PHYSICAL FEATURES 3 



Type of 'Natural Vegetation. As stated above, 

 there are few forests throughout the country, and 

 of those that exist none is of any considerable size. 

 Though small, however, they are very dense and 

 luxuriant. They consist of a heavy growth of 

 high timber, intricately matted with large 

 creepers, and surrounded by a dense undergrowth. 

 The planter in selecting his land naturally avoids 

 these little forests, but they are liable to be en- 

 croached upon and destroyed by the .natives, and it 

 is to be hoped that the Government will take timely 

 and effective steps to secure them against this 

 danger. 



The bulk of the land is under a dense growth 

 of 'Elephant Grass" (Penniseium setosum). 

 This grass, which forms a compact solid growth 

 effectually killing out all smaller weeds, grows to 

 a height of about 10 feet. It is interspersed here 

 and there with large trees and clumps of bush. 

 The trees are " Muvule " (Chlorophora excelsa) 

 and " Mimosa " (Acacia Spp.). The bush is very 

 varied, and often thorny. 



The grass is burnt off every year in the dry 

 season, which effectually prevents a reversion of 

 the land to forest. The " Elephant Grass " land 



