248 Seed-Scattering 



and stamens in the same blossom ; while some, as the 

 hop, bear them on different plants. 



In the fig-tree the two kinds of blossom are borne 

 sometimes in the same ' fig, ' sometimes on separate 

 trees. In the former case the pollen-blossoms are 

 above and the ovule-blossoms below, and there would 

 seem to be no difficulty about the fertilization. As we 

 have already mentioned, fertilization is not absolutely 

 necessary to ensure the swelling of the figs, in the case 

 of some varieties at all events ; but still many growers 

 resort to what is called caprification, in order to ensure 

 their crop. That is to say, they take branches of the 

 wild fig, when its blossoms are ready, and place them 

 over the cultivated fruit. The wild fig is very much 

 frequented by a small insect, which deserts the wild for 

 the cultivated fig as soon as it gets its wings. Figs are 

 not entirely closed at the top, and through the small 

 opening left the insect makes its way, for the purpose, 

 probably, of laying its eggs. Whether it carries pollen 

 from the wild fig or from the staminate blossoms to 

 those below it in the same fig, or whether it helps 

 the growth of the fig merely by pricking it in order 

 to lay its eggs, seems to be a doubtful matter. But 

 some growers consider that the insertion of an oiled 

 straw answers the purpose equally well, and that, 

 if left entirely to themselves, the figs often do not 

 develop. 



In England, however, where excellent figs ripen, 

 especially on the south coast, there are certainly neither 

 wild figs, nor the insects frequenting them, to give any 

 assistance ; nor are any artificial means resorted to. 

 But whether the ' nuts ' contain any germ or not is 

 another question. 



