294 DATEGROWING 



ward becoming firm but tender and melting. Seed 

 one inch long, three-sixteenths wide, rounded at base 

 and apex, cinnamon or hazel in color, ventral channel 

 nearly closed, germ pore in center. Flavor sweet, 

 pronounced. 



In some districts of Algeria this date is called 

 Al Qutar, The Dripper, because syrup sometimes 

 drips from it on the tree; the name might be freely 

 translated "Honey Drips." In other districts Al 

 Qutar seems to have been established as almost a 

 distinct variety, distinguished by a little larger size 

 and superior quality. It is almost a monopoly of the 

 shaykhs and kaids, who preserve it in jars to offer 

 to guests as a particular delicacy. 



Zagliil, a large, soft, Egyptian date which has 

 given good results in the United States, and is par- 

 ticularly valuable because of its early maturity. In 

 Egypt it is much grown on sandy soil near Rosetta, 

 where it receives no surface irrigation, and this 

 probably accounts for its reputation as a shy bearer. 

 Its seed is conspicuously small. 



Eisen says : "This variety is considered in 

 Cairo as the best date that comes to that market, 

 and it accordingly brings the highest price. It is 

 sold in retail at eight piasters per oke (one oke is 

 two and three-fourths pounds) or about fifteen cents 

 a pound. It is from two to three inches long, of 

 brown or reddish brown color, very highly flavored 

 and sufficiently sweet but not exceedingly so. It is 

 very meaty and is always eaten fresh. There are 

 not over four bunches to the tree and the crop is never 



*Eisen, Dr. Gustav. Fruits in Egypt. California Cultivator, 

 vol. XL, No. 4, p. 100. Los Angeles, Jan. 23, 1913. 



