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ripens, in Syria and Barbary, there appears a third crop, 
which often hangs and ripens upon the tree after the 
leaves are shed.” 
Though this tree never attains any very considerable 
height, yet its broad mantling foliage forms a delightful 
shelter from the ardent rays of the sun in those burning 
climes. This is often beautifully alluded to in holy 
writ; as in Micah, “ And they shall sit every man under 
his vine, and under his fig-tree, and none shall make 
them afraid.” 
It is gratefully mentioned by most modei-n travellers. 
Burckhardt recalls with enthusiasm the refreshing shade 
it afforded him in the neighbourhood of Tiberias, when 
overcome by the intense heat of a mid-day sun. Hasel- 
quist also bears the same testimony. We shall quote 
his words, as they form quite a pastoral landscape 
truly eastern: — “ We refreshed ourselves beneath a fig- 
tree, under which was a well, where a shepherd and his 
flock had their rendezvous; but without either house or 
hut.” 
Respecting the date of the introduction of the fig into 
Britain, authors hold different opinions: some think it 
was brought hither by our Roman conquerors; others 
place it several centuries later, and state that Cardinal 
Pole planted the first specimens in the palace garden at 
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