FRUIT CULTURE IN FRANCE. 
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preservers. The average price is 20 to 25 francs per 50 
kilos. In 1881 they were worth 50 francs, but in 1882 they 
fell to 15 francs. It is by no means rare for one tree to bear 
as many as 200 fruits. Sometimes the branches are literally 
covered, but this is, as a rule, detrimental to the trees. 
In the Maritime Alps the Angers and Portugal varieties grow 
to a height of 6 metres. The fruit is preserved one month 
after it is gathered. 
In the Centre of France as many of the Ordinaire as of the 
Angers variety are grown, and are sent to the manufacturers, 
especially to the well-known Orleans Quince marmalade makers. 
The trade in " Cotignac," or Quince marmalade, has encouraged 
the cultivation of Quinces in the neighbourhood of Orleans, 
though it might be more exact to say that the manufacture of 
Cotignac has been favoured by the abundance of fruit at St. 
Vincent and at other places round about Orleans. A Quince 
tree produces up to 2 poin9ons (or 230 litres) of fruit, for which 
there is a sure sale to the local confectioners. 
The Fig (Ficus Carica). 
The Fig tree is a native of the Mediterranean district and of 
the seashores of the British Channel which are under the 
influence of the Gulf Stream. It is, however, also found near 
Paris in exceptional situations ; but it must there pass the 
winter underground, which necessitates a special method of 
cultivation. 
Under the influence of the Paris chmate, the Argenteuil 
plantations have no rival. The climate, the nature and configura- 
tion of the soil, the intelligence of the population, even the near 
vicinity of the capital, all contribute to the high reputation of 
the oasis in this spot so blessed by the gods of the fruit 
growers and market gardeners. Fig trees have been cultivated 
here for at least two centuries, on an area of about 50 hectares, 
the average crop being about 400,000 fruits. 
The principal variety is the Blanquette, a white early fruit ; 
then, secondly, comes the Dauphine, a violet-coloured fruit, 
larger, and not so early. Everywhere the Fig tree is the object 
of special care, both in the planting and nipping off the small 
buds, and in *' offsetting " the shoots, and in the careful placing of 
the stem and branches under the ground for the winter months. 
