en the "nectar of the gods." In the time of the
Knights Templar it acquired great fame. Existing stocks are annually
added to, the original vintage having in some cases a great age, so much
so that, through evaporation, the wine becomes a syrup or pulp, which
imparts a bouquet to the fresh commandaria which is added to it. In
making commandaria the grapes are left on the vines until overripe and,
after picking, are spread out in the sun for further evaporation, when
they undergo the usual process of wine-making. In this way a sweet wine,
rich in sugar and alcohol, and having a characteristic flavour, is
produced. A limited quantity only is made every year, and of this a
certain quantity is exported and fetches a high price, as a speciality,
in England and on the Continent.

A red mastic is made at the Kykko Monastery which has acquired local
fame.

The situation at the present time is generally improved, and although
Cyprus wines can never form more than an insignificant proportion of the
world's supply, and could not create any special market without
considerable change of system and large expenditure in advertising, they
may yet, by simple improved methods, by means of co-operative storage
and the application of sound elementary principles, be able to secure a
more recognised position and a remunerative, though perhaps limited,
demand, at any rate for some of the special brands.

For the benefit of village producers practical lectures, with the help
of special apparatus, are now being given in the wine villages during
the vintage season, by officials of the Agricultural Department.

The export of wines (including commandaria) and spirits during the ten
years ended 1913 were of a total value of L313,920 and L55,364
respectively. The lowest and highest figures were L20,274 in 1909 and
L52,351 in 1911 for wines and L3,991 in 1906 and L8,187 in 1913 for
spirits. For the last four years the exports have been:

Year. Wines (including Spirits.
Commandaria).
L L
1914 29,405 4,396
1915 38,158 5,431
1916 80,165 6,865
1917 78,451 22,173

There is an export duty on wine at the rate of 8 paras per gallon, on
all spirit of 20 paras per gallon and on all vinegar of 5 paras per
gallon.

Some seventeen varieties