m 
Mr MaxwelFs Ohsrervatlons 
the princes of the country. There is a species of cane, wliich,^ 
if cut at the proper season, would make good walking-sticks. 
Cotton-tree. — This tree grows to an enormous size. I mea- 
sured two at Malemba,'each 18 fathoms in circumference. The 
bark, which is an inch thick, yields a milky juice when wound- 
ed. The wood is so pervious, that it admits of wooden pegs be- 
ing driven into it, whereby the natives are enabled to mount 
the tree in search of the birds which build among its branches. 
It is called by Europeans, the Palaver-tree, from the consulta- 
tions that are held under it. 
Elastic Gum, or Indian Rubber . — The tree which produces 
this substance is very abundant here. The gum, when first 
drawn from the tree, resembles cream, both in colour and con- 
sistence ; and it is probably in this state that the South Ame- 
ricans run it upon bottle-shaped moulds. Upon exposure to the 
air, it quickly coagulates. The natives form it into foot-balls, 
which have an astonishing spring and elasticity, and are admira- 
bly adapted lor that purpose. 
Calabash. — This is the shell of a species of gourd, used for 
holding wine and other liquors. It is sometimes beautifully or- 
namented with indented figures. 
Fruits.^ — Very few of the West India fruits are to be found 
either in Angoya or Chimfooka, • A solitary Lime tree at Oyster 
Haven, is the only one I have observed ; but, according to the 
reports of the Bushmen, pine-apples, oranges, and sugar-cane, 
grow luxuriantly in the interior. They have, however, fruits 
peculiar to the climate,, which are very refreshing to seamen after 
long voyages. There is one called Phoote that grows in bunches 
like grapes, of a pleasant acid taste ; also a black plum, larger 
than a damson, of an agreeable musky flavour. 
Vegetables. — The chief articles of vegetable food in Congo- 
and Loango, are plantains, Indian corn,, cassava, peas, potatoes, 
yams, aiid a species of nut which is roasted for eating. These 
are all very abundant, and, as before mentioned, are principally 
cultivated and gathered by the women. The plantain and cas- 
sava are of very rapid growth, and extremely productive. Their 
peas, called by the French the Angola pea, grow upon a tall 
shrub not unlike the laburnum, six or seven feet high, and 
though rather a more flatulent food than the common pea, are 
