John H. Camp 
Kingfisher, Okla. 
Mov. 19,1921. 
U.8. Department of Agriculture, 
Bureau of Plant Industry, 
Washington, D.C. 
My dear Mr. Popenoe: 
Yours of the 14th inst. received and fully noted. Glad 
to note your cooperative trend. The tree, the heart of which is 
used as a leprosy cure, is the "red sandall?/ood” and is very 
scarce in most parts of Congo and is not plentiful anywhere. Tis 
locally known as Ugola wood, also as "Ukungu Mbwabri" or red wood. 
Being of a high quality timber it is much used in the native arts. 
Tis very vitrous and hence this used to dry up or heal all sur¬ 
face ulcers, sores, etc. 
by friction 
In preparation, it‘ispulverized A in which 2 pieces are 
rubbed together with a bit of sand used between to cut the fibres 
into a dust or powder. This is mixed with any sort of oil into 
a thin paste and applied in a thick coating and bound on the sore 
for several days at a time or until the sore is healed. I believe 
the extract would do the same work. Only a trial can tell. I 
note what you say on Chaulmoogra aoid. But am not certain of its 
presence in this timber. But believe that it is a safe prospect 
for a trial. 
I know of no way to get suitable samples except on a 
special trip of exploration as the Congo officials v/ould pay no 
attention to a call and the natives are in strong subjection to 
them and might send out a low grade of dead wood which would be 
of little value and all of their efforts would he very slight at 
best. 
An exploring expedition must be ready to go far inland 
with competent native aids to visit various parts for a possible 
good supply on the main Upper Congo, also the Mobangi, Kassai and 
too, such an explorer should he able to speak the native languages 
or will be greatly hampered in progress. 
I also believe that it may be possible that the polysander 
tree may supply Chaulmoogra extract also other trees. I will be 
glad to aid you or any of our good people in any way possible. 
Command me on need, 
Bespeotfully yours, 
( Signed)Capt. John H. Camp Jr. 
P.3. The waters of the Upper Congo and many of the tributaries are 
very brown owing to the tannic acids from the vegetation and tree 
roots on the hanks and many islands. 
lo doubt many scientific facts could be learned from intelligent 
explorations of various sorts. 0 
