178 FIG. 



also there was a fig-liouse, formed out of an old 

 pine pit. In the latter place the figs were never so 

 high-flavoured as those at Hothfield, owing to the 

 trees heiog planted in a deep and richer soil. The 

 trees were planted on a trellis against the back wall ; 

 the largest branches only were fastened to the trel- 

 lis ; the breast wood was allowed to take its natural 

 course; the extremities only being pinched, every 

 twig became fruitful. 



2. Black Ischia Fig, — Ripens along with the last. 

 The fruit is similar in shape to the Marseilles, but 

 larger. The colour a deep purple, almost black ; 

 pulp reddish, rich, and fine-flavoured. This va- 

 riety is a good bearer, and answers well in pots. 



There were some fine trees of this sort in a pit 

 behind the cherry house in Richmond Gardens, 

 which never failed bearing abundant crops. In the 

 Kensington Garden Catalogue there is a sort named 

 the Black Italian, which probably is no other than 

 the Ischia above described. 



3. Miller's Chestnut, or Brown Ischia Fig, — 

 Ripens from the middle to the end of August. All 

 the figs under the name of Ischia (from an Italian 

 island of that name), introduced by Miller, are of 

 the first quality, and this is one of them. The fruit 

 are large, and rather globular ; colour brown or 

 chestnut. The pulp is of a purplish red, very rich 

 flavour, and melting. The tree is an excellent 

 bearer; and, being pretty hardy, will, in favourable 

 seasons, ripen its fruit on standards in the open air. 

 It well deserves a good wall 5 against which, it is 



