762 FKDIT CULTUKE IN FOEEIGN COUNTRIES. 



by grafting, but the former method is rarely resorted to on acconnt of 

 the slowness thereof and only under peculiar circumstances. 



A good method to propagate the fig on a large scale is to amputate a 

 young tree at a point of about two inches from the ground and as a re- 

 sult, and soon thereafter, a myriad of sprouts or branches present 

 themselves which in due time may be bent and the ends thereof buried 

 in the ground to the depth of a few inches. 



After the branches in question take root they should be amputated 

 close to a joint, thus detatching them from the parent tree, each of 

 which then being a separate tree, may be planted at pleasure. 



There are many varieties of figs, differing in size and color, the white 

 growing larger, and, in a fresh state, not standing transportation. 



The fig in most favor here is that known as the " Indian fig." It is a 

 native of South America and is the dried fig of Italian commerce. It 

 only prospers, however in southern countries, and in calcareous ground 

 without too much moisture, etc. 



Philip Carboll, 



Consul. 



United States Consulate, 



Palermo, March 7, 1890. 



SICILY. 



BJEFOBT BT CONSUL LAMANTIA, OF CATANIA. 



Varieties. — The name of the best variety for drying is the Dottato, an 

 excellent quality of flg largely cultivated. Figs with fine peel and 

 small seeds are also worthy of culture and best for drying. 



The names of best varieties for eating, when ripe, are the Sangiovan- 

 naro ; the Datternolo (an early fruit), and the Natalino (a late fruit). 



The other varieties, worthy of culture and for profit, are the Melan- 

 zana ; the Olivuzza (a small fruit), and the Ficazzana (a very large flg). 



In reference to the latter, I desire to mention it, for the reason that 

 it is an extraordinary large black fruit, bearing twice a year, viz, about 

 the end of June ; and the second crop, larger than the first one, com- 

 mences in August and lasts till the end of October. This fig, how- 

 ever, is not for drying purposes, but simply for eating when fresh. The 

 fig is so large that six generally weigh about 2 pounds. 



Situation. — The trees producing said varieties grow around Mount 

 Etna, as well as in the low lands of this province, from 300 to 6,000 

 meters from the sea-shore, and from 500 to 600 meters above sea-level. 

 When exposed to sun, on level ground, they yield more fruit, but those 

 on hilly, rolling land produce them sweeter. The same grow also by 

 the sea-coast, and either in poor or rich soils. The soil must be 

 •■ather dry, for in wet ground the tig-froo does not fionrish well. 



