126 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



to ripen in July, and continues until the end of November. 

 Properly managed Fig-trees in pots produce fruit in greater 

 abundance and of better quality than do those which are 

 planted out. When planted out they always, whilst young, grow 

 so vigorously that little fruit is produced ; and although the re- 

 medy for this is restriction of the root-space, it is found in practice 

 difficult to regulate. When grown in pots the plants are per- 

 fectly under the control of the cultivator, and may receive what- 

 ever treatment may be required. 



The Fig is easy of propagation by cuttings, taken off when 

 the plants are at rest, any time during the winter, and placed in 

 a little heat in early spring. Suckers are also freely produced ; 

 these taken off and potted soon form plants, and may be potted 

 on as required, and grown freely. Whilst growing and forming 

 plants the Fig delights in a warm and moist atmosphere, with 

 full exposure to the direct rays of the sun. No greater mistake 

 could be made than that of placing Figs in the shade ; no plant 

 is benefited more by full sun-exposure. In potting the young 

 plants, the first shift may be into 5-inch pots, and, as they grow, 

 into larger as may be required, always giving an abundance of 

 drainage, which, being kept sweet and pure, tends much to the 

 success of the pot cultivation of all kinds of plants. Whilst 

 young, some may require shifting twice a year, but larger plants 

 will only require to be potted once, the object being to produce 

 short, stocky, fruitful shoots, and not gross ones, which would be 

 the case if an excess of pot room were supplied. Early in the 

 autumn, or as soon as the fruit may be gathered, the whole of 

 the plants should be thoroughly examined, and repotted where 

 required. For some it will be sufficient to turn them out of the 

 pots, shaking away a portion of the old soil and reducing the ball 

 by trimming off the stronger roots, and then replacing them in 

 the same-sized pots ; whilst others, which have attained the 

 maximum size, may simply have a great portion of the top soil, 

 roots and all, taken away, and be filled up afresh with new soil. 

 Figs may be fruited in any-sized pot, from a 48, or 5-inch pot, 

 to 18 or 20 inches. The most convenient size is 12 inches in 

 diameter, and they never need exceed 15 inches. 



Soil. — In regard to soil the Fig is not very particular ; it 

 will grow in any kind almost. That in which the best results 



