“ The course of all the rivers is obstructed by rapids in their descent from the table-land to the plain. The greater part of the country is covered with dense primeval forest. This forest growth is due to the fertility of the soil and the great rainfall, Spanish Guinea with the neighbouring Cameroon country possessing one of the heaviest rain records of the world. The humidity of the climate joined to the excessive heat (the average temperature is 78° F.) makes the climate trying. In the eastern parts of the protectorate the forest is succeeded by more open country. ”

“ Spain became possessed of Fernando Po at the end of the 18th century, and Spanish traders somewhat later established “factories” on the neighbouring coasts of the mainland, but no permanent occupation appears to have been contemplated. During the 19th century a number of treaties were concluded between Spanish naval officers and the chiefs of the lower Guinea coast, and when the partition of Africa was in progress Spain laid claim to the territory between the Campo river and the Gabun. ”

“ Among the most common trees are oil-palms, rubber-trees, ebony and mahogany. The forests are the home of monkeys and of innumerable birds and insects, often of gorgeous colouring. In the north-east of the country elephants are numerous. ”