372 The Figs 



flowers of their own, so the polUnation is secured by placing branches of the Cap- 

 rifig, upon which are staminate flowers and insects, among the branches of the 

 Smymas when in flower, the insects passing in and out of the various receptacles 

 causing the distribution of the pollen; this is called caprification. 



The wood is soft, open-grained and spongy, rather strong and elastic, light 

 yellow and light in weight. It is used in the Old World for hones, its porosity 

 holding the emery or other abrasive substance placed upon it. 



The Fig is sometimes planted for ornament and shade, as well as for its fruit, 

 in warmer regions. Of the many species of its genus it is almost the only one 

 producing edible fmit; but one other is known to produce an inferior, insipid 

 fruit, which is sparingly used in its native region, namely, the Sycamore of the 

 ancients, Ficiis Sycamoriis Linnaeus, native of Africa, and cultivated for ages in 

 Egypt; its wood is very durable and is said to be the material from which most 

 of the caskets containing Egyptian mummies were made. 



