53 
mile wide and is well watered and fertile. The tree flora is 
interesting on account of the occurrence of the following species, 
which are common to the Drakensberg forest, but which grow here 
in clumps on the veld. It is probable that these clumps are the 
remnants of what was formerly continuous, dense forest, which, 
however, has been burnt out in comparatively recent times :— 
Clausena inaequalis, Xanthorylon capense, Rhus laevigata, Pygeum 
africanum, Brachylaena discolor, Rapanea melanophloeos, and the 
Monkey Rope. On the sides of the hills bounding the valley were 
Pterocarpus angolensis, Erythrina caffra, species of Combretum, 
Terminalia, Thorns and Figs. The species collected were as 
follows: Pittosporum viridiflorum (no. 4888), Garcinia sp., probably 
G. angolensis (nos. 4883 and 4894), Ochna pulchra? (no. 4887), 
Mundulea suberosa* (no. 4880), Eugenia sp. (no. 4889), Canthium sp. 
(no. 4885), Pavetta sp. (no. 4884), T'ricalysia sp., near J’, jasminiflora 
(no. 4881), and Vangueria infausta (no. 4883a). 
Leaving Geluk I went on to Shewass vii Fairview (2700 feet). 
At Fairview I found Trichilia emetica (Plate 1), Ehebergia Meyeri 
(no. 4879—Plate 2), and Brachylaena discolor (V aalbosch). 
Trichilia emetica, Vahl., “ Red Esschenhout ” is widely distributed 
in Tropical Africa, and is valued for its seeds, which yiel i 
percentage of a fatty oil used in native cookery, and suitable for 
the manufacture of soap and candles. Considerable quantities of 
the seeds are imported into Marseilles from Inhambane for the 
extraction of oil for soap making. A full account of the uses of 
this tree is given in “ Useful Plants of Nigeria,” Kew Bull., 
Additional Series ix., p. 147. 
Ehebergia Meyeri, Presl., “ Essenwood” is used in Cape Colony 
for many purposes, such as carriage and wagon work, implements, 
&c., and is also said to be suitable for railway sleepers. According 
to Mr. W. Bazley, it is best known by its native name, Umnyamati. 
It grows to a large tree, with a trunk sometimes 5 feet in diameter. 
It is not a hard wood, nor can it properly be classed as a soft wood ; 
although not very strong, it makes good useful boards for inside 
work, such as doors, boxes, &c. It does not stand well if exposed 
to wet or damp ; in fact, in such situations, it decays in a short time ; 
it has something of the grain of ash. It is a fine spreading tree, 
and looks well when in full foliage, but gaunt when bare in the 
summer months. 
The bark has been used for tanning leather, and the roots by 
the natives as a remedy for dysentery. Foureade states that the 
bark is poisonous, and is used by the natives in small doses as an 
emetic. (Wood & Evans, Natal Plants, i., 1899, p. 8, with pl. 6.) ]. 
Brachylaena discolor and Pygeum africanum (Bitter Almond), 
seem to be the same as the Drakensberg trees which occur in the 
open veld, , 
Parinarium Mobola (nos. 4878 and 4930) becomes increasingly 
plentiful as Hood’s Store (2200 feet) and Palmary’s Store (2200 
feet) are approached. It grows to a tree 30 to 40 feet high, with 
a stem 18 inches in diameter. In places it forms bush with 
complete canopy, the crowns interlacing. Natives, when driven by 
necessity, make beer from the fruits. This part of the country 1s 
well watered, and the character of the vegetation indicates a high 
15475 } B 
