THE VINE IN SYRIA. 781 



vines have not the advantage of rich soil, they require to be carefully 

 cultivated. Hill-side and table-lands are preferred for the planting of 

 vines for raisins. Vineyards are plowed three times a year : Ist, in De- 

 cember ; 2d, after the pruning of the vine stocks ; and 3d, a short time 

 after the appearance of the leaves. 



The vines come into full bearing in six or seven years ; they remain 

 froitfal fifty or sixty years if properly cared for. In regard to the irri- 

 gation there is no system of artificial irrigation in practice for raisin 

 culture throughout this country. It is considered that the watering of 

 vines, by increafiing the juice, diminishes the sweetness of grapes, and 

 they become, in consequence, unfit for raisins. The yield per acre per 

 annum is estimated at from 2,000 to 3,000 pounds, the average value of 

 which is from $15 to $25 ; the cost of cultivation amounts to about $5.50. 



John T. Eobeson, 



United States Consulate, Consul. 



Beirut, May 3, 1884. 



ALEPPO. 



REPORT BY CONSVLAR AOENT POOBE. 



[Bepnblished from Consular Reports, No. 41-J.] 



In the vicinity of Aleppo very few vines recently planted are found. 

 As a large majority of the inhabitants of this country are Mohammedans, 

 they are prohibited by their religion from using any alcoholic drinks, 

 and the manufacturing of wines being constantly forbidden to them, the 

 vine is only planted for its fruit, and the cultivation of the same is very 

 poor. The care taken of the vine consists of pruning and the frequent 

 plowing of the soil. Vines are indifferently planted on the declivity of 

 the hills or table-lands, in reddish soil, both near to and far from the 

 sea. The slopes exposed to the wind are preferable. No consideration 

 has been given to the disease of the vine,'for want of competent persons 

 to examine the same, although the vine disease has raged in some parts 

 of this country. The vine begins to produce in the third year; in the 

 sixth it comes into full bearing, at which time it yields abont 20 to 30 

 pounds of grapes. It lasts for a great number of years. When the 

 stem is opened up it is cut and the root shoots anew, and the vine pro- 

 duces again after three years. TSo system of artificial irrigation is 

 adopted. The fruit is either used fresh or dried. The planting is made 

 at the same distance as the olives ; i. e., abont 20 feet between each plant. 

 Baisins are cured, just like figs, by being dried in the shade and then 

 steamed. 



F. POOHB, 

 Consular Agent. 

 Uotted States Consttlab A»bnot, 

 Aleppo, April 16, 1884. 



