222 DATE GROWING 



slower in coming into bearing than some varieties, but 

 after reaching maturity are prolific. The dates ripen 

 during the latter half of September. 



They are broadly ovate, tending to oval, broadest 

 near center or one-third of the distance from base to 

 apex, tapering slightly toward both ends, but chiefly 

 toward apex. Size medium large, the length being one 

 and one-fourth to one and one-half inch, width near 

 base seven-eighths to one and one-fourth inch, more 

 variable in size than most varieties. Surface un- 

 dulating, translucent amber brown in color, over- 

 spread with a bluish-gray bloom which makes it 

 rather dull in appearance; skin medium thin and 

 rather easily broken, not wrinkled, but often separating 

 from the flesh, especially toward the apex of the 

 fruit, in prominent folds and blisters. Flesh firm but 

 very tender, one-fourth inch thick, very syrupy, 

 translucent golden-brown in color. Seed oblong to 

 oblong-ovate, blunt at base, rather sharply pointed at 

 apex, three-fourths inch long, five-sixteenths inch 

 broad, rough near base but becoming smooth at apex, 

 grayish brown, ventral channel broadly open, germ 

 pore nearer apex than base. Flavor mild and ex- 

 tremely delicate, rich yet not heavy or cloying. 



The palm is distinguished by a stout trunk. It 

 is successful in the United States, but in the un- 

 favorable climate of Salt River Valley does not 

 ripen evenly. 



Bartamoda, Bertamoda, the best soft date of 

 the Sudan, and the only soft date found in commerce 

 there; it has recently been introduced to the United 

 States from Nubia. It brings twice as high a price 



