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THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 



White Adriatic Fig tree, grafted with Calimyrna (Smyrna) Fig scions. 

 From an original photograph. 



In grafting over orchard trees the branches to be grafted should be cut off to 

 within 18 to 24 inches from the point of divergence from the body of the tree, allow- 

 ing at least two branches to remain, one of which should be on the southwest, if pos- 

 sible, so that the grafts will be shaded from the afternoon sun. 



The object of leaving the branches, is for the purpose of having an outlet for the 

 sap, for the removal of the entire top of the tree is dangerous. In the Coast counties 

 trees can have their entire tops removed, and still withstand the shock, the scions 

 taking readily, if properly inserted; but in the interior valleys, where the atmosphere 

 is dry and warm, to remove the entire top of a fig tree close to the main body would 

 result in the loss of the tree, a fact which has been fully demonstrated by actual 

 experience. The two branches which have been allowed to remain can be 

 sawed off entirely the following season, or they can be in turn grafted, if the scions 

 of the year before have not taken well. 



