EXPEDITION UP THE KWORA. 249 



- 



plants in cases; but as we spend a short time here, I forward a few 



lines. 



Orchids I found in abundance at Sierra Leone; the trees on the 

 mountains are laden with them, and many occur even on the low 

 grounds. I have enclosed about thirty kinds, perhaps more, in the 

 cask. At this season they are not in flower. 



Terns are also plentiful, but I could not send many, my time for 

 collecting the live specimens being very limited. I have however dried 

 a large number, and am carrying them on to Fernando Po, as they 

 were too damp for despatch from Sierra Leone. Acrosticha prevail 

 most ; Hymenophyllum and Trichomanes grow on the mountains, some 

 kinds being new to me ; and I send a curious Arthopteris in the case. 



Of the genus Amomum I forward three species (living roots) 5 they 

 are A. Danielli, A. Granum, and another, from the Sugar-loaf Moun- 

 tain. 



I am aware that some of the Orchids which I transmit are already 

 in cultivation, as EulopMa Guineensis, and some of the Angrceca and 

 Bolbophylla. Among the fruits, the one which I consider most inte- 

 resting is the "Krooman's Papaw;" it is as yet but little known in 

 Sierra Leone, but is said to be plentiful in Monrovia. I am ignorant 



of the tree which produces it. 



The heavy swell which prevails on this part of the African coast 

 renders writing very difficult ; but when we reach Fernando Po, which 

 will be in about ten days, I hope to give you some account of the vege- 

 tation hereabouts and at Sierra Leone. 



C. Barter. 



The second Letter is from Dr. Baikie, dated— 



Off Cape Coast Castle, West Africa, May 18, 1857. 



I have only time for a few hurried lines. My assistants have been 

 most indefatigable, and by this mail I send you part of our collection 

 of specimens of plants, as far as they are dry. It comprehends half an 

 hour's work at Madeira, two hours' work at Teneriffe, a forenoon's 

 work at the Gambia, and part of our collections at Sierra Leone, all 

 the neighbourhood of which has been explored. Being at the end of 

 the dry season, the time was not favourable, still I hope you will find 

 some novelties. There is a cask of Orchids, a case of dried plants and 

 seeds, a cask of fruits, etc., in spirits, and a rude Wardian case I had 

 constructed, with some living plants. Please ask Mr. Smith to let 



2 K 



VOL. IX. 



