112 



THE DATE PALM. 



TABLE XX. 



Taking the average of these figures, we find that less than 

 2 per cent, of the trees referred to flowered in 1912 ; 14 per 

 cent, approximately in 1913 ; 47 per cent, approximately in 

 1914; and 45 per cent, approximately in 1915. Only two or 

 three bunches carrying a few fruits were borne by the 

 trees in 1912 (see illustration No. 37 opposite). In the 

 following years as the trees became stronger, they gradually 

 bore heavier crops. A number of very small trees oame into 

 flower in 1914 but bore practically no fruits. They did not 

 re-flower in 1915. Last year (1915) the Central Jail plantation 

 yielded 201 Ibs. of fresh fruits, from which 120 Ibs. of cured 

 fruits were obtained. The Taleri Bagh plantation yielded 720 Ibs. 

 of fresh fruits from which about 430 Ibs. of cured fruits were got. 

 This works out at an average of T30 Ibs. of cured fruits per tree 

 which actually bore fruits for the Multan plantation and 4'13 Ibs. 

 of cured fruits per tree which bore fruits in the Taleri Bagh. 

 The strongest of the trees bore up to nearly 30 Ibs. of cured dates, 

 the weakest of them only a few fruits.* (For prices got for these 

 fruits, see para. 86, page 115.) The Central Jail fruits were not 

 of as good quality as those from the Taleri Bagh, and had to be 

 dried further in order to preserve them, although the trees in 

 both gardens were of the same varieties, and from the same 

 consignment from Basra. The permanent water-leveJ is about 

 7 feet or less below the soil surface in the Taleri Bagh and at 

 a depth of over 20 feet in the Central Jail garden. The greater 



* Unfortunately sufficient responsible staff to guard the crop of date fruits properly 

 have not been available, and although all concerned have done (heir very best to prevent 

 pilfering of the fruits from the trees, there can be no doubt that this has occurred. The 

 amounts of fruits weighed out therefore understate the actual crop borne. 



