Liberia <•- 



Kola Nuts. — Very few kola nuts are exported to Europe, 

 although there is a comparatively large local trade — mostly in 

 the hands of the Sierra Leoneans. As this valuable nerve 

 stimulant (the basis of certain brands of cocoa and tonic wines) 

 is likely to attain a greatly extended use in Europe and America, 

 kola production in Liberia should receive attention. 



Ginger. — The export of ginger varies considerably. It is 

 largely planted by the Americo-Liberians, the soil being splendidly 

 adapted to the purpose, but the home market for ginger is 

 most irregular, and this has had the effect of reducing the amount 

 planted and exported. In spite of all drawbacks, however, 

 some considerable quantity of ginger is shipped. Present 

 prices are about 2^s. the cwt. 



Sugar. — In the early days of Liberia sugar-cane was 

 largely grown on the St. Paul's River, but the introduction of 

 beet sugar has had the same effect in Liberia as in other sugar- 

 growing countries, and none is now exported, although a small 

 quantity is prepared for local consumption and the molasses 

 and syrup are sold locally. The cane grows freely and well, 

 and with a better demand and higher prices a trade in this 

 product could be resuscitated to advantage. 



Tobacco. — Experiments are now being made by a 

 Liberian recently arrived from America, but results so far have 

 been negative. 



Gum Copal (Copaifera dinklagei) exists in quantities in the 

 forestSj and the natives are beginning to gather it. It is an 

 increasing industry, and little more can be said. The quality 

 is about on a par with that exported from Sierra Leone, and 

 the value reaches to ^74 a ton. 



Ivory Nuts have been exported in small quantities with 

 negative results. These nuts — probably the fruit of a Pandanus 

 or Borassus — are used in the manufacture of cheap buttons. 



414 



