254 
Nyasaland, to which post he was appointed in July, 1908. He 
was on a visit to Kenya Colony to consult the Director of Agri- 
culture, when he was suddenly taken ill'at Kijabe and died in 
Nakaru Hospital on February 4th. 
> 
Coco-de-Mer in the Seychelles—We are indebted to His 
Excellency the Governor of the Seychelles for permission to 
publish extracts from his letter to Kew with reference to the 
measures that are being taken to protect the Coco-de-Mer 
(Lodoicea) trees in the Seychelles. 
This information has kindly been furnished in reply to an 
enquiry from Kew on the subject of the preservation of this 
remarkable palm. His Excellency informs us that provisions 
have been made in the various leases to planters, etc., to ensure 
the protection of the palms. 
t is a matter of great satisfaction to learn that the interest 
and importance of the Coco-de-Mer is fully appreciated in 
the Seychelles, and that the Government are so effectively 
safeguarding this unique species. 
The following paragraphs are taken from His Excellency’s 
letter of February 19th, 1921 :— F 
“In the two valleys acquired by the Government about 
1890, viz., Anse Marie Louise and Fond Ferdinand, there are 
some 3000 coco-de-mer trees of all ages. These palms grow 
thickly alongside two valleys which cover 40 acres of land. 
The two Crown lands have been leased since 1900. As the lease 
of Fond Ferdinand expired in 1919, a new lease was entered 
into at that time, by which the new lessee is not allowed to lop, 
or cut any tree, or make any plantation within a reserve of 
25 arpents where the coco-de-mer palms grow under normal 
conditions. As soon as the lease of Marie Louise expires (1928), 
a reserve of 17 arpents already delimited, will also be made 
under the same conditions. 
‘‘Tt has been found by experience that coco-de-mer palms 
require moisture for their growth, and that they should not be 
suddenly exposed to the sun or scorched by bush fire during 
the first 40 years of their growth. Under these circumstances, it 
is imperative that the lessees should not be allowed the free 
enjoyment of the reserved areas, as in spite of all precautions, 
cleaning by fire or by removing shade trees will cause the 
destruction of young palms. The two valleys in question are 
besides thickly covered with all other Seychelles palms except 
Roscheria, and they form a unique spot. 
«There are, besides these two valleys, other Crown lands, 
viz., at Curieuse Island, where the palms are also protected 
under special clauses of the lease. As at Marie Louise and 
Fond Ferdinand, the lessee has no right to injure or cut the 
heart leaves. They are granted permission to gather the fallen 
ripe nuts for sale. At Fond Ferdinand the lessee is bound to 
