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Turpentine is gathered in Cyprus of two qualities : the first and most perfect is that which oozes in clear drops from incisions made in the Pistacia terebinthus, and is gathered thence in the summer mornings. The lower quality is that which has trickled down to the ground, and is less clean. Both kinds are exported in jars containing 20 pounds each. Buyers must be extremely wary, and not trust to the excellent appearance of the turpentine on the top, for the villagers are often dishonest enough to fill the lower part of the jar with the poorer stuff. Cyprus turpentine has a great reputation, especially at Venice. It is collected chiefly in the district of Pafo. The tariff charges are 4^ piastres the case of four jars. Woven stuffs are of two kinds, either of silk and cotton mixed, or of cotton only. The trade in these with Europe used to be extensive, but for some years past the enhanced price of cotton has restricted the export to the stuffs called rasetti, and others in which silk and cotton are mixed. Nicosia is the chief seat of the trade : the tariff charges are 3 piastres a box, the contents of which may have a value of 500 piastres. Green earth is used by painters. The fixed price is 4! piastres the cantar of 100 rotoli. It is brought from the pit in baskets made of palm leaves ; three of these make a cantar. It is sent largely to Holland, often as ballast. The tariff charges are i-| piastre the cantar. Umber is found of the finest quality. It costs nothing beyond the carriage from the pits at 1^ piastre the cartload of about 1200 lbs. Tariff charges are f piastre. Most of it goes to Holland. Grain is produced in Cyprus beyond the wants of its in-habitants, so that there is opportunity of exporting several cargoes every year. But it is to be observed that though the government of the island may allow the export, vessels carrying grain are always liable to meet an Ottoman man of war, when xxi] Island of Cyprus 119

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