ON FIGS AND TIIEIR CULTURE AT CHISWICK. 



127 



have been obtained is a sort of calcareous loam on a chalky 

 subsoil. For pot cultivation a somewhat richer soil is required,, 

 so as to produce large and fine fruit. We have found the 

 following to answer well : two-thirds fresh yellow loam and one- 

 third lime-rubbish, so as to give it porosity, with an admixture- 

 of burnt ashes, a few half-inch ground bones, and some well-rotted 

 stable manure. During the growing season the plants should 

 be frequently and liberally top-dressed, and this should be 

 of a considerably richer character. Thomson's vine manure 

 answers remarkably well, or indeed any mixture containing 

 ground bones, horn shavings, &c, mixed with the soil. 



Watering. — Watering is an important matter with Figs. 

 Whilst young and growing, if properly potted, and the drainage 

 in proper action, in a high temperature too much water can 

 scarcely be supplied. They may be, and should be, syringed 

 overhead two or three times a day, and the atmosphere kept 

 continually moist. When the fruit is ripening water must be 

 applied more sparingly to the roots, and a much drier atmosphere 

 maintained. An excess of moisture at this time is apt to cause 

 many of the fruits to split open, especially the larger varieties,, 

 and also spoils the flavour. A bracing, warm atmosphere and 

 comparative dryness are essential to secure well-flavoured fruit. 

 The fruit of the Fig ripening successionally makes this somewhat 

 difficult, as the treatment required by those in one stage is exactly 

 the reverse of what is required by the other. 



Atmosphere, Temperature, dx. — The Fig whilst growing 

 delights in a close, humid atmosphere and a high temperature 

 — the hotter the better, so long as it is copiously charged with 

 moisture. For ycung plants this high temperature is not of so 

 much importance, but for fruiting plants it is so in the highest 

 degree. During the summer months not so much fire-heat is 

 required, as by judicious attention to ventilation, &c, a suffi- 

 ciently high temperature may be maintained from sun-heat 

 alone. A temperature of from 80° to 90° F. may safely be allowed 

 in the morning before giving air, and by shutting up early in 

 the afternoon, and " bottling up the sun's rays," the temperature 

 may rise to 120° or more, which will ensure plenty of warmth 

 until the following day — a low temperature at night being 

 preferable to a high one. On cold days a little fire-heat may be 



