The following information is derived from Capt.  S.B.  Haines of the Indian Navy, and our political agent at Aden.  A camel load is about 400 lbs = 25 frazlas or bales.

                                               G.C.  Commassees. 
  The price of ditto inland 31 41
  At Mocha, duty to Dewla uncertain
  Bake fee one butsha on each frazla 25
  Weighing and clerk’s fee 20
  Packing 40
  Camel hire to the coast 12 50
  Cost from Sana to Mocha 44 15

Coffee is brought into the Sana market in December and January from the surrounding districts.

The varieties are—­

1.  Sherzee, best—­price 1 G.C. frazla 25 butsha. 2.  Ouceaime. 3.  Muttanee. 4.  Sharrazee. 5.  Hubbal from Aniss. 6.  Sherissee from ditto—­price per frazla 1 G.C. 15 B.

The nearest place to Sana where the coffee tree grows, is at Arfish, half a day distant.  Attempts have been made to introduce the shrub in the garden of the Imaum at Sana, but without success, ascribed to cold.  Kesher is more prized at Sana; the best is Anissea, and is sold at a higher price than other coffee, namely, g.c. 12 per 100 lbs.; inferior, at from 4, 5, and 6.

Rain falls in Sana three times in the year. 1st.  In January, in small quantities. 2nd.  Beginning of June, when it falls for eight or ten days.  By this time the seed is sown, and the cultivators look forward to the season with anxiety. 3rd.  In July, when it falls in abundance.  A few farmers defer sowing till this period, but it is unusual when they expect rain in June.

The coffee plant is mostly found growing near the sides of mountains, valleys, and other sheltered situations, the soil of which has been gradually washed down from the surrounding heights, being that which forms its source of support.  This is afforded by the decomposition of a species of claystone (slightly phosphoritic) which is found irregularly disposed in company with a few pieces of trap-rocks, amongst which, on approaching Sana from the southward, basalt is found to preponderate.  The clay stone is only found in the more elevated districts, but the debris finds a ready way into the lower country by the numerous and steep gorges which are conspicuous in every direction.  As it is thrown upon one side of the valley, it is carefully protected by means of stone walls, so as to present to the traveller the appearance of terraces.  The plant requires a moist soil, though much rain does not appear necessary.  It is always found in greater luxuriance at places where there is no spring.  The tree at times looks languid, and half withered; an abundant supply of water to the root of the plant seems necessary for the full growth and perfection of its bean.