Liberia *- 



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 



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