220 THE FRUIT-GARDEN. [March. 
14. The Gentile Fig. Fruit, middle sized, globular; skin, 
when ripe, of a yellow colour; grains, large, and flesh well fla- 
voured. 
The preceding are all the varieties of the Ficus Carica, or com- 
mon Fig-tree. There are upwards of fifty other species of Fig, de- 
scribed by Botanists; but these are generally cultivated, either on 
account of their timber, or as curiosities. 
I have been the more diffuse on this article, as the cultivation of 
the Fig, and its different varieties, are not as well known in the Uni- 
ted States, as other kinds of fruit-trees; and as it may be cultivated 
in the greatest perfection, particularly in the southern states. 
Heading down Fruit-Trees. 
For the method of pruning and heading down the various kinds 
of fruit-trees, which have shewn symptoms of decay, in order to at- 
tempt their restoration to health and bearing, see the Orchard this 
month. 
Preserving the Blossoms, and young Fruit, of Wall and Espalier 
Trees. 
It often happens, that at too early a period in spring, we have a for- 
ward and untimely vegetation, which throws our early blooming 
fruit trees, especially those in warm situations, into a full blow of 
blossoms, which, if afterwards attacked by frost, proves their destruc- 
tion. In such cases some of the choicer kinds of wall and espalier 
trees, should be defended therefrom, with mats, &c. 
The mats for this purpose should be of the largest size: one end 
of them should be fastened with nails or hooks to the top of the wall, 
and let them hang down over the trees. The lower end of the mat 
should also be fastened down, to prevent their being blown to and 
fro by the wind, which would beat the blossoms off. 
When the weather is mild, the mats should be taken off: for it is 
only at night, in sharp frosts, and cutting frosty winds, that the blos- 
soms require to be thus sheltered. 
Or, to preserve the blossoms and young fruit, you may occasion- 
ally stick the trees with the cuttings of hardy ever-green trees and 
shrubs, sticking them between the branches in a somewhat spread- 
ing manner, so as the leaves may afford some protection to the blos- 
som, and which I have found to be often very serviceable. 
This should also be done just when the trees are coming into 
blossom, having cuttings of the shoots and small branches of laurel, 
yew, pine and some other hardy ever-greens, preserving the leaves 
to them; and being placed between the branches in the manner be- 
fore observed, so as to shelter those which are in blossom; they must 
be permitted to remain constantly till the fruit is fairly set, as big 
as large peas. 
