VARIETIES. 25 



Khadrawi. (S. P. I. 8751.) A longer-shaped, darker-colored, 

 softer date than the " Halawi," but ranking second among the export 

 varieties and maturing in September. It is not of so rich a flavor as 

 the Halawi. which it resembles in other respects, but may prove more 

 adaptable to the conditions in Arizona and California. 



HASSA VARIETIES. 



The few hours ->pent in Bahrein, in the pearl islands, which lie 55 

 miles or so from Hassa, made it expedient for the writer to confine his 

 attention to securing a single superlative variety, for which an arrange- 

 ment was made through the kindness of the British Consul, Mr. Gas- 

 kin. There are doubtless inferior dates in Ha>-a. 



KhaLasa (or Khalasi). (S. P. I. 8753.) A medium-sized, ovate, 

 sticky date, with small stone and no liber, ripening as early as August 

 in the region of Hassa. The skin is a golden brown and of most 

 delicate texture, covering closely the rich golden flesh, which is of 

 exquisite date flavor and with the consistency of a chocolate caramel. 

 Said to be a delicate packer, and never exported except in the form of 

 presents. It has the renown all over the Persian Gulf region of being 

 the most delicious date in the world. Of its productiveness or hardiness 

 little is known, but it is probable that a sandy will suit it better than 

 an adobe soil, as it comes from the sand}' region of Hassa, which is 

 fed by underground water course-. This variety probably requires 

 surface irrigation also. 



•TAsK VARIETIES. 



It was possible to learn only the names of the best dates grown in 

 the interior behind Jask from the gardener of the Persian telegraph 

 station at that place. They are called "Kharoo." "Shakari," "Nim- 

 kadami." and "Zarek." and the "Shakari*' is -aid to ripen some of 

 its f ruits in May(?). The former director of the telegraph station. 

 Mr. G. W. Mongavin, stated that at Bashkhara. Ave to six days' camel 

 ride into the interior, some very superior dates are grown, but he 

 could not give their names. 



BUNDER ABBAS VARIETIES. 



Minab is the date region of which Bunder Abbas is the nearest port, 

 and according to the "dabach," or ship's chandler, who has lived in the 

 region, the best-known sorts are the "Halawi." "Gardiwahl," " Mur- 

 dasing," and "Fard." The most superior of these is said to be the 

 "Murdasing." 



ZUASKAT VARIETIES. 



Fard. (S. P. I. 8754.) One of the commonest dates in the American 

 markets. More than 1,000 tons are said to be exported from Maskat 



