58 



out of the ground for some days in the spring, as they necessarily must be when 

 brought from a distance, they require more careful packing, and, even then, they do 

 not usually bud for several weeks after being set out. The fig-tree, however, has 

 great vitality, and,' although they start later, nearly all the roots, and nearly two-thirds 

 of the slips, will grow, after being ten days or more out of the ground, even in the 

 spring, if carefully planted. 



PBBFAEATION OF THE GROUND. 



In the fall or early winter, and in any good corn land, with a gentle slope — south or 

 east is about right — make with the plow, by throwing furrows to the center, ridges in 

 the direction of the slope, about ten feet wide, and a foot high in the middle. Dig 

 holes in the center of the ridge, with alternate spaces of eight and sixteen feet, thus : 

 O 16 O 8 O 16 O 8 O 16 O 



Leaving the holes exposed to the frosts and snows of winter. This is a good prepa- 

 ration for trees of every kind. If this preparation is omitted in the fall, it may be 

 done in the spring, though to less advantage. Kg trees are planted on ridges for the 

 same reason that sweet potatoes are so planted— to give the roots more warmth anl 

 sunshine. 



SETTING OUT THE TKEES AND SLIPS. 



This should be done about early corn-planting. The slips are to be planted like 

 grape slips. If the roots have just been taken out of the ground, leave the sprout 

 its full length ; if they have been some days out of the ground, leave only six to, ten 

 inches of top. Trim the roots on two opposite sides, leaving the roots on the other 

 two sides their full length. Plant the trees with the long roots crosswise of the bed, 

 so that they may hold when the tree is turned down in the fall, lengthwise of the bed. 

 If the ground is dry, water the roots when planted, not afterwards. In all cases, 

 mulch the trees freely when set out, and afterwards keep ihe ground loose and free 

 from weeds. Lettuces, radishes, &c, may be reared in the bed the first and second 

 seasons. 



SUMMER TEEATMENT. 



After the first year, pinch back the leading shoots, so as to make the trees stocky, 

 never allowing them to grow over eight feet high, (and less for several years,) so that 

 the tops of the full-grown trees, when laid down, may just meet, near the center of 

 the sixteen feet spaces. 



The fig tree, like most profuse bearers, is a rapid grower and,gxeedy-o£ nourishment. 

 Soap-suds, occasionally applied to the roots of the bearing trees, while the fruit is 

 forming, increases its size and flavor. Animal manures, unless very well rotted, are 

 to be avoided. 



PROTECTION m WINTER. 



About corn-cutting time, or when the fig-leaves come off easily, strip off the remain- 

 ing leaves and unripe figs, remove all rubbish, leave the trees in their places, but dig 

 for each, lengthwise of the bed and in the sixteen feet spaces, a trench from six to 

 ten inches deep, and large enough to contain the body and top of the tree, df which 

 the limbs may be pressed close without injury. There will usually be growing from 

 the main root several young sprouts and roots. Detach these, and prime the tree, 

 when needed, burying both roots and slips, for setting out next year. Dig under the 

 tap root, and in 'front, a hole deep enough to contain the front roots without springing 

 up the base of the tree. Trim the roots, before and behind, to six inches long or less, 

 leaving the side roots untouched. Bend down the tree, slowly, press the limbs to- 

 gether, and cover carefully with earth ; no litter or anything that will ferment being 

 allowed to touch the bark ; pile up the earth in a small mound, so as to cover the most 

 exposed roots and branches, at least three or four inches. Set a stake at the root, and 

 a smaller one at the top, to serve as guides in raising the tree, and clear out the ditches 

 between the beds, to let off the wet. 



Before the hard weather sets in, cover the mounds two or three inches deep with 

 rotten chips, spent tan-bark, saw-dust, or other litter, both to protect the tre"es during 

 winter and serve as a manure next year. 



