CHAP, viir VILLA GARDENING 277 



Napoleon, Waterloo, Black Eagle, Kentish, and ]\Iorello. Many 

 of the above are adapted for orchard jjlantiug. 



CHAPTER VIII 



The Fig. — The counties bordering ou the southern coast are all 

 well adapted for the open-air culture of the Fig. There, aspect or 

 soil is a matter to which but little consideration need be given, as 

 the Fig thrives with its roots running down into the blue gault of 

 Sussex as well as on the lighter strata overlying the chalk. In 

 the Midland counties, and most other districts of England, good 

 Figs may be had by adopting the proper system of culture. I have 

 had as good Figs in the IMidlands as I used to gather twenty-five 

 years ago in Sussex, and their value in August and September is 

 very considerable as an addition to the dessert. 



Preparing the Border.- — The border must have a good aspect, 

 a full southern exposure being necessary. A warm corner, where a 

 southern and eastern wall meet and form an angle, will do, part of 

 the tree or trees being trained on both walls. Though aspect has 

 much to do with success, it is not everything, the formation and 

 composition of the border being of equal if not greater importance. 

 The depth of soil need not be great, never more than 2 feet, and 

 in low damp places 18 inches, raised a little above the surface, will 

 be enough. The bottom should be dry — this is imperative ; a 

 concrete foundation, sloping to the front, being desirable for at least 

 4 to 5 feet in width. The soil should be a sound loam of medium 

 character, to which crushed bones and some old mortar is added. 

 No other manure need be mixed with the soil. The proportion of 

 the bones may be 1 cwt. to a ton of loam, or, say, 1 in 20 parts. 

 The borders need not be very wide — 6 feet will be ample at first. 

 More may be given as time passes, but the secret of success in Fig 

 culture is in never losing touch of or control over the roots. The 

 borders may be made in February or March, and the plants ob- 

 tained and set out in April or May, when all danger of frost is 

 past. Plant at first about 1 2 feet apart, and rearrange afterwards, 

 as the i^lants require more space. Make the soil firm about the 

 roots, mulch to keep the border moist, and encourage the roots to 

 keep near the siu-face. 



Training. — Few follow any given system very rigidly ; the 

 fixn merging jnto the horizontal is a good one, and often adopted. 

 The horizontal, pure and simple, inasmuch as it keeps the branches 

 thin ou the wall, is to be commended; but it does not seem natural 

 to the Fig, and is not generally employed, still it possesses advan- 



