338 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
Bean trees {Parkia filicoidea) (in Hausa, * Dorowa ') with hanging balls 
of deep-red flowers, and stately branches, from which now the 
hammocks swing. • Behind is a grand old Baobab [Adansonia digitata) 
(in Hausa, ' Kuka'), round which the native weaves many a weird 
fairy tale. Farther down are some spreading leguminous trees 
(Bauhinia rufescens) (in Hausa, ' Jirga '), under the shade of which a 
little alcove has been cut out of the bank. Another tree found on 
the spot was Acacia alhida (in Hausa, ' Gawo '). On the banks, too, 
are clumps of small, smooth-barked trees with lovely pinl}: flowers 
and long narrow pods (Stereospermum Kunthianum Bignoniaceae) (in 
Hausa, ' Sansanni '), which so far have defied all efforts to propagate 
Its roots travel horizontally a few inches below the surface ; portions 
of the roots have been cut, planted, and have sent up shoots, but 
have never lived long. Seed has been sown and has germinated, but 
has never survived the seedling stage. The best way to make a clump 
grow larger is to dig a trench round it, causing many shoots to spring 
up from the cut roots. But successful propagation still baffles ! 
One other hopeful indigenous assistance to the formation of a 
garden was the presence of a beautiful grass (Cynodon dactylon) 
(in Hausa, ' Kiri kiri'), which was later to be moulded into lawns. 
It should also be mentioned that the large number of horses and 
cows in connexion with the station made the acquisition of manure 
an easy matter. Dried blood and dried fish were at hand also, which 
with his knowledge of organic chemistry the Medical Officer could 
turn to fullest use. 
Other indigenous trees and plants found on the spot were : 
Ficus Thonningii (Hausa, ' Chediya a thick-leaved shade tree. 
Gloriosa superba (Hausa, ' Baurairai '), a climbing lily with reflex 
crimson and yellow flowers. 
Momordica balsamina (Hausa, 'Garafuni'), a dainty climber 
with deeply cut leaves and yellow flowers, and orange-yellow 
fruit covered with tubercles. 
Colocasia antiquorum (Hausa, 'Gwaza'), an aroid plant with 
very large arrow-head leaves, grown for the starchy tuber. 
Pancratium trianthum (Hausa, ' Hatsin manoma'), beautiful white 
lily-like gossamer flowers appearing in the early rains. 
So much for the co-operation of Nature ! 
But the natural obstacles, nevertheless, seemed insuperable ! 
On each side of the stream were boggy swamps, thick with coarse 
rank grass and rushes, the home of snakes and mosquitos. There 
were the old discarded ridges of native cultivation of the sweet potato 
(Ipomoea Batatas). 
On the other hand, on a small patch of ground called the " Waff " 
(West African Field Force) Garden, at the edge of the stream, a few 
abortive attempts had been made by European military officers to 
grow British vegetables. The Medical Officer's previous experience 
here came to the rescue, and his spare time was henceforth devoted 
