26 AGRICULTURE IN THE SAHARA DESERT. 



sort, most often the Deglet Noor. Nearly all the popular varieties 

 of the Souf are also common in the Oued llirh." 



On the other hand, some of the most characteristic Souf types are 

 very rare in the Djerid oases of Tunis, only 70 miles away. Such 

 individuals as occur there are mostly grown from offshoots that have 

 been brought directly from the Souf. The principal variety common 

 to the two regions is the Deglet Noor, which is now abundant in 

 Tunis, but is said to have been first introduced into that country from 

 Algeria about two hundred and fifty years ago. The Souafas still go 

 to the Oued Rirh oases to procure offshoots, and they very likely 

 brought thence those with which the first gardens were started among 

 the sand hills of the Souf. 



The most important of the numerous varieties of the Souf, in point 

 of abundance as well as of quality, are, in about the order named: 

 Deglet Noor, Rhars, Tafazween, Massowa, Deglet Beida, and Taker- 

 mest. Of these Rhars is the earliest and Deglet Noor the latest to 

 ri])en. After the Deglet Noor, Tafazween is the best sort that is 

 widely grown. It is a large, reddish-bay-colored, translucent date, 

 very sweet and rich in flavor.'' A highly esteemed but very rare 

 variety is the Fezzani, which is said to be superior even to the Deglet 

 Noor when dried, and to keep well for two years. Rhars, a variety 

 that is celebrated for its heavy yields, is extensively planted. 



In the Oued Souf, as in other oases of Algeria and Tunis, the 

 Deglet Noor is the only variety that has any importance as an article, 

 of export to Europe. It is consequently the most valuable, the more 

 so because the natives themselves generally esteem it above all others. 

 Deglet Noor dates are carried from the Souf by caravan to Biskra, 

 whence they are shipped by railway to the seaports. Souf Deglets 

 are said to be about the earliest to reach the Biskra market. Their 

 good keeping and shii^ping qualities have already been discussed as 

 probably due to the peculiar climatic conditions, which give them an 

 advantage over dates from oases where the palms are lavishly irri- 

 gated and the air is moister. On the other hand, they appear to be 

 smaller than those in the Djerid and to be inferior in color and gen- 

 eral appearance. The latter disadvantage is very likely due in great 

 part to the sand-laden w4nds to which they are exposed. The Deglet 

 Noor palm is said to be hardier in the Souf region than elsewhere, 

 showing greater resistance to disease and to unfavorable climatic 

 conditions. The foliage of the date palm appears to be less subject 

 to the attacks of scale insects than in other oases, Avhich is perhaps 

 attributable to the extreme dryness of the atmosphere. 



« Exceptions are said to be the Fezzani, Massowa, Ali Rashid, and Guettara 

 varieties. 



& Twenty offshoots of this variety were obtained from the Oned Souf for trial 

 in tlie United States tln-ough the liindness of the French commandant at El 

 Oued. Captain Bussy. 



