172 



FIG CULTURE 



as a range plant, that it is considered as ranking 

 first in merit." (U. S. Bull., 267.) 



It grows from November until June, slowly form- 

 ing a rosette in winter, stands frosts, and has a 

 strong tap root which acts well upon the soil. The 

 main objections are slowness of development, the 

 top not forming until spring allows the orchard to 

 become weedy. 



BARLEY. 



Among more than fifty varieties most of them 

 are frost-resisting. It withstands any weather 

 where figs will grow, chokes weeds, prevents leach- 

 ing and washing, and improves soil texture. If 

 planted early in the fall considerable stalk can be 

 turned under in March, but large quantities of 

 green matter tends to sour the soil, for which reas- 

 on it should be in milk before using. 



BROOM CORN. 



This plant can be well used for a fall cover crop, 

 as it makes a rank growth, producing much coarse 

 top that can be plowed under to advantage, and ef- 

 fectively kills all weeds. 



BUCKWHEAT. 



Of the three varieties in the United States all re- 

 quire a cool climate. Buckwheat withstands light 

 frosts, but seldom survives ordinary winter weather 



