VARIETIES OF SECONDARY IMPORTANCE. 81 



and is exported throughout Tunis and Algeria. Of this variety 

 23 offshoots were imported. 



ZEKRY (p. 103). Also spelled " Zechri." Fruit 1 to nearly If 

 inches long, about one-half as wide, inversely egg-shaped, keeping 

 its shape fairly well when preserved, bay to maroon when ripe; the 

 flesh about 1^ lines thick, moderately soft ; the seed between one-half 

 and two-thirds as long as the fruit, about two-fifths as wide as long. 

 (Fig. 28.) The stalks and branches of the 

 fruit clusters are orange colored. 



This variety, infrequent in the Jerid, is 

 common in the Nefzaoua, where it is in 

 high repute. When perfectly ripe the 

 flesh, although rather thin, is soft and very 

 sweet. The flavor is characteristic, sug- 

 gesting both chestnuts and persimmons. 

 The palms are said to yield heavily. Of 

 this interesting variety 11 offshoots were 

 imported, all from the Nefzaoua. 



KHALT MOOASHEM (p. 104). The name means " tattooed Khalt." 

 Fruit If to nearly 2 inches long; about one-half as wide, egg-shaped, 

 narrowed from about the middle to the rounded apex, keeping its 

 shape perfectly when preserved, dark prune purple when ripe, the skin 

 mostly adhering very closely to the flesh, conspicuously marked with 

 transverse and longitudinal scars (hence the name) ; the flesh about 



2 lines thick, firm yet tender; the seed 

 about one-half as long as the fruit, 

 nearly one-half as wide as long, broad- 

 est near the middle, light brown, rough. 

 (Fig. 29.) The branches of the fruit 

 clusters are bright orange. 



A rare variety of the Jerid. The 

 excellent fruit is characterized by its 

 dark prune color, curiously scarred 

 skin, copious flesh, and very sweet, 

 FIG. 29.-outimes of Khait Mooashem highly attractive flavor. It apparently 



seed and fruit. (Natural size.) ^ pg per f ectly . Thirteen offshoots 



were imported. 



KHALT DEGLAOWIA (p. 104). The name signifies '" Khalt resem- 

 bling a Deglet (Noor)." Fruit If to If inches long, about one-half 

 as wide, egg-shaped, narrowed from about the middle to the rounded 

 apex, keeping its shape well when preserved, dark maroon purple 

 when ripe, much of the skin loosened into soft blisters, the flesh 



Although the word " khalt " is generally defined as meaning a dry date, 

 most of the " khalts " of the Jerid oases which have received special names are 

 soft dates and often of excellent quality. 



30618 No 920(5 



