THE FIG. 179 



The fig is considered one of the most wholesome of 

 fruits, both in a dried state and when newly gathered 

 in a ripe condition. It being a fruit which yields 

 ample returns for the care that it requires, it is a 

 wonder that it is not more generally allotted a pro- 

 minent place in glass houses in this country. Still its 

 culture, both in pots and planted out in prepared 

 borders, has been considerably extended of late years, 

 and it is evidently a fruit rising in favour with all 

 possessors of gardens in which it can be accommodated 

 under glass. Its cultivation under glass has long been 

 practised ; but, strange to say, it has generally occupied 

 the position of an interloper, and been assigned a place 

 merely on the back wall of a vinery, or in pits under 

 the shade of vines and peaches. Under such circum- 

 stances it never can develop its capabilities, either as 

 to its prolific fruit-bearing character or flavour, and no 

 wonder that under such circumstances it has not been 

 much thought of It is now treated differently, and 

 more in accordance with its nature and requirements ; 

 and houses entirely devoted to fig-culture either in 

 pots or planted out, are daily becoming much more 

 common. "When its excellence as a fruit, and the fact 

 that, unlike most other fruits, it bears two and even 

 three crops yearty, are considered, the wonder is that it 

 is not more thought of than it is. 



FIG-HOUSE. 



The successful cultivation of the fig does not necessi- 

 tate any peculiar or special arrangements in providing a 

 structure suitable for it, provided it has plenty of light 

 and means of ventilation, and a moderate command of 

 heat. It is successfully cultivated trained on trellises aU 



