92 FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



of the shoots, only thinning out. Here and there it may 

 be necessary to cut a branch back to a well-placed young 

 growth in order to keep the lower part of the tree well 

 furnished with bearing wood. Prune as soon as the 

 leaves fall, then the wounds will heal quickly. 



Root Pruning. To ensure fruitfulness in young trees 

 the latter should be lifted, judiciously root pruned, and 

 replanted every two or three years as soon as the leaves 

 fall. Even older trees are benefited by an occasional lift- 

 ing and root pruning. It encourages sturdy growth and 

 promotes fruitfulness, and answers better than pruning 

 the branches. 



General Details. In dry seasons and on shallow soils 

 Figs will require copious and frequent waterings. Heavy 

 mulchings of manure are also beneficial in summer for 

 keeping the surface cool and preventing loss of moisture. 

 In cold districts the trees should be protected in frosty 

 weather by covering with thick garden or straw mats. 

 Another good plan is to unfasten the branches from the 

 wall, tie them in bundles, and encase them in strawy 

 litter and mats. These coverings should be gradually 

 removed in early spring, after the frost has disappeared. 

 The necessary training of the branches to the wall by 

 means of nails and shreds should be done before new 

 growth begins. 



Pests. The chief pests infesting the Fig outdoors are 

 various Scale insects and Red Spider, the former attacking 

 the shoots and foliage, and the latter the foliage. 



Diseases. The Fig Mould attacks the fruit and causes 

 it to rot, otherwise there are no diseases of any import- 

 ance. See chapter on " Pests." 



Varieties. 



Of the Fig there are many varieties, but the 

 following selection represents those best suited for outdoor 

 culture : 



