Shiner gazette. [volume] (Shiner, Tex.) 1893-current, 1908-04-16
MAGNOLIA FIGS.

the South Texas Truck and
Fruit Growers Association at
Algoa:
In review Of the history Of
an industry there will always be
found one item, whether born of
invention or the result of accid-
ent, that looms far above its
fellows and overshadows them.
The science of fruit growing
(for fruit growing is science),
is no exception to the rule in
all branches of our work will be
found one variety that is pre-
eminent; for instance we have
as a standard whereby all peach
es are judged that Texas Queen,
alberta; in apples, Ben Davis;
in oranges, Satsuma; but high
as their position is among their
fellows it becomes dwarf when
compared to that wonderful gift
to South Texas, the Magnolia fig,
which to other figs would be as
useless as likening the moons
soft uncertain light to the glori-
Gus soft splendor Of the MONDAY
sun; as over all it stands without
a peer, a king among fruits and
the greatest revenue producer
known to the horticultural
world.
For years the origin of this
fruit was clouded in mystery,
and it is of comparatively recent
date that the veteran horticul-
turist, Mr.. Gilbert Onderdonk,
has discovered it's true begin
ming as known in the United
States. AS commercial fruit
it is only a few years of age,
the first orchards planted now
being only twelve years of age.
Fourteen years ago l became
impressed with the future of the
Magnolia fig and have carried on
extensive experiments in my eff
forts to determine how it should
be propagated in nursery, plant
ed in orchard and the best sys-
tenn of cultivation and pruning.
AS a result of this work the
growing of the fig has now be-
come an exact science and l
shall sketch as briefly as possible
the methods pursued.
Nearly every variety of soil
found here on the coast has been
proven well adapted to the
growth of the trees, but it is in
evidence that there is a narrow
strip running southwest to
northeast where they grow to
the greatest perfection. The CEN
ter of this strip is here at Algoa,
and here we are, putting out the
largest commercial fig orchards
known in the. United States.
Preparation of Land.-The
first thing of Importance is the
putting of the land in a high
state of cultivation. Owing to
the fact that we have no freezes
here, it requires long period of
time to get our tough prairie sod
suudued, and at point where
the soil will give up the elements
of plant food that are so essen
tial to tree growth. Land should
be plowed, disced and replowed
several times before trees are
planted. The last blowing should
throw the land up in beds fifteen
feet apart.
Selection of Trees.-The next
item is naturally the securing of
the pure Magnolia fig. There is
a great deal of confusion in the
nomenclature of the fig, and
many trees are offered either
through the ignorance or cupid
ity of the seller that are
100 ue!q4u!IoO eq4 10 edG4 eql Je
not genuine. An eXamlna-
ton of catalogues reveals the
fact that the Magnolia fig is of.
fered under several different
descriptions; therefore the pros
pective grower should purchase
trees that have been grown from
wood taken from bearing orch
ards. Only the first grade Of
strong, well grown, one yeal
trees should be used, and il
planting they should be set 153
Is feet, requiring 1913 trees PEI
acre. The young trees shoult
be cut back to within two feet o.
the ground when planted.
Cultivation.-The grower ha'
simnlv thrown his money away