228 
secon elongatis supra leviter concavis subtus convexis (/.¢., sectione 
nsversali Innata) leviter furfuraceis, foliolis lanceolatis acutis basi 
horelatts glabris, nervii {minus 
conspicuis ona sane paucis conjunctis, floribus ignotis, fructu sub- 
globoso pericarpio ee stigmate terminali, semine embryone sub- 
nat 
e ruminato, 
Folia 5 ped. longa ; petiolus 2 2 ped. longus; foliola 14 ped. longa, 
1 poll. lata. Fructus 8 lin. 
Habitat: Madagascar. ron. aig Voni 
This species differs from D. album, H. Wen ydi: „ in having the trunk 
covered with a dense mass of brownish fibres, =n 18 inches long, 
which furnish the “ Madagascar Piassava” of commerce. Specimens 
of this from Messrs. Proctor Fiker are Storp in the Museum of 
the Royal Gardens, Kew. The lateral nerves of the leaflets are also 
more conspicuous than in D. album, and the fruit is subglobose 
LXIX.—WEST AFRICAN BASS FIBRE. 
(Raphia vinifera, Beauv.) 
[K. B., 1891, pp. 1-5.] 
This Bora is iret in the Flore d’Oware et de Benin, vol. i. p. 76 
(tab. 44, fig. 45 and 46), from which the following notes 
have been r It is very abundant on the borders of rivers 
is very large, about 4 feet long, and a heavy fo npe 
man to carry. What this tree lacks in height is s compensated for b 
the beauty of its form, the brightness of its colour, and its nected 
shining fruits. The st ems are used to form fixe framework of 
native dwellings, and the leaves, bound with risen are used for thatch- 
ing. Huts so built are substantial, and afford a good protection from 
the rain and? heat of the sun, but at the same time serve as a haunt for 
more vinous, and appears to contain a larger sue of spirit. The 
fruits of this palm, which are collected all the pee a und, si likewise 
said to afford a — of a second quality which. will keep fora 
considerable tim 
The Board of Trade Journal Bah hig nt ae 596] quotes from 
the Lagos Weekly Times an account of t fibre, ot a that it 
A sigen to become an Dipika and beria addition to the ex- 
ac port 
It will peobetly be found a useful substitute for Piassava, an account 
= which is given on p. 227. 
- The following correspondence has taken place between this estab- 
lishment and the Colonial Office on the subject of West African Bass 
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