SYRIA. G53 



country do not allow the calves to suckle more than a few days after 

 thoy have been dropped; when seven or eight days old they are taken 

 from the cows and are fed on grass and other food. This system in- 

 jures the calves very much, and they soon become thin and weak. The 

 Arabs, however, think that taking the milk that nature intended for 

 the calf and selling it is a clear gain. 



MEAT, MILK, AND CHEESE IN SYRIA. 



The best breeds for beef are the two first, viz, the Joulany and Be- 

 lady. The Damascene are considered the best for milk and butter, but 

 arc'harder to keep, taking twice as much food as either of the other 

 breeds. It is difficult to get any statistics of the quantity of butter or 

 cheese manufactured in the country. Butter is sold fresh as soon 

 ,-is taken from the milk; none is kept in stock or prepared for exporta- 

 tion. The quantity of cheese made is so small that the manufacture of 

 cheese cannot be considered an industry in Syria. 



There is no way of finding out the number of cattle in my consular 

 district, nor the percentage of the several breeds or the percentage 

 bred for the dairy and beef, nor the increase or decrease of stock. The 

 cattle seem to be sufficient for all the demands, as none are imported. 



The best bulls can be purchased at a price varying from $75 to $100; 

 cows from $70 to $90. 



EXPORT OF SYRIAN CATTLE TO THE UNITED STATES. 



The best method for exporting cattle to the United States from Syria 

 is by one of the English lines of steamers plying between Beirut and 

 Liverpool, there to be reshipped. 



The cost per head for cattle, from the best information I can get, will 

 be $75 to $80, including food, &c.j for a number better rates might be 

 obtained. 



I have seen fine cattle about Damascus, and I am of the opinion that 

 with careful breeding and proper raising Syrian cattle are worthy of 

 the attention of American stock-raisers and farmers. 



SHEEP. 



I think that the flat-tailed sheep of Syria are well adapted to many 

 parts of the United States, especially the Southwestern States and Ter- 

 litories. They make good mutton, are hardy, and grow to a large size. 

 Their fleeces are fine, weighing from 12 to 15 pounds each. The wool 

 is of the best quality for making carpets and other heavy woolen goods. 

 The average price of sheep is $5 per head. The cost of exportation to 

 the United States via Liverpool would be about $30 per head, includ- 

 ing food. 



PROHIBITED.* 



I beg to remind all who may be interested in the exportation of 

 horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, and sheep from Turkey that the same 

 is prohibited by the laws of the Ottoman Empire. 



JOHN T. EOBESON, 



Consul. 

 UNITED STATES CONSULATE, 



Beirut, March 30, 1884. 



* In his report upon the "Angora goat," published in No. 31, for July, 1883, Cousul- 

 Genor.il Heap thus refers to the prohibition of the export of Jive animals: 



"After the last shipment of goats to the Cape in 1880, the Turkish Government pro- 

 hibited the export of Angora goats. This was done in response to a petition on the 



