24 COCOA 



constructive operations suggests that the business 

 quarter will eventually rise clear of the native town. 



An extensive stretch of open country, about a mile 

 and a half distant from the beach, has been set apart 

 as a European Reservation Area; by virtue of its 

 elevation, this area is known as " The Ridge." A model 

 tropical garden suburb is quickly growing up on the 

 Ridge, judging from the houses that have already been 

 erected, and the flowers that bloom in newly laid out 

 compounds. The existing houses vary in size and 

 style, according to individual estimates of accommoda- 

 tion required and individual ideas of the best way of 

 planning a house for tropical life. Differences of 

 opinion on architectural matters are making for a 

 pleasing variety of appearance, and for progressive 

 experiments in designs and materials. All the houses, 

 however, are alike in that they are well built, planned 

 with consideration for the health, comfort, and con- 

 venience of white people accustomed to a high standard 

 of decent surroundings, and situated in their own 

 spacious grounds. Some of these country houses 

 provide their occupants with much more than first- 

 class housing accommodation, and when the occupants 

 are 'first-class men as is the rule in these days, and 

 not the exception they respond in a way that results 

 in a delightful home. For instance, there is the 

 house where we are staying, and under whose hospitable 

 roof we are now having this little palaver about Accra 

 over a daintily served tea, including a dream of a fruit 

 salad: the furniture is solid and well made, pleasing 

 to the eye and to the touch, and suitably selected for 

 all practical purposes by someone who, obviously, 

 understands that a particularly practical purpose is 

 served in the tropical home by furniture and furnishing 



