60 
AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
FRUIT CULTURE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES. 
BY WALTER T. SWINGLE, SECTION OP SEED AND PLANT INTRODUC- 
TION, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE, WASHINGTON, D. C. 
(Abstract.) 
Mr. Swingle called attention to the great antiquity of horticul- 
ture in the Mediterranean countries, especially in the lands bordering the 
Mediterranean on the east and referred to the absence of nurseries as a potent 
factor in bringing about a multiplication of varieties, since scions are likely 
to be of local origin. 
The date-palm was described in some detail and some account given of 
the varieties cultivated in the Northern Sahara, in Algeria and Tunis. The 
lecturer reviewed the attempts made to introduce these varieties into Am- 
erica and considered the prospects very good for the establishment of the 
industry in Arizona and California. 
The caprifi cation of the fig was then described and an account given of 
the introduction of the Smyrna fig and the caprifig into California, and the 
recent successful attempt to establish there the Blastophaga or fig insect, 
which lives in the caprifigs, and whose action in transferring pollen from these 
caprifigs to the young Smyrna figs is necessary for the successful culture of 
figs for drying, though ordinary figs mature without caprification. Finally a 
few notes were given on the olive, pistache, raisin grape and on Bulgarian 
rose culture,, and the successful introduction of all of these profitable 
industries into the Southwest was shown to be feasible. 
Upon motion the Society adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., on Friday. 
