BOARD QF HORTICUL TURE 149 



It was not by chance or by anyoiie wlio might claim to have propagated these 

 figs ; diie credit rnust be giveii to these iiative-born soiis who did bring this 

 horticultural triumpli witli them, altliough they have guarded these varieties of 

 figs here in Oregon as cur people guard precioiis jewels. It was with much 

 perseverance, time. eiideavor and courage they even secured an opportunity to 

 propagate these figs. These varieties, both black and white, ripen one and 

 sometimes two crops each year here in our wonderful Oregon elimate and produce 

 similar perfect fruit as in their native elimate, as this Oregon elimate is similar 

 to the elimate of some European countries. 



The fig trees will withstand a temperature of 18 degrees Fahrenheit in the 

 Winter months without being injured, hence tlieir geographica! distribution is 

 very wide. 



The fundamental difference between the Adriatic and Smyrna class of figs is 

 that the former matures its fruit without the aid of the fig wasp, while the latter 

 does not. The Adriatic figs seem to possess all the qualities of the Smyrna so far as 

 general appearance goes. In the Smyrna type of figs, unless pollinated, they 

 drop off and never mature. The fig is a fleshy receptacle to which is attached 

 thousands of minute flowers. It differs from all classes of fruits in that no other 

 ordinary insect can reach its flowers, because the receptacle in which they are 

 inclosed has only one small openiug in the apex of the fig, which to all appearance, 

 as far as human intelligence and eyesight can disceru, it would be impossible for 

 any insect to enter. Fortunately for the thousands of people who enjoy eating 

 the fig, a great many varieties mature their fruits. 



In the State of California they produce annually 22,000,000 pouuds of figs of 

 the Smyrna, Calymrna. Black Mission and Adriatic species. This is why I 

 wonder that Oregon, her sister State, grows thousands of fig trees, but so far as 

 records show, has not produced one ton of ripe figs commercially. 



In the past 25 years we have grown certain varieties of figs that have been 

 ripening their fruits year after year. and inasmuch as these varieties have not 

 been propagated as they should have been, hence the only reason why we do not 

 see the fig growing in Oregon commercially. We kuow that if the fig will stand 

 zero weather without injury, there is no reason why it cannot be grown and 

 make one more new industry for Oregon. If they freeze down to the ground, being 

 the most rapidly growing fruit tree in Oregon, they will replace their growth in a 

 Short time of two years and again reward you witli a golden crop of figs. The 

 trees can be grown in bush form like they do on the Island of Capri, their native 

 home, or in tree form as they are grown in Asia Minor. 



I liave. in tlie past ten years, with the valuable help of the United States 

 Department of Agriculture and the kindness of a Mr. H. A. Henneman, who is 

 President of the Walnut Growers' Association, made a study of figs tlaat mature 

 their fruit in this Oregon elimate. We have learned that only certain varieties 

 will adapt themselves to more than a limited amount of dampness and rain. 

 After much study and trial work we have selected three varieties, including white, 

 black and yellow varieties. They have proven to our satisfaction they will grow 

 commercially in Oregon. 



There is no good reason why the people of Oregon have not given this valuable 

 fruit more thought. It seems to me most fig trees grown in Oregon are more 

 for shade and ornamental purposes than for the most delicious fruit that they 

 should bear. 



The day is not far hence tliat the fig will not only answer for a desirable 

 shade tree, but will produce aliuudance of the finest and the most healthful fruit 

 grown in Oregon. 



