THE OLIVE IN SYRIA. 613 



Oil. — As nearly as can be estimated the average yield per acre is 

 about 40 bushels of berries for mature trees. As the liquid measure of 

 this land is based on the weight of the articles measured, it is custom- 

 ary to estimate that a bushel of berries will produce about 12 pounds 

 of oil ; but the relation of the yield of berries to the amount of oil is a 

 very varying one, differing according to the season and the rude meth- 

 ods used for extracting oil. After the olive has been crushed or bruised 

 the pulp is treated either by being put into water and the oil is skimmed 

 from the top, or else the pulp is pressed under a lever with weights at 

 the end or by a screw-press. All these appliances are of the most 

 clumsy pattern. Two methods are used in preparing olives for table 

 food, according as green or black olives are required. For green olives 

 the fruit is picked before ripening, and only those berries are selected 

 which are wholly free from any bruises. The fruit is placed iu salt and 

 water, and takes some time in curing. The black, ripe berry is very 

 soon prepared for the table by being artificially crushed and then cared 

 with salt. 



Location. — The olive tree is very hardy, and thrives both near the 

 coast and in the mountains, where it is found at an elevation of 3,000 

 feet, but the weight of snow does great damage by breaking down the 

 little branches. The best soil is the red porous soil of the hills and 

 stony, rocky ground. The annual rain fall of this land is about 32 

 inches. As most of this falls in half the year, the oKve thrives best 

 when planted on slopes where the rain soon drains off. 



Shibly Abela, 



Consular Agent. 



United. States Consular Agency, 



Sidon, February 21, 1884. 



TRIPOLI. 



REPOKT BX CONSUL BISSINGEK, OF BEIRUT. 



Varieties. — The best variety tor pickling for olive oil and profit is the 

 " Sourri " olive. 



Soil. — Eed richly manured soil is best. 



Manure. — Manure is to be used in winter, and every tree needs about 

 112 pounds. 



Situation. — Distance from the seals immaterial. The position should 

 be low, protected from the wind, but exposed to the sun. 



Rains. — Plentiful rains benefit the fruit. Early rains, i. e., from Sep- 

 tember and on, are preferable. 



Irrigation. — Olive trees need not be irrigated. 



Cultivation. — Plowing is necessary three times in the spring, i. e., once 

 every fortnight. 



Pruning. — Dry branches only are pruned. 



