judice, the fig having been once a vehicle for poison: a singular contrast to the ideas expressed in the Bible' 
respecting this fruit ; the best blessing of heaven being typified by every man sitting under his own fig tree. 
In Britain, the fig is in general cultivation in first rate gardens, usually against walls ; but in some 
parts of the southern counties, as along the coast of Sussex, and in Devonshire, &c., as standards. In 
Scotland, it is never seen as a standard ; but it ripens its fruit against a south wall, without the aid of fire 
heat, in some parts of East Lothian and in Wigtonshire, and against a flued wall, even in the neighbourhood 
of Glasgow. The largest fig tree against a wall, which we have seen in England is at Farnham Castle, 
where, in twenty-five years, it has reached the height of forty-feet against the walls of the castle. 
Figs form an important article of Levantine commerce, and between 800 and 1000 tons are annually 
imported into Great Britain alone, principally from Turkey, Smyrna is a great fig mart ; and Madden, in his 
travels, gives the following lively and amusing account of the interest they there excite. 
“In Smyrna the subject of figs is ever the fruitful theme of conversation; you ask about the gardens 
of Bournabul, and you hear that figs abound there ; you inquire about the curiosities of that place, and 
they lead you to the fig mart ; nay, solicit information on politics, and you are told that figs are low ; and 
when you seek for farther intelligence, you are told that figs are flat. In short go where you will, the eternal 
cry is figs ! figs ! figs ! and the very name, I apprehend, will be found written on their hearts at their decease.” 
The fruit is esteemed demulcent and laxative, and it has been long used in domestic medicine as a 
poultice. King Hezekiah’s boil was cured by a poultice made with a lump of figs according to the directions 
of Isaiah, which. Professor Burnett observes, is the first poultice that we read of in history. In the Cana- 
ries, in Portugal, and in the Greek Archipelago, a kind of Brandy is distilled from fermented figs. The 
leaves and bark of the fig tree abound in a milky acrid juice, which may be used as rennet, for raising 
blisters, and for destroying warts. This milky juice containing caoutchouc, Indian-rubber might conse- 
quently be made from the common fig in England, if it were thought desirable, and, on account of the same 
property, the very tenderest of the young - leaves might be given to the larva of the silkmoth. 
Nearly a thousand tons of figs are annually imported into Great Britain alone, so that although fresh 
figs are not much prized among us, the consumption of dried ones proves them to be greatly esteemed. 
The fruit in its dried state forms a chief part of the support of the inhabitants of Spain, Italy, and Pro- 
vence, as it does likewise of the inhabitants of the East. In the countries just named it is also a consi- 
derable article of commerce. There are many fig gardens in the northern part of France, and there is no 
doubt but that the tree might be extensively cultivated in this country, in warm situations, were it desirable 
to do so. But it is evidently not a favorite fruit amongst us ; its flavour is deemed insipid, and few persons 
can eat it with full relish. In many of our old poets, mention is made of the fig of “ Spain,” and a com- 
mentator on Shakespeare imagines that allusion was made to the custom of giving poisoned figs to those who 
were objects of Spanish or Italian revenge. And as in Shakespeare we meet with contemptuous expressions, 
such as “ Figs for thy friendship,” so in vulgar language it is common to say of insignificant things, that we 
care not a fig for them. These expressions may partly arise from the little worth attached to the fig in this 
country. 
Fresh figs, when ripe, are soft and succulent, and, eaten with moderation, are a digestible, wholesome, 
and very delicious fruit. If too many be partaken of, they occasion flatulency, and sometimes diarhoea, 
attended with pain. The dried fruit is too well known, both in appearance and taste, to render it neces- 
sary that we should say more than that figs consist almost entirely of mucilage and sugar. 
Figs are used medicinally in what are termed pectoral or demulcent decoctions, which are used as com- 
mon drinks. Two ounces boiled in half a pint of water, and strained, form a useftd gargle for inflammatory 
sore throat, when suppuration takes place. They are also occasionally eaten to remove habitual costive- 
ness. Roasted and split, they are still employed hot, as applications to gum-boils, and other circumscribed 
maturating tumours. 
Officinal Preparations. The fig enters into two preparations of the London Pharmacopoeia; 
namely, the Confectio Sennce (or. Lenitive Electuary) and the Compound Decoction of Barley Water. The 
latter is formed by boiling barley-water with figs, liquorice root, and raisins. Dr. Kitchiner gives the re- 
ceipt for compound as well as for plain barley-water, and says, “ these drinks are intended to assuage' thirst 
in ardent fevers, and inflammatory disorders, for which plenty of mild diluting liquor is one of the principal 
remedies ;” and of the compound decoction he says that it “ will be received with pleasure by the most 
delicate palate.” (The Cook’s Oracle, 5th edit. p. 403.) The espbces dites fruits bdchiques or, fruits pec - 
toraux, of the French Codex, are composed of equal quantities of figs, stoned dates, jujubes and raisins. 
A tisane is directed to be made with two ounces of these pectoral fruits, and such a quantity of water 
that a quart may remain after an hour’s boiling; the decoction is then to be strained, and sweetened at pleasure. 
Bechique means “good for a cough.” The root is the Greek word (irjS , a cough. 
