THE FIG. 179 



and no seeds are formed, nevertheless the fruit swells 

 and ripens."^ 



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 promi- 

 nent 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 as- 

 signed a place merely on the back wall of a vinery, 

 or in pits under the shade of vines and peaches. 

 Under such circumstances it never can develop its 

 capabilities, either as to its prolific fruit-bearing char- 

 acter or flavour, and no wonder, therefore, that it has 

 not been much thought of. It is now treated differ- 

 ently, and more in accordance with its nature and re- 

 quirements ; 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 yearly, are considered, the 

 wonder is that it is not more thought of than it is. 



' Lindley's Treasury of Botany. 



