208 TOBACCO. 



found quite impregnated with ammonia and nitrate of 

 potash, both absorbed by the plant ; the former is thought 

 to influence the aroma, and the latter may be seen in 

 crystals on the surface of the dried leaf. In order to 

 keep the leaves small and delicate, the planting is per- 

 formed very close, the usual distances being 5 inches 

 apart, and 9 inches between the rows. 



The district of Latakia, in the northern part of Syria, 

 has long been celebrated for its tobacco, which is the 

 chief product of the mountainous part. There are several 

 kinds : — (1) Ahu Biha or Dgebeli, found in its best state 

 among the mountains of the Nesseries (Ansaries), which 

 possesses a peculiar and much-admired aroma, derived 

 from its being exposed, from November to April, to the 

 smoke of fires of ozer {Quercus Ilex, or Q. Cerris) ; (2) 

 Dgidar, including a number of kinds, of medium strength, 

 and in great favour locally on account of its low price ; 

 (3) Scheik-el-Bent, almost equal to Ahu-Biha, and often 

 substituted for it. 



The plain of Koura is remarkable for its tobaccos, which 

 are rather strong, but much admired. The villages of 

 Lebail and Serai produce better tobacco than Koura. 

 The district of Gebail (Gebel) in Kesrasan (Castravan) 

 affords the best and dearest tobacco in Syria ; it is very 

 brittle, and its ash is quite white. The country south of 

 Lebanon yields very ordinary qualities, known as Salili, 

 Tanone, and TaTcihe, or generically as Berraoni ; these are 

 mixed with stronger kinds for use. The best of the Ahu- 

 Biha is yielded by the plant called Earn-el-Gazel ; the 

 second quality is termed Bonati. 



The exports of tobacco from Alexandretta in 1879 



