18 THE LICORICE PLANT. 



SYRIAN LICORICE ROOT. 



HE POET BY CONSUL ROBE SOX, OF BEIRUT. 



I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a circular from the 

 Department of State dated February 10, requesting certain information 

 about licorice root. I beg now to transmit the following answers to the 

 questions contained in said circular: 



The licorice plant grows wild. 



A temperate or warm climate with a rich, deep soil are best suited to 

 its growth. 



The licorice plant is not cultivated in Syria or elsewhere to my knowl- 

 edge. 



Licorice root is only considered of commercial value after it has at- 

 tained from three to five years' growth. As a rule, the ground is dug 

 over every three or four years, according to the condition of the plant. 

 In the autumn and winter the soil is removed, \vheu the root is gathered 

 and dried in the open air. 



Beside the root, no part of the plant is considered of commercial value 

 except in a few localities, where the stalk is used for fuel. 



Much care is required in handling and watching the root during the 

 period of drying to prevent it from molding or rotting, frequent turning 

 being necessary. After the root is thoroughly dry, which is not before 

 the July or August following, it is conveyed on camels or mules to some 

 convenient point for shipment and there pressed into bales of suitable size 

 for exportation. It is not subject to adulteration either during or after 

 its preparation for the market. The quantity of licorice root declared 

 at this consulate for shipment to the United States during the year 18S4 

 was 936,980 pounds, valued at 810.125. 35, but I am informed that there 

 were shipments of licorice root from this district to the United States 

 invoiced at the Smyrna consulate. Licorice grows in some parts of the 

 United States, but has never been utilized, nor is it likely to be soon, as 

 the cost of labor is so much more than in Syria, where the wages re- 

 ceived for digging and collecting the root average from 10 to 20 cents a 

 day; adults and children are employed. I am of the opinion that much 

 of the southern part of the United States is well adapted for the growr it 

 of licorice root, but persons who understand the nature of the plant in- 

 sert that it is impossible to get rid of it after it gets hold of the soil, and 

 where the licorice root grows land is useless for agricultural purp >>>s 

 and has to be abandoned. It is found in large quantities in the Eu- 

 phrates and Tigris Valleys. 



JOHS T. ROBESOS, 



Consul. 



UNITED STATES CONSULATE, 



Beirut, May 27, 18*5. 



SYRIAN LICORICE ROOT. 



REPORT BY COXSULAR AGEXT COIDAX, OF ALEXAXDRETTA. 



The plant grows wild, and is not cultivated. All kin Is )f s)il suit 

 the growth of this root, the sandy, argillous, and calcareous, as well 

 as the dark and reddish ground; but the best suited soils are ths d i u;> 

 ones, the places which daring winter are covered with water. Tiie b3st 

 soil of all is the smooth and fertile grounds of the plains 



