30 THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 



The climate of this district is unlike that of Smyrna, being very cool in summer 

 and cold in winter, snow storms being a common occurrence. After partaking of a 

 lunch with some wealthy Armenians, friends of my interpreter, we again boarded 

 our train, bound for Uschak, another town presenting the same general outline as 

 all the others located on this plateau, which ranges in elevation from 3500 to 4000 

 feet above sea level. Uschak is noted for the fine quality of its barley, most of 

 which is exported to England, from which the famous English ale is made; also for 

 its "Khali" Turkish carpets, their manufacture being the chief industry of the in- 

 habitants. The looms used in their manufacture, of which there are said to be 2000. 

 are all situated in their homes, entire families devoting their time to the manu- 

 facture of these carpets. The annual output, it is said, has a value close to a mil- 

 lion dollars. 



The "Quercus Aegilops," Valonia Oak, occupies great stretches of the plain in 

 the vicinity of Uschak. The cups, which run from an inch to two inches across, are 

 gathered in the fall of the year, the acorns are removed, and the cups are then 

 shipped by rail to Smyrna. Here they are sorted into sizes, and eventually find 

 their way to Germany, EE gland and Russia. They are prized for their tannin. The 

 famous Morocco and other high-grade leathers are manufactured by their use. 

 They contain from 40 to 45 per cent, of tannin. The exports from Asia Minor of 

 these oak cups, which are grown in many other districts, amount to from 15,000 to 

 20,000 tons annually. 



Leaving Uschak in the morning of August 29, the railway runs through the 

 mountainous districts until it reaches Ala-Shehr, the "Spotted City," which stands 

 on a terrace beneath the range of Mt. Tornolus. The growing of licorice is an im- 

 portant industry, particularly in the swampy sections. From here to Smyrna the 

 line passes through a level valley, every acre of which is devoted to the culture of 

 Sultana raisins and cereals. Shortly before entering Smyrna, the train passes 

 through Burnabat, a charming summer resort of the wealthy Smyrnoites. Some of 

 the villas, with their well laid out and nicely kept gardens, are very picturesque. On 

 arriving at our destination, we were in no manner detained, a few baksesh to the 

 guard and our baggage was passed without examination. 



Deeming it advisable to keep my business while in Smyrna as far as possible from 

 persons of too inquisitive turn of mind, I avoided the hotels, and took up my residence 

 in a private lodging house. I again assumed the name of James George, thinking 

 it wise from my former experience not to take any chances in having my identity 

 known. The day following my arrival, I started with my interpreter for Aidin. Mr 

 Magnissalis, who had entertained me before, was traveling in Europe, so lodgings 

 were secured in a private family. 



The railroad runs through the very heart of the fig district, and as our train 

 sped alorg through mile after mile of the fig orchards, I had a splendid opportunity 

 to observe the general condition of them as well as of the trees, and was particularly 

 impressed with the fact that all the trees were of one type. My conclusions in this 

 respect were still further verified when I examined the trees more closely later on. 



The harvesting of the Smyrna Figs was going in full sway, and the methods ot 

 doing the work was closely observed and every phase of the process minutely scruti- 

 nized and noted. 



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