Fruit and Vegetables. 97 



(Solanacece) is a dwarf herbaceous perennial, natura- 

 lised in the neighbourhood of Alexandria and 

 Damietta. The fruit, which is the size and colour of 

 a cherry, is developed in a leafy appendage. It can 

 be eaten raw, or made into a preserve, and is easily 

 propagated by seed. 



Primus armeniaca Apricot Mich-mich. Like 

 the fig, this fruit is largely cultivated throughout 

 Egypt. The trees, which bloom in February, delight 

 in a rich porous soil, and a sheltered position. The 

 common variety is grown from seed, and fruits about 

 the fifth year, they should never be pruned ; but only 

 the dead wood removed. In cutting away large 

 suckers it is advisable to bind over the wounds to 

 protect them from the sun until they have healed, 

 or otherwise they are likely to canker. As they are 

 surface-rooting trees, the ground beneath should not 

 be dug ; but a layer of decomposed manure, and 

 garden refuse spread over the surface and well watered 

 will greatly benefit them. At the time of flowering a 

 sweet smelling herb known as "Sheer" (Gypsophild) is 

 tied in pieces of palm fibre and hung in the branches to 

 prevent the flowers from being injured by insects. 



Four varieties are grown in the country, namely : 



Balady^ the common variety, of a poor quality, 

 bears a heavy crop, and is the earliest of all. The 

 kernels are roasted and pounded by the Arabs, who 

 take them in the early morning with water as an 

 emetic. The fruit is ripe in May. 



Cal-la-by, a small variety fruiting a month later. 



Hum-oi-de, the largest and best variety, coming into 

 season about the middle of June. It should be grafted 

 on the three-years-old Balady stock, and can be eaten 

 raw or made into preserves. 



Mich-mich Sharmi, a Syrian variety, with large, long 

 fruit. Is imported in July. 



P. persica Peach Khokh. A few common 

 varieties are occasionally grown, but are usually much 

 neglected. As a rule the European varieties usually 



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