56 NOTES ON EGYPTIAN AGKICULTURE> 



makes such heavy demands oii the available supply. For this reason 

 in seasons of a very low Nile the growth of summer rice has l)een pro- 

 hibited by governmental decree. As regards actual quality, summer 

 rice (Sultani) is superior to that grown during flood (Sabeini). 



It is almost needless to state that this crop will grow on land heavily 

 Impregnated with salt. The large amount of water required and the 

 shallow-rooted nature of the crop tend to make this possible. The 

 salt is washed down into the lower reaches of the soil, where the roots 

 do not penetrate. 



Summer rice, of which several varieties are grown, is sown in May 

 and early June and occupies the land for varying periods, according 

 to the variety grown, some remaining in the ground for as long as 

 seven months. Sabeini, or flood rice, is sown as soon .as the flood 

 arrives, generally early in August to the first week in September, and 

 occupies the land for about ninety days, according to the date of 

 planting. It is thus liarvested about the same time as summer rice. 

 During flood, rice lands get flush irrigation and receive every ton of 

 water that the drains can carry. For summer rice it is generally 

 accepted that at least 40 cubic meters of water per acre per day must 

 be allowed, while during the flood season the land practically receives 

 as much water as the drains can carry off. 



The first and most important essential in reclamation and rice cul- 

 tivation is to make the land perfectly level. Unless this is done dis- 

 appointment will result. The land is divided into squares equal in 

 size, and ai-ound thevse divisions small dikes are made to retain the 

 irrigation water. After leveling is completed sowing takes place. 

 The seed is soaked in water for about six days. It is then spread out 

 under sheds in the shade for two or three days to sprout. Water to 

 a depth of 3^ or 4 inches is put on the land and the seed is sown 

 broadcast. Three days after sowing the water is removed and the 

 land allowed to dry for twenty-four hours. During fifteen days this 

 operation is twice repeated. Subsequently the water is changed from 

 time to time. When about 7 or 8 inches high thinning is done and 

 seedlings of dineba (barnyard grass) and of weeds which would inter- 

 ferfere with the development of the plants are removed. When ripe 

 the crop is cut by hooks and placed in small bundles and is thrashed 

 either by machine or by the noiag. For summer rice from 1 to If 

 bushels of seed are sown. For the flood crop more is employed. 



Rice is grown in Lower Egypt on low-lying lands and those under- 

 going reclamation, chiefly in the three provinces of Gharbieh, Dakah- 

 lieh, and Behera. During the year 1902, 59,634 acres of summer rice 

 and 50,134 acres during flood were grown in Lower Egypt. In Upper 

 Egypt flood rice is grown m the Fayum, the area last year being 

 24,903 acres. The accompanying diagram (fig. 3) will give an idea of 

 the ai-rangement of a crop of flood rice which is found successful in 

 the northern part of Gharbieh. 



