283 



Eriocrania subpurpurella, Haw. 



Mr. Nicholson took two of these beautiful pale golden insects in 

 the Gardens last May. The larva makes large mines in oak leaves. 



Micropteryx seppella, F. 



One specimen in Q. The larvae of this genus, of which those 

 of two species are known, are of very peculiar construction. 

 They have ten rows of ball-like appendages along the body, and 

 eight pairs of prolegs and a terminal sucker. They feed on wet 

 moss (Hypnam). Our knowledge of these singular caterpillars is 

 due to Dr. T. A. Chapman. 



XXXIX -CULTIVATION OF THE DATE PALM IN 



MESOPOTAMIA. 



The following article on the cultivation of the Date Palm in 

 Mesopotamia by His Majesty's Consul at Basra, Turkey in Asia, 

 has been received at Kew, through the courtesy of the Secretary 

 of State for Foreign Affairs : 



" Trees can be reared from seed, but do not bear good fruit. Off- 

 shoots are preferred. The shoots are cut from the stump of the male 

 or female tree as required, and are transplanted. The larger they 

 are the better, as there is less chance of their being injured in 

 transplanting. Thev are very hardy, and the average weight of 

 an offshoot is about 12 lbs. If planted near the river they get 

 sufficient water with the rise of the tide. The date gardens are 

 intersected bv irrigation trenches leading to the creeks. These 

 fill naturally with water as the tide rises. If the land is far from 

 the river and unaffected by the tide, the offshoots will need hand- 

 watering for about six months. The spot must be sunny, as 

 plants develop very slowly in the shade. Offshoots can be planted 

 all the year round, except during 60 days in the winter and during 

 the dog days in August. This hot period is called Bahura, and 

 lasts seven days. The shoots are placed about 10 to 15 feet apart. 

 They need not be planted immediately they are cut, but can be 

 preserved for about three weeks by placing the roots in water. 

 When planted they are wrapped up in bulrushes (Berdi) or in 

 palm leaves (Saf) to protect them from extreme heat and cold. 

 The soil should be soft, low enough to be affected by the tide, and 

 all stones removed. 



"Where water is plentiful and soil good, the offshoots take root 

 and develop rapidly, bearing fruit within four or five years Irom 

 the time of planting ; Khadrawee bear fruit under these condi- 

 tions i~ "' - T-r_n a a«,r^ in fnnr or five vears. 



Where 



Saver 



elapse before signs of fruit are visible. Shoots are placed ma 

 hole dug in the earth, and are surrounded by soft soil, iso 

 manure is reauired. Trees are manured after the tinrd }ear, <uw 



bloom 



manure is required. 



cow dung is used for the purpose. The palm tree begins to oiuum 



towards the — J -* ruuiLJL « iha wither is mild. A nesny 



