i5 



Cola acuminata. — The receipt of seeds of this tree was 

 mentioned in my Report for 1894, and I am now pleased to be 

 able to say that the plants have, so far, done very well. Some 

 have been sent away for trial, and we have still a few on hand. 

 It is perhaps scarcely necessary for me to say that it is the tree 

 which yields the " Cola" nuts of commerce, which have lately 

 come so much into use in the form of chocolate and other ways. 



Dipteryx odorata. — A large tree yielding the " Tonquin " or 

 " Tonga" bean of commerce, which is used for scenting snuff, 

 and also in perfumery. Four plants were received from Kew, 

 and, so far, are doing well. 



Gouania doming ensis, " Chew Stick." — Tha twigs of this 

 plant are used by the negroes in the West Indies for chewing, 

 and they may frequently be seen with a piece projecting 

 from their lips like a cigar. It is presumably used as a bitter, 

 or for preservation of the teeth. 



Isatis tinctoria, " Dyers' woad." — A tall herb, lasting for 

 two years only. A blue dye is obtained from the fermented 

 leaves, but the plant is scarcely likely to succeed in Natal,. nor 

 is it of much commercial value, though small quantities of the 

 fermented and dried leaves are said to be used by dyers for 

 mixing with indigo. 



Lagerstroamia regina. — A large timber tree, yielding a 

 blood-red coloured wood, which is used in India for many 

 purposes, and is said to be very durable under water. Its 

 native name is " Jarool," and the root, bark and leaves are used 

 medicinally. The flowers are much larger than those of the 

 other species of the genus in cultivation, and known in Natal as 

 " Pride of India,'' and are very ornamental. 



Poterium sanguisorba, " Burnet." — Seed of this plant was 

 given to us by Mr. W. T. Woods, of Estcourt, who advocates it 

 very strongly as a forage plant. It is as yet too early to say 

 how it will succeed in the coast districts. It is known at 

 home as a useful fodder plant, and is also used in salads by 

 the French people. The generic name, Poterium, is said to 

 have been given in consequence of some of the species having 

 been used as an ingredient in "cool tankards." 



Theobroma cacao. — Twice during the past year we have 

 received seeds of this plant, the first time, by the kindness of 

 A. Whyte, Esq., of Zomba, Central Africa, who brought them 

 from England, in the cool chamber of the steamer ; the second 

 time, by favour of His Excellency Sir Hely-Hutchinson, who 

 obtained them from West Indies. In both cases the seods 

 v\ ere well and carefully packed, but I regret to say that not a 

 single seed germinated, though every care was taken of them. 

 I shall therefore make an effort to obtain plants from 

 Mauritius, and hope to meet with better success, so that the 

 plant may have a fair trial in the Colony. 



