FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 15 



better supplied native markets, more settled habits 

 and vested interests, increased sale of Imports, im- 

 proved condition of People, and thereby direct benefit 

 to Commerce. 



The Colony of Lagos, with an area of io6g square 

 miles, is situated between the 2° and 6° E. long., and 

 its history may be learnt from the following data. 



The former " British Settlements," which comprised 

 the Island of Lagos, Iddo island, Ebute Metta or 

 Northern District (conterminous with Eastern and 

 Western Districts, exclusive of Appa, Katanu and 

 Mahin kingdoms and of the Ogbo and Jakri Terri- 

 tories), were added, in August, 1861, in consideration 

 of a pension of £1,000 per annum during his lifetime 

 to the British Crown by the then reigning king, 

 Docemo, who died in 1885. 



As regards the Eastern District, extending and 

 inclusive of Ode, Docemo's action was supported 

 by the renewed cession, in February, 1863, of that part 

 by Kosoko, formerly king of Lagos, and Docemo's 

 rival. And as to the Western District, its inclusion 

 in the Treaty of 1861 was ratified by its repeated ces- 

 sion by the Chiefs of Badagry on the 7th July, 1863. 



Under Letters Patent of the 24th January, 1851, 

 provision was made for the government of the Queen's 

 subjects with Her Forts and Settlements on the Gold 

 Coast lying between the 10° W.L. and the 10° E.L., 

 within which came the " British Settlements " ceded 

 in 1861. 



