-4- 
tained that a very fine alfalfa grows on the Island 
of Bahrein in the Persian Gulf and is making investi- 
gations. 
Aug. 14. It is stated that exceptionally- 
fine dates are grown at Bedre: says that he intended 
to secure the Mirhage date suckers this fall and trans- 
plant them to Bagdad, they could then have "been re- 
dug and shipped in the spring. Promises to watch for 
other varieties of Maktum. 
Aug. 19. Encloses report of Blockley, Cree 
& Co. re date f ihre . . . . Bale of date fihre despatched 
to Busrah en route for N. Y. "by last steamer. Bale 
contains 174 lbs net. Of this 134 lbs. are washed, 
and 40 lbs. unwashed. Thought it advisable to put in 
some of the unwashed fibre in order that the differ- 
ence caused by washing might clearly be seen and sug- 
gestions as to washing and handling sent. Loss in 
washing is 50 per cent and stuff is not yet clean. 
Large quantities could be obtained, best buying sea- 
son being autumn and winter. First cost is extremely 
low, but expenses of collection, washing, pressing, 
freight, etc. would bring cost up to about 2-g- per lb. 
C & F, N. Y. In handling large quantity expenses might 
be reduced, but freight alone comes to l£ d per lb. 
and this is practically irreducible. If the article is 
found suitable can pupply large quantities. 
Recent Visitors Who Can Be of Assistance. 
PALAWAN ISLAND. Mr. Thomas Hanley (Plant Introducer). 
Instructor of Agriculture in the Dwahia Penal Settle- 
ment, Island of Palawan. Tbos. Cook & Son, London, 
Permanent address. 
