i6 GARDENING 



removing the mats as soon as it seems over. When 

 the young figs are the size of nutmegs, the ends of 

 the shoots should be nipped offand suckers destroyed 

 from time to time. 



To force figs, plant cuttings taken from ripe 

 wood about four inches long. Plant them in pots 

 in January or February, and plunge the pots in a 

 moderate brisk hot-bed with bottom heat, the plants 

 raised well up to the glass. At the beginning the 

 top-heat may range from 55 degrees by night to 65 

 and 70 degrees in the daytime, the walls and 

 paths being frequently damped down, and overhead 

 syringings given in the morning and again at 

 midday. From the very first the roots must be 

 well watered with tepid water, and at the fruiting 

 stage plenty should be given. All fig trees must be 

 annually thinned out. These trees are apt to be 

 infested with mealy bug or scale. They should be 

 scrubbed with warm water, and then dressed with a 

 mixture composed of gas-tar and thick clayey 

 water in about equal parts. 



The best varieties to grow are the White 

 Marseilles for forcing ; the Black and the Brown 

 Ischia are the best for outdoor culture. The 

 Brunswick is very green and very sweet, and very 

 hardy for outdoor culture. 



The Malta is small and brown, and ripens by 

 the end of August. 



The Green Ischia is very rich and delicious in 

 flavour, and forces well. 



RECIPES 

 Compote of Green Figs 



Boil half a pound of sugar with three-quarters of a pint 

 of water, and the rind of half a small lemon ; skim, and 



