FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 295 



BURSERACE^. 



African Bdellium {Balsamodendron africanum. Am.). 

 — Shrub or small tree. The bulk of the gum resin, 

 known under the above name, comes from Senegal, 

 where its collection is carried on simultaneously with 

 that of Gum Arabic, the produce being mixed with 

 the latter to increase its bulk. Classification takes place 

 when the masses reach Bordeaux. Triturated with 

 water it forms an emulsion. The resin is hard, with a 

 bitter flavour and a slight aromatic odour of black 

 pepper. — ' Spon's Encyclopaedia of the Industrial Arts, 

 Manufactures, and Commercial Products,' p. 1637. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Mozam- 

 bique District. 



"Mpafu" or "Mubafo" Tree of Tropical Africa 

 {Canarium edule, Hook, f ). — The fruits of this tree 

 afford an oil which is obtained by soaking them in 

 large pits of water for several days, when the oil rises 

 to the surface and is skimmed off. Under the bark 

 are large masses of scented gum, used by the natives 

 in fumigating themselves. A specimen of the resin 

 exhibited in the Kew Museum is called "African 

 Elemi," and is stated to be used for roofing. The 

 names " Mpafu " and " Mubafo" are believed to be borne 

 by the same tree. West Africa. (Kew Museum.) — 

 ' Report on the Royal Gardens, Kew, 1880,' p. 50. 



Canarmm macrophylhim, Oliv. — Tree of thirty feet. 



