296 TREATMENT OF THE 



shoots that are rejected must be cut clean 

 away, except a supply of wood be wanted 

 in such a place next year, when at this time 

 a rejected shoot must be cut down so as to 

 leave one bud upon it. All shoots that are 

 retained for bearing fruit the following sum- 

 mer must remain wholly unshortened. After 

 the tree is pruned let it be anointed with 

 composition. (See Index.) A slight covering 

 is sometimes necessary for a few weeks after 

 pruning. The best for the purpose at this 

 season is woollen nets; when the w r eather 

 is settled this covering may be removed. 



In the forcing of Figs in houses, the same 

 directions in respect to pruning must be at- 

 tended to. The trees will require a plentiful 

 supply of water both at the tops and roots, 

 particularly at the latter. In addition to 

 Fig trees being trained to a trellis against 

 the back wall, some may be planted in large 

 tubs and be plunged into the border near the 

 middle of the house. Those being allowed 

 to grow as dwarf standards will bear abun- 

 dantly. For confining the roots in tubs, 

 promotes the fruitfulness of the trees. The 

 heat of the house must be regulated as for 

 forced Peach and Nectarine trees. 



Fig trees may also be planted in pots and 

 introduced into any Peach house, Vinery, or 

 stove. Those will produce three or four 

 crops of Figs every year. They will require 

 a very plentiful supply of water at the roots. 



