4 
THE COTTAGE GABDENER. 
April 
of caution is requisite in planting the fig out of doors; 
it is not that it requires much of pains or of labour, 
but the danger consists in the probability of its being 
over-cultivated. 
Soil ,—Almost any soil will answer for its culture : 
provided it does not retain moisture too long. We have 
known figs answer well in all kinds of tree loams, in 
ordinary garden soils, and in composts containing 
various amounts of vegetable matter, lime-rubbish, 
&c. The principal point, especially in our more 
northern counties, is to provide against a too rapid 
root action ; and this is accomplished either by rais¬ 
ing a barrier of brick or stone-work within half a yard 
of the wall on which the trees are placed, running 
parallel with the wall, or by mixing a considerable 
amount of broken bricks or stone in the soil when 
preparing for their reception. 
Habit .—We will now offer a few remarks on their 
habits and tendencies in our fitful climate, and the 
discussion of these will prepare the minds of our 
readers, in some degree, for the severe system of root- 
culture which w r e shall afterwards propound. 
The fig out of doors in Britain requires all the 
solar light which our murky skies afford; it, therefore, 
needs the brighest and warmest aspect in our gardens. 
It quails before no sunshine, however intense; it will 
sometimes, nevertheless, cast its fruit through intense 
drought: and this is a point to which we shall here¬ 
after advert as necessary to be kept in view'. 
Now, in order to obtain the due amount of solar 
light, the shoots must be trained very thinly; and 
here it is manifest that over-cultivation is an evil, for 
the leaf of the fig under any circumstances is exceed¬ 
ingly gross, and, by introducing too much of vegetable 
matters or manures into the soil, the fig becomes quite 
unmanageable, the tree is crowded with waste spray, 
and the fruit, if any, is watery and insipid. 
It ought to be kept in mind that the fig-leaf is very 
absorbent of atmospheric moisture, and that in damp 
climates it is probable that it is qualified to obtain 
nearly one-half its nourishment by means of the 
foliage alone. We think we are justified in affirming 
this, from so frequently witnessing such a degree of 
luxuriance during periods when a very moist at¬ 
mosphere was prevalent, although unaccompanied 
by rain, and the trees were glowing in a hungry 
soil. Figs, like other fruit-trees in general, submit 
to that certain indication of fruitfulness “ short- 
jointed wood;” no plant is a better exemplification of 
this point. Indeed, an experienced gardener can tell 
at sight, when the leaves are off the trees, whether 
they bear well and produce good fruit, by this crite¬ 
rion alone. 
Ripening of the wood is as essential a principle 
with the fig as with other tender fruits, and over-cul¬ 
tivation is totally inimical to this; it renders the 
whole plant too succulent, and keeps up a late root- 
action, which prevents the tissue becoming solidified. 
We now proceed to such points of culture as will 
steer clear of the evils above named, and embody, as 
far as possible, the necessary conditions for success 
ful culture. 
Soil .—As before observed, almost any well-drained 
soil will suit fig-trees; provided that, with its poro¬ 
sity, it also possesses that kind of mechanical texture 
which, whilst it readily transmits moisture, will also 
retain sufficient to withstand a hot and dry period in 
the middle of summer. It is well, however, to lean 
towards an open, porous character; for if any defect 
arises through extreme seasons of drought in conse¬ 
quence of the soil being light, a remedy of a very simple 1 
character ia always at hand in the shape of a good i 
top-dressing and a bucket or two of water. In prefer¬ 
ence, therefore, to building preventive w r alls, and other 
matters involving extra expense, we say, so compound 
the soil for them as that they may never grow very 
gross, neither be liable to suffer from sudden droughts. 
When the native soil of a garden is too clayey, 
thorough drainage and the introduction of a liberal 
amount of sand, lime-rubbish, ashes, &c., with a 
slight amount of vegetable matter, will in general 
suffice to make it fit for fig-trees. If the garden soil 
be too light and porous, some adhesive loam may be 
added, also old peaty or vegetable matter, or, indeed, 
anything which may happen to be at hand which is 
retentive of moisture in its own nature, yet not a 
“forcing” or rich manure. One thing is requisite: 
the bed of soil should by no means be deep. We 
would never allow above half a yard in depth, unless 
in situations peculiarly favourable to the culture of 
this fruit, such as occur in our more favoured coun¬ 
ties, as Kent, Essex, Sussex, Hants, Dorset, Devon, 
and Cornwall. These highly favoured counties form 
an exception to the bulk of Britain. Those who pro¬ 
duce figs with so much ease in those counties will, 
we have no doubt, wonder why we make so much fuss 
about the matter. We have, however, gardened on 
the banks of the Thames and in the north, and 30 
or 40 years’ experience has dearly taught us the vast 
difference that exists with regard to such peculiar 
fruit-trees as the fig, and, we may add, the vine. 
Propagation .—No plant is easier of propagation 
than the fig; it will strike with the utmost ease from 
cuttings of the shoots after the leaves are fallen, pro¬ 
vided the plant has rested awhile. The heat of a 
hotbed is, however, very serviceable, and it is well in 
ordinary cases to wait until spring, when the early 
cucumber bed will furnish a capital opportunity, as 
there is no occasion to plant the young fig-trees out 
of doors until the middle of May. Suckers, how¬ 
ever,—those shoots which arise from the root of old 
trees—offer the readiest mode of propagating the fig; 
and these may be cut away in the early part of April, 
and planted at once. Figs may be also grafted and 
budded like our other fruits, but this is seldom prac¬ 
tised, so little occasion existing for this course. 
Varieties. —We now proceed to give a list of a 
select few, which may be relied on as to hardihood 
and general utility; these being the points to which 
the labours of The Cottage Gardener are in the 
main directed. 
Broun Turkey (Lee’s Perpetual).—This is a very 
hardy fig, and a very great bearer. Fruit of good 
size and slightly pyramidal, of a brownish colour; 
pulp very delicious. This is also a great favourite 
with pot cultivators. 
Brunswick (Madonna).—A noble fruit, of a. palish 
green colour, but tinged with red next the sun; pulp 
very rich and sweet, and of a delicate pink colour. 
This is about the largest kind in the country of the 
purple class, and, as it ripens betimes, is excelled 
by none for the open wall. 
Black Ischia. —A middle-sized dark-coloured fruit, 
of very good flavour, and a very hardy kind; ripening 
about a fortnight after the Brunswick. 
We do not deem it expedient to name any more 
kinds, as these three may be considered the very best 
in the kingdom for the open wall. The Broun Ischia 
is esteemed by some, and is a very useful fig, as are 
most of the Iscliias. We, however, prefer the Black 
variety. 
As an inducement to the amateur to plant a fig, 
we may mention that in Sussex the fig succeeds per¬ 
fectly as an, ordinary standard. We wove conversing 
