View PDF version of this page

cannot imagine any more lucrative occupation than the growth of vegetables of the best quality for the free markets of the principal towns. . Some encouragement is necessary in promoting exhibitions, or horticultural shows, accompanied by substantial prizes, in various localities ; and I should not be dismayed by the failure of the first well-meant attempt at reform in Limasol. When I was at Limasol in May the price of cauliflowers was 20I. the oke (2f lbs).. Fish was dear at 2s. the oke ; mutton 8d. the oke. Beef is seldom eaten by the Cypriotes ; potatoes are good, and are usually id. the lb. Flour, best, Sd. the oke. If a sheep should be purchased alive, and be killed for home consumption, the mutton should not exceed 2,d. per lb. for the best quality, leaving the skin, head, &c , as profit. There are two varieties of sheep ; the fat-tailed species supplies the best mutton, but the wool of both is coarse, and is exported to Trieste and Marseilles to the amount of about 400,000 lbs. annually. A large trade in lamb skins is a necessary result of the slaughter of a considerable proportion of lambs every winter and spring, owing to the usual scarcity of pasturage, which limits the increase of the flocks. The entire yield of skins is absorbed by Trieste and Marseilles. A sheep in good condition of the fat-tailed species weighs when dressed, without the head, 16 okes, or 44 lbs. Fowls in the country can generally be purchased for is. each, but they are double that price in the market-towns. Turkeys fetch about 4s. or 5s. each ; pigeons 6d. ; fish is about 2s. the oke, or Sd. the lb.; milk about \d. a quart ; eggs from 24 to 30 for is.

View PDF version of this page