclepiadee . { Lindl. aca areaen ; eg Fi
Loganiaceee . | Muxia congesta, Bros cs ts 387
53 . | Anthocleista Vogelit, Planch. sae ws -
55 . ee sp. . M’boundou, Casa, Icaja. | ,,
S. spinosa, Lam. (Brehmia Voiva Vountaca, Voavo-

2 ’ spinosa, Harv.) 2. . . takase- 406 ee ef] 2?
Gentianee . . | Marvoasp. . » . . ate 388
Rowmeines Heliotropium undulatum,

oraginee . . VaR ee eee de : a8 aa fs
” - « | Hindicum,L.. . Indian Turnsole . . . | ,,

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS, 523
Order. Species. Vulgar Name. Page.
Boragineze . Trichodesma africana, Br. . tes 388
Convolvulacese. | Jfomea digitata, L.. . aie 4 389
Le hederacea, Jacq. (Phar. Kala-d
a bitis Nil, Chois.) . eo cande) ee ey ae day
54 a Ele bona-nox, Cee Moon flower .. . . 6 | yy.
I. biloba, Forsk. (Convoluu-
»” 7 lus Pes-Capra, VL.) _« ris 39°
{* aquatica, Forsk. hs: ca
22 . tans, Poir.) . a ”
+3 . | £4 Batatas, Lam. . Sweet potato.. .. . «| yy
~*~ . | Lvoluulus “alsinoides, L. ae sag 391
Solanacee . . i eeue iin Tomato or Love apple . | 391
an . » | Solanum nigrum, L. . oot ee ¥5
9 » «| S. Melongena,L. . . eae eens haa 392
Pr . . | Physalis minima,L. . . ‘5
s . «| & Alkekengi,L. . . Winter ‘cherry e i
is . . | Capsicum annuum, L.. . ee er “red 393
C. frutescens, L Shrubby capsicum, spur
tis eS oe Pees lama gg © 4 pepper. . . « sj] ”?
Withania somnifera, Dunal
is ee (Physalis somnifera, 1.) . a 394
Pe . . | Datura Stramonium, L. . | Thorn apple, stramonium | ,,
Metel or hai thor
55 ae | De Mee Te. cb Se ee { apple a ve i ™ 395
‘tis . . | Micotiana Tabacum,L.. . | Tobacco . . « « «| yy
Scrophularinese ° ee cidabteaat tates . ae Se 396
Pe Vandellia di ifusa, L om Paraguay herb . . «| yy
i Scoparia dulcis, L. . . «| Pipybras . . - + | 397
Bignoniacee . | Mewbouldia sp. Kindee seu brochee . a
Spathodea cam panulata, Tchiogo, Tulipier of
a : Beauv. . Gabon. . . «© oS]
Kigelia pinnata, De. (& ‘}
ed f africana, Benth.). sf BIG ae. Sek PE Bs ae
Pedalinee . . | Fedalium Murex,L. . . ae 398
oe « » | Sesamum indicum, DC. ‘ {Gingeliy pai: : = 399
are ZB rare OE: 400
Verbenaceer . | Lippia nodi “flora, Rich... Ratsiiys oe ds ail yp
569 . | LZ. adoensis, Hochst. . . | Bormbor, Gambia tea 401

99

a0

Verbena officinalis, lL. . .
Vitex cuneata, Schum. et
Thon. 3 «© “« ® & @

Vervain or vervein . .

Evino .

524 INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS.
Order. Species. Vulgar Name. Page
Verbenacece .| Vsp. . «. « « « « | Cantong 402
29 . V. sp. . os « & ”
2 » | Avicennia africana, Beauv. Gee age garigari, "} $3
Labiate . . | Ocimum viride, Willd. . . | Fever plant ni
3 . «| O.canum, Sims. . . . ae es 0
45 . . | O. Basilicum, L. . | Common sweet basil. 403
> . « | Ayptis spicigera, Lamk, ‘ 33
i . . | Salvia egyptiaca, L. » | Tookmeria . 48
. . | Leonotis nepetafolia, Br. Matistil, Cordio do Frade 404,
Plantagineze . | Plantago major, L.. . «| Way bread, ohbako. . | ,,
ne « BPRepllims Nose oe, 8 sah 405,
ai Boerhaavia repens, L. (B.
Nyctaginee. . { faa. os) Ds wes f : a : 5
Amarantacee . | Celosia argentea, L.. . . | Sarwali, nogeito . 35
5 . | Amarantus spinosus, L. ss 406
o> . | 4. paniculatus, Le « 6 ae =
55 . | 4. viridis, Le. we <3
Cyathula prostrata ” Blume aren
hd : { (Achyranthes prostrata, de it Binsébo . . . »
rua javanica. Juss. oe
ae * { tomentosa, Forsk. )- . Toorf. «+ 6 + + | 407
a . | Achyranthes aspera, ae . «| Karalsebo. . 35
Chenopodiaceze | Chenopodium album, L. White goosefoot, ‘pathu . 408
es Herba Santa Maria, Herva
a C. ambrosioides, Ly» 4s teu %
ormiguera. . . .
Arthrocnemum indicum,
ae Mog. js ove sa et an sti 409
35 Sueda fruticosa, Forsk. Seablité. < << 2 % 8] ys
as S. maritima, Dum... .« + zis ses =
Black pepper, African. or
: ; = Guinea cubebs, Benin
Piperaceee . . | Piper Clusii, Cas. DC... . pepeey ie, Ere, (|
Eeré. .
5 Be P. guineense, Thon. _._ . | Ashantee pepper, "“Dojvie 410
Myristicee . . | Afyristica angolensis, Welw. | Combo, mutago . $5
+ . | 1, longifolia. Niowe. . . . . «| 4II
A iS: 3 het SPs ties os fee ar
Balanophoree . ao cas sanguinea, oes ot ”
Euphorbiacee . | Euphorbia piluli ifera, L . | Australian asthma herb. | ,,
+9 Oe Das | Ce a ae : 412
is Evsp. Ba: ce. Gees *s
555 oo ESPs a ee wr wr oa si p. cae 99)
‘4 « | 2. sp; - | Oro, Agoomog . . .] 4,
‘“s ‘ Phyllanthus re Tso, x 413

ae

Oldfieldia africana, Bth.

African oak or’ teal: a oe

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 525
Order. Species. Vulgar Name. Page
Euphorbiacese . | Uapaca Heudelotii, Baill. . | Ile. « « «© 6 « « | 414
Ms . | Yatropha multifida,L. . .| Pinhoen . . . « «| yg,
55 - | FCurcas, le «5 « + - er ae Laces 5
; fe M , Mandioc, Bi
és « | Manihot utilissima, Pohl . A — andioe, iter) 415
35 . | WZ Aipi, Pohl . . . « | Sweet Cassava . . . | 416
53 Acalyphaindica,L. . . os ste 3
13 Ricinus communis, L. . Castor oil. 2 . 6 «6 | gy
565 Pycnocoma macrophylla, Bth, | Bomah nut . 417
Urticacee . Cannabis sativa, L . Maconia, deiamba, hemp 418
59 ae ee ore Bth. & _Roko, iroko, odum . « | 419
a5 . . | Facus asperifolia, Mig. . . | Ursasa. « «© 6 «© «© | gy
aig : ae “Mig. oe ee Voge Liberian rubber . . . | ,,
», . « « | Lreulia africana, Dec. . | African bread fruit, okwa | 420
iy . . | Musanga Smithii, Br. . | Cork-wood . 2. 2 « ] yy
Hydrocharideze | Vallisneria spiralis, L.. . vee 421
Orchidee . . | Vanilla planifolia, And. .| Vanilla . . 43
Scitaminez. Curcuma longa, L. . . « | Turmeric . 5
Grains of paradise, Guinea
x Amomum Melegueta, Roscoe grains, Mee pe 422
pera 6
a A, citratum, Perr . » - 423
Large or grape-seeded
é amomum, _ grass-field
os A. latifolum, Af... . obro, mabubu, egbubu, {|
goguoi . .
: Black amomum obro-
is : A. escapum, Sims » « + { duddu, massa ea 424
Yellow amomum, massa-
55 A, Danielli, Hook.f... aba, obro-wawa, lon-}| 425
gouze .
Swamporwateramomum,
a . | A. palustre, Afze . parlancunpon, massa-'| ,,
egbané, kumbulu .
o Zingiber officinale . . Ginger. 426
ss Costus afer, Ker, . 427
ine Maranta arundinacea, L.. « Arrowroot 55
Thaumatococcus (Phrynium rtm fruit, iémfe) 8
m9 Daniellt, Bennett). . } katemphe . . . . id
34 Musa sapientum,L. . Banana . . + + « | 429
i -k Msp. + 6 2 6 we wate 430
Bromeliaceze Ananas sativa,L. . . .» | Pine apple rar 7 5
Heemodoraceee. | Sanseviera guineensis, Willd. — iad mp.) 431

526

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS.

Order.

Trideze ..
Taccacece
Dioscoreaceze

|
Liliaceer- .

yo”

Flagellariese
Juncacee .
Palme .

29

Lg +
Pandanese :
Typhacee .
‘Aroidez

9

Cyperacee .

2
1 nS

a

Ee)

a
Graminez .-

.

Tet ss AE A a

Species. Vulgar Name. Page.
Lridee 7 Baréa: ss. ae Sr ae we ee [4S
Tacca involucrata, S. & T tee 9
Dioscorea sativa, Le. « Yam . 433
D. alata . - . « | White bockra, winged yam x
DPS Der > ag Fe ar cay? Ry I ae Be ae a og, S| AA
Smilax sp. Sie a e's a ¥9
Aloespp.. . aye ”
Gloriosa superba, As 9
Flagellaria indica, L. 435
Juncus acutus, Le. 55
Lodococcus Barteri, M. &W. -
PWe osperma ae
Wendl. ‘ »
Phenix eee Thon. . ia ts 436
£. dactylifera, Le se Date Palm . . . .],,
Calamus sp. . a ahs is
Raphia Hookeri, M. '& W.. UK ay oy ys 35
R. Welwitschii, Wendl. en ine Sb 437
. | &. vinifera, Beauv. . Bamboo palm. . . . | ,,
-|(Ancistrophyllum — secundi-
fiorum, M. & W. (Cala- oy
mus secundifiorus, Beauv.)
Borassus flabelliformis, L.\| Morintshi,kelingoos, Run, 8
” { (B. ethiopum, Mart.) “} Sibboo . 43
aes Thebaica, Mart. eee palm, gingerbread
(A. guineensis, Thon.) \ tree. . . } 439
Eleis guineensis, Jacq. » African oil palm . : 5
Cocos nucifera, L. Cocoa-nut. . . 2. . | 447
Fandanus sp . .« « « 442
Typha angustifolia, Le. « 35
Pistia strateotes, Vin 5 « .
Colocasia antiquorum, |
| Schott (Caladium escu->| Taro. . . « «© «| 443
lentum, Vent.) . « .
{ Cyperus rotundus, L. BT { Motha, Kallandooroo,
hexastachyus, Rottb. ) : Hamasugi. . . } 2
C. articulatus, L. *, | Adouro. 6) oe =) a Ze [ag
C. exaltatus, Retz.: Sie <5
CG Papyrus, Des: is. Papyrus, ZOzOrO . Aa
Chefa, chufa, earth al-
Cy esculentus,L, 6 we mond, tiger or | 445
ML ae A: SS eee ce
Scirpus maritimus, Le. . 5
faspalum scrobiculatum, L. Kodon a $5
Fundi, fundungi, “hungry
PL. exile, Wippist. . 2. . rice, Sierra Leone mil- 446

INDEX TO LIST OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 527

Order. Species. Vulgar Name. Page.
Graminee . . | P. distichum, Burm... sts oo 447
Panicum frumentaceum, Sas S
Ae 2 Roxb: awan or Sanwan . .|] ,,

Ls sanguinale, i (B. hort-
ay 7 zontale, Mey.). . «

a8 . . | Panicum maximum, L. .

Setaria verticillata, Beauv.
(Panicum verticillata, L.)

( Many-flowered tall millet,
{ Guinea grass . .

Cenchrus echinatus,L.. . | Burgrass. . . « « | 448
Pennisetum cenchroides,Rich. | Dhaman .

, {* typhoidium, Rich. eg) le gero, African 1 ae ‘

72 F nicillaria spicata, Willd.) let, gussub, bajra . 2
a . . | B dichotomum, Deli. . . | Kashela . . « « «| 449
sis . . | Coix Lachryma,L.. . «| Job’stears. . . -

Maize, ebru, abblé, birrie,
abirrie, agbahdo, beak-
5% » « | Zea Mays, Vi ew pa, ebocboat, ‘m’bah, 450

massah . . we

” . . | Ona sativa, Le. . Rice 2. 2. «© « « «| 451
Imperata arundinacea,

geo INS Cyrille Ve. os are o oe 452

Si ae As Saccharum officinarum, L.. | Sugar-cane . « . - | 55
FHeteropogon contortus, R. &

a9 = 33 S. (Andropogon contortus,>| Spear grass . . «© « | 453

L.

ae & ee ndropogon Schananthais. Ginger or lemon grass . | 454

a ee hae Spr ees . | Sangare-sangue . . 55

i . . | Sorghum vulgare, Pers... Vee Guineacom, 455

<5 . . | S. Aalepense, Pers. . . «| Johnson grass. . 5
ee s-tooth grass, doorba
ordurva .. . \
. | Eragrostis fascicularis, Trin. | Sangala-la. . 2 6 + | 35
or, Capillus- Veneris,
: L

65 . . | Cynodon Dactylon, Pers. .

3%
Filices .
Lichens. . . | Ramalina scopulorum, Ach. wis bat os

: : Orchella weed, dyer’s
Roccella tinctoria, DC.. + { weed, rock moss « 7

>}) Maiden-hair fem. . . | 457

ee . .

INDE

—_——-

Advocacy of establishment of Botanic Stations, 249
Suggestions for guidance of Superintendents thereof, 259
Areas of our West African Possessions, 6

Baobab (Adansonia digitata), 180
Botanical division of West Africa, by Professor Oliver, and reference to
basis therefor, 30

Cola :—
Conclusions of Messrs. Heckel and Schlagdenhauffen on its
analysis, 164
Condition of Gold Coast and Lagos Colonies as regards cola, 162
Export of cola from Sierra Leone for eight years, 160
General distribution of cola to be expected, 164
Import from Sierra Leone into Gambia for seven years, 158
Means for keeping the cola fresh, 163
Properties of the cola, 164
The nut in Niam-Niam and Bornou, 163
West African present trade monopoly in this article, 164
Why cola does not grow up the Gambia, 159
Cotton :—
Causes of depression in trade in British West Africa, 140
Cotton industry on the Gambia and behind Sierra Leone, 143
Export from Gold Coast Colony for eight years, 142
45 Lagos Colony for five years, 143
Imports from the United Kingdom into West Africa of cotton
manufactured, for four years, 146
Raw cotton from Portuguese Possessions for eight years, 147
And from. West Africa not particularly designated, for five
years, 147
Superiority of raw cotton in Portuguese Possessions, 141
Crown land in West African Possessions, 6
2M

530 INDEX.

Draczenas and aloes, 181
So-called West African aloes, 181
Dye-stuffs into United Kingdom, 156
Dye-woods :—
Are camwood and barwood the same botanically ? 139
Circumstances to be considered in supply of dye-woods, 137
Gaboon trade, 137
Imports into United Kingdom from West Africa for eight years.
136
Whence obtained, 136

Fanjahnee, or self fire-consuming tree of the Gambia, 182
Fibres, West African Colonies, 1886 Exhibition, Report on, by
Messrs. Cross and Bevan, 187
Visit of West Africa by, or establishment of, Analytical Chemists
as branches of Medical Departments advocated, 195 .
Teleaceze :-—
Bambusa, 186
Bauhinia articulata, 184
Calotropis gigantea, 185
Cochlospermum gossypium, 184
Corchorus olitorius, 183
Eriodendron anfractuosum, 184
LFibiscus cannabinus, 184
Fibiscus esculentus, 184
Musa paradisiaca, 186
Sida rhombifolia, 184
Foreign Possessions :—
French, 18
German, 24
Portuguese, 19
Spanish, 23

General summary of result of late scramble for West Africa, 27
Ginger and Pepper industries, 150
Cubeba Klusii as a substitute for pepper, 152
General import into United Kingdom of ginger ard pepper for
five years, I51
Preparation of ginger for market, 151
Superiority of West Indian ginger, 152
Their export from Sierra Leone for seven years, 150

INDEX. 531

Gums and Resins :—
“* Accra” copal, 123
Export for eight years, 124
** Angola” and Benguela gums, 132
Five years’ imports into United Kingdom from West Africa, 118
Gold Coast gum trade, 122
How distinguishable, 118
How with most profit gum can be put on the market, 126
** Ogea”’ copal of Yoruba, 129
‘* Santang” and ‘‘ Verek” of the Gambia, 128
Senegal gums and uses to which put, 119
Sierra Leone export for five years, 127
West African gums and resins of trade, 118

Import into United Kingdom of Cacao from Foreign West Africa for
eight years, 148
Attempts in British West Africa to develop industry, 149
Supply from Spanish island of Fernando Po for eight years, 149
Indebtedness of Author, 265

Jute cultivation might be considered, 182

Liberian Coffee :-—
Benta-maré of the Volofs (Cassia occidentalis), 115
its analysis, 115
Coffee disease, 106
Conditions of circumstances surrounding its cultivation, 96
Export from Portuguese Possessions into United Kingdom for
four years, 113
Growth of coffee on Aquapim Hills, Gold Coast, 108
in Gold Coast Colony, 109
in Lagos, 109
oe », on Sierra Leone hills, 109
Upper Gambia—coffee wild, 110
Rio Nunez and Rio Pongo coffee, 110
Industry in Portuguese Possessions, 111
West African trade with United Kingdom for four years, 112

ar ”

” ”

Nuts and Kernels :—
Adulteration of produce, 72
Analysis of M’poga nut, 53
2 »» Niko nut, 54
Effect of its cultivation elsewhere on West African ground

nut, 55

532 INDEX.

Nuts and Kernels—continued.
Beniseed, 66
Copra trade, 68
Export of ground nuts from Gambia, for seven years, 52
M’pafu tree, 71
Nuts and kernels detailed, 50
Palm kernel trade—Gold Coast Colony, 57
Exports thereof from West African Possessions for eight
years, 59-64
Sites favourable to growth of cocoa-nut tree (Cocos nucifera), 65
Table of principal oil-yielding seeds that reach European and
American markets, yield and value, 74, 75
Their import into United Kingdom for eight years, 51
Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus), 72

Palm oil :—
Analysis of palm oil, 47
Annual import since 1790. .33
Cultivation of Llais guineensis, 37
Current prices per ton, 47
‘* Hard,” ‘‘ soft,” and ‘‘ medium ” oil, and whence obtained, 46
Import into Liverpool of palm oil for ten years, 47
Manufacture of palm oil of commerce, 38
35 for home consumption, 40
Palm rl oil—white, brown, or black, 41
“ Regular” and “irregular” oils, 11
Return of exports of palm oil, and its direction for eight years,
44

Reforestation :—
Importance of Eucalypts and Melaleucas of Tropical Australia, 224
Experience of Author in growth of former, 229
Rubber :—
Birth of industry in Gold Coast Colony, 1882. .83
Growth as illustrated by exports, 1883-5. .89
Exports to Europe and America from Gambia for eight years, 79
Gambia rubber industry :—
‘Difficulties associated with collection, 82
Process of collection, 81
Imports generally into United Kingdom for eight years, 91
Imports into United Kingdom from West African Settlements for
eight years, 22

INDEX. B33

Rubber—continued.
Industry in Portuguese Possessions :—
Export therefrom into United Kingdom for eight years, 95

Sketch of what on the subject has been done previously, 1

Tobacco :-—
Import for five years into West African Colonies from United
Kingdom, 177
Import for four years into each West African Colony, 178-9
Industry on Aquapim Hills, Gold Coast Colony, 172
Canary Islands, 173
* Upper Gambia and Niger, 172
Names in various West African languages by which tobacco is
known, 175
Naturalised African product, 169
Return of imports into West Africa of unmannfactured tobacco
for eight years, 170
Tobacco in Niam-Niam, 175

>

West African Vines :—
Vitis macropus, &c., 157
Wood and Timber :—
Botanical specimens from Accra, 212
Botanical specimens from forests of Lagos, 215
Imports and exports for eight years, 197
“ Oroko”’ or ‘* Odoom” (Chlorophora exce!sa), 213
Principal woods of Senegal and Gaboon, 200
Timber denudation and its effects, 231
Trade dormant, 199
Vulgar names of woods used at Sierra Leone, 201
West Africa as a field for walking-sticks, 209
West African Cycad (Zcephalartos Barteri), 214
Woods collected in river Bagroo by Mr. Mann, 202
Woods of different points in West Africa collected by Mr. Mann,
222
Woods of the Gambia sent to Forestry Exhibition, 1884. .206

Yoruba indigo, 153
Condition generally of industry, 155
Process of extracting dye, 154
dyeing cloths, 154

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