216 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



the beasts which draw them. A part of this is no doubt due 

 to sheer stupidity, but much is also due to the price of labor 

 and the rates of interest." 



The products of the soil are as various as the climate 

 and geological character of the country. Fruits are abun- 

 dant, of excellent quality, and extensively used by the whole 

 population. Grapes are delicious, and within reach of the 

 poorest, selling at the rate of two pounds and three-fourths 

 for two or three cents. Apples, apricots, peaches, cherries 

 and plums have their localities of abundant growth, but no 

 attention is paid to obtaining the best kinds, or improving 

 those already possessed.* 



Of grapes, whoever has once partaken of the famous 

 " chaoush" from the Bythinian side of the Bosphorus, will 

 forever eschew all others : thin-skinned, small-seeded, fine- 

 pulped, — a dream, a delight, — something to be talked 

 about, never to find equalled. The vineyards of the Chris- 

 tians and the Moslems difier in one very important particular. 

 The former cultivate those kinds suitable for making wines ; 

 the latter, those that are best for food. While the one are 

 making spirits, the other are preparing that grape molasses 

 called " pekmez," which is extensively used. In it, all 

 manner of fruits are stewed or boiled, and the preserves laid 

 aside for winter use. With it, savory dishes of quinces and 

 meat, or chestnuts and meat, are prepared, much relished 

 by the poor. 



The olive is grown over a very wide area, especially in 

 Asiatic Turkey and the Mediterranean islands. It is a uni- 

 versal article of food. Give an Oriental bread and black 

 olives for a lunch, and he is happy. Add to this olive oil to 

 flavor his stewed beans, his clam and rice, and his salads, 

 and he is happier. Beyond that it is not necessary to go. 

 The olive orchard in the flowering time is one of the most 

 beautiful sights in the world, — the gnarled and twisted 

 trunks hoar with age ; the short, oblate, slightly curled sil- 

 very leaves ; the branches fairly bending beneath the weight 

 of the snowy petals, and the ground beneath and around 

 white as with flakes of snow. Job says, referring to this 

 peculiarity of its shedding its blossoms, " He shall cast off 



* I am largely indebted to Hamlin's " Agriculture of the East" for my facts. 



