FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 419 



and when submitted to pressure yields about 25 per 

 cent, of a fixed oil, which is employed as a varnish 

 and for other purposes. Hemp fibre is principally 

 obtained from Russia, but the best is produced in 

 Italy. Inferior hemp is also obtained from the 

 United States and India. Its chief uses are for 

 cordage, sacking, and sail-cloths. In 1873, 1,251,000 

 cwt. were imported into this country. — ' Medicinal 

 Plants,' Bentley and Trimen, vol. iv., No. 231; 'Phar- 

 maceutical Journal,' vol. ix., 1849, P- 143- 



Distribution : Cultivated in Upper Guinea, &c. 



Roko, Iroko or Odum Tree {Chlorophora excelsa, 

 Bth. & Hook. f.). — The wood, which has a finely- 

 mottled grain, is much used in Western Africa for 

 building purposes, on account of its resisting the 

 attacks of white ants. — ' Museum Guide,' Royal 

 Gardens, Kew. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea. 



Ficus asperifolia, Miq. — The leaves are much used 

 by the natives of Zanzibar, under the name of 

 " Ursasa," for polishing sticks, to which they give a 

 very fine finish ; they have recently been tried in 

 England, but will not compete with the finest glass- 

 paper. — Kew Museum. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea. 



Liberian Rubber {Ficus \Urostigma Vogelii, Miq.]).- 

 — Tree twenty to thirty feet high. To obtain the 



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