114 



FRUIT FARMING 



survived, being struck by lightning in 1885. They 

 prefer a gravelly subsoil, and lime rubbish and similar 

 materials are added as a dressing to the rich surface 

 loam. Just before ripening, the Figs are placed into 

 bags, to protect them from birds, otherwise they are 

 sure to be spoiled. The larger trees have stakes and 

 cross pieces to keep the boughs from the ground, and 

 so greatly are they now appreciated that they sell for 

 as much each as they formerly fetched per dozen." 

 Chalk rubbish appears to form a good foundation for 

 their roots to work in, and 110 doubt the introduction 

 of broken bricks, stones, cinders, etc., would keep the 

 trees from making too gross shoots, and enable them 

 to ripen their wood. 



Mulberries. — These are seldom seen in market, 

 they so soon spoil after picking. So far as we know 

 no use has yet been made of them as a preserve. 

 They may become useful in dyeing, the stains being 

 very intense. 



Blackberries. — One of our most delicious fruits as 

 a preserve — in fact, with cream, quite an exotic dish 

 is produced ; but these are generally suffered to grow 

 wild. Many stony banks, probably the heaps of refuse 

 from quarries, chalk works, lead works, etc., might be 

 planted with them to advantage. The jam-maker who 

 first had a stock would be able to command a large 

 price, after the flavour became known. Blackberry 

 jilly and jam have yielded good returns. They are 

 also cultivated in Kent. The selected British one is 

 very fine, but the American varieties liave fiiled to 

 succei^d in this climate. 1 he cut-leaved kind, or 

 Parsley-leaved, is \'erv productive and free in growth. 

 Many sides of railways, roads, etc., would grow these 



