VOYAGE TO THE NIGER. 37 
hard iron-clay, in small clumps, originating, according to 
Rosher’s statement, in the débris of decomposed granite veins 
traversing the rock; but to me it appears that the rock itself 
has much to do with the formation. Further up the stream, 
the land is said to be good. North of Cape Palmas, the river, 
according to the statement of the Governor, is navigable for 
seven miles with canoes, and empties itself into the sea, 
through several mouths. From a distance, the Cape has an 
agreeable aspect: the isthmus is well clothed with vegetation, 
and beyond it the beautiful forms of the Oil and Fan-palms 
are seen. : 
My excursions were limited to the isthmus and nearest 
parts. On the isthmus grows Phenix spinosa, Th., a low 
shrub: beyond the river it is said to produce flowers and 
fruit. A few Cocoas* had been planted, some years back, and 
were still small, as were the trees of Anona muricata. The 
plants chiefly cultivated seemed to be Cassava, Sweet-potato, 
Bananas, Plantains, Indian corn, and Rice ; while Cassia occi- 
dentalis was seen in every cultivated spot : the same Spondias 
as before grows also here: Coffee had been introduced from 
Monrovia: here and there the indigenous species of Cotton had 
been raised : Arachis hypogea (Africana?) I found planted in 
one place. In the native Flora, which, however, I have 
hardly seen, Rubiacee, Convolvulacee, Leguminose were 
chiefly conspicuous. The same Anona (near chrysocarpa) 
as in Grand Bassa grew here: Pandanus Candelabrum on dry 
ground; several sorts of Figs, amongst which is the small 
fruited kind of Grand Bassa : Jatropha Curcas was frequently 
employed for fences. Amongst the underwood I found a 
small shrubby tree, related to Belvisia (Napoleona), and 
probably a distinct genus nearly approaching it, it bore blos- 
* The inhabitants believe, that whoever plants a Cocoa-palm- will die, 
before it produces fruit (i. e. in about seven years). The Chief of the 
fishermen yielded at last to the entreaties of the American Governor, and 
Put some Cocoa-nuts onthe ground: he then drove cattle over the spot, 
that he might not incur the consequences of planting and covering euet 
With earth! - : 
