56 THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 



CHAPTER XI. 

 THE FIGS OF ORCHARDS AND GARDENS. 



In the orchard of the Fancher Creek Nurseries, fully seven varieties of Smyrna 

 Figs entirely distinct from the true fig of commerce have been found. Three of 

 these were received in the original importation, viz., Kassaba, Bardajic and Cheker 

 Injir. The other varieties, several of which are still unidentified as to their correct 

 names, have been found growing here and there in the orchard of the Lop Figs. 



As only the commercial side of the question is involved in this book, the other 

 varieties of Smyrna figs having only value for table purposes, it is not considered 

 necessary to give them more than a passing mention. They, like all other varieties 

 of Smyrna Figs, require caprification to mature their fruits. Originally the name 

 California Smyrna was given to the fig of commerce, the Lop Injir of Smyrna, in 

 order to give some distinction to the variety growing at home. Fully appreciating 

 that others having an inferior fig would not only pack figs and sell trees under this 

 name, as soon as the superiority of the California Smyrna was established, it was 

 deemed of sufficient importance to adopt for this particular fig a distinctive name. 

 Following out this idea, a premium of $25.00 was offered for the most appropriate and 

 euphonious name for this fig. Among the hundreds of names submitted, the word 

 "Calimyrna," a cortraction of the two words California and Smyrna, was selected as 

 being the most satisfactory name for the new fig. The name "Calimyrna" has been 

 copyrighted, with a view of giving protection, not only to this brand of dried figs, but 

 to the trees as well. To be plain, the Calimyrna Fig is a distinct variety of Smyrna 

 Fig, and there is as much difference between it and the other varieties of Smyrna Figs, 

 as there is between a Muir and an Early Crawford Peach. This statement is not 

 made for the purpose of discrediting in any way the genuineness of Smryna Figs 

 received in other importations, but merely to show that the Calimyrna is a variety in 

 itself. 



For the benefit of those who may be interested in the group of economic figs, the 

 following brief descriptions of Smyrna classes and varieties are here given: 



THE SMYRNAS. 



Bardajic. Derives its name from its close resemblance to the form of a water- 

 jug used by the people of Smyrna. Medium to large, ovate pyriform, neck long; 

 stalk long and slender; ribs distinct, of a greyish green color; orifice small; skin very 

 thin, greyish green, and sprinkled with small light grey dots, becoming seamed when 

 fully matured and showing the white meat beneath; pulp rich deep crimson; seed 

 small, fertile and numerous. Tree a compact, low spreading grower with very thick 

 closely jointed branches; leaves very large and only slightly lobed. A magnificent 

 table fig, but of little value for drying, for, although it is exceedingly sweet, the skin 

 presents a dirty brown color, and is quite tough. It is used exclusively as a table 

 fig in Smyrna; scattering trees are to be found growing in the gardens near Smyrna, 

 and in the foothills a few miles from the city. They are always caprified, but not 

 systematically as is done in the fig district proper. 



