98 ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ( No. 98 one irrigation scheme ( see below , p . 120) has been carried out, it should be of the most important rotation crops in that region . The types of wheat already grown appear to possess much the same qualities as the higher grades ofIndian wheat. On the Gezira experimental station at Tayiba yields of over 50 bushels per acre have been obtained. The total yield of wheat in the Sudan in 1916 was estimated at 5,500 tons. One result of the war has been to demon strate beyond question the value of the Sudan to Egypt as a source of food supplies . In 1917 , in order to augment these, it was decided to put 20,000 acres in the northern Sudan under wheat as soon as possible by means ofpump irrigation. What little maize is grown is chiefly on irrigated holdings. The production for export could be increased to almost any extent. Maize is scarcely likely, however, to become popular locally, since the peopleare accus tomed to millet flour, which requires less cooking and seems to be more easily digested .

Barley is grown to a small extent only, chiefly on irrigated land, and mainly in the Dongola province, to supply local requirements.

Oil and Fodder Crops.-Sesame (simsim ) occupies about 5 per cent of the cultivated area , and , as in other parts of tropical Africa , is grown chiefly as a rain crop . It gives a good return,and the smallseeds yield over 50 per cent . of oil , which is used locally for cook ing purposes.

Ground -nuts ( ful Sudani or Sudan beans ) are grown everywhere in the Sudan, but mainly in the tropical areas. They contain a valuable edible oil . The export is at present small.

The castor-oil plant ( ricinus) can be grown almost anywhere in the Sudan , and thrives with the luxuriance of a weed . The oil is extracted by crushing and boil ing, and is used by the natives for anointing the skin. Leguminous crops succeed well in the Sudan. Lubia, a splendid fodder, produces a heavy crop ; its beans are