154 BOTANY OF CONGO.

Congo, was foiincl abundantly near the moutli of the river.

The remarks I have to make on Esculent Pkmts, my knowledge of which is chiefly derived from the journals of Captain Tiickey and Professor Smith, and the communi- 408] cations of Mr. Lockhart, may be here introduced ; the cultivated as well as the indigenous species being very similar along the whole of the west coast.

On the l)anks of the Congo, as far as the expedition proceeded, the principal articles of vegetable food were found to be Indian Corn or Maize {Zea Mays) ; Cassava, both sweet and bitter, {latroplia Manihot L.) ; two kinds of Pulse, extensively cultivated, one of which is Ci/tisus Cajan of Linnaeus, the other not determined, but believed to be a species of Fhaseohis ; and Ground Nuts [AracJiis liypogaa L.)

The most valuable fruits seen were Plantains {Musa sapieyitim) \ the Papaw {Carica pajoaya) ; Pumpkins {Cucur- bita Fepo)\ Limes and Oranges [Citrus meclica et auran- tiuiii) ; Pine Apples [Bromelia Ananas) ; the common Tama- rind {Tamarindus indica) ; and Safic, a fruit the size of a small pluQi, which was not seen ripe.

One of the most important plants not only of Congo, but of the whole extent of coast, is Elceis Gitineensis or the Oil Palm, from which also the best kind of Palm Wine is produced. Wine is likewise obtained from two other species of Palms, which are probably Fiaplda vinifera, and the supposed Coryplia^ considered as an Hyphsene by Professor Smith.

Among the other Alimentary Plants which are either of less importance or imperfectly known, may be mentioned the " Shrubby IIolcus, noticed by Captain Tuckey (p. L3S) ; the common Yam, which j\Ir. Lockhart informs me he saw only near Cooloo ; and another species of Dioscorea found wild only, and very inferior to the Yam, requiring, accord- ing to the narrative, " four days boiling to free it from its pernicious qualities." On the same authority, " Sugar Canes of two kin.ds " were seen at Embomma, and Cabbages

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