FIGS. 



219 



should be in a temperature corresponding, or 

 nearly so, with that in which the tops are. At 

 all events, every means at command should be 

 employed to render the disparity as little as 

 possible. In the growing season water so cold 

 as to lower the temperature of the soil should 

 not be used. If the trees are planted out in 

 the border of a forcing-house, the 

 soil can be heated by pipes, care 

 being taken that it is invariably 

 kept in a proper state as regards 

 moisture; or it may be heated by 

 fermenting materials. 



Cultivation in Pots. — The ease 

 with which Figs may be forced in 

 pots has led to a great increase 

 in this method of cultivation in 

 private establishments. There is 

 no doubt that this is the most 

 economical method, as a far 

 greater quantity of fruit can be 

 obtained from a house filled with 

 trees in pots than is possible from 

 trees planted in borders ; not only 

 so, but it is much easier to manage 

 the supply and make it more con- 

 tinuous than from planted-out 

 trees. A selection of the best 

 varieties would come into use at 

 different times and afford variety 

 in flavour and appearance. 



For very early fruit the house 

 should not be too large. Those 

 constructed on the same lines as 

 a Pine stove are excellent. The 

 pots should be plunged in a bed 

 of fermenting material for bottom- 

 heat, and the house being low, a 

 high temperature can be main- 

 tained without excessive firing. 

 Plants started in the bed early in 

 November ripen fruits by the 

 second week in February, and if 

 several small houses are devoted 

 to them a succession of fruit may 

 be relied upon. 



Probably the finest variety for early or mid- 

 winter forcing is St. John's. This never fails 

 to carry a good first crop, whereas other varieties 

 are apt to cast every fruit when forced so early. 

 For later forcing almost any variety may be used. 



Trees forced in pots from March onwards 

 do not require bottom-heat, but may be stood 

 on the floor of the house not too far from the 

 roof-glass in a comparatively low house or on 

 a raised stage to bring the plants close to the 



light. Great care in watering is necessary in 

 the early stages, as too much or too little will 

 cause the foliage to become yellow and un- 

 healthy, a condition difficult to change the same 

 season. The drainage should be perfect, other- 

 wise the greatest care in watering will not keep 

 the plants healthy. 



Fig. 1016— Standard Fig in Pot. 



A temperature of 55° by day, falling 5° at 

 night, will be sufficient at first, but as soon as 

 the foliage is well developed a high temperature 

 may be maintained during the day, with ample 

 atmospheric moisture. The directions already 

 given with regard to ventilation should be 

 followed when the fruit is ripening. It is 

 important that the ends of the shoots should 

 be removed when they have made about five 

 leaves. This applies to all varieties grown in 



