THE FIG. 203 



and drop off before the setting process is past. At 

 the same time avoid an arid atmosphere, or a check 

 from want of water at the root. Either extreme must 

 be avoided until it be seen that the fruit are out of 

 danger. But with well -ripened wood and bottom- 

 heat, the fruit are rarely lost. As soon as the young 

 growths have made four or five joints, pinch out the 

 terminal bud, and increase the temperature to 65 in 

 mild weather. When the second crop has fairly shown 

 itself, feed the plants liberally with liquid manure, 

 as there is then a great demand on the energies of 

 the plant. Manure-water, made from sheep's dung and 

 soot, should be given in a weak clear state every al- 

 ternate watering ; or guano, at the rate of a handful 

 to a large garden watering-pot of water, answers well. 



KIPENING THE FRUIT. 



Until the first crop begins to show signs of ripen- 

 ing, keep the atmosphere moist, and syringe at least 

 at shutting-up time on all fine days ; but as soon as 

 they begin to ripen discontinue syringing. Give more 

 air and just sufficient water at the root to keep the 

 foliage and second crop of fruit healthy and free from 

 danger, otherwise the flavour of the first crop when 

 early will be deficient, and a badly ripened fig is a 

 very insipid production. But I would here warn the 

 inexperienced against an extreme of drought either at 

 the root or in the air ; for this would place the second 

 crop in jeopardy. Circumstances must be modified to 

 meet as much as possible the welfare of both crops. 



The ripening stage is easily detected : the fruit sud- 

 denly complete their second swelling ; the skin cracks 

 longitudinally, and frequently it drops down from the 



