CHAPTER VIII.
El-Jereed, the Country of Dates.—Its hard soil.—Salt Lake. Its vast
extent.—Beautiful Palm-trees.—The Dates, a staple article of Food.—
Some Account of the Date-Palm.—Made of Culture.—Delicious Beverage.—
Tapping the Palm.—Meal formed from the Dates.—Baskets made of the
Branches of the Tree.—Poetry of the Palm.—Its Irrigation.—
Palm-Groves.—Collection of Tribute by the "Bey of the Camp."