12 



THE KADOTA FIG 



Go and measure some 1 5 -year-old Smyrnas or Missions and find an equal 

 measurement and then observe methods of pruning practiced in the past, and 

 you will readily see where the crowning of any fig tree three feet or so from 

 the ground has caused the owner yearly losses which could and should have 

 been prevented. No tall tree can possibly have the bearing surface of one 

 crowned near the ground. 



Same 5% year old tree, after pruning-. Observe the length of brush removed; 

 wasted tree energy due to imperfect early pruning. 



Gathering, Packing and Shipping 



When a Kadota fig orchard reaches a bearing age, it produces crops for 

 4J/2 months each season. The first crop begins to ripen on or before June 18 

 with us, and one season ripened the first week in June. 



The fruit should be gathered while firm, yet fully matured and full 

 sugared. If it is good to eat off the tree it is ready for shipment. Otherwise 

 don't pick it, as it never puts on any sugar after being picked. 



The June crop is not as good for Eastern shipment as subsequent crops, 

 as it is more watery. 



After experimenting for four seasons on a basket to pick with we decided 

 upon a light galvanized oblong receptacle weighing 3 pounds, and one that 

 will la:t for many years. The basket is 3'/4 inches deep, 14 inches wide 

 and 18 inches long, with !4 inch iron bale with hook attached to center of 

 bale, to hook on limb of tree or on ladder. Each picker carries two baskets 

 into the orchard and when full uses a yoke to carry to packing shed. Each 

 basket when full contains 1 8 to 20 pounds net. 



