150 THE FIG: ITS HISTORY, CULTURE, AND CURING. 
For longer distances moss should be used freely between the roots, 
or, if the trees are very valuable and the distance long, damp moss 
may be tied around the roots of each tree separately and the trees 
either baled or packed in tight boxes. It is a good plan to first dip 
or puddle the roots of the trees in a wet mixture of clay and cow dung, 
thus covering the roots with a crust, which will add greatly to their 
protection and prevent mold or rot from setting in from the outside. 
The main point in packing is to exelude air. Pack damp, but not 
wet, and so securely that the trees.and cuttings can not shake or 
change place. Straw is always less valuable than moss for packing, 
as it brings mold and rot, while moss keeps fresh and alive, even 
under very adverse circumstances. 
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Fia. 28.—A grafted fig tree, three years from grafting. 
HOW TO TREAT INJURED FIG CUTTINGS. 
Valuable fig cuttings which, through poor packing or by accident, 
have become very dry may be saved by extra care. Such cuttings, 
even if apparently dead, should not be thrown away. The process 
described here for restoring fig cuttings has been tried by the writer 
several times with complete success. Slightly modified, it may be 
applied also to almost any other variety of cuttings, such as olives, 
ete.; but the success is never as great as with figs. Procure a deep 
earthenware dish and fill with as hot water as the hands can possibly 
bear and immerse the cuttings completely. 
Cover over with sacks or 
blankets in order to retain the heat. 
If in two hours the cuttings 
