MISCELLANEOUS TROPICAL FRUITS 519 



will withstand considerable freezing. The young shoots are easily frosted, 

 but, owing to its hardy constitution, a tree though severely frosted will send 

 forth new shoots and will often bear fruit the following season. A heavy 

 frost, however, while the sap is flowing freely, is apt to be fatal. 



The warm interior valleys of Arizona and California, being dry, are 

 much more favorable for fig culture than the Gulf states. The rainfall of 

 the Gulf states, occurring at the time of fig ripening, often causes the fruit 

 to burst and decay before maturity. The fresh fig is a delicious fruit, but 

 on account of its perishable nature, has not been widely cultivated for 

 commercial purposes. 



The fig tree will grow and thrive in a variety of soils. It is a gross 

 feeder and requires much moisture for its long spreading roots. Where 

 frosts are liable to occur, rich, moist lands should be avoided, as this kind of 

 soil promotes a late luxuriant growth, which is very easily killed by frost. 



The fig is propagated by means of suckers and cuttings. Seldom is it 

 propagated by seed, as seedlings have a tendency to revert to their wild 

 state. Trees from seedlings require three years before beginning to bear, 

 and several more years to come into full fruitage. Trees from cuttings 

 may bear a few figs the first year and will be in full fruitage in two or three 

 years. Cuttings six or eight inches long should be made from young, 

 well-seasoned wood. These should be made in the spring before the sap 

 begins to run, and hung inverted for a time until the ends are calloused over. 



The trees mature more rapidly if the cuttings are planted in their 

 permanent position. They should be planted in a deep hole, filled in with 

 rich compost, and liberally watered. Cuttings, transplanted after growth 

 has begun, are often retarded two or three years in growth. Barren trees 

 may be successfully grafted. 



Fig trees planted in orchards should be fifteen or twenty feet apart. 

 This distance is sufficient for the Southern states, but in the Pacific Coast 

 region, where the trees grow to a greater size, thirty to forty feet is a better 

 distance. The low-branching varieties are best, as they are not so easily 

 injured by winds. 



Except to remove dead or decayed limbs, the fig tree requires very 

 little pruning. In young orchards the cultivation must be shallow in order 

 to avoid injury to the surface roots. Fertilizers scattered broadcast and 

 worked into the earth near the trees are beneficial in the early stages of 

 growth. 



The Guava. — The guava, a native of tropical America, has spread to 

 all tropical countries. In character of growth and fruit it most nearly 

 resembles the quince of temperate regions. It is sometimes called the 

 apple of the tropics. 



The plant is a shrub, seldom attaining a height of more than twelve 

 feet. The vegetative growth is easily killed by frost, but is renewed quickly 

 from the roots. For this reason it can be successfully grown in sub-tropical 

 localities. 



