102 



FIG CULTURE 



into cultivation, but they will not obtain results 

 with less labor. 



The future of an orchard depends largely upon 

 how well trees become established the first year. 

 Frequent cultivation encourages growth. To help 

 them start, at the beginning of the season, throw 

 a couple of furrows toward each row. right up to 

 the trees; the addition of warm, mellow ground 

 where most needed will be rewarded. The double 

 shovel is an excellent tool to use close to young 

 trees, as it stirs quite deep, giving feeding ground 

 for lower roots. If a root is exposed to the sun for 

 half an hour in dry weather it should be pruned, as 

 within that time all tips will have died. Plowing 

 once a month will not injure the trees, if shallow, 

 but one deep plowing in winter, followed through 

 the growing season by disking, will prove satisfac- 

 tory. Never turn subsoil to the surface ; use a plow 

 in the bottom of the furrow, for it becomes friable 

 very slowly, and. containing the excreta of former 

 vegetation, is injurious unless gradually mixed with 

 top soil. 



The first year a farmer will learn how fig trees 

 behave, when in trouble, so as to properly minister 

 to special wants. Tillage is an art that has never 

 been perfected, having just reached an experi- 

 mental state. Perhaps one tree needs a lump of 

 lime to correct acidity; another being too high 

 above the land level may require a mulch of straw. 



