78 ( No. 99 ECONOMIC CONDITIONS > or bush , a very flourishing native rubber-industry might be developed, to the great advantage of the finances of the Colony.

Oil-palm Products . — These are (a) palm oil from the red pericarp of the fruit, (b) the kernel, which when crushed produces white nut-oil, used for making margarine, soap, candles, &c . , and (c) the fibrous refuse, which is pressed into oil-cake. Mayumbe is at present the chief centre of production, but the tree grows over almost the whole of the lower, middle, and south Congo regions, and could be cultivated in these districts to any extent. The wild trees in the forest are of little use, as they only produce one small bunch of fruit in several years, while trees in full sunlight may produce three or more large bunches every year.

The cultivation of the oil-palm is capable of being developed into a very extensive native industry , pro fitable both to the natives and to the Government . Before the war 95 per cent. of oil-palm products from the west coast of Africa went to Germany, owing to the continental demand for edible oils, and the high price Germany was able to pay for the materials.

Other vegetable products of which commercial use is being or might be made, or which might be used for the initiation of native industries, may be briefly noted.

Bananas.- This fruit contains all the essential ele ments of nutrition. It consists mainly of carbohydrates, and is an article of high dietetic and antiscorbutic value. Throughout Uganda and other large areas of tropical Africa the banana is the staple food of the inhabitants. Mixed with wheaten flour, banana flour makes excellent bread . Banana flour or sun-dried bananas for flour -making should become an important article of export.