34 
to be peculiarly liable. This tree delights in abundance of 
light, and heat, and generally succeeds best on the south wall 
of a dwellinghouse, more especially if there be a chimney on 
that side of the house ; which circumstance points directly to 
the propriety of artificially heated walls, for this most valuable 
fruit, where a liberal supply is of importance. It is worthy of 
remark here, that some of the best bearing and ripening Apri- 
cots I have ever known, had a stone pavement over their roots; 
thus evincing their partiality to warmth at the root, and protec- 
tion from that meddling weapon, the spade. 
257 The Fig. This fine fruit which ought to be within the reach 
of every one, is, perhaps, less understood, as to its habits, than 
any other of our edible fruits; a circumstance to be lamented, 
as most of the failures to which it is liable, are traceable to over 
cultivation. Short-jointed wood, so general a criterion of fruit- 
fulness in most trees, is eminently so in the Fig; and whatever 
course of culture produces this, will also bring fruitfulness in its 
train. This being admitted, limitation of root becomes abso- 
lutely necessary ; and of so severe a character, Oiateven practical 
men, in general, can scarcely reconcile themselves to such an 
extreme. It must however be borne in mind that the Fig is most 
impatient of drought, and that a constitution of soil that will 
ensure short-jointed wood, through all seasons, will be liable, in 
excessively dry summers, to cause the trees to cast their fruit, un- 
less precautions are taken to provide against the drought. Now 
this is easily overcome by what is termed “Mulching,” of which 
Iwill say a few words in their proper place. The Fig will thrive — 
and thrive too fast, in almost any ordinary garden soil ; as, 
however, severe limitation is necessary at tlie root, I would 
recommend a loamy soil, of a sound character. If the root is 
to be closely confined, and in a shallow soil, that soil must be 
slightly retentive, in order to enable the tree to withstand the 
vicissitudes to which it will be liable. Some good cultivators 
build a solid wall at two feet from that on which the Fig is train- 
ed. When this mode is adopted, however, the soil should be 
somewhat deeper, say fifteen inches; but if no retaining wall be 
employed, then a foot in depth will be amply sufficient. The 
Fig is very partial to old mortar, or lime rubbish ; and is also 
known to succeed well in a dark alluvial soil; a mixture in 
equal parts, of these two, with a third of sound tenacious loam. 
