266 DATE GROWING 



have a permanent popularity, not only because of its 

 superior quality but because of its relatively large 

 size. It is not common even around Baghdad, and 

 always brings a high price in the market; the com- 

 mercial supply seems to come from Mandali, Karbala, 

 and Hilleh. At Busreh it is very rare, ripens about 

 October 1, and is reputed to be a shy bearer. There is 

 also a small date of the same name at Busreh, which 

 I did not see, but which is considered almost worthless, 

 and Arabs say that it is merely a degenerated form 

 of the same superb variety.* 



At Baghdad it ripens late in September or early 

 in October, and is said to bear slightly less than 

 Khustawi. It is difficult to account for the scarcity 

 of palms of this variety in Mesopotamia, unless it be 

 because the Arabs object to its light yield; for it has 

 almost every other desirable quality. The market 

 is usually cleaned of Maktum dates within a short 

 time after the harvest, and no offshoots are so ex- 

 pensive. 



In the United States the variety has given a 

 heavier yield, due probably to the better care which it 

 receives. Even under the unfavorable climatic con- 

 ditions of the Tempe, Arizona, garden, the fruit is 

 firm enough to pack in small boxes and sell as a 

 dessert date, its luscious flavor appealing to nearly 

 everyone. The palm there shows decided vigor in 

 growth; the fruit ripens a little later than Halawi, 

 and is practically immune from damage either by 

 winter or summer rains. 



*Cf. report of Major F. E. Crow, British Consul at Busreh, in 

 Kew Bui. No. 7, p. 286, London, 1908: "Maktum, much smaller 

 than Chibchab, and used for the same purpose," i. e., boiled. The 

 occasional degeneracy of the best varieties, like Deglet Nur, Khalaseh 

 and Maktum is a subject which merits study, and anyone observing 

 such instances should report on them. 



