210 THE BANANA 



with success near the sea without the protection of a high 

 hedge or wall on account of the continuous strong north 

 wind. During the last few years the dwarf banana, Musa 

 Cavendishii, has been introduced and cultivated with 

 considerable success, particularly near Alexandria, at 

 Gabbari, Ramleh, &c., and along the Mahmudia Canal. 

 It is well adapted to the north of the Delta, and is much 

 less subject to damage by the wind. Unfortunately, it 

 has recently fallen a victim to a nematode worm infesting 

 the roots, which has destroyed large areas of this banana. 



" Among the bananas grown in Egypt the following are 

 the most important : 



" (1) The Baladi (Musa sapientum), or banana proper, is 

 a tall variety, chiefly grown inland, and is the most common 

 variety in the native gardens of Cairo. The fruit is some- 

 what short and thick, 4 to 6 in. long, and greenish yellow 

 outside. The pulp is rich in saccharine substances and 

 highly fragrant. It has a delicate flavour and is in great 

 demand. It supplies its fruit from about the beginning 

 of autumn till spring. 



" (2) The Sobaa-el-Sit (M. sapientum), or banana proper, 

 is a small-fruited variety, the fruit being thin and some- 

 what curved, about 3 in. long, and of a rich golden-yellow 

 colour outside. It is at its best in autumn, but is inferior 

 to the preceding. 



" (3) The Hindi (M. Cavendishii) or Chinese banana, is 

 an excellent banana and deserves greater attention. It is 

 a yellow banana, 5 to 6 in. long, thick-skinned and slightly 

 curved. The pulp is rich both in flavour and fragrancy 

 It has the greatest share in the traffic, and is in great 

 market demand. The fruit is found all the year round, 

 but is at its best late in summer and in spring. For general 

 purposes it is the best sort grown. 



" (4) The Americani (M. paradisiaca) Plantain, or Adam's 

 Fig, is a lofty plant, a heavy cropper, with very large 

 fruits which often attain a length of 14 in., though they 

 are usually about half that size. The fruit is angled and 

 of a yellow colour ; the pulp is firm but almost destitute 



