THE FIG 57 



alone. More air should be admitted as the fruit shows signs of ripening, but 

 the fruit is larger and of better quality in rather a close and moist atmosphere 

 than in a dry one. 



Fertilisation. — It is not easy to say the actual time that fertilisation takes 

 place, but, generally speaking, after the young fruit makes its appearance it 

 swells freely and without interruption until it attains about the size of a walnut. 

 It then appears to remain at a standstill for a fortnight to three weeks ; during 

 this time the temperature of the house should be regular and not high, and the 

 atmosphere should also be drier. A sure indication that fertility has taken 

 place is the continued growth of the fruit, and another, also always apparent 

 more or less at this time, is given by the tree casting ofF most of the barren 

 fruit. The figs will afterwards swell rapidly, and generous treatment should 

 be given in the way of warmth, syringing, and watering. 



The Second Crop. — When the first crop has been gathered all weak 

 shoots that can be spared must be cut out, leaving only sufficient of the best 

 shoots of the current year's growth to produce the next crop. These branches 

 should be regulated and tied down, and the border manured. Afterwards give 

 plenty of water at the root, as well as copious syringings morning and after- 

 noon, closing with a good heat ; the temperature with sun-heat may rise to 80 

 or 85 degs. After the second crop is gathered the same routine must be 

 observed in thinning out weak growths as recommended after the first crop. 

 These two prunings are all that are needed, excepting that in winter, when 

 tying the branches to the trellis, it may be found necessary to cut a few 

 more out. 



THE BEST VARIETIES 



By GEORGE BUNYARD 



There are many varieties of figs ; but it will be best to restrict our list to 

 those which bear good crops and require no special treatment. The foliage 

 varies so much that only the most distinct is noted : — 



Black Ischia. — Fruit, very large, purplish black. Good for outside culture. 



Brunsvs'ICK. — A very free grower, old trees bear abundantly, useless for cul- 

 ture under glass. The fruits are immense, and of a dull chocolate colour, overlaid 

 with green veins, and dotted with golden specks. Foliage very much divided. Flavour 

 good. 



BOURJASOTTE Grise. — Growth, robust, a regular and constant bearer. The fruit 

 is chocolate colour, and of the finest flavour, perhaps the richest of all, suitable only 

 for culture under glass, either planted out or in pots. 



Brown Turkey ■ — Growth, moderate, a very hardy and free bearer which succeeds 

 in all forms, and is the most reliable fig grown. The fruit is blackish when ripe, with 

 green veins, and of rich flavour. 



Malta. — In all respects like Brown Turkey, except in the shape of the fruits, which 

 are shorter and of peg-top shape ; flavour good. 



Monaco Bianca. — A very good early variety for pot culture, flesh deep red, of 

 luscious flavour, and very juicy. 



