FIG CULTURE ,59 



Figs will make a rapid growth either from seed or cuttings. Cuttings are 

 selected from ripened wood of the previous year's growth, short-jointed wood 

 being preferable. The cuttings may be made in the Fall, heeled into soil in a 

 cool house for about a month, when they may be brought into heat. A propa- 

 gating house is all right, where the bottom heat is stronger than the top; a place 

 suitable for rooting Roses will answer for Figs. While the Fig tree has a very 

 strong constitution, its wood is comparatively soft, and one might think that 

 its make-up indicated a short duration. But such is not the case. The Fig 

 may be counted upon to last for many years, for there is no insect life to bother 

 either foliage or roots. Imperfect drainage probably affects the health and vigor 

 of the tree more than anything else. While it loves an abundance of moisture 

 during its growing season, yet perfect drainage is absolutely necessary. Two 

 things should be borne in mind which are of importance in preparing a border 

 for Figs, namely, perfect drainage and confining the roots to a limited space. 

 If they are allowed to ramble at will, the trees will make an over-abundance of 

 wood, with a poor showing of fruit. 



The Fig has many peculiarities, all of which are interesting. Its mode of 

 bearmg fruit puts it in a class by itself, as it is different from that of any other 

 fruit tree I know. It has been thought that the Fig tree bears fruit without 

 first producing any blossoms; but this assumption is incorrect. The blossoms 

 are there, but they are invisible, or rather, inside of a fleshy receptacle, out of 

 which the fig is formed. These blossoms may be considered \ery fertile, to 

 judge from the quantities of seed produced by a single fruit. 



The Fig will grow luxuriantly in almost any style of house with an abundance 

 of light and sun. No very large structure is required, as a rule, to supply the 

 needs of a private establishment. I have seen excellent results obtained from 

 an even span, a three-quarter span or a leanto. It is immaterial which of these 

 IS used, but whate\er kind is selected for the fighouse, it must ha\'c lull expo- 

 sure to the sun. The tree may be trained into any desired shape suitable to 

 the structure, but it must have liberal headroom, for the simple reason that 

 Figs do not take kindly to severe pruning; which causes rankness of growth 

 and should not be encouraged. The best time for thinning or regulating the 

 branches is when they are making their growth, and this can be accomplished 

 by disbudding and pinching the young wood, as I will explain later. 



While Figs will grow and flourish in a tropical climate, yet a house intended 

 for their culture would not be perfect without an abundance of ventilation both 

 top and bottom, though the bottom ventilation will not be used until the crop is 

 ripening, when a crack of bottom air is of decided benefit. When the last 

 crop of fruit is gathered toward the Fall, the bottom vents will do their work 

 in firming or ripening up the wood. Though the wood is soft in nature, yet 

 the bottom air treatment in the Fall, and away into the Winter, even to ten 

 degrees of frost, will greatly benefit the tree. 



In preparing the border, the first essential is good drainage. It is also well 

 to confine the roots strictly to a given space, for if they are given any outlet, 

 there is no telling how far they will travel. A border six feet wide with soil 

 two and one-half feet deep will support trees for many years, with system in 



