448 Account of the Edible Fruits of Sierra Leone. 



same taste as Red Currants, but whether it be the same as 

 Mr. Don's plant cannot be ascertained. 



Ficus. Linnceus. 

 Large Fig. Ficus Brassii. Brown MSS. 

 The shrub which is now to be noticed, bears fruit about 

 as large as that of the White Ischia Fig, it would be always 

 pleasant, was it not that the ants frequently attack it, and 

 getting within it render it unfit for use. The plant grows 

 in low places, on the flat grounds round Sierra Leone, and it 

 is also to met with in the mountains. The branches grow 

 upright, and bear numerous large oblong pointed leaves, 

 smooth on both sides, the margins are marked with very 

 wide dentations. The fruit is produced abundantly on 

 the old wood. It was not observed in the market by Mr. 

 Don. Plants raised from seed sent home by him grow 

 freely in the stove. Specimens of this Fig were sent from 

 Cape Coast by Mr. William Brass,* and are in the Bank- 

 sian Herbarium ; the specific name given to it is in compli- 

 ment to him. 



Small Fig. 



Fruits of another species of Ficus were received from Mr. 

 Don, less than the preceding, but nearly as large as a small 

 sized Walnut. These are also injured by the attacks of the 

 ants, which destroy whatever excellence they possess. Speci- 

 mens of the plant were not sent home, but it is described as 



* Mr. Brass was resident on the Western Coast of Africa in the years 1782 

 and 1 783 ; he was sent out as a collector of plants at the joint expense of the late 

 Lord Tankekville, Dr. Pitcairn, Dr. Fothehgill, and Sir Joseph (then 

 Mr.) Banks. 



