128 THE CANADIAN HORTICULTUlaST. 



is admirably adapted to the ripening of this fruit, and if only the frost 

 of winter can be overcome by soil protection there is no reason why its 

 cultivation should not be a success. Unfortunately the fig is a shrub 

 with a very brittle stem, and if it can be laid down as Mr. Xeedliam 

 states, it will require to be very carefully done, as it is not nearly so 

 pliable as the grape vine, or even as the raspberry. Tliis method of 

 protection I attempted with the peach but signally failed. The trees 

 came out fine and green in the spring, but the air soon dried them and 

 they never leafed out; however, this does not prove tliat the fig will 

 not stand after being uncovered quite as ^\e\l as the grape. I under- 

 stand the fig may be grown in the open air, dug up in tlie autumn and 

 heeled-in in a cellar, — similar to the mode some of the Michigan 

 nurserymen have of keeping young stock through the winter, — and 

 ])lanted in tlie spring without the least harm either to the tree, or in 

 any way retarding its bearing fruit. I can Ijear good testimony to the 

 plant growing re'adily from cuttings, as I obtained some of these from 

 a friend about eight inches long, and set them 10th June last ; the fig 

 from which the cuttings were taken was in full leaf; the leaves dropped 

 from the cuttings, but some are now, 1 0th July, in good leaf, and none 

 failed to grow. I feel certain that sliould I not succeed in growing 

 figs here, as I intend trying, they could be grown near the llondeau, 

 on Lake Erie, or the islands off Point Pelee. During my stay in the 

 south of England, in Devon and Dorset, I have often seen the fig 

 cultivated both as a hedge or screen, and also trained on the garden 

 walls. 



In England it bears two crops a year and is most prolific. Not 

 being aware at that time that there was more than one variety, I made 

 no enquiry as to the kinds grown. In Weighmouth, Dorset, they are 

 regularly sold on the streets fresh picked from the tree, but I think in 

 'this way the taste, like that for the*Tomato, must be an acquired one, 

 as they have a sickish flavor to my palate, however they make a 

 charming preserve, and are exceedingly wholesome either dried or 

 when gathered ripe. I trust that Mr. Need ham's remarks may draw 

 attention to this very prolific and interesting fruit, and that our western 

 friends will turn their attention to the new industry ; and if after a 

 tri9,l it is found that the plant can be laid down and covered like the 

 grapevine, I make no dourtot it will prove a great boon to all classes of 

 the communitv. 



