"كتيّب سوريا (بما في ذلك فلسطين). لندن: إدارة استخبارات الأركان البحرية، يونيو ١٩١٩" [ظ‎‎١‎٧‎٣] (٧٣٨/٣٥١)

340
JEBEL ANSARIYEH
Antioch kaza. The weight of green cocoons produced in the
Antioch kaza in 1908-9, was 1,427,208 lb., and of this
amount 1,343,290 lb. were dried and exported via Alexan-
dretta. Only defective cocoons remain in the country, and
silk from these is spun and woven at Antioch. The Ladiqiyeh
district produces large quantities of cocoons which are dried
and exported, no local weaving being carried on. The produce
of the southern and south-eastern areas finds nearer markets
in Tripoli and Homs where silk is extensively manufactured.
Olives .—Olive trees are found everywhere throughout the
mountains, particularly in J. Quseir, and a certain increase
in the Antioch and Ladiqiyeh districts is noticeable ; excessive
taxation has, however, seriously burdened an otherwise profit
able industry. Wild olive trees grow in abundance on the
slopes near Ladiqiyeh ; young trees are uprooted to stock new
groves, the transplanted tree becoming fruit-bearing 5 years
after grafting.
Tobacco .—The region is noted for tobacco which is grown
throughout the mountains. The hill country behind Ladiqiyeh
is, however, the chief area where it is extensively cultivated.
The best-known brand is abu rihah, a black leaf grown
especially in the Sahyun and Jebeleh districts. This leaf
is almost entirely exported to the United Kingdom, the
average yearly production during 1905-9 being nearly 900
tons. Another quality which is sold to the Ottoman Regie
is the brand shakk el-bent, the average yearly yield of which
was 250 tons for the years 1905-9. In both kinds, there
was a very large increase during the years 1908-9. (See also
p. 266f.)
Liquorice root .—The plant is found near marshes and on
river banks : it abounds in the valley and plain of Antioch and,
in the Ansariyeh region, it has been found in J. Quseir. It
grows wild and the roots are dug up during winter. The
plant in its natural state is said to be much depleted and
cultivation will be required in order to meet the needs of the
industry.
Fruit trees of every description flourish throughout, but