THE KHEDIVIAL HORTICULTURAL SHOW AT CAIRO. 



17 ( .) 



Daisies rarely do well in Egypt, and present very little difference, except 

 perhaps in size, from ordinary field Daisies. One would expect the Coleus 

 to do well here, but the climate is probably too dry. Those exhibited were 

 not nearly up to the standard either in stamina or variety of colour. The 

 baskets of Roses showed that at lease that flower can be successfully 

 grown. Indeed, in the Fayoum many square miles are grown with Roses 

 for the preparation of costly essences. Rose-growers have to be careful, 

 however, for the trees are so prolific and, above all, the flowers are so 

 quick in developing and opening that Roses with hard centres are rare. 

 The table decorations were very fair, the first prize being awarded for a 

 display of Lilies of the Valley and Maidenhair Ferns, the lamp shades 

 being green. The second prize was awarded for pink Roses, tied with pink 

 satin bows, the lamp shades also being pink. A table decorated with 

 Nasturtiums also took a prize. Amongst miscellaneous side exhibits were 

 manures, organic and inorganic ; basket work done by prisoners, com- 

 prising all kinds of articles, from a big strong sentry box to delicate 

 gilded five-o'clock tea-tables. One enterprising horticulturist showed Beet- 

 roots growing in pearl-glass, supported only by water and a certain fertiliser 

 advertised. 



With regard to the fruit and vegetables, the exhibits differed consider- 

 ably from those usually shown in England, and one cannot do better than 

 name them. The fruits were : — 



Bananas. — These were not nearly up to the Egyptian standard, and 

 there was only one exhibit. 



Cedratos, sweet and bitter Citrons, Limes, and Oranges. — These were 

 without doubt very fine. Some of the Cedratos were eight inches in 

 diameter. The Oranges included Jaffa, Blood, Mandarins, and Narings. 

 One of the Jaffas was 16 in. in circumference, with peel nearly \ in. 

 thick. 



Indian Figs, or Prickly Pears, Naphoches, Kista, Carica Papaya, and 

 Aigle Marmelos. — These were generally, except the Figs, little known. 



Strawberries, Cape Gooseberries, and Medlars might have been better. 



Guavas were very poor, but probably it was too early in the year f c r 

 them, as they appear in Cairo in the summer months at the same time as 

 the Mango. No Mangos were shown. In summer they are rather 

 abundant, costing from Id. to 2k/. each, and weighing about h lb., whilst 

 Guavas usually fetch about Id. a lb. 



One good Melon was 18 in. in diameter. Of all fruits Melons can be 

 .said to be the best for Egypt. They are in season from May t ) the end 

 of August, whilst the Nile banks allow of their being grown. The Water 

 Melon, with pink middle and black seeds, grows to an enormous size and 

 costs about 2d. The other smaller variety is delicious and is about as 

 large as an English Vegetable Marrow and costs about Id. 



The vegetables included — 



Spinach, Herbs, and Salads. — Under these heads several varieties of 

 plants were shown. Arabs live chiefly on vegetables, and almost all kinds 

 of leaves and plants found to be edible are included under the term 

 ** Spinach " or " salad." Of herbs probably Parsley is commonest, but it is 

 not nearly so compact as in England. Bammias were not good, being out 

 of season. 



