FIGS IN SYRIA. 741 



probability, the best method of procuring desirable varieties. I under- 

 stand that many thousands of young trees have been successfully trans- 

 ported from Smyrna to California, giving full satisfaction. 



HENRY GLLLMAN, 



Consul. 

 UNITED STATES CONSULATE, 



Jerusalem, February 11 , 1890. 



SYRIA. 



BEIRUT AND VICINITY.* 

 FIRST REPORT BY CONSUL BISSINQER. 



Varieties. The best fig for drying is the green variety. The best va- 

 riety for eating when ripe is the red variety with elongated stem, called 

 44 Buckaraty." Also a rounder red variety called " Seedany." Other 

 varieties worthy of culture and for profit are the black variety and one 

 which ripens in the fall. 



Situation. The trees that produce the varieties above named are 

 grown in plains and on the hills, and from the shore to a distance of 25 

 miles inland to an elevation of 2,500 feet. Constant exposure to the 

 sun is needed. Hilly and rolling land with white clayey soil are the 

 best. 



Irrigation. No irrigation needed. 



Cultivation. Plow the land in the spring. 



Fertilizing. None put about trees, as it is injurious. 



Pruning. Pruning is not practiced. 



Picking and curing. The figs are picked when fully ripe in the early 

 morning. Little curing is done in this country ; simply dried in the 

 sun. Either whole or split ; no solution used. 



Planting and propagating. Distance planted apart, about 20 to 25 

 feet ; propagated by slips. The orchards are small. 



Trees attain an age of from fifty to sixty years, and are fruitful from 

 four years till they decay. 



Insects and worms are treated simply by covering the trunk of the 

 tree with a coating of bitumen. 



Slips can be put into earth and conveyed from place to place. 



BEIRUT. 



Rain. Moderate rain-fall ; about 30 to 40 inches on an average yearly, 

 The abundance of rain is beneficial to old trees as well as to the fruit. 

 October and November rains benefit the trees, and March and April 

 rains benefit the fruit. 



* The several reports for Syria were forwarded by Consul Bissinger, being prepared 

 from statistics supplied to him by parties in the several districts reported. 



