t70 DATE GROWING 



pits and fine wrinkles, ventral channel frequently 

 closed, germ pore usually distinct, always above 

 middle of seed; seed broad at both ends. Flesh soft 

 and sirupy at moment of ripening. Flavor delicate. 



(Kearney). 



Maridheh, The Invalid, an ordinary soft date 

 from the Ziban of Algeria, said to resemble Kasbeh. 

 It is described as light reddish brown in color, broad in 

 proportion to its length, palatable, keeping well, 

 and ripening in mid-season. The yield is always 

 good and sometimes very large. Not commercially 

 important; has not yet fruited in the United States. 



Masarraf, The Marketable, (?) a dry date from 

 the Ziban of Algeria, which has never been common, 

 but boasts of great antiquity and has been esteemed 

 by every generation. It is described as long and 

 slender, light brown in color, flesh firm but not hard. 

 If picked at the proper stage and packed closely it 

 remains a soft date. Yield fairly heavy; season 

 rather late. Occasionally sold in Algiers, where it 

 brings a good price. If allowed to hang on the palm 

 until thoroughly dry it becomes very dark in color. 

 Palms of the varieties Masarraf and Ghars are con- 

 sidered the two best for making laqmi, on account of 

 the large amount of sap they yield; it is, therefore, 

 probable that this variety is a vigorous grower. It 

 has not yet fruited in the United States. 



MashI Degla, Mishi, Mecha Degla, The 

 Purgative Seedling, a small and common Algerian 

 dry date which is often confused with Makantishi. 

 This tall palm bears a heavy crop about November 1. 



