856 REPORT—1896. 
6. The Influence of Climate and Vegetation on African Civilisations. 
By G. ¥. Scorr-Exxiot, 7.L.8., FRG. 
An attempt is made in this paper to connect the various African states of 
civilisation with the climate and vegetation of the particular districts in which 
they took origin. For this purpose the continent is divided into four main groups 
or divisions, which are characterised by the following points :— 
I. ‘The wet jungle, which is marked roughly by the presence of the oil or 
cocoanut palm, numerous creepers—especially the Landolphia (rubber vines)—and 
such forms as Sesamum, Cajanus indicus, and Manihot as cultivated plants. This 
region is characterised by creat heat and continuous humidity, without a season 
sufficiently dry to leave a mark on the vegetation. 
Il. The deserts.—Characterised by xerophytic adaptations, by Zilla, Mesem- 
bryanthemum, Capparis sodada, &c. The climate is distinguished by possessing 
no proper rainy season whatever. 4 
Ill. The acacia and dry grass region.—Characterised by acacias, tree euphor- 
bias, giant grasses, or frequently grassy plains in which each tuft of grass is 
isolated. The climate is marked from all the remaining regions by distinct dry 
and wet seasons; the dry season occupies from five to nine months, and leaves a 
distinct mark on the vegetation. This region occupies practically all Africa 
between 3,000 feet and 5,000 feet, and also extends below 3,000 feet wherever the 
above climatic conditions prevail. 
IV. The temperate grass and forest area.—This region is distinguished by 
having at no season of the year such drought as leaves a permanent mark on the 
vegetation, by a moderate rainfall, by moderate heat, &c. The grass resembles 
the turf of temperate countries, and the forest shows the same sorts of adap- 
tation as occur in temperate countries. This region is found between 4,600 feet 
and 7,000 feet. 
The paper is an attempt to trace the native races inhabiting these divisions 
comparing their civilisations, so far as this is possible. i 
I. The wet jungle is shown to be limited by the direction of the prevalent 
winds (‘Challenger’ Reports), by various meteorological considerations, and by 
the elevation. It extends to 3,000 feet, but often ceases below this level. 
Reference is given to the works of many travellers, to the Report of the British 
Association dealing with African meteorology, and by the assistance of these data 
an attempt is made to trace its boundaries exactly. Then it is shown that it is. 
everywhere inhabited by small tribes of a weak, enfeebled character and on the 
lowest stage of civilisation. All these tribes have been subdued by Arabs and 
Europeans without difficulty. 
Il. The desert is very shortly disposed of. The account is directed chiefly to 
the extreme severity of the climate and the exceedingly healthy and vigorous 
nature of the tribes inhabiting it.. A short account of the causes leading to its 
present condition is also given. 
ILI. The acacia region is more clearly and carefully detined, and hints are given 
as to the easiest means of recognising the climate from the vegetation. Itis shown 
to vary much in character, and a brief sketch is given of the Upper Scarcies and 
Niger region about Falaba, of the Mombasa to Kibwezi tract, of the Shiré High- 
lands, and the Victoria Nyanza basin. The region is shown to be every where 
rather densely inhabited, but there has not been a swarming centre, and no 
emigration in large numbers has taken place from this acacia region. The nations 
inhabiting it have also fallen under the Arab and European with scarcely a 
struggle. An explanation is given of the reason of this, 
LV. The temperate grass and forest regions above 5,000 feet are then shown to 
be the only places in Africa that have acted as swarming centres of population. 
'The character of the native races inhabiting them is shown to be vigorous and 
turbulent, and often raiding is carried on. The differences in climate, ‘Vegetation 
and abundance of wild and domestic animals are shown to explain why it is that 
