But the production of first necessity in Babylonia was the date-palm, which flourished in great abundance throughout the region, and probably furnished the chief food of the greater portion of the inhabitants.

The various uses to which it was applied have been stated in the first volume, where a representation of its mode of growth has been also given.
In the adjoining country of Susiana, or at any rate in the alluvial portion of it, the principal products of the earth seem to have been nearly the same as in Babylonia, while the fecundity of the soil was but little less.

Wheat and barley returned to the sower a hundred or even two hundred fold.

The date-palm grew plentifully, more especially in the vicinity of the towns.

Other trees also were common, as probably konars, acacias, and poplars, which are still found scattered in tolerable abundance over the plain country.