196 FRUIT CULTURE UNDKR GLASS. 



stem. In my own experience I have found that in 

 limited and not too rich borders, two root-prunings 

 have been sufficient to bring the trees into free bearing, 

 unless it be some of the more gross-growing and gene- 

 rally the least desirable sorts. Such free-fruiting and 

 desirable varieties as Brown Turkey, Grosse Verte, and 

 Eaby Castle can be brought into free-bearing condition 

 by two root-prunings, with the system of pruning and 

 pinching the tops that has been recommended. 



Before treating of the general management in forcing 

 the fig so as to keep up a supply of fruit from May 

 till the beginning of winter, I will now refer to figs in 

 pots, as they form an important feature especially in the 

 very early forcing of the fig. 



FIGS IN POTS. 



There is perhaps no other fruit-bearing bush or tree 

 that is more manageable or more productive when 

 confined to pots than the fig. In this way it is 

 most serviceable and easily cultivated throughout the 

 season. But it is especially when very early forcing 

 is required that plants in pots are to be recom- 

 mended. They can also be made to bear in a very 

 young and small state. I have struck them from eyes 

 in February, and by shifting and pinching have formed 

 comparatively large heads on a clear stem in 9-inch 

 pots, with a good sprinkling of ripe fruit on them late 

 in the autumn of the same year. This refers to Grosse 

 Verte and one or two of the most free-fruiting varieties. 

 For the propagation of figs to be permanently culti- 

 vated in pots, I refer to the directions already given 

 under that head, as the process does not differ in any 



