The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1914-12-05
PROPER METHOD OF
GROWING FIGS.

that has not one or more trees of this
most delicious fruit. In the cities they
are eagerly sought after, and the
market never fully supplied; yet the
commercializing of the fig as one of
our most profitable industries has
made very slow progress.
Figs of almost any variety, except
the Symrna, will bear heavy crops of
fruit in almost any place, if cultivated
and fed properly. No great amount of
labor is necessary. Half as much work
as is bestowed on cotton and many
other crops is more profitable, if a
simple, easy and intelligent method of
culture is given the orchard. To begin,
plant the best trees of the best varie-
ties; never plant trees on new ground;
at least one years cultivation in crop
is necessary. Old ground, moderately
rich is better. The land should be
we'll and deeply broken before planting.
The figs should be set sixteen to
twenty feet apart and much depends
on variety and location. Cultivate at
least two years and not over three
years. Grow some leguminous crops
between the trees, such as COW or field
peas. Plow in the green crop late in
the fall. Two to four barrels of air
Stacked lime should be scattered over
the ground and disced or narrowed in
every three or four years. On the
coast where shells are abundant this
is not necessary. The land should be
we'll drained. The water level must be
at least three or four feet below the
surface. Oyster shell can be worked in
the ground around the trees to decid-
ed advantage. Trees on shell banks
where shells are abundant are always
heavy fruiters. The necessary car
Donate of lime is supplied by the shells.
After the second years cultivation,
plow or disc the ground, not more than
three or four inches deep. Fiji roots
are surface feeders and the roots must
not be disturbed during the growing
seasan. Fall breaking is desirable, re-
ceding from the trees as they grow
larger. Peas or strawberries can be
probably grown between the rows for
several years.
The most universal fig along the gulf
bordering states is the Celeste, hardy,
medium sized, well known fig; a splen-
did home variety, though not desirable
for commercial purposes. Texas lays
great stress on the Magnolia, large
| fig, covering a long bearing season,
and by far the most popular and high
est priced fig for preserving purposes.
1t is generally grown in bush form,
does we'll in Louisiana, and would be a
profitable variety for the lower gulf
bordering states.
The best commercial fig for all
around purposes, best for shipping
canning, drying and preserving, is the
Florentine,-a very hardy, heavy fruit
Ter. The fruit is of a light golden
lemon color, the center yellow OF
amber tint, skin pale green and very
thin. The Florentine is the longest
keeper of all. During the last two
1years figs of this variety in trial pack
ages were shipped by mail three thou
sand miles, four to six days in transit
If packed in strawberry boxes anC
shipped in refrigerator cars there is ne
doubt but that they would keep ten OF
twelve days. The quality and flavor Il
of the best. The Florentine seems tx
combine all the good qualities of othel
varieties, and none of their objection
able ones. 1t is new and highly i'm
proved fig, destined to lead all othel
varieties.
Another fig that claims recognition
and is gaining favor is the Norman
which has many of the good qualities
of the Florentine, both as shippe
and for preserving 1t is a most de
licious breakfast fruit also.
Still another variety that originated
probably on the Louisiana coast, ha
it's strong advocates as a shipping fig
1t is Father Cary's, and is known a
the Jennings Fig" 1t possesses meri
and is desirable.
AS a commercial proposition, it
my belief that figs can be made one Q
the most profitable crops of the Soutl
The area where figs grow is limited
The North and West are hungry 70
them. The rich dainty Celeste is to
perishable for shipping and rattle
small for preserving or picking, an
commands only half the price of large
kinds. Probably its best commerce.
use would be to make fig butter an
fig paste. The larger and select VI
riotioc will aIunvc ho on ovpooeir