THE FIG. l8l 



presents a span-roofed house well adapted for the latter, 

 and shows also the arrangement which I consider best 

 as to the bed for the soil or border. Over-luxuriance, 

 and therefore unfruitfulness, must always be provided 

 against in the culture of the fig ; hence I recommend the 

 space for the roots to be limited and perfectly under con- 

 trol, and in wet cold localities entirely under glass, at 

 least for some years after the trees are planted. Should 

 their after-condition indicate that they would be benefited 

 by an extension of the border outwards, it can easily be 

 carried out. Like the peach, the fig when growing likes a 

 moist atmosphere, and asteaming-tray on the pipes should 

 always be provided, especially when early forcing is 

 practised. The roof should be wired the same as for 

 vines. 



SOIL AND FOEMATION OF BOEDEE. 



The fig is not by any means difficult to accommodate 

 with soil, provided it is not rich nor resting on a damp 

 bottom. Naturally it is a most luxuriant grower, pro- 

 ducing in rich soils immense growth and foliage with 

 next to no fruit. To secure well-ripened fruitful wood, 

 this tendency has to be taken into account, and requires 

 to be counteracted by the constituents of which the border 

 is formed. Two parts loamy soil — such as has been re- 

 commended for vines, but lighter — and one part old lime- 

 rubbish, without manure of any sort, forms a border suf- 

 ficiently rich for several years without any assistance but 

 water, and it forms an excellent channel for applying 

 manure either by top-dressing or in a liquid form when 

 such becomes necessary. These two constituents should 

 be thoroughly mixed together, in a dry state, before 

 being put into the bed. If loam fresh and turfy cannot 



