124 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



OUTDOOR FIGS IN WALES. 

 By J. Den man. 



The result of the naturally warm atmosphere of North Wales is that the 

 Fig (Ficus Carica) flourishes and bears fruit abundantly, especially if 

 planted against or in close proximity to a wall. In mentioning walls it is 

 not my intention to depreciate the various other methods of culture 

 generally adopted, because instances have occurred in which the trees 

 have done remarkably well when trained against a wooden or iron trellis. 

 But the fact remains that Figs ripen their fruit better and bear, if possible, 

 in greater abundance when planted against a wall, and as the instances 

 which I have in my mind were cultivated by the latter method we shall 

 ignore other principles and briefly consider — 



1. The soil in which the Fig flourishes in North Wales. 



2. The method of propagation usually adopted. 



3. Pruning and training. • 



4. The application of manure and general cultural notes. 



5. A brief list of varieties which have been duly experimented with and 

 found to succeed on walls outside in North Wales. 



Situation and Soil. 



As I before mentioned, wall culture suits the Fig best in North Wales, 

 but now comes the question, What aspect secures the best results ? 

 Undoubtedly a wall with somewhat of a southern* aspect is to be pre- 

 ferred, and failing this a south-west exposure. After careful observation 

 I observe that a south wall encourages too rank growth, and, further, the 

 trees are more liable to be damaged by frosts during winter, so that, all 

 points considered, a south-western exposure gives the best results, both as 

 regards the fruit and also the general state of the trees during winter. 

 The Fig is characterised by its luxuriant growth ; especially is this the 

 case if it is planted in rich soil, such as, is generally found in gardens. 

 This fact, then, teaches us (a) that the site must be specially prepared, 

 and (b) that the roots must be prevented from extending too much, for 

 if allowed to wander freely they will grow too luxuriantly, to the detri- 

 ment of the crops. 



In order to check the too free rooting of the Figs, and to induce them 

 to make short-jointed wood, we must have recourse to special arrange- 

 ments. I find that no method secures better results than constructing 

 rough chambers, about three feet to four feet square, in which the roots 

 have sufficient but not too much space to spread. When allowed to grow at 

 will the roots have a tendency to develop strong laterals instead of a mass 

 of fibrils, which so materially helps to produce a satisfactory crop. Some 

 cultivators build brick chambers lined, except at the bottom, with cement ; 

 but this precaution is not only unnecessary, but costly ; therefore after 

 excavating, the inside should be lined with slates, set end on end, and the 

 bottom may be inlaid with rough pieces of slates or tiles. But here a 



