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. 
When 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. Ofasweet 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 yellow, 
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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