Congo, was found abundantly near the mouth of the river.
The remarks I have to make on Esculent Plants, my knowledge of which is chiefly derived from the journals of Captain Tuckey and Professor Smith, and the communi- 468] 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 Banks 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, (Iatroplia Manihot L.) ; two kinds of Pulse, extensively cultivated, one of which is Cytisus Cajan of Linnaeus, the other not determined, but believed to be a species of Phascolis ; and Ground Nuts [Aracahis hypogæa L.)
The most valuable fruits seen were Plantains (Musa sapientum); the Papaw (Carica papaya) ; Pumpkins (Cucurbita Pepo) ; Limes and Oranges ( Citrus medica et aurantium) ; Pine Apples (Bromelia Ananas) ; the common Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) ; and Safu, a fruit the size of a small plum which was not seen ripe.
One of the most important plants not only of Congo, but of the whole extent of coast, is Elæis Guineensis 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 Raphia vinifera, and the supposed Corypha, considered as an Hyphæne by Professor Smith.
Among the other Alimentary Plants which are either of less importance or imperfectly known, may be mentioned the "Shrubby Holeus, noticed by Captain Tuckey (p. 138) ; the common Yam, which Mr. Lockhart informs me he saw only near Cooloo; and another species of Dioscorea found wild only, and very inferior to the Yam, requiring, according to the narrative, " four days boiling to free it from its pernicious qualities." On the same authority, " Sugar Canes of two kinds " were seen at Embomma, and Cabbages
