FIGS IN NAPLES AND PALERMO. 761 



Planting and propagation.— The trees are planted about 30 feet apart, 

 and propagated from sprouts, slips, or graftings. (All trees in this dis- 

 trict are propagated by sprouts.) 



The orchards are of all sizes. They (fig trees) are usually planted 

 among other trees. 

 Maturity. — Sometimes one hundred years, bearing all the time. 

 Insect pests.— The cocciniglia, -which must be looked for and destroyed 

 by hand. There are no beneficial insects. 



Cuttings.— Cattings may be secured by writing to Dammaun & Co., 

 at San Giovanni a Teduccio, near Naples. 



Edward Camphausbn, 



Consul. 

 United States Consulate, 



Naples, January 31, 1890. 



PALERMO. 



REPORT BY CONSUL OAMBOLL. 



The introduction of the fig-tree into Italy is so remote that it is difBL- 

 cult to even approximate the period thereof. Pliny refers to a tree 

 which existed long anterior to the founding of Rome, under which the 

 citizens of that city were wont to assemble to discuss the topics of the 

 day, years thereafter. Tradition ascribes this tree to have been that 

 under which Eemus and Eomulus were found, and in commemoration 

 thereof it was preserved. 



The fig-tree grows spontaneously in the arid wastes of Greece, Asia, 

 and Northern Africa. In countries whei'e the thermometer does not 

 fall below 59° Fahrenheit, the growth and maturing of the fig proceed 

 without any appreciable interruption, but in colder countries upon the 

 advent of the first frost the fig-tree loses its leaves and those seed 

 receptacles which, under favorable circumstances, would have con tinned 

 to develop, harden, and remain inert until the following spring, when, 

 with the return of warm weather, they resume their growth, being the 

 first to mature in the summer. The figs thus resulting are denom- 

 inated "fig flowers" in order to distinguish them from those which 

 first appear in spring and mature later. 



In hot countries the fig-tree grows to large proportions, and in isolated 

 and favorable localities it assumes a beautiful form, without need of 

 modification or pruning. Its branches project themselves regularly 

 toward the earth from year to year, and finally reaching and entering 

 it they throw out new roots, thus forming additional sources of propa- 

 gation. 



The tree prospers best in a deep, rich, moist, calcareous soil, but in a 

 warm climate it will grow in almost any soil. 



The fig tree is propagated from the seed, slips, and roots, as well as 



