THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 



51 



CHAPTER X. 

 PRACTICAL SMYRNA FIG CULTURE. 



PLANTING THE TREES. 



The future of an orchard and its ultimate success from a financial standpoint Is 

 wholly dependent on the initiatory steps taken in its planting. As has previously 

 been stated, the fig tree adapts itself to a great variety of soils; nevertheless, it be- 

 hooves the intending planter to select a piece of land where the soil is of sufficient 

 depth, well drained, and can be easily tilled. It must not, however, be over- 



..U L, t,.. 



* sj, 4_ 



t. 



^ 



4. 



4 



4 



%, ?L 



The Square System, recommended for planting Smyrna Fig orchards. 



looked that the entire success of any culture in fruit growing is dependent on the 

 care and thoroughness exercised in the work on the outset. Slipshod and careless 

 methods in the preparation of the ground can only lead to an indifferent success, if 

 not to utter failure. Hence, it is the part of wisdom to exercise every possible pre- 

 caution in the preparation of the land to be devoted to this fruit. 



In preparing a suitable environment for the future Smyrna Fig orchard, the first 

 thing to do is to level or grade the land so that the trees can readily be irrigated in 

 rows or by a system of checks. In localities where other varieties of fruit trees 

 thrive without irrigation this is not of so much importance, still a little expenditure, 

 even in such cases, for grading will not be amiss, as there is always a liability of a 

 dry season when irrigation must be resorted to if we are to maintain the orchard in 



