89 



FIGS. 



The culture of figs has never attracted much attention in the Middle 

 and Northern States owing to the susceptibility of the plants to cold. 

 They are perfectly adapted to the climates of the Southern States, 

 where they have long been cultivated for domestic purposes, but not 

 produced in sufficient quantities to be included among commercial 

 products. 



The fig may be fruited in sheltered localities in the Northern States 

 by taking the precaution of covering the branches during winter, so as 

 to protect them from severe freezing. This is not difficult to accomplish, 

 the most simple and effectual method being that of bending down the 

 branches, and fastening them as close to the ground as practicable, in 

 which condition they can readily be covered with 8 to 10 inches of soil, 

 or an equally thorough coating of forest leaves protected by a covering 

 of boards to exclude rain. 



The fig bears most satisfactorily when it is planted in gravelly or 

 sandy soils ; in strong, rich soils luxuriant growths are produced, and 

 the young fruit will drop prematurely; the wood will also ripen imper- 

 fectly, and thus diminish the number of perfect fruit buds. After the 

 fruit makes its appearance, and all during its progress toward ripening, 

 the plants require an abundance of water ; if the roots are kept dry at any 

 time during this period the fruit will probably drop ; but when the fruit 

 becomes soft, indicating ripeness, a less supply of water will improve 

 its flavor, and further tend to harden and ripen the annual growths of 

 the tree. 



VANILLA. 



The opinion prevails that the vanilla plant can be successfully culti- 

 vated in Florida, and applications for plants and inquiries as to their 

 growth and culture are frequently received. 



The vanilla belongs to the family of orchids and grows wild in Mex- 

 ico, Peru, Brazil, and other parts of South America. It is also found 

 in Trinidad, Jamaica, and other West India islands, and it is exceed- 

 ingly doubtful if the climate of any portion of Florida would prove 

 suitable for its profitable cultivation. 



The vanilla is a climbing plant and is propagated by cuttings inserted 

 near the stems of trees, upon which it climbs, adhering to the bark by 

 its fleshy roots. 



The best marketable pods are supposed to be produced by the species 

 Vanilla planifolia, and the principal supply comes from Vera Cruz. 



Assertions have been made that the vanilla plant grows wild in Flor- 

 ida. In answer to requests for specimens, leaves of Liatris odoratis- 

 sima have. been received. This plant has aromatic foliage and is some- 

 times used for flavoring cigars and tobacco, and is locally known as 

 wild vanilla, but it has no relation whatever to the vanilla plant that 

 produces the fragrant pods of that name. 



