Los Angeles daily herald., 1886-10-10

as little as possible. When gathered
place them ON trays similar to thos
which are used for raisins. then plac
one tray above another in my fumiga
tor and let them remain one hour.
then remove them to q place in tine sun
shine, placing the trays at an angle o
about as facing the sun, with the bios
som end pointing to the upper end Of
the trav. and leave them in that posi-
ton for six or eight days, when, ii tn,
weather has been favorable, they
will be ready for the sweat. box
using sugar barrels or boxes for the oc
oasion. In case of foggy mornings il
NAV take ten days or two weeks fol
them to dry. When in the sweat box
let them remain until such time as | an
ready to pack them for the market.
use 81, 5 and % pound boxes. The
Brown Ischia dries as readily the
SMYRNA, and is much more sought for
than the other varieties before being
packed, and is preferred by great
many to any other when packed.
The New Pacific is choice fig before
being packed and after. 1t will dry in
less time than any fig of which l have
any knowledge. Why not grow figs in
preference to any other fruit? One COM
pany in this county fell short this season
200 tons of getting as much as for which
they advertised. }. STEWART.
Mr.. Z. A. Carey, of Los Angeles,
said he considered fig culture subject
of great importance and wanted the
subject thoroughly investigated. Mr..
Stewart had made a striking success
of preparing figs and putting them on
the market, and asked for further in
formation as to methods.
Mr.. Stewart responded outlining his
methods and claimed that, by process
of his invention, that after "fumigatrg"
figs he could dry them in six days, and
have fig superior to the fig OF CON-
merce. Thought the Smyrna fig as
grown here, the best for the purpose;
that it has here greater advantages in
soil and climate than in its naive coun-
try; was not prepared as yet to ship to
Eastern markets, but had sold all he had
on hand at an advance of prices of East
ern figs. Mr.. Byron O. Clark, of Pasa-
dena, had been experimenting on drying
figs, and detailed his experience. lie
gave his views as to best varieties for
cultivation, and commended the white
Adriatic, which he said was misnomer,
as it was not white but of light brown,
with yellowish pulp and red in the cen.
ter. Denied the white fig named by
Mr.. Stewart to be ths Smyrna
fig and said that while there
was some promise of a profitable indus.
try in figs for Southern California fruit
growers it would be wise for all to go
slow until best methods and varieties
were learned by careful experiment.
His remarks were received with close
attention and created sensation among
those interested III fig culture.
Mr.. Carey said fis culture was of great
Importance and predicted great future
for the industry. Referred to his own
costly experience in figs and said fruit
growers could afford no mistake. Ex
hibited samples, and discussed varieties
and said that he fully endorsed MIR.
Stewart, and the fig Mr.. S. named the
Smyrna fig, as the one best adapted for
commerce, but also commended the
White Adriatic.
Mr.. Clark said that he was not taking
issues with Messrs. Carey and Stewart
as to the quality of the fig they called
the Smyrna but which he believed to be
the White Pacific, but thought there
should be no confusion of terms between
the New Adriatic and the White Adri.
attic.
Mr.. Stewart canva sed the whole
question again as to best varieties, but
re. asserted his first statement that the
Smyrna was the BEST
President Sallee had had some expert
ence with it, mostly in great produc-
tions. Thought there was something
in the industry, but as it was
yet in its infancy great caution should
be used. Said that figs prepared here
and sent to home markets had not stood
the test of age, and had in time become
dry ard worthless or infested with in.
sects. Exhibited figs of several varie-
ties, and thought small white fig in
the collection most likely to succeed.
Mr.. Stewart explained that the fail
ure to keep figs in good condition for
some time was largely for want of prop
er care and unnecessary exposure, and
that only certain varieties were infested
with insects
Mr.. Chubb said that already Califor-
MIA had established reputation for figs,
and that in the course of extended trav-
ell he had noticed that "Fresh Califor-
MIA Figs" were the only figs sold on
trains. He thought it subject of in
terest and profit and that careful de-
cison should be arrived at.
Mr.. D. E. Smith, of Santa Ana, said
that fg-drying had not proven success
at Santa Ana ON account of difficulties
in drying, and wanted to know about
fumigating figs preparatory to drying
If it was similar to the process OF fuini-
eating apricots.
Mr.. Stewart explained his process to
be his own invention.
Mr.. Carey wanted to go on record
clearly as to his position on this ques.
tion. Could see great future in ny
culture q defined hand writing on the
wall. Thought the White Adriatic was
o misnomer, as it was yellow fig with
q red center. We cannot afford to make
mistakes as to names and character OF
the fruit
Mr.. Stewart stoutly stood for his ia
vorite, the Smyrna, and this closed the
discussion.
Mr.. f. R. Willis, of Downey, then
read the following paper on walnut Gull
ture: