FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 449 



bruised and steeped in water it forms the travelling 

 stock of pilgrims and soldiers. Independently of 

 an inebriating liquor, another pleasant drink is made 

 from " gussub," and is highly prized by travellers for 

 its tonic and refrigerant properties. Animals and 

 birds also feed on the seed. — 'Pharmaceutical Journal,' 

 vol. xi., 1852, p. 396, &c. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea. 



Pennisetum dichotomum, Delil. — In Bornou and 

 other adjacent kingdoms the seeds of this grass are 

 known under the name of " kasheia," and are prepared 

 for food by being denuded of their husks, dried in the 

 sun and well pounded or bruised, after which they 

 are converted into a kind of bazeen, or eaten like 

 rice. In Egypt and Arabia this plant constitutes the 

 common fodder of camels and asses, and is also 

 employed to thatch the native huts. Birds are said 

 to be very partial to the grain. — ■'Pharmaceutical 

 Journal,' vol. xi., 1852, p. 399. 



Distribution : Western Africa. 



Job's Tears {Coix Lachryma, L.). — Erect gra.ss. The 

 round shining fruits are used as beads for necklaces 

 in Sierra Leone, and also in other countries where the 

 plant grows. Its medicinal properties are said to be 

 strengthening and diuretic. — 'Treasury of Botany,' 

 Lindley and Moore, &c. 



Distribution : Cultivated in Sierra Leone. 



2 G 



