THE FIG. 193 



The lateral growths formed the previous year, when 

 the young plants were in pots, should be dealt with in 

 the same way as the main stem, it being necessary that 

 they also should be furnished with lateral shoots, to 

 supply the fruit-bearing wood of the future. 



Throughout the whole season the trees should be 

 subject to a moist atmosphere and liberal syringings, 

 for the fig in a growing state delights in moisture ; 

 and when not sufficiently supplied with it, red-spider 

 is sure to infest it. This is more especially essential 

 as they should not be over-stimulated at the root with 

 either water or manure of any kind before they come 

 freely into bearing. The result at the close of the first 

 season should be as much of the formation in the way 

 of shaping the trees as possible with moderately strong 

 but thoroughly matured growths. At the close of the 

 season nothing should be withheld that is necessary to 

 thoroughly consolidate or ripen the wood. Fire-heat 

 should be increased in October, and the air kept dry 

 and circulating about them till this end is thoroughly 

 attained. 



PRUNING AND PINCHING. 



When the trees have shed their leaves, they should 

 be kept comparatively dry at the root all winter. 

 What pruning is necessary should be performed in 

 winter when they are at rest. Very little pruning 

 will, however, suffice, if their summer growths have 

 been produced and regulated according to the fore- 

 going directions. There will be the main stems, with 

 the cordon branches that were established the previous 

 year, when the young plants were in pots, now ex- 

 tending right and left to about four feet, with their 



N 



