FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 195 



" We have generally found the Sanseviera fibres of 

 high quality. Bamboo, which may be taken in this 

 group, we do not think worth attention. 



" Crotalaria jtmcea gives a very valuable fibre, which 

 ought to be more extensively used. In this case 

 cultivation and very careful preparation would be 

 necessary. 



"Generally speaking, we think the West African 

 Colonies specially adapted to the supply of paper- 

 making basts — a regular supply of which would 

 command extensive application." 



In conferring with Messrs. Cross and Bevan, I 

 remarked that in West Africa fibres and grasses, as 

 indeed its general economic botany, must be viewed 

 as comparatively unknown ; and I laid stress on the 

 fact that little could in such direction be done except 

 by the visit or establishment of analytical chemists 

 as a branch of the medical departments — more 

 particularly qualified natives conversant with the 

 languages. Their views may be gathered from the 

 following : — 



" We are entirely of your opinion that investigation 

 on the spot by a competent man would lead to 

 immediate practical results. So much depends upon 

 a right selection, and this in turn upon local circum- 

 stances, that such a course is the only one to be 

 recommended. A great point is the organisation of 

 the industry : the supply must be certain and regular. 



"The matter may also require attention on this 



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