THE OLIVE IN SYRIA. 607 



the air for a few days, they are placed in earthen or glass vases with a 

 sufficient quantity of salt in them to pickle. 



Olives for oil are picked as they ripen until the end of December. 

 The best results are obtained on table-land protected from high winds. 

 The soil best adapted to the cultivation of olive trees is a reddish porous 

 land or dark -brown rich soil. There is not any system of artificial irri- 

 gation in use for olive culture. Olive trees are never watered. In re- 

 gard to the yield and proceeds they are as stated above. The cost of 

 cult i vat ion per acre per annum may be set down at $10.50, not includ- 

 ing the Government taxes. The nearest olive orchards to the coast are 

 situated at about 1 mile from the sea-side, and extend from that dis- 

 tance to places 2,000 feet above the level of the sea. However, those 

 planted in the high mountains, where cold is intense and snow falls an- 

 nually do not succeed as elsewhere. 



The average annual rain-fall in this district is 38 inches, but the 

 necessary rain for the growing of olives is 30 inches, which is quite 

 enough. Olive trees in this country bear good crops only every other 

 year. 



. JOHN T. ROBESON, 



Consul. 



UNITED STATES CONSULATE, 



Beirut, May 3, 1884. 



DAMASCUS. 

 REPORT BY CONSULAR AGENT MESHAKA. 



Varieties. The names of the best varieties for pickled olives are 

 tin- u Masaabee" and the u Julut" olives, and the name of the best va- 

 riety for olive oil is the " Dan" olives, The other choice varieties for 

 pickles (eating), and oil, worthy of culture and for profit, are the u Sas- 

 safi '' and " Maulee" olives. 



The trees that produce the varieties here given are grown in the 

 neighboring villages of Damascus. 



Wtufirion. They are located at a distance of 70 to 80 miles from the 

 sea. and about 2.300 feet above sea-level. 



Olive trees are well exposed to the sun, and grow upon hilly, rolling, 

 and level land, but the latter soil is the best. 



Climatic influence. Olive trees are not affected by the heat or cold. 



It is impracticable to tell about the temperature in villages, agri- 

 culturists not having a thermometer. Damascus temperature in winter 

 in Fahrenheit is not lower than 22 and in summer is not beyond 95 

 in the shade. 



Kfihi -fall Thero is no rain-gauge. 



Tin* rain fall, in December and January, agrees with the growth of 

 trees and fruits. The quantity of rain can not be stated for the reason 

 above mentioned. 



