100 2 THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



but, from actual experiments, the finest results were obtained 

 from trees planted or potted just before they commenced growth 

 in the early months of the year. In borders, made as indicated 

 previously, the trees will continue healthy and fruitful for years if 

 annually top-dressed with soil and manure. When in pots, once 

 in two or three years will be often enough to repot, providing 

 the pots are mulched annually with a little fresh soil and manure, 

 and are supplied with liquid or chemical manures (not too 

 strong) frequently when bearing full crops of fruit. 



In starting Figs into growth, a temperature of 5odeg., with a 

 gentle rise during sunshine, is plenty at first. The heat should 

 be gradually increased as the growth advances, the plants 

 thoroughly syringed twice daily, and the paths and floors kept 

 moist. This treatment will suit the plants admirably, and also 

 keep Red Spider at bay. When the new shoots have made 

 five or six leaves, the points of them should be pinched out. 

 A fresh shoot will soon be made, and this must be treated in the 

 same way. When the length is sufficient, two, or sometimes 

 three, such pinchings are requisite during, the season. It is 

 much wiser to regulate the growth by summer pinching than by 

 pruning with a knife in winter. Not only are heavier and finer 

 crops produced, but Phoma cinerascens, a fungus which causes 

 old and young shoots to die back so badly, is not so much in 

 evidence ; in fact, some plants which have never been touched 

 with a knife show no signs of the fungoid attack, although placed 

 amongst infested plants. As the fruit exhibits signs of ripening, 

 syringing should cease, and a drier atmosphere be maintained, 

 gradually increasing the ventilation ; this will improve the flavour 

 of the Figs, and prevent the fruit from splitting to any serious 

 extent. A little judgment will soon show when the fruit is 

 quite ripe ; it should be eaten almost immediately, as it deteriorates 

 with keeping. 



When the fruit has all been picked, a closer atmosphere should 

 again be resumed, with thorough syringing twice daily ; a second 

 crop will then be borne, often better than the first one. As 

 this second lot commences to ripen, repeat the process already 

 advised with the first. Afterwards gradually encourage the plants 

 to rest by giving plenty of air for a few weeks, and then stand 

 them outside, if in pots, until there is danger of frost, when they 

 should be placed in a cold house; but whether outside or in, 

 the roots should have enough water to keep them healthy and 

 plump. 



For first supplies St. John's and Pingo de Mel are unequalled. 

 The latter seldom, if ever, casts its first crop of fruit, and is a 

 most valuable variety for forcing. Bourjassotte Grise is a later 

 variety, a free bearer, and of the most exquisite flavour. Violette 

 Sepor is another grand mid-season sort, possessing delicious 

 flavour, and is an abundant bearer. White Marseilles is an early 



