_Lipari and Belvidere._--Of the Mediterranean countries, Italy produces
the smallest quantity of raisins. We cannot imagine this to be on
account of unsuitable soil and climate, but more on account of the
tardiness of its people to take kindly to new industries and improve
upon their older methods. In former years the raisins from Southern
Italy were much exported to Northern Europe; to-day the trade is
insignificant. In the sixteenth century, the raisins from Lipari and
Belvidere were of considerable repute, but were, however, considered
inferior to the Spanish raisins. The Island of Lipari, to-day
principally known on account of its volcanoes, produces yet so-called
Lipari currants of larger size than those from Morea. They are of much
inferior quality, being hard and dry and of oblong shape.
_Pantellaria._--The Island of Pantellaria, between Sicily and Africa,
also produces raisins of somewhat better quality, which, if better
packed, would favorably compare with the Lexias of Valencia and Denia.
The Pantellarias, or Belvideres, as they are known in the market, are
principally consumed in Northern Italy and Southern France. They are
sweet and good raisins, which, if carefully and intelligently handled,
would rapidly improve in quality.
_Calabria._--Since the destruction of the Calabrian raisins through the
mildew, the raisin production of this peninsula has largely increased.
In 1876, it had reached eight thousand tons, but must now probably be
double that amount. The Calabrian raisins produced on the mainland of
Italy are of good quality, and are principally exported to France.