JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 31, 1915. 23 



figs of the first two crops only. The figs have no pleasant flavor until the 

 operation has heen performed; then the figs become very sweet, but remain 

 smaller than when cut open. The object is to let the insect escape. Those that 

 are left become watery and tasteless and are full of namoos or Sycophaga. 

 The instrument used in Egypt for removing the 'eye' or top of the sycamore 

 fig is a kind of thimble made of iron plate ending in a spatula like a finger 

 nail. It is fixed on the thumb of the right hand. The operation is made only 

 en fruits which shall be picked the following day. The day after the operation 

 the fig is quite ripe. The male flowers in those figs are all aborted and the 

 females never have perfect seeds. The figs of the third generation are larger, 

 of an agreeable taste, and sweet scented ; but they are not operated upon, only 

 because in August and September, though the trees are much fuller of fruit than 

 in May and June, the people have so much to do at that time. They are 

 seldom sold and only eaten by the owners of the trees, or else they are aban- 

 doned to the field mice, birds, and dogs, which latter are very fond of them. 

 These nilg fruits are full of Sycophaga. It is a very interesting fact that Pliny 

 also describes the process as closely corresponding with this modern method." 

 {Muschler, Manual Flora of Egypt, vol. 1, p. 2^8.) 

 For an illustration of this remarkable tree, see Plate II. 



39828 and 39829. 



From Rome, Italy. Presented by Dr. Gustav Eisen. Cuttings received 

 January 26, 1015. Quoted notes by Dr. Eisen. 



39828. Ficus sp. Moracese. Fig. 

 " Harrar. A fig from Abyssinia, most interesting and different from 



Ficus carica. Possibly a variety of Ficus pseudocarica. Fruit medium; 

 outside violet brown, pulp reddish brown-vermilion, brilliant. Sweeter 

 and better flavored than any other variety when fully ripe. Growth of 

 branches somewhat pendent, leaves like Broussonetia papyrifera. Abun- 

 dant bearer and hardy. Suited, I think, to Texas, Arizona, and southern 

 California. May also do well in some other parts of the South, as it can 

 stand considerable summer rain." 



39829. Malus sylvestbis Miller. Malacese. Apple. 

 (Pyrus mains L.) 



" Limoncella or Limoncello apple. Middle and southern Italy, espe- 

 cially Naples clown to and including Sicily. The only apple adapted to a 

 warm and dry climate, at the same time possessing qualities which com- 

 pare favorably with those of good northern apples. It is the host variety 

 of apple grown in Italy for the general market. Medium or below 

 medium, apex truncate, constricted below the apex, wi ler at base. 

 Oblong, much longer than wide. Stalk short, slender, core long, narrow, 

 solid, with very few seeds, flesh solid, white, sweet and subacid, crisp 

 and juicy. Color of skin lemon yellow, shaded to a very slight pinkish 

 flush. Flavor strong, agreeable, resembling that of certain red Cabernet 

 grapes. Very fine shipper. Ripe from the end of November to February. 

 This variety is not to be preferred to our better American apples in the 

 Northern States, its value consisting in its adaptability to warm countries 

 where the northern apples do not thrive. Should do well in California, 

 Arizona, and Texas in localities with deep and rich soil. It is superior 

 to any California apples grown on the central and southern plains and 

 compares well with those grown in the mountains, except as to size. 

 Retails at 35, 45 to 50 centesimi a kilo, or from i to 1 cent American each, 

 more or less, according to size." 



