PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. 



IN continuation of the object aimed at in the previous 

 editions, the present note is intended to provide readily available 

 information on date culture to those who have so kindly helped 

 the Agricultural Department in the improvement of date culture 

 since I began this work in 1909. 



It also aims at interesting farmers in date cultivation in 

 suitable localities in the Punjab and, what seems equally necessary 

 since people have seen the comparatively fine date fruits grown 

 in the Punjab on imported trees, warning intending planters 

 against laying out large date plantations in unsuitable situations. 

 The questions dealt with in the note are those which have been 

 put to me by, or are likely to arise in the minds of, date-growers. 

 They have been dealt with briefly, and of necessity in language 

 as non-technical as possible. 



The chief additions made in this issue are as follows : 



(a) Glossaries of scientific, English and vernacular terms 

 in common use in the Punjab in connection with date cultivation. 



Practically the whole of the vernacular terms and their 

 definitions are the result of discussions with date-growers in the 

 districts concerned. The glossary of the Multani language by 

 E. O'Brien, i.c.s., and the Dictionary of the Economic Products 

 of India by Sir Geo. Watt have also been consulted. 



(b) A few notes on the structure of the palm which may 

 help people to better understand the conditions in which the plant 

 is fitted to grow and give its best returns. 



(c) Notes on some diseases of the date palm in the Punjab. 



The whole note has been brought more abreast with our 

 work, and endeavours have been made to make it more suitable 



