r.4 



G. P. W. Collection. Pl.ATE V. 



Ficus Carica (common variety). 



FIG. 



The Fig is the most ancient, as well as one of the most valuable 

 of all fruit trees. Its name is nearly the same in all European 

 languages. The tree is supposed to be a native of Caria in Asia 

 Minor. The intelligent cultivators of Anatolia by whom the 

 Smyrna Figs are produced, adhere to the caprification process, 

 used from time immemorial. In California, efforts have been 

 made to test this process. In the Hawaiian Islands, the Portu- 

 guese seem to be the most successful cultivators of the Fig, and 

 several varieties are to be found throughout the group. This 

 common variety grows to a height of from 10-20 feet, is hardy, 

 and can easily be propagated from cuttings. Its leaves are alter- 

 nate, 3-5 deeply lobed, and are shed during the fall months, at 

 which season careful pruning will increase the following year's 

 yield. The fruit is single, appearing from the axils of the leaves, 

 on the new wood. It is a hollow, pear-shaped receptacle, contain- 

 ing many minute seeds, scattered throughout a soft pinkish-white 

 pulp. 



