The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-11-29
UNITED STATES CONSUL LEWIS,
BIETEN YEARS IN AFRICA, DIS
CUssEs KOLAFRI,
And the Wonderful Nut from which
1t Is Made.

On nccount OF the interest taken by the pub
lie in tho African sterculia nut, tho following
abatement will BIO found instructive reading.
The writer, Mr.. Judson A. Lewis, was for eleven
yenrs United States Consul ut Sierra Leone,
where he enjoyed exceptional facilities for OBJ
tanning knowledge as to this nut from personal
observation. He was called upon to answer in
quiries on the subject In his own country aud
In Europe.
"There is probably no one" says Mr.. Lewis,
" who has had n better opportunity of observing
the properties OF the sterculia nut than ] have.
have been familiar with IL on its native soil
and marked It's effect on the people who use 1t
habitually.
Before going to Africa / was . pharmacist
by profession. and hence took an especial inter-
est in this remarkable product During my
eleven years. residence in Sierra Leone j saw
native caravans from the interior almost daily
that had been assisted on their long and toll
some Journeys by the stimulating and strength
ening power of the stnrcnlin nut. NO peter
tho system and enable IL to undergo great ex-
posture, privation, and labor is needed than the
universal testimony of the natives. They nave
used II for centuries under circumstances OF the
most trying character. a man who eats n part
of one OF these nuts in the morning. can 90 all
day without taking food. Hence their value on
a long march through the desert. or when 1000
t fo stron GO d TGnIk'p and suSSu %a' The s Craving for il.
1t seems to have n soothing action upon tho
nerves OF the stomach. preventing the gnawlng
sensation inoid mt to hunger.
THE sterculia nut IL so highly priced In Africa
that. when scarce. II sells for almost its weight
In gold. To buy It the native women will pledge
their jewelry of pure A frIcan gold. worth $50
per ounce.
when a caravan is marching from the in
terror to the coast II Is interesting to note how
carefully they guard their sterculin nuts, every
man having . few In his pocket, and now and
then biting on a little piece and chewing IL,
swallowing the juice. The nut is harmless:
During my eleven years in Africa i never noted
or heard of q single instance where injury or
bad effect followed its use.
Its comparatively recent Introduction Into
America and Europe in the form OF the now
well known preparation. Vino olafrn,i is an i'm
portant event. Owing TO the volatile
nature Of its effective principles. the nut
loses value not long after IL is plucked from
tho tree. The natives use II when fresh. care.
fully guarding 1t from exposure to the sun and
air In their travels from one grove TO another.
The Brunswick Pharinacal Company of New
York has, however, succeeded In EN- bod ying all
It's principles in Vino olafra. thus placing this
valuable tonic-stimulant In the hands of the
medical profession and of the general public"
In order to accomplish this result the COM
pany were Obliged to begin the process OF manu-
facture In the habitat of the tree, SO providing
against the loss OF virtus in transportation. AS
q tonic stimulant Vino-Kolnfra fully sustains
the high reputation of the native product, 1t
contains subtle vitalizinR properties which elude
analysis. Under its influence the heart beats
strongly and regularly, the mind is more active
and acute. and the capacity for work and enjoy
ment increases. 1t abates pain. banishes fatigue,
and hRstens conyalescence. IL is invaluable Tor
invalids and safe for all. having no reaction or
any bad after effects.-Adp.