THE FIG. 35 



received by the department and sent at once to Mr. Roeding. All 

 the caprifigs were cut open and placed under a caprifig tree, which 

 had been closely covered with thin cloth. Although this experiment 

 was expected to turn out bad, like the; others, the results were surpris- 

 ingly successful. The liberated Blastophagas left the imported capri- 

 figs and sought shelter within the fruits of the tented tree, laid their 

 eggs there, over-wintered, and next year the colony had become 

 established with the gratifying result that the Roeding orchard in 

 1900 bore from twelve to fifteen tons of good Smyrna figs. 



In this rnanner was established the important Smyrna fig in- 

 dustry in California, the extent of which is best appreciated when 

 one is told that the shipments of California dried figs at the present 

 time approximate 600 carloads of 10 tons each, or 12,000,000 

 pounds yearly. 



THE FIG IN THE SOUTH. 



The fig tree is common in many localities in the Southern 

 States. Its rich, luxuriant foliage of broad, deeply-lobed, rough 

 leaves, makes it an attractive object in the landscape, one that is 

 sure to catch the eye of the visitor from the North. It adorns the 

 lawns and gardens of the rich and is seen beside the negroes' 

 cabins. Wherever the soil is adapted to its growth it thrives without 

 care, often in spite of neglect, bearing abundant and regular harvests 

 of delicious fruit, than which there is no more agreeable, wholesome 

 and nutritious food. From Texas to Florida in those States which 

 border on the Gulf of Mexico it flourishes ; and up the Atlantic 

 Coast, as far as Philadelphia, some of the hardier varieties which 

 will stand considerable frost without harm, may be safely grown 

 if given moderate winter protection. 



The fig tree is easily propagated, usually from cuttings. It grows 

 rapidly. Precocious cuttings will sometimes set fruit the same 

 season they are planted and give a small crop the second year. From 

 the third year on it is a prolific bearer and lives to a good old age. 

 Trees 30 to 40 years old are still vigorous. From the attacks of in- 

 sect enemies and from disease it is singularly free. It requires little 

 cultivation after the second year and need never be pruned. The 

 bush, or shrub, form of growth is preferred in the South, while in 

 California the central stem is trained to become the supporting 

 trunk of a spreading top — the true tree form. The shrub form en- 

 sures the quickest product of fruit in a minimum time and, in the 

 South, has certain cultural advantages, as well. 



Figs are mostly used for home consumption. Besides being 

 served fresh with sugar and cream as dessert, thev can be stewed 

 and made into puddings and pies. Canned or preserved or made 

 into marmalade containing pecan kernels or the meats of other nuts, 

 they become an acceptable delicacy for the table throughout the 

 year. Figs make good pickles by adding spices and vinegar. "Skin- 

 less figs, spiced figs, brandied figs." names from a dealer's list, are 

 self explanatory. Other uses for figs in the household are known to 

 all good cooks throughout the South. A serious writer, speaking 

 of home uses for figs, says : "Their value as food for pigs and 

 chickens should not be forgotten. Both are very fond of them. 



