CHAPTER XXL 



FIGS. 



This fruit is destined to become one of the staples of Flor- 

 ida. It is of quick and easy growth, and particularly adapted 

 to both soil and climate ; but up to the present time its culture 

 has been carelessly conducted, and but little pains have been 

 taken by the nurserymen of the State to introduce those varie- 

 ties especially suited for commercial purposes — namely, those 

 that are light-colored, and, therefore, the best when dried for 

 market, and those that are superior as table fruit. 



It is with the fig, in its natural state, much as it is with 

 guavas, the taste for each must be acquired, but when once at- 

 tained, is very strong. 



In Europe, the people are trained from childhood to like 

 the fresh fig ; it is seen on the hotel tables as a dessert fruit, 

 w^henever it is in season, and fresh or stew^ed, even more than 

 dried, it forms an important part of the food of the masses. 



It is a mild laxative, and hence particularly healthy for a 

 warm climate, and to this fact the inhabitants of Southern Eu- 

 rope are fully alive. 



It should be the same in America, and would be, if more 

 care were taken to place the best sorts on the market. 



Wherever fresh figs are oflered for sale in the United States, 

 the largest and coarsest kinds only are sought for, and it is very 

 amusing to those who know better, to see a customer pass scorn- 

 fully by a lot of fine, delicate flavored, but small fruit, and pur- 

 chase a larger, more showy kind, not one-half so palatable or rich. 



The pe©ple are not yet educated up to a proper appreciation 

 of figs, and it is the fault of the producers that this is the case. 

 The public are always ready to seize upon a good article, when 

 it is made known to them as such. 



So long as the fruit growers exercise so little care and wis- 



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