June 1, 1865.] THP] TECHNOLOGIST. 



THE KOLA-NUT. 517 



If a chief or man of property residing at some distance from another 

 felt inclined to perform an act of courtesy to the latter, the transmis- 

 sion of a few Kola-nuts was esteemed as the most grateful indication 

 of friendship, and was almost invariably reciprocated by a similar 

 exchange or acknowledgment. 



In countries where the Kola-tree was not indigenous, and the fruit 

 therefore difficult of attainment, being more restricted to the chiefs and 

 higher inhabitants, no business could be transacted without a few of the 

 nuts being previously eaten ; and so high was their appreciation, that 

 formerly no marriage gift of the bridegroom to the father would be 

 deemed acceptable for the purchase of his daughter, unless it comprised 

 a considerable amount of the Kola-seeds. 



The fetishman or necromancer, desirous of raising the shadow of the 

 dead from its earthy tabernacle, to satisfy the caprices of some impor- 

 tunate votary, completed the potency of his spells, by the addition of 

 the food it loved best when in the human body. 



In all propitiatory offerings made to the malign god of the earth, to 

 avert disease, misfortune, or ensure a bountiful harvest, they formed by 

 far the most important ingredient in these magic oblations. 



When two belligerent tribes were on the eve of war, prior to the 

 committal of any act of hostility, the Kola-nut often acted the part of a 

 mediator or herald, to determine the future intentions of one or both 

 parties. On the centre of an elevated mound of earth, on some neutral 

 boundary or piece of land, two red, and one white Kola-nut, the latter 

 divided into two pieces, were deposited. If one of the red nuts was 

 taken by either tribe, it was a declaration of war ; but if only half of 

 the white was removed, it was deemed as an indication of peace, and 

 thus answered all the purposes of a proclamation, which, being officially 

 promulgated, was regarded of most sacred import by either party, and 

 both therefore subsequently mingled freely, to adjust their dispute, 

 without the danger of treachery. 



Again, on the departure of any guest, the host was bound to bestow 

 on him a farewell gift of Kola's. To not a few of these visitors, induced 

 by commercial or political objects to traverse great distances, no present 

 could be more deeply valued ; for experience had already demonstrated, 

 that their use not only supported the strength, allayed an inordinate 

 appetite, assuaged thirst, and promoted digestion, but in fact rendered 

 them more capable of sustaining the fatigues of their homeward journey 

 than any other product that could be obtained. 



It is somewhat curious that the Portuguese, Dutch, and at a later 

 date the Bliglish, voyagers imperceptibly fell into the negro predilections 

 for this fruit ; and eventually, from continual addiction, their urgency 

 as a stimulus became so habitual, that the due gratification of this want 

 was established as a matter of imperative necessity. Indeed, in later 

 years, it was thought they were endowed with the flavour and qualities 

 of the Peruvian bark. 



