518 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



with which it is handled. On the plantation a cluster of from 100 to 200 

 fruits, equal in amount to a crate of other fruits, is severed from the plant 

 with one stroke of the machete. The fruits are protected by a tough skin 

 which readily separates from the rather dry meat. 



The banana is cultivated in practically all tropical countries. Those 

 countries leading in banana production are Jamaica, Costa Rica, Cuba and 

 Honduras. The commercial supply for North America comes chiefly from 

 the West Indies. 



There are countless varieties of bananas, but very few of these are of 

 commercial importance. Many of the most delicious ones are of local 

 value only because of small size or poor shipping qualities. The varieties 

 usually met with in the markets are the large yellow fruits, and, less fre- 

 quently, the red ones. 



The clusters of fruit are cut from the plant when quite green and hung 

 up in a dark room to ripen. When shipped to distant markets, the fruit is 

 sent directly from the plantations to the fruit steamers, and ripen while in 

 transit. They generally reach their destination before they are sufficiently 

 ripe to use. 



The banana is grown in Florida and the southern portion of the Gulf 

 states. It is found as far north as Charleston, S. C. In the extreme 

 northern limits it is grown chiefly as an ornamental plant. In the southern 

 half of Florida it has been grown commercially to a limited extent. For 

 central Florida the Orinoco and Hart varieties are best. These are both 

 early and hardy. In the southern part of the state the Dwarf Jamaica 

 variety is successfully grown. If freezing weather occurs, the base of the 

 plants to a height of two or three feet may be protected with earth or straw. 

 If the tops are frozen they should be removed by cutting just below the 

 frozen portion. A new growth will start almost immediately from the 

 center of the stalk and will mature fruit before the close of the season. 



With few exceptions the banana is seedless, and must therefore be 

 propagated by planting suckers or sprouts. These are generally removed 

 from the mother plant when several feet in height. By cutting the top of 

 the sucker back to a foot in height it will keep for several weeks. These 

 are set in the new plantation at intervals of ten to fifteen feet apart each 

 way. The larger the variety, the greater should be the distance between 

 plants. 



Bananas require a fertile, well-drained soil, well supplied with humus. 

 They develop best in a humid climate. Their extensive and tender foliage 

 necessitates protection from strong winds. The soil between the plants 

 should be cultivated to subdue weeds and grass and to conserve soil 

 moisture until the plants are large enough to shade the ground. 



The Fig. — While the original home of the fig tree is around the Persian 

 Gulf, the tree will grow and thrive in any warm climate. It is very hardy 

 and noted for its longevity, often remaining productive for a hundred years. 



The fig can be cultivated in the warmer parts of the United States and 



