121 



These various data will serve to give some idea of the present importance 

 of olive-growing in Tunisia. The point, however, that should, I think, present 

 the greatest interest to us is the ability of the olive trees to thrive even in the 

 driest districts of this dry country. Most of us are aware that the olive tree 

 is a highly characteristic feature in the landscapes of most south European 

 countries ; but we know, too, that these countries are neither as hot nor as 

 dry as South Australia. Tunisia, on the other hand, presents climatic con- 

 ditions analogous to our own ; indeed, on the whole, its climate is perhaps 

 more trying to vegetation than ours. It is worth noting, therefore, that the 

 olive tree is profitably grown practically through the length and breadth of 

 this country. It is to be found in the northern districts, with their 20in. 

 rainfall ; in the central districts with a rainfall averaging between llin. and 



Tunisian.sWell-waterJ,ifter. 



12in. ; and in the southern districts, where the average rainfall varies between 

 Sin. to lOin., and where the general climate is extremely hot. Indeed, it is 

 said in Tunisia that the olive can be grown to advantage in districts in which 

 cereals fail three years out of four. In the circumstances, therefore, might 

 it not be to our advantage to pay more attention to the olive in our drier 

 localities ? 



Curiously enough, in Tunisia the most profitable olive groves are situated 

 in the dry southern districts ; mainly, it is true, because they appear to re- 

 ceive greater care and attention at the hands of their owners. In northern 

 districts, whatever the character of the seasons, the cereals always leave a 

 respectable margin of profit to the native grower ; and although he has no 

 conscientious scruples against the acquisition of fortuitous wealth, he generally 



