'Military Report on Iraq. Area 2 (Upper Euphrates)' [‎20r] (44/140)

to do, they are averse to taking up any other form of employ
ment during this period, as they find they have sufficient for
their needs, and look on it as a natural period of rest.
In 1919 there were about 4,000 Dulaim coolies A term used to describe labourers from a number of Asian countries, now considered derogatory. working in
Baghdad, but they were attracted chiefly by the high rate
of pay, coupled with the exceptional opportunities of indulging
their natural thieving proclivities.
Agriculture. — (a) Products. —(i) Wheat, barley, lentils, rice,
maize, simsim, mash, dukhn and a little cotton.
(ii) Brinjals, cucumbers, melons, onions, radishes and
beans.
(iii) Dates, apples, pears, mulberries and pomegranates.
(6) Methods .—The existing methods of cultivating on the
Upper Euphrates are primitive, and in this respect the Arab is
very conservative, in that he regards with suspicion any
outside suggestion of new and more progressive measures.
Of late, however, one or two of the more important sheikhs
have displayed a certain interest in agricultural machinery,
which has resulted in the arrival at Ramadi of six motor-
driven ploughing machines, and there is little doubt that this
will lead to further development if evidence in the shape of
greater production in less time can be shown.
The presence of British expert agriculture and irrigation
officers was at first regarded with suspicion, and the tribesmen
were inclined to be sceptical. The good results produced
thereby, however, convinced them that they were materially
the gainers, and that their appointments were not an excuse
to find a well-paid sinecure for British officers.
The rainfall is not nearly sufficient for the crops in this
area, and irrigation is therefore a very prominent factor.
Where canals do not exist the cultivation is confined to the
river banks, stretching inland only as far as water can be
carried from the water lifts in small channels.
The canals have enabled large tracts of country well inland
from the river to be put under cultivation, and, where new
canals have been constructed, every available inch of land has
been farmed.
The months of August and September are devoted to sowing
and the harvest is gathered in April and May.
Experiments have been carried out on the Saqlawiyah
canal in the growth of cotton under Government supervision,
and so far the results have been satisfactory. The sheikhs
have displayed great interest in the experiment, and are keen
to attempt further development.
Minerals .—The mineral resources of the Upper Euphrates are
centred around the bitumen wells at Hit. Apart from this the