r-'. 11 



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SYCAMORE FIGS 



Since the dawn of history, the sycamore fig has played a prominent part in the hfe of the 

 people of Egypt and a few other oriental regions. The fact that it yields fruit throughout 

 the entire year, jierhaps, contriljutcs to the esteem in which it is licld; for to a westerner 

 its fruit seems of little value, being small and without a j)articularly i)leasing flavor, and 

 only partly edible. Each fruit is entered by a small wasp, wliich lays eggs in it; the 

 Egyptians, therefore, make holes in the ends of the fruits wliilc they are still small, to 

 admit air and kec]) the eggs from hatching. The variety here illustrated is that known 

 as Roumi, which is the favorite at Cairo. (Frontis])iece.) 



