iSyi.] CASTLE -KENNEDY FIG. 451 



on coal-ashes. When the leaves of the deciduous kinds die off, the 

 plants may be placed in a shed or anywhere. This applies to Deutzias, 

 Lilacs, and Hardy Azaleas. Thorns, Double Peaches, and suchlike, 

 Lily of the Valley, Roses, Sweetbriars, Dielytras, Delphiniums, or any 

 others of a similar character, may also be looked after now. Clean 

 pots, fresh drainage, and healthy surfacing are necessary wdien suc- 

 cessful forcing is expected. Some kinds of Eoses which have been 

 cut down and made fresh growth will soon be showing flower-buds. 

 When the earliest bulbs have filled the pots with roots, they may be 

 taken to a gentle heat, and plenty of light given. M. T. 



CASTLE -KENNEDY FIG. 



Now that the Castle-Kennedy Fig has been established in many parts 

 of the country, it would be interesting to know what amount of satis- 

 faction it is giving. It received the usual amount of abuse which is 

 generally given to new fruits, especially if anything is necessary to 

 their wellbeing out of the old rut. When first I saw this Fig, and 

 found that it was an extra-vigorous grower, I did not expect to be able 

 to give it a fair trial, and was by no means willing to clear out other 

 kinds, doing good service, to give the necessary room to a newcomer. 

 Two plants were stuck in holes on the back of an early Peach-house 

 and an early vinery. The soil was rammed hard about them. The 

 trees grew with amazing vigour, but could not be extended. The 

 usual torturing was tried in vain; pinching, root-pruning, and notching 

 the wood half-through, did not altogether keep them within bounds. 

 No fruit appeared the second year (last season). Another plan was 

 tried, which has proved very successful. The trees, instead of being 

 half cut through the branches when at rest, were cut above every leaf 

 half-way through, when growing. At every cut a short shoot grew 

 out about the thickness of a man's finger. This season each of these 

 shoots is loaded AA'ith fruit now ripening in fine condition. The trees 

 are very healthy, and no gross w^ood about them. I thought that I 

 had the Castle-Kennedy Fig years before it was sent out by Messrs 

 Lawson. I believed it was the Brunswick under another name. I 

 pointed out my tree to Mr Johnston of Glamis Castle, who said it was 

 fruiting too freely for that variety. I have also verified what ]Mr John- 

 ston then stated, " that the Brunswick often produced fruit shaped like 

 the Castle-Kennedy, but the latter never fruited like the former." I am 

 pleased to be able to tell Mr Johnston that I have at present the 

 Castle-Kennedy, crammed in a corner, and fruiting more freely than 



