22 Bulletin 77 



has been present during the past three successive seasons. The 

 yield of the winter crop is sufficient to reestabhsh the colonies of 

 wasps in the Capri figs and to provide for caprification of edible 

 forms. 



REvSULTS OF THE SURVEY AND INVESTlGx\TION 



Observations have convinced us that fig growing has passed the 

 experimental stage. The survey has also shown that there are no 

 extensive plantings. The home orchard usually consists of from 

 one to several trees with an average not to exceed 1 5 or 20 for each 

 farm on which trees of bearing age occur. An estimate of 6,000 

 trees bearing satisfactory yields of fruit w^ould be a liberal one. 

 All types of edible figs comprising the 600 or more horticultural 

 forms occur among these plantings, these forms and varieties being 

 widely disseminated throughout the warmer portions of the vState. 

 It is evident that many varieties find the soil and climate congenial, 

 producing a satisfactory growth of foliage and yielding fair crops 

 of fruit. This is also evidence that some varieties have been grown 

 for many years and have produced good yields of fruit annually, 



An inspection of the fruit from various parts of the State has 

 convinced the writer that there are many desirable varieties quite 

 generally distributed. Certain varieties show^ a great range of 

 adaptability, while the individuals of these varieties show much 

 greater variation. Furthermore, definite proof has been secured 

 showing that far greater yields would be realized if the operator 

 understood the nature of the plant and the method of handling it. 

 Inquiries concerning increased plantings emphasized the fact that 

 general information concerning the true value of the fruit for food, 

 the large range of uses to which it might be placed, and the 

 method of propagating the plant, would not only be appreciated 

 but would be of great assistance in the development of the new 

 home orchard. The survey has shown that the fig grower should 

 have such information and explanations with reference to the 

 nature of the types and varieties, as well as general instructions 

 for planting, tilling, irrigating, and pollinating. It is generally 

 conceded by the orchardist that fig growing is profitable, the entire 

 crop being utihzed as fresh, canned, or bottled fruit. 



THE FIG PLANT 



Originally the fig was represented by a single species known 

 botanically as Fictis carica. It is from this species that all common 

 edible forms have teen developed. The forms producing edible fruit 



