THE FIG. l8l 



by no means large dimensions. In short, it is the 

 most accommodating of fruits in this respect, and good 

 crops can be produced in all these forms of erections, 

 provided they are otherwise properly managed. As 

 in the case of all other fruits, I recommend that for 

 early forcing the lean-to form be adopted, and the 

 trees trained near the glass, just like vines. For late 

 crops the span-roofed form is to be recommended, as 

 providing the greatest fruiting surface at least expense. 

 Fig. 18 represents a span-roofed house well adapted 

 for the latter, and shows also the arrangement which I 

 consider best as to the bed for the soil or border. Over- 

 luxuriance, and therefore unfruitfulness, must always 

 be provided against in the culture of the fig ; hence 

 I recommend the space for the roots to be limited 

 and perfectly under control, and in wet cold locali- 

 ties entirely under glass, at least for some years after 

 the trees are planted. Should their after -condition 

 indicate that they would be benefited by an extension 

 of the border outwards, it can easily be carried out. 

 Like the peach, the fig when growing likes a moist 

 atmosphere, and a steaming-tray on the pipes should 

 always be provided, especially when early forcing is 

 practised. The roof should be wired the same as for 

 vines. 



SOIL AND FORMATION OF BORDER. 



The fig is not by any means difficult to accommodate 

 with soil, provided it is not rich nor resting on a damp 

 bottom. Naturally it is a most luxuriant grower, pro- 

 ducing in rich soils immense growth and foliage with 

 next to no fruit. To secure well-ripened fruitful wood, 

 this tendency has to be taken into account, and requires 



