The record-union., 1897-10-03

the IAdie mowers IN the 'Hfoucnl crop
of the Capri fig is coincident with the
state of receptivity of the female flow
ers of the second crop of the Smyrna
fig. This occurs in Smyrna, and would
occur in California in June or July of
each year
Enough experiments have been made
in California to show that the impor-
tation of the Blastophoga in the fig
detached from the tree will not be
available.
Professor Baehr and Professor Els
en-, both of the. Academy of Sciences,
concur IN the opinion that the only
means by which we can introduce the
wasp into this State is by the direct
Importation of the f1cus capri with
formed figs thereon containing the pupa
Of the wasp. Professor Eisen sent to
the State Board of Trade, not less than
six times, from Mexico, Blastophoga
which he found in that country. These
J wasps were sent to different parts of
the State to persons having the ficus
carica and capri growing, but with no
results. Professor koeble reports that
importations from Mexico viii not
avail, as in his opinion each variety of
fcus has its own species of Blasto-
phoga and it is doubtful if any of the
Mexican species will work in the wild
or capri fig.
George Roeding reports to the board
that during the past six years he has
received from Smyrna at different times
specimens of capri figs containing Bias
tophoga. Many Of the figs arrived in
good condition and when cut open in
sects swarmed in large numbers, but
ali efforts failed to induce them TO enter
either the Smyrna or Capri fig.
1t is the consensus Of opinion among
scientific and practical persons who
have experimental, that the only feas-
ible method of introducing the wasp
into the State is by the importation
| in winter months of the capri fig tree
with the figs upon it,
THE method of effecting the estab-
lishment of the growing trees. with
fruit containing the wasp, may be left
to your judgment. But we beg to sug-
gest that some one of experience and
tact be sent to Smyrna and engage in
the culture of the Capri fig. They could
be grown in pots until fruited and then
ship them to the experimental garden
at Washington, or to one of the exper-
mental stations in California, where
| the outdoor climate is similar to that
/ of the most favorable part of the world.
One plan suggested is to send branches
with attached figs containing the wasp.
| placing the ends in moist earth, and
giving attention to them upon the voy
age. Upon arrival the cuttings could
! be placed in water. By this means
enough moisture would be absorbed by
the branches to induce the develop
ment of the fruit in the spring. 1t will
not do to send the fruit detached. MIR.
Roeding reports that experience has
taught him that insects cannot be
brought out in the pupa state, if the
| figs are sent detached.
Plantations, both of Carica and Ca
prf figs. in California, are ready for this
experiment In 1880 Mr.. Rixford's i'm
portation of Smyrna figs, and later the
importation of Smyrna figs by the late
Governor Stanford, are growing in diff
ferent parts of the State. Capri figs
are also growing, bearing matured fruit
ready for the reception of the wasp,
when it can be imported and received,
at the proper time.
1T is not necessary to enlarge upon
the great Importance of establishing the
culture of the standard commercial fig
known as the Smyrna fig. in this coun-
/ try. We have shown that we pay an
nually to Turkey in Asia and other min
or countries, the sum of $1,20O,N0O for
/ imported figs, all Of which could be
saved to the people of the United
States.
| when once the culture is establish
| ed plantations would increase, with
certainty of great profit.
I'VE submit a request that your de-
partment send, as suggested, some one,
already advised and experienced, to
J Smyrna-or if not expedient for lack
! of funds. then that you interest your
] self so far as to obtain from Congress
an appropriation of money sufficient to
enable you to carry out the object out
lined in this paper. Respectfully yours
! (signed) The California State Board of
Trade, by E. W. Maslin. J. A. Filcher
and B. N Rowley, Committee"
| SECRETARY WILSON'S REPLY.
| The reply of Secretary Wilson, just
! received by Mr.. Filcher, IS as follows:
Washington, D. c., Sept. 25th.
j. A. Ficher California State Board
! of Trade. 16 Post street, San Francis
I co-My Dear Sir: I have your letter of
I September 14th, regarding fig culture.
and fig importation into the United
States. will consult with Dr. Howard
] Chief of the chronological Division. If
what you propose is an absolute neces-
sity in the estimation of our scientists
we viii stop at no expense to help you
/ in this matter DR.. Howard is absent
/ just now on his vacation. As soon as
+ he returns / win send for him and have
a safe understanding with him. If he
4 does not agree with you, 1 Will put him
/ in communication with you. so that
+ you can remove any doubts that may
/ be in his mind Very truly yours.
JAMES WILSON, Secretary"
Sued for Divorce.