212 THE FRUIT-GARDEN. [MARCH. 



14. The Gentile Fig. Fruit, middle sized, globular; skin, 

 when ripe, of a yellow colour ; grains, large, and flesh well fla- 

 voured. 



The preceding are all varieties of the Ficus Carica, or common 

 Fig-tree. There are upwards of fifty other sfiecies of Fig, describ- 

 ed by Botanists; but these are generally cultivated, either on ac- 

 count of their timber, or as curiosities. 



I have been the more diffuse on this article, as the cultivation of 

 the Fig, and its different varieties, are not as well known in the 

 United States, as other kinds of fruit-trees ; and as it may be culti- 

 vated in the greatest perfection, particularly in the southern states. 



Heading down Fruit-Trees. 



For the method of pruning and heading down the various kinds 

 of fruit-trees, which have shown symptoms of decay, in order to 

 attempt their restoration to health and bearing, see the Orchard 

 this month. 



Preserving the Blossoms, and young Fruity of Wall and Espalier 



Trees. 



It often happens, that at too early a period in spring, we have a for- 

 ward and untimely vegetation, which throws our early blooming 

 fruit-trees especially those in warm situations, into a full blow of 

 blossoms, Avhich, if afterwards attacked by frost, proves their de- 

 struction. In such cases some of the choicer kinds of wall and 

 espalier trees, should be defended therefrom, with mats, Sec. 



The mats for this purpose should be of the largest size : one end 

 of them should be fastened with nails or ttooks to the top of the 

 wall, and let them hang down over the trees. The lower end of 

 the mat should also be fastened down, to prevent their being blown 

 to and fro by the wind, which would beat the blossoms off. 



When the weather is mild, the mats should be taken off : for it 

 is only at night, in sharp frosts, and cutting frosty winds, that the 

 blossoms require to be thus sheltered. 



Or, to preserve the blossoms and young fruit, you may occasion- 

 ally stick the trees with the cuttings of hardy ever-green trees and 

 shrubs, sticking them between the branches in a somewhat spread- 

 ing manner, so as the leaves may afford some protection to the 

 blossom, and which I have found to be often very serviceable. 



This should also be done just when the trees are coming into 

 blossom, having cuttings of the shoots and small branches of laurel, 

 yew, pine, and some other hardy ever-greens, preserving the leaves 

 to them ; and being placed between the branches in the manner 

 before observed, so as to shelter those which are in blossom, they 

 must be permitted to remain constantly till the fruit is fairly set, as 

 big as large peas. 



