72 FRUIT GROWING FOR AMATEURS 



in about 6 inches apart, certainly not closer. When pruning, 

 which should be done early in April, cut away as many old 

 shoots those that have fruited as can be replaced by young 

 growths. Always allow a certain number of young shoots to 

 develop from the base of the trees. When growth has com- 

 menced, remove any young shoots that are seen to be superfluous 

 and are not wanted for the furnishing of the trees, and, later 

 on, fasten the remaining growths to the wall or trellis. As a 

 general rule, it is not necessary to " stop " the growths of out- 

 door Figs during summer, but when the trees are inclined to 

 be very rank in growth it is wise to pinch out the points when 

 the shoots are 15 inches in length. If these matters are given 

 every attention, very little winter pruning will be found 

 necessary. 



It should be understood that the growths must not be 

 shortened at the winter pruning, but laid in full length ; those 

 that are removed should be cut out close to the branch from 

 which they grow. Outdoor Figs ought to be grown against a 

 south or west wall. When they carry full crops, give them 

 diluted manure water at the roots, and mulch the trees to keep 

 the soil moist. When growth is vigorous and the trees fail 

 to bear fruit, root-prune them carefully in the autumn, as 

 this will check rank growth and induce fruitfulness. The 

 most satisfactory variety for planting out of doors is Brown 

 Turkey. 



The Pig Under Glass. Borders for Fig trees under glass 

 are prepared in the same way, and the remarks about pruning 

 hold good also. It is necessary to syringe the trees freely when 

 they are started into growth, and a temperature of 55 is suffi- 

 cient at night in the first place. Those grown for an early crop 

 require very little air at first, but due attention must be given 

 to watering, taking care to use water in a tepid state. Disbud 

 superfluous growths as the shoots develop ; those that are re 

 tained should be " stopped " above the sixth leaf. This assists 

 the development of the second crop. 



Later on, more air may be given, especially when the fruits 

 are ripening, and at that time eyringeing must be discontinued. 

 If red spider gains a hold on the leaves, syringe the trees with 

 salt water after the fruits are gathered, and syringe regularly 

 with clear water until the second crop comes to maturity. D( 

 not allow the trees to suffer for want of water, and give liquid 



