Lib 



ena 



This Calamus (or one very like it) has been described and 

 illustrated by the present author in his record of a journey up 

 the River Congo. The one species of Raphia as yet discovered 

 in Liberia — R. vinifera — is the " bamboo palm " so commonly 

 met with throughout West Africa. It is not such a stately 



229. A CALAMUS PALM 



object, nor do its fronds rise to such a height as the raphias of 

 Eastern and Central Africa ; still, it is a beautiful member 

 of the palm family, its fronds appearing like huge ostrich 

 plumes. It is perhaps the most useful tree in Liberia. From 

 its sap the native makes a pleasant fermented drink. The 



552 



