24 



THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 



close to the young tree, and it is trained to branch from four to five feet from the 

 ground. All the suckers are tied to this stake, and a tree where both cuttings have 

 started, at three years old will have as many as five to seven separate stems at its 

 base. 



Drying Ground in the Fig orchard of Mr. S. G. Magnissalis, Herbeyli District, showing children of 

 employees in the foreground. Reduced from an original photograph. 



The exposure of so much wood to the sun without adequate protection, causes 

 many of the trees, when about six years old to deteriorate, and were it not for the 

 numerous feeders, their lives would be of short duration. On pointing out that this 

 method of pruning was injurious to the well being of the tree, and that it would 

 be better to follow another plan, I received the characteristic reply: "Our fore- 

 fathers grew the trees this way, we know of no other method and follow in their 

 foot steps." The branches forming the stem are twisted around one another in 

 many cases, and this is one of the causes of the gnarled appearance in the older 

 trees. After the body of the tree is strong enough to support itself, the stake is re- 

 moved, and in after years, little care is bestowed on the trees, except to remove 

 suckers, and cut out branches extending down too low and interfering with the 

 cultivation of the orchard. Interfering and crossing branches are never removed, 

 and as the trees develops, it presents a mass of twisted stems and branches, through 

 which the sun can never penetrate. All trees present this appearance as they grow 

 older, and although the density of growth might be obtained to just as good advant- 

 age by following a more modern plan, the ultimate aim of the method followed is 

 to have the figs to a certain extent in the shade. Wasps enter figs so protected 

 more freely than those exposed to the direct rays of the sun. 



The plowing of the orchards commences in October, and this work is repeated 

 four to five times during the winter and spring months, up to the first of June, when 

 the ground receives EO further cultivation. Clean cultivation is the rule rather than 

 the exception, but many of the orchards present an unsightly appearance owing 

 to the presence of Johnson Grass and Wild Morning Glory, which have made them- 



