464 Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 



and unnoticeable in the mouth. Seed rather small, three-quarters inch long by 

 one-fourth to three-eighths inch wide, ol)long to ohlong-obovate, blunt at 

 base, slightly tapering at apex; smooth; deep, dull brown in color; ventral 

 channel almost or entirely closed ; germ pore at or near center. Flavor very rich 

 and pleasant, not so sweet as to be cloying nor so strong as to be objectionable. 

 Although the date somewhat resembles Maktiim in appearance, the flavor is 

 entirely different. 



'Arab S'lk'i, (Turkish), "The Arab's Phallus," a variety mentioned by 

 G. Ghanimeh in an article on the Palms of 'Iraq in Al Machrici, No. 11, p. 

 480, Bayn'it, June 1, 1907. I could not find this variety. 



Asharasi Aswdd, ("black"), a rare sub- variety of Asharasi at Baghdad. 

 Form broadly obovate, sometimes almost spherical ; base broad and flattened, 

 apex rounded to very broadly pointed. Of very solid consistency, but not 

 hard. Size medium large, length one and one-fourth to one and one-half 

 inches, breadth one to one and one-eighth inches. Surface dry, rough, slightly 

 glossy, deep purplish maroon in color, bloom unnoticeable. Skin rather dry, 

 moderately thick but not tough, coarsely wrinkled indi.scriininately, and 

 toward apex separating from flesh in numerous folds and blisters. Flesh solid, 

 gummy, one-fourth inch thick, tran.slucent light l)rown under skin one-third 

 of distance to seed, the rest light straw color. Slightly fibrous around seed 

 cavity. Seed broadly oblong, blunt at base, rounded at apex, plump, eleven- 

 sixteenths inch long, five-sixteenths broad, smooth, cinnamon brown in color, 

 ventral channel open, rather shallow, germ pore slightly nearer apex. Flavor 

 rich and nutty, quite similar to that of Asharasi. 



Ashqar, "Sorrel," referring to its color. This is the Busreh name; at 

 Baghdad the word is made feminine instead of masculine: Shaqra. A long 

 slender date of rather above average size, sorrel colored, ripening in Septem- 

 ber. Considered good when fresh, but does not keep well. Bears heavily. Not 

 common in either district. 



'Ashun, a name which indicates that the date ripens in the first ten days 

 of the month, — but I do not know which month. It is a very rare Baghdad 

 soft date, resembling Khustawi but a little larger. Ripens in midseason; 

 yield good ; the date is noticeable for its tender .skin. 



'Ashshaq, "The Preferable," I take to be the true form of the date 

 vulgarly called "Asshag" at Busreh. It is a mediocre variety ripening in 

 October. Long and slender, almost black ; keeps well but is not good as 

 rutab (fresh dates). Bears heavily. Not common. 



Awashah, (a woman's name), originated in a garden owned by a woman 

 of that name at Mu'adhdham, near Baghdad, and is confined to that neigh- 

 borhood. Yellowish brown in color, long and of medium thickness ; midseason. 

 Opinions differ as to its value, some declaring it worthless while others 

 represent it as a delicious fruit with notably tender skin. 



Awenha (?), variety reported from Hilleh, of which I could get no 

 description. 



