iSyi.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 11 



which I have referred are grown within very prescribed limits. Planted 

 against a brick wall, they are kept from rambling in every direction by 

 another brick wall, which I got built for the express purpose three 

 years ago, and which is only 2 J feet in front of the wall against which 

 they are planted. Each tree has about 12 feet of a border this breadth, 

 and 2 feet deep in which to grow ; and so much am I pleased with 

 the result of my experiment, that as soon as time and circumstances 

 will permit, all the Fig-trees about the place shall be treated in much 

 the same manner, as there can be no doubt but that the confinement 

 of the roots is the principal cause of this profitable change. 



The most favourable position for the Fig to occupy is a south or 

 nearly soiith aspect. Those who are about to plant, we would earnestly 

 recommend to adopt the plan of confinement advocated above. 4 

 or 5 feet, however, would be a better width than 2 J feet ; for while it 

 would confine the roots to a great extent, it w^ould not entail the 

 amount of labour necessary to feed the plants in the growing season 

 which we with so small a border are compelled to adopt. We would 

 have made our borders wider, but the position w^ould not admit of it. 

 Another thing which requires special attention is proper drainage, for 

 while the Fig requires a considerable amount of moisture during the 

 summer months, it also requires but little of it in winter. The tree 

 being so tender this ought to have particular attention, as the drier the 

 roots are kept in winter, the less injury the tree is likely to suffer from 

 frost. To attain this object drains ought to be cut underneath where 

 the trees are to be planted, and at least 6 to 9 inches of broken bricks, 

 stones, or suchlike material ought to be placed over this and between 

 the soil for the trees to grow in. As we have repeatedly afiirmed in 

 our former papers, as much if not more of the success of fruit-growing 

 depends upon the formation and proper drainage of borders than upon 

 any after-management. If things are not done thoroughly and well 

 at first, it is in vain to expect satisfactory results. 



The Fig resembles the Vine in the manner of producing its crops — 

 that is to say, it produces its fruit upon the wood of the current year, 

 and under favourable circumstances will ripen it ofi". It is neces- 

 sary to understand this before the cultivator can hope to be able to 

 prune and train his trees well. Let us start with a young tree of two 

 years old. It should possess a main stem about 2 feet tall, and have 

 two side branches — one on either side — about 12 to 18 inches from 

 the ground. These side shoots ought to be trained horizontally; and 

 the leading shoot allowed to grow until it reached about 18 inches 

 above them, when it should be pinched to induce the formation of two 

 more side shoots, which are also to be trained horizontally ; and this 

 practice is to be continued until the wall is filled with young branches 



