306 



species from Ceylon, where it grows in elevated regions, with fruit 

 the size of a large Cherry. Eugenia rotundifolia, this species is also 

 from elevated regions in Ceylon, growing to an attitude of 8000 feet, 

 and has fruit as large as a Cherry. Eugenia supra-axillaris a 

 Brazilian species with large palatable fruit commonly known in its 

 native country tinder the name of " Tata." Eugenia Zeyheri^ this is 

 a robust South African species which attains a height of about 

 twenty feet and bears fruit the size of Cherries. It must also be 

 stated that the fruits of any of the before-named kinds make 

 an excellent conserve, similar to that made from the Guava, to which 

 they are closely allied. 



CULTIVATION ANI PROPAGATION. 



Any of the hardier Eugenia* may be cultivated without difficulty 

 in congenial localities. They will not stand severe frosts, however, 

 and must be sheltered from the effects of strong winds. Any fairly 

 good soil is suitable for them, but they will thrive best in a rich 

 sandy loam. The ground should be well prepared, and drainage 

 provided where necessary. If planted in shrubberies care must be 

 taken tbat stronger trees do not interfere \vith the growth of the 

 plants. Keep the ground as clean as possible, and mulch the surface, 

 before the hot weather sets in, which will materially assist the plants. 

 Seeds may be sown at any time, covering them an inch deep. When 

 large enough to handle, the growing plants should be potted off 

 singly, or planted out in beds, where they must be kept till the 

 following season. The quickest way of obtaining plants is by layers, 

 which may be put down in the spring or late in the summer. 

 Cuttings of the ripened wood of the previous season's growth will 

 strike in sand or light soil, if placed under a handglass, and be tit for 

 planting out the following season. 



FIG 



HISTORY AND USES 



Botanicaily the Fig is known under the name of Ficun, the origin of 

 which is unknown, and it belongs to the natural order Urticaceae, or 

 the Nettle family. The edible Fig of commerce is Fidia Carica, a 

 species indigenous to the greater portion of Asia and Northern Africa. 

 It has been naturalized in the south of Europe from time immemorial, 

 and ranked among the necessities of life with the nations of antiquity. 

 The Fig appears to have been a popular and generally used fruit with the 

 Hebrews, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. By the ancient Jews this 

 fruit appears to have been highly valued, as it is frequently mentioned in 

 Bible history from the time of \Toses. In Greece when Lycurgus decreed 

 that the Spartans should dine in a common hall, Figs were included in 



