VEGETATION OF TEOPICAL WESTERN AFRICA, 23 



in ascending these untrodden alpine forests and the bare regions 

 beyond, where the monotonous vegetation of the hot plains of the 

 interior must give way, to be replaced by those forms only found 

 at elevations, and an African mountain botany which cannot fail 

 to yield much that is new to Botanical Science. 



We reached the Bonny this evening (4th) and lie at anchor 

 inside the bar. This river has a much better mouth than the others, 

 and is safer ; but some wrecks are visible from where we lie. We 

 shall ascend by the Brass river on the 8th, under much better 

 auspices than formerly. Some difficulty is apprehended through 

 the shallow water ; for I think the Niger has never been entered 

 before at this season. If we get aground in the delta, it may be a 

 temptation to the natives ; but as long as we can keep a healthy 

 crew, we have not much to fear from the people. 



"Writing is difficult at sea in so small a ship, but off the bars of 

 these rivers impossible. I hope to date my next, in one month, 

 from Eabba. 



I remain. Sir, your obedient Servant, 



Charles Babteb. 



P.S. — Consul Hutchinson and Lady arrived safely at Fernando 

 Po ; some roses which they received at Kew, I found alive, have 

 had them planted, and all are growing. 



Dr. Baikie, myself, and every European on board are in excellent 

 health. 



Second Letter from Mr. Charles Barter to Sir W. J. Hooker, 

 r.E.S., E.L.S., &c., communicated by him. 



[Eead Tune 2nd, 1859.] 



Steamer Eainbow, 

 Lagos, March 7th, 1859. 



Sir, — By this mail I forward a bundle of dried plants, containing 

 about 110 species, some specimens of woods*, the fruiting panicle 

 of a Calamus, fruits preserved moist, and a few seeds. Some of the 

 dried plants were collected on Lagos Island, but the greater part 

 at " Eppaht," a town on the Crado Lake, about thirty miles east 

 of Lagos. 



We have spent more time here than could have been wished, 



* The coUections arrived safely, April 1859. Though a comparatively small 

 collection, they are extremely interesting. — W. J. H. 

 t Dr. Baikie says, this should be spelt " Ekpe." 



