346 BUSUNGU. Chap. XVIL 



Tlie mangrove itself is worth examining ; and Dr. Kirk 

 found it, and trees and plants brought from a distance and 

 stranded on these shores, an interesting and instructive study. 

 One species of mangrove stands, at ebb tide, on its fantastic 

 roots, raised high above the ground, while, at flood tide, the 

 trunk seems as if planted on the surface of the water. Ano- 

 ther has flat, broad, tortuous roots, placed on edge in the 

 mud, so as to give it, even on that soft substance, a finu 

 foundation to stand upon. The seeds of one species are 

 formed somewhat like arrow-heads, and, in falling, are by 

 their own weight shot into the soft ground, and self-planted. 

 Another fruit nearly as large as a child's head, of no use,, 

 as far as we can guess, to man or beast, splits into pieces 

 when it drops. The wood, however, makes excellent fuel, 

 and possesses the valuable quality of burning freely in the 

 furnace, even when green. It also makes capital rafters, 

 Avliich, from their straightness and length, are much esteemed 

 by the Portuguese. 



We found some natives pounding the woody stems of a 

 poisonous climbing-plant (Direct palustris) called Busungu, or 

 poison, which grows abundantly in the swamps. When a good 

 quantity was bruised, it was tied up in bundles. The stream 

 above and below was obstructed with bushes, and with a sort of 

 rinsing motion the poison was diffused through the water. 

 Many fish were soon affected, swam in shore, and died, others 

 were only stupified. The plant has pink, pea-shaped blossoms, 

 and smooth, pointed, glossy leaves, and the brown bark is 

 covered with minute white points. The knowledge of it 

 might prove of use to a shipwrecked party by enabling them 

 to catch the fish. 



The poison is said to be deleterious to man if the water is 

 drunk ; but not when the fish is cooked. The Busungu is 

 repulsive to some insects, and is smeared round the shoots of 



