PROPAGATION OF THE FIG. 149 
SHIPPING LARGE FIG TREES. 
Large trees suitable for planting are generally sent in bales, cov- 
ered with flag, tule, or straight straw. First, place on the ground or 
floor at least five pieces of baling rope, each with an eye knot at one 
end and of sufficient length to go around the bale. These ropes 
should be laid parallel and about 12 inches or less apart. Across 
these ropes place a thin layer of 
straight flag, tule, or long straw. 
Upon this heap a lot of common 
fresh, damp straw about 2 inches 
thick. Upon this straw lay the 
trees, with the roots all toward 
one end, and if the fig trees are 
not very large place some of the 
smaller trees with the roots more 
toward the center, in order to 
make the bundle more cylindrical 
and less conical. Cover the trees 
with a thick layer of straw, then 
bring the straw and flag together 
to the top of the bundle over its 
sides and rapidly pass the ends of 
the ropes together, so that each 
rope forms a slipknot around the 
bundle. It takes two men to 
make such a tree bundle, though 
it may be made by one man if he 
is skillful and if the bundle is not 
too large. The ropes should be 
drawn as tight as possible. Nur- 
serymen use several mechanical 
appliances for making these bun- 
dles. None, however, have im- a 
pressed the writer as being very Tig, 74.06 tense re pack sod ue 
practicable. After all the ropes been tied to the supports in order to prevent 
have been thoroughly tightened, ranee Ep ane ace ane ab 
two ropes should be run length- aye pers 
wise, connecting the cross ropes with one another so that they may 
not slip off. Finally, the straw and flags protruding unevenly are 
trimmed off with a sharp knife. The bundles are dampened by 
water if the weather is warm and dry. Such bundles, if solid, will 
stand a voyage of a week or two in winter time in moderate climates, 
but in cold weather they are liable to be frosted. It is hardly neces- 
sary to add that the bundles should be kept shaded as much as pos- 
sible and not exposed to wind or sun. 
ENS 
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SPLIT Fe 
PESTS: 
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PU PIRI 
Wife 
