=Varieties of Oil Palms.=—In 1907 information was obtained from the Imperial Institute that a variety of oil palm was being propagated in the Kameruns the fruit of which contained a thin-shelled kernel and was called “Lisombe.” Further investigation in the British West African countries led to the discovery that a number of well-marked varieties of _Elæis guineensis_ were distinguished by the natives, and were called by distinct names. Among these one possessed a thin-shelled kernel, and, together with about eight others, has been under investigation at the Imperial Institute, with the object of ascertaining their respective merits. The thin-shelled “Lisombe” and the “Gamopale” varieties from the Kameruns have recently been tried experimentally in the Gold Coast, and the advantages they possess over the other kinds have been clearly established. From the descriptions given below of the more important varieties found on the Gold Coast, it will be seen that particulars of the comparative weight of the fruit crop and the quality of the oil yielded are required to determine the relative values. In addition the proportions of fruit- and kernel-oil of each as well as the facilities for extracting the kernel must be considered. A reference is given below to six varieties, which have been fully examined at the Imperial Institute. The native names are given, and the percentages have been calculated for comparison, from the more elaborate figures which have been published (_Bulletin Imperial Institute_, vol. vii. [1909], p. 366; cf. also vol. xi. [1913], p. 208). The characteristic variations of each variety are as follows:— 1. “Abe-pa.” Fruit large, orange-red, with or without black tip, pericarp thin, nut large with thick shell. This is the commonest form in the country, and is probably identical with the variety found in Sierra Leone. 2. “Abe-dam.” Fruit of irregular shape, fairly large, bright red, pericarp slightly thicker than the last, nut large with a thick shell. This is not uncommon. 3. “Abe-tuntum.” Fruit moderately large, dark purplish-black, pericarp very thin, and nut with thick shell. Uncommon. 4. “Abe-bobe.” Fruit usually rather small, red and black, pericarp thick and soft, nut with a thin kernel (easily broken in the teeth). Trees rather scarce. This is probably identical with the “Lisombe” variety from the Kameruns. 5. “Intermediate form between 2 and 4.” Similar to the last but with a thicker shell to the nut. 6. “Seedless kind.” A very rare kind, nearly corresponding with the “Difumbe” variety from Angola, which, however, possesses a kernel but no shell. The following are the percentages based on the total weight of the fruit, in each case taken as 100:— Name Pulp Contg. Fibre Nut Contg. Shell oil etc. Kernel 1. “Abe-pa” 30 20·13 9·87 70 19·6 50·4 2. “Abe-dam” 37·5 24·03 13·14 62·5 16·87 45·63