THE fiCf. 461 



established is that in the strictly desert regions of Southern Arizona 

 and Southeast California the old seedling dates are as thrifty and 

 as heavy bearers of fruit as in any part of Algeria where date-growing 

 is commercial. 



THE FIG. 



Sections 205, 206, and 207 of Part I give something of the history, 

 races, caprification, possible improvement, growing at the North, and 

 propagation. 



In mild climates, such as California and South Florida, it makes a 

 large tree, giving a grateful shade for fruit-packing, croquet grounds, 

 rustic seats, and even the supper-table. Trees sixty feet in height, 

 shading a circle seventy feet in diameter, are quite common. Yet in 

 Southwest Texas, Arizona, and Florida, recently planted trees only 

 four feet in height of some varieties are seen bearing fruit. The nomen- 

 clature of the fig has been sadly confused; but, thanks to the labors 

 of Dr. Eisen and others, the commercial varieties propagated from 

 cuttings are now quite well established. 



LEADING VARIETIES. 



Adriatic, White. Size medium, roundish, with medium neck; stakl 

 short ; ribs not well defined ; skin thin, light green, with yellow cheek. 

 Flesh colored with violet streaks. Considerably grown in California, 

 Arizonia, and the South. Not identical with the variety grown 

 under this name in Europe. 



Angelique (JauneHative). Size below medium, roundish turbinate, 

 and flattened like an onion; color yellow, dotted with long greenish- 

 white specks. Flesh white, with tinge of rose toward the centre. 

 Grown South and in Arizona. 



Black Bourjassotte (Precoce Noire). Medium, roundish oblate, 

 with short neck and obscure ribs; color black, covered with thick 

 blue bloom. Flesh deep red, stiff, and syrupy; quality very good 

 for the table or drying. Grown in the Gulf States on rich moist soil 

 and in California. 



Black Genoa (Nigra). Large, oblong, broad toward the apex, 

 and slender toward the stalk; color dark purple, almost black, and 

 covered with a thick blue bloom. Flesh yellowish, but red at center, 

 juicy, with rich and sweet flavor. Grown South and well across the 

 continent. 



