[All Rights Reserved. | 
ROYAL GARDENS, KEW. 
BULLETIN 
OF 
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 
No. 49. | JANUARY. [1891. ` 
CLXXXIL—WEST AFRICAN BASS FIBRE. 
Raphia vinifera, P. de Beauv. 
This palm is d in the Flore d' Oware et de Benin, vol. I. p. 76 
(tab. 44, fig. I. et tabb. 45 and 46), from which the sect Eee 
have been и, It is very abundant on the borders о 
in ets. 
is very large, about 4 feet long, and fo ses ie hank avy load he tak 
man to carry. What this tree lacks in height is compensated for by 
the beauty uf its form, the brightness of its colour, and its imbricated 
shining fru The stems are used to form the framework of 
native cela and the leaves, bound with lianes, are used for thatch- 
ing. Huts so built are substantial, and afford a good protection from 
the rain and heat of the sun, but at the same time serve as a haunt for 
vipers, rats, and other vermin. From the trunk an intoxieating bever- 
age of a whitish colour is obtained, and is called ру ЕЁ the natives 
Bourdon ' 's it is not pe 80 sweet as ane lm wine, but is. 
more vinous, and appea co a larger tity of spirit. The 
fruits of this Dalm, lich « are err oer all бе: year round, are likewise 
PRINTED FOR HER MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE, 
BY EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE, 
PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, 
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EYRE AND — on DE, East HARDING STREET, FLEET I E.C., and 
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1891. 
Price Twopence. 
