1871. ] 
ROYAL VINEYARD FIG. 
49 
ROYAL VINEYARD FIG. 
WITH AN ILLUSTRATION. 
| GAIN a new Fig! and one of sterling merit. In the Royal Vineyard, of 
which we give a coloured illustration very faithfully representing the char¬ 
acter of the variety, we become possessed of one of the very finest Figs yet 
brought into cultivation. Of late years considerably more attention has 
been bestowed on Figs ; their cultivation is becoming better understood ; their 
high merits as dessert fruit better appreciated ; and so many high-class varieties, 
before almost unknown to us, have been introduced to our gardens and to our 
tables, giving us such a zest for Figs—for more Figs, that the advent of another 
new variety is about the most pleasing sensation we could have in fruits. 
Royal Vineyard Fig. 
The Royal Vineyard Fig is above medium size—often as large as in the woodcut 
illustration, of a long pyriform shape, very prominently ribbed in longitudinal lines, 
the surface warted or carbuncled. The skin is very thin and tender, rugose or 
bristly ; its colour a pretty reddish-brown, darker towards the eye, and covered 
with a thick bluish bloom. The eye is large, open, and prominent; the stalk 
long and slender, which combined with the long pear-shape of the fruit gives it 
a very lengthened appearance. The flesh is of a clear bright reddish colour, firm, 
yet very juicy and melting, with a small central cavity. Every portion of the 
fruit, skin and all, is eatable ; and the flavour is particularly rich and excellent, 
—indeed, it may be described as super-excellent. The habit of the plant is free 
and moderately robust; and the leaves are large, and rather deeply-lobed. It is 
very prolific and a free bearer, the fruit ripening about mid-season. 
3rd series.— iv. 
D 
