182 



1916 ANNUAL REPORT 



trees which now exist in the country are found mostly in the Cairo dis- 

 trict, although the tree grows well everywhere from the northern coast to 

 Assuan in the extreme south. A few of the trees produce fruit abund- 

 antly whereas in many cases the flowers fall without setting fruit. This 

 does not appear to be due to any variation in cultivation or watering. 

 It is possible that it may be due to some defect in the sexual organs 

 of the flowers. This is now under investigation. All the trees which 

 have arrived at the fruiting stage have been grown from seed. 



I shall be greatly obliged for information as to whether sterile 

 trees have been found among those grown from seed in California. 



Yours Faithfully, 



THOS. BROWN. 



