1872. ] 
FOOD FOB FRUIT-TREES. 
145 
NEGEO LAEGO FIG. 
WITH AN ILLUSTRATION. 
OME time since (1869, p. 5), we invited the attention of fruit-growers to 
this fine addition to our cultivated Figs, which was imported and brought 
into notice by Mr. Fleming, the talented gardener at Cliveden, under 
whose superintendence, moreover, modern spring-gardening, as we have 
come to call it, made its first forcible impression on the mind of the gardening 
public. The little attention paid to figs a few years back, in all but the most 
extensive gardens, was a matter of some surprise, but we are pleased to see that 
more attention has been lately paid to them—a result perhaps, in some degree, 
attributable to the excellent examples of Pot Figs which Mr. Barron has from 
time to time produced at Chiswick, and which have, on some occasions, made 
their appearance at public exhibitions. 
Mr. Fleming informs us that he “ received the Negro Largo Fig, six years 
ago, along with nineteen others, from a noted grower in the South of France. It 
is robust in habit, free-growing, and a wonderful bearer, moreover, forcing well. 
It is peculiar in ripening, as sometimes we had six fruits ripe at one time on the 
same shoot; this was the case with the fruit from which Mr. Macfarlane made 
the drawing; and none of them were much below 4 oz. in weight.” 
This noble-looking, high-class Fig is one of the largest in size, oblong- 
obovate, or pyriform; the skin jet black, marked with longitudinal ribs ; the 
eye open, and generally when ripe with a globule of syrup; and the stalk short. 
The flesh is pale red, very tender, and abounding with a rich, highly-flavoured 
juice. When highly ripened, Dr. Hogg observes, the flesh and skin together 
become quite melting, and form a most delicious sweetmeat. 
u We have always,” Mr. Fleming remarks, u grown it in pots, but I have 
every reason to believe from its productive habit it would produce very much 
larger crops and fruit, if planted out. There can be no doubt it is the finest 
black Fig in cultivation. Several of the other varieties imported with it are 
excellent for early forcing, coming in at least three weeks before Lee’s Perpetual 
and other well-known varieties.” 
Mr. Macfarlane’s fine representation shows it to be as handsome as it is, 
excellent. We believe Messrs. Veitch and Sons will shortly be in a position to, 
distribute plants.—T. M. 
FOOD FOE FEUIT-TEEES. 
l^)ERHAPS no practice has been more universally decried of late years than 
that of manuring the ground for fruit-trees. To think, speak, or write 
of this, is to be classed with the effete and irrational practitioner of the 
olden times. It needs some courage to add that one of the weakest links 
in the chain that encircles our modern practice is this incessant prejudice 
against everything old in gardening. We talk and write of the past as if it were 
3rd series. —v. H 
