SINO-MONGOLIAN FRONTIER 



The cultivated Jujube tree produces a great 

 abundance of fruit, which when green resembles 

 in appearance nothing so much as the olive. 

 i^'iTien ripe the fruit is very palatable and is of a 

 rich red-brown colour. It does not decay, but 

 dries easily, and so can be conveniently kept for 

 long periods, or transported over great distances. 

 The fruit is greatly esteemed by the Chinese, 

 who use it extensively in their confectionery, 

 and by soaking it in honey, make an excellent 

 preserve. These honey dates are shipped to 

 Southern China in great quantities. 



There are several varieties of Jujube, the differ- 

 ences lying in the shape, size, substance and sweet- 

 ness of the fruit. A stoneless variety is grown in 

 the Wu-hu Magistracy of Shantung, near Lao- 

 ling. Of a sweet taste and good flavour this Jujube 

 is greatly esteemed, and was annually sent to the 

 Manchu Court at Peking. 



The wood of the Jujube is excessively hard. 

 In colour it is red alternating with light j^ellow, 

 so that it is very ornamental. In certain parts 

 of the country the natives make rolling pins, toys, 

 and other articles of domestic use. 



The tree itself is tall and straggling, with long, 

 usually twisted and bent bole. The leaves are 

 pinnate, of a light-green colour and glossy surface. 

 The flowers are small and green. 



Long after all other trees are in leaf the Jujube 

 remains naked and brown. The first shoots do 



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