3*. apciTi.ramLiPMiT COraCLL^NlWEiilTT CORNELL UMVERSITY LIBRARY 924 081 040 92 ¥2 ^^ Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924081040192 Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to replace the irreparably deteriorated original . It was scanned using Xerox software and equipment at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. The digital data were used to create Cornell's replacement volume on paper that meets the ANSI Standard Z39. 48-1992. The production of this volume was supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 19 95. Scanned as part of the A. R. Mann Library project to preserve and enhance access to the Core Historical Literature of the Agricultural Sciences. Titles included in this collection are listed in the volumes published by the Cornell University Press in the series THE LITERATURE OF THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, 1991-1996, Wallace C. Olsen, series editor. New York State College of Agriculture At Cornell University Ithaca, N. Y. Library PPJCE 25 CEN" '^ o o < O < < u UJ 5 CO 1- < < z < < X The SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD Copyrighted^ t903, by George C. Roeding.— All rights reserved. A TREATISE ON Practical Smyrna Fig Culture, together with an Account of the Introduction of the Wild or Capri Fig, and the Estab- lishment of the Fig Wasp (Blastophaga grossorum) in America. ^ ^ ^ ^ BY GEORGE C. ROEDING. ^ FRESNO, GAL., U. S. A. PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR FOR GENERAL CIRCULATION 1903 istrict. licdm'ed frnin an iiriijinal jiiiotiitiiaph. methods followed in general in Asia Minor and Europe. Having represented to my friends that I regarded the necessity of an insect to produce figs a foolish custom, followed only in my opinion because their forefathers had done the same thing before them, they were extremely anxious to convince me that my views were incorrect, and took particular pains to give all the information they could. So ridiculous were their statements, I would, had I not had a previous knowledge of the subject, been more mystified than ever by what they told me. The overwintering crop, known by us as mamme, is said to appear in February, and is called boghadhes. This is followed by the June or male crop, called ashmadhes. When this drops off. no further insects are to be seen, but in the following year, the flowers in the young figs appearing in February, are said to breed a new generation of insects. The number of young figs appearing at that time indicates whether the male crop will be heavy or not. All this is, of course, incorrect, hut it indicates how little knowledge these people have of the entire subject. Let us now go into the whole subject more minutely, and get in close touch with the industry where it is native and where the world's supply of Smyrna Figs was produced until California horticulturists entered the lists and added a new industi-y to our rural economy and development. 1. A typical Smyrna Fig llrchard, Herl)eyli District. 12. A Capri Fig tree in the garden of Mr. SS. U. ilagnissalis in the snl.urhs of Aiden. o. Six-year-old Smyrna Fig orchard, showing method of training trees m the Maeander Valley. Reduced trom original photographs. THE SMYRNA FI(4 AT HOME AND ABROAD 19 CHAPTER III. SMYRNA FIG CULTURE IN ASIA MINOR. VISITING A SMYRNA FIG ORCHARD. My first insight into the methods o£ caprilrying the Smyrna Fig was at Karabounar, in an orchard, the property of my host Mr. S. G. Magnissalis, located in the famous Herbeyli district. The visit could not have been made at a more opportune time, for on my arrival there, June 16, 1901, the Smyrna Figs were being caprified for the second time. Singular as it may seem, the Capri figs in tlie immediate vicinity of the orchards are never used, the natives insisting that better results are obtained when talven from other districts. This is another of their traditional theories, and cannot be of any importance, for there are so many Capri figs growing in close proximity to nearly all the orchards, that the Smyrna trees in many instances, (even if not caprified at all), would still produce good crops. The Capri figs are always picked in the morning before sunrise, for then the figs are cool, and none of the insects have commenced to issue. Before distribution, however, they are first strung on rushes (Scirpus holoschoenus), two at each end; these are found growing on the lowlands of the valleys in great profusion, the workman with a bunch of rushes and a basket of figs going through the orchard and stringing the figs, distributing as he proceeds. How often it was necessary to distribute the Capri figs and the number required to a tree were two of the important points which I wished to clear up. The number of times the Smyrna figs must be caprified depends entirely on the develop- ment of the young figs — a matter requiring some judgment. At the time of my visit, as already stated, the trees were being caprified for the second time, and as there were a number of young figs not developed enough to be in the receptive stage, I was informed another distribution of the figs would have to be made inside of six days. When the workman comes to a tree, he draws one of the rushes from the bundle, dexterously forces the stem end of the rush through a couple of fi,gs, drawing them down to the blossom end. which has a small knob; he then strings two more at the same end, retaining the last fig in place by a sort of half hitch in the fig. This and other strings fixed in a similar manner are now thrown up into the tree at different points. From six to fifteen of these strings are hung in the younger trees, while in the gnarled old giants as high as twenty-five strings are suspended, depending, of course, on the quantity of the young figs on the trees. While in the orchard, I examined a number of Smyrna Figs. When they presented a glossy green appearance on the outside and the flowers were of a creamy white color, invariably from two to three insects were found crawling around in each fig broken open. After the figs had developed beyond this stage, and even of a dull green color, the insects were found to be dead, indicating that the flowers had been fertilized and the figs had passed the receptive stage. The figs are distributed as far as possible in the morning before the insects have commenced to issue freely, althou.gh in many places the work iiroceeds all day, regardless of the fact that many of the wasps are lost, through the carelessness of the workmen in this respect. 20 THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD MALE OR CAPRI FIGS. In my trips through the fig districts, a great many varieties of Capri figs were found, none of which, liowever, were named. There seemed to he more or less varia- tion in all the trees seen except in some instances where the grower liad planted trees and selected the cuttings from a variety, which seemed to be valuable. The Capri tigs are called "Ilek" in the Turldsh language, which means male and as a rule are found growing in the gardens in the villages and towns, close to the high walls built to keep out intruders and thieves. No care is given them, and they as- sume any shape nature provides for them. It is no uncommon sight to see a steep river or creek bank covered with a dense growth of these trees. Isolated trees are found growing in the foothills and as border trees in the vegetable gardens close to the towns. Occasionally a small orchard is to be seen, in which case the trees were planted a number of years ago. when there was a scarcity of the Male fig. In recent years these trees have been grafted over to Smyrna Figs, but the work has been so badly done, due to the failure of the workmen to cut out tlie old wood, that all the trees are a mixed growth of Capri and Smyrna fig wood. The Black or Purple Capri Figs are never used for caprifying purposes, as they are said to be wild and are not male figs. Examination of a number of these dis- closed the fact that they contained just as many insects as the others, but never- theless they are never used. None of the Capri Fig trees attain a very large size, a condition brought about by the lack of care bestowed on them, and through the fact of their being planted in places where they cannot develop properly. The Male or Profichi crop is the most distinct and the figs vary in color from a dark brown, purple, to green and yellow shades when maturing. The general impression has been that different trees are necessary to develoi) the several crops. There is some foundation for this theory in the Mammoni and the Mamme, but without exception, all of the trees produce the Profichi crop. Hun- dreds of trees were examined and in not a single instance could a tree be found which was not loaded with the latter. On my second visit to Smyrna in August a number of the Capri trees examined in June, were again carefully looked over, and on some of them, Mammoni Figs, were found, (but only in very limited numbers as this is always a light crop) just commenc- ing to mature, A few of the Mamme were large enough to receive the insects, but most of them were quite small and were just forming in the old wood in the axels of the leaves. Quite a number of trees showed neither Mammoni or Mamme Figs, at that time, and it is quite possible that all of the trees do not develop these crops. The ignorance of the people themselves, whether owners of fig orchards or not, as to the evolution of the insect, prevented my securing any information as to the development of the last two crops. My conclusions therefore in the matter are views based on what I saw. The size of the Mammoni Figs and the rather slow development of the Mamme crop would indicate that none of the trees produced more than three crops during the season. CAPRI FIGS AS MERCHANDISE. Selling bugs is something new in the line of horticulture, but it has been carried on for hundreds of years in the Asia Minor fig districts, Capri Figs being an article of merchandise just as much as the Smyrna Pig itself. The price of Capri Figs like everything else, is regulated by the law of supply and demand That the Capri Fig IS considered an actual necessity is well illustrated by the prices prevailing in 1898. In that season the Boghadhes crop, corresponding to the Mamme crop was practically ruined by frost, and the growers not having a supply of the Male fi<^s were compelled to secure their supply from the small island of Chios about thir'tv THE SMYRNA FI(4 AT HOME AND ABROAD 21 miles off the coast of Smyrna, where a great many Capri Fig trees are growing. The figs during that season sold for 50 piestas an OUe. An Oke is 2.83 pounds and a piesta is about 4^^ cents. In the season of 1901, the crop of Capri Figs was large and one piesta an Oke was the average price paid. Money is never too plentiful with these people, but so deep rooted is the fact that the Blastophaga must be pres- ent to develop their figs, they go to almost any extreme in price to secure what they want. In this connection it is a novel and interesting sight to watch the Turkish peasant women, their figures enveloped in a loose cotton garment, and their faces concealed from too observant eyes, come slowly walking up the narrow streets of Aidin in the early morning hours, with baskets containing from thirty to forty pounds of figs perched on their heads, and carrying in their hands bunches of the rushes neatly tied up for stringing the figs; the small donkey, the beast of burden for animate as well as inaminate freight, also contributes his share of the male figs. In this case they are carried in large burlap grain sacks, one on each side of the pack saddle; all, bound for the fig bazaar, a street designated by this name, deriving its title from the fact that is has been used for years as a market for selling Male figs. The fruit comes from the small gardens in the town or is gathered In the im- mediate suburbs. The women, with their baskets in front of them, squat down tailor fashion in the narrow streets, and silently and calmly await a purchaser of their wares. Being anything but handsome, great care is taken to conceal their faces from the eyes of the men, particularly of foreigners. Working in the fields and the hard life they lead makes all the women among the agricultural classes prematurely old. It is no uncommon sight during the height of the Male Fig season, to see from seventy- five to one hundred of these women congregated in the bazaar. The buyers of the figs begin to arrive about 7 a.m. They take a fig from a basket, break it open, if the female insects are found to be crawling around freely, and the fig is well supplied with pollen, a sale is quickly consummated. The larg- est figs always command the best prices. The grower having secured his supply of figs, loads them in bags on his donkey, and goes to his orchard, which may be a number of miles distant. Some remarks made to me by an old Turk, who had been in the business for years, on the value of the various insects in the figs, were indeed amusing. Break- ing open one of them, and pointing to the male wasp, I learned through my inter- preter that it was a very bad worm, the female wasp was pronounced to be a good insect, but the parasites, Philotrypesis, which were present in large quantities, were said to be the most valuable of all! Verily, a little learning Is a dangerous thing. FIG GARDENS. This is the term applied to all orchards, whether of figs or other fruit trees. None of these gardens contain as a general rule, more than five hundred to one thousand trees, and where planted no other variety of tree or crop is grown among them. None of the orchards present a very attractive appearance. Trees are con- stantly dying out from want of care and from general debility, many of which are replaced with others planted in the very same spot. Trees of all ages from one year to fifty are growing in all the old gardens, giving them an uneven and spotted appearance. This unsightllness of the orchards is further enhanced by the mass of dead wood appearing above the green growth in the tops of the trees, caused by the terrible freeze of 1898. It was only in the season of 1901 that the trees fully re- covered from this terrible ordeal. No regularity was observed in planting the older orchards and most of them are very much out of line, the distance between the trees varying from thirty to fifty feet. 1. blinking ft Smyrna Fig tree to cause siieh figs as have not fallen of their own accord to drop, as seen near Herbeyli. 2. Knocking off Smyrna Figs, which have not fallen when at the proper stage of maturity, with Arundo Donax poles. ;is seen near Herbeyli. lieihic'd fnni) an tirujiiial photograph. THT SlMYKNA FKi AT HOME AND ABROAD _':! The bodies of the trees are made up of a number of stems of which all are more or less twisted together, and in many cases they are badly Kimbiirned and rotted. Fortunately for the longevity of the tree, of the innumerable stems (although many of them are dead,) there are always enough to retain vi.gor in the trees until about fifty years old. The heart of the old trees are often badly I'otted and the orchards throughout show neglect and lack of knowledge in cultural directions on the part of their owners. The current year's wood was found to be infested with a large Ijrown scale, and the folia.ge with a small white scale, hut neither of the pests are of a very serious nature, most of them perishing in the summer. The gardens are sur rounded by walls, five to six feet high, made of dirt and covered on top with brush and thorny branches to keep out marauders during the harvest season. The en- trances are all quite ornamental, heavy adobe or stone pillars, liutting up against the dirt walls. To these are hung heavy wooden doors, on forged hinges. CLIMATE. The climatic conditions of the Maeander Valley are much the same as in Smyrna, except that it is slightly warmer in summer and very often very much colder in winter. The summer temperature varies from 9.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and in some ctiaes the themometer registers as high as 10.5 degrees in the shade. The rainy season starts in October and ends in the latter part of May. The agents of the Otto- man Railroad Company have kept statistics for a number of years as to the rain fall. The agent at Denizli permitted me to examine his report, and I found that the average for a period of ten years was about twenty inches annually, and in the year 1901. twenty-five inches had fallen. Irrigating the orchards is never practiced, and in fact is not necessary, except in starting young trees, when the water is car- ried to the trees in goat skins. Extreme cold weather occurs in some seasons, and the severity is evident from the marner in which the fig trees have been injured, as well as oranges growing in protected places in Aidin. being full of dead wood. As compared with the interior climate of California, particular reference being made to the Sacramento ard the San Joaquin Valleys, it is very much warmer on an average in these valleys than in Smyrna, ard it is only on very rare occasions it ever becomes equally as cold. NEW ORCHARDS, PLANTING. CULTIVATION. ETC. Before planting a new orchard, the ground is thoroughly tilled, but not very deep, the crude plows built entirely of wood with a V shaped iron nose, not permitting it. Two round pieces of wood extend a sort distance back from the iron point and ou both sides of the wooden standard, causing the plow to throw dirt both ways. Greater care is exercised than in former years to have the trees set in regular rows and in lines. The trees are set from 30 to 35 feet apart, and on the square system. Cuttings are used exclusively for starting new orchards, as well as for replant- ing old ones, where the trees have died out. These are cut about twelve inches long from good mature wood, the butt end having some two year wood. The cuttings are taken in January, heeled in, in moist warm ground, and as soon as they com- mence to callous, are planted in orchard form. Two cuttings are planted in each hole a few inches apart, in a vertical position, the idea being that in case one does not grow, the other will. If both of the cuttings start, they are allowed to remain. Care is taken to tamp the earth firmly around the base of the cuttings, and to water them to make sure of settling the earth well around them. Three short sticks are placed above the cuttings to show where they are planted, and care is taken in plowing the orchard not to disturb them in any way. The first season the trees are watered only when necessary. The following year, a stake is driven down ■J4 THE SMYRNA FIG AT HO^[E AND ABROAD close to the young tree, and it is trained to Ijranch from four to five feet from tlie P,ronnd. All the suckers are tied to this stake, and a tree where Ijoth cuttings have started, at three years old will liave as many as five to seven separate stems at its hase. ^**«!-- ,>*;»**-* »»<^J*,'if-^,4K ' »*"• ':#^^&een creating more or less havoc in Egypt for several months, was reported to have made its appearance in Constantinople, and that port had therefore been quarantined. The Tourist Company would sell tickets to Constantinople, but no further; none of the steamship lines being permitted to lake passengers from the infected port, or if they did, the passenger had the pros- pect of spending a couple of weeks in a Turkish lazarette on his arrival in Smyrna, by no means a pleasant outlook. Steamer connections from Italy could not be made without a gxeat loss of time, so wiring to my former interpreter at Smyrna of my predicament, he wired back that there was a way out of the difficulty, and told me to start for Constantinople at once. My trip from Berlin was made over the same line I had previously traveled by, but the experience gained in my travels prevented a repetition of the difficulties encountered on my first trip. On arriving at Constantinople, Mr. Agadjanian was there to receive me. Having taken the precaution to have my passport vised at the Turkish Consulate in Berlin before starting on my second trip, the vexatious annoyances of my first trip were avoided. During my brief stay of two days in Constantinople, my time was taken up in visiting the suburbs around the city, the leading mosques, including the largest and most historical one, Santa Sofia. It was finished something over thir- teen hundred years ago. and dedicated to Christ. In the year 1453, when the Turks captured Constantinople, it fell into their hands, and from that time It has been 2S THE SMYKNA FI(4 AT HOME AND ABROAD ]. Flat car loaded with (joat Hair sacks filled with Smyrna Figs. Guards in charge waiting for train to start. From photograph taken at Aiden. 2. A Fig Train. From photograph taken at Karabounar. dedicated to the Moslem faith. It still retains much of its splendor and magnifi- cence, but its walls in many places have been defaced by the removal of the mosaics. The country in the immediate vicinity of Constantinople is rough and rugged, vineyards and gardens are neglected, and rapidly going into a state of decay. The trip up the Bosphorus from Constantinople to the Black Sea is one not soon to be forgotten. The shores on both sides are lined with pretty villages, and the hills in the background are clothed with trees and green vegetation. Here are to he seen the picturesque summer residences of the wealthier Turks and foreigners, and the summer palace of the present ruler and those of deceased Sultans. The dirt and the squalor of Constantinople are here forgotten, and the traveler is im- pressed with the beauty and air of cleanliness of the surroundings. nnnDDDnnnaaDnannnnnnannnnn nnLnnnnaannnDQnnnnnnnnnnna THE SMYRNA PIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 29 CHAPTER IV. THE TRIP TO SMYRNA BY LAND. To escape the quarantine regulations, the trip to Smyrna was made overland. Starting from Constantinople on the 26th o£ August, the Bosphorus was crossed on a small ferry boat, landing us at Scutari. Here a train was boarded, and for several hours we traveled close to the shore, getting a beautiful view of the sea of Mar- mora, and in the distance the snow-covered peaks of the Olympus Mountains. .Just after leaving the coast, the train came to a halt, and we learned we were at the quarantine station. All the passengers were required to alight. The first and second-class passengers were marched into a building", their coats and vests were removed, and after being fumigated in a large cylinder, were returned. The lower classes were not accorded the same consideration. The women were marched into one building, the men into another. They were compelled to divest themselves of their clothes. The women in particular were loud in their objections, but it availed them nothing for they had to submit. After the better class of passengers had paid a fee of a quarter of a midjidi, about 25 cents, they received a certificate of good health. The fact of the matter is the quarantine regulations of the Turkish Empire are nothing more or less than a farce, and are maintained for the purpose of supplying the officials of the government with ready cash. A few hours after leaving the quarantine station, the railroad strikes into the mountainous districts, and passes through a succession of valleys and narrow passes, all of which are heavily wooded. The former are very fertile and devoted to fruit and vineyard culture, but more extensively to the growing of the White Mulberries, to supply food for the silk worms, the production of silk being the great industry in this district. The trees are planted very close, about 8x8 feet apart, and headed three feet from the ground. In the distance they present the appearance of vineyards. Late in the evening our train reached Bshki-shehr, where we remained over night. For fear of being wrecked by the superstitious and fanatical natives, trains never travel at night in Asia Minor. This town is of considerable importance, and is located on an immense plateau, devoted largely to the raising of wheat and bar- ley, and also noted for its marble and meerschaum mines. The night at the hotel was a constant torture. It was infested with bed bugs, and the persistence with which all the vulnerable parts of one's anatomy were attacked put all thoughts of sleep out of the question. Early the following morning we boarded our train, and at noon arrived at Afium Kara Hissar, located in the center of a great district devoted to the growing of cereals, opium, and enjoying also an immense trade in wool, hides and beeswax. The altitude of the town is 3500 feet above sea level. Close to the town, and rising 800 feet out of the plain, the remnants of the old fortress of Acroenus, built in the Byzantine period, is to be seen. The place is largely populated by Armenians, many of whom are wealthy, and who occupy the best and cleanest portion of the town. No trees relieve the monotony of the low adobe buildings and dirty and crooked streets, giving to the place a dismal and uninviting appearance. ;!(i THE SxAIYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD The climate of this district is unlike that of Smyrna, being very cool in summer aiul cold in winter, snow storms being a common occurrence. After partaking of a lurch with some wealthy Armenians, friends of my interpreter, we again boarded our train, bound for Uschak. another town presenting the same general outline as all the others located on this plateau, which ranges in elevation from 3500 to 4000 feet above sea level. I'schak is noted for the fine quality of its barley, most of which is exported to England, from which the famous English ale is made; also for its "Khali" Turkish carpets, their manufacture being the chief industry of the in- lialiitants. The looms used in their manufacture, of which there are said to be 2000. are all situated in their homes, entire families devoting their time to the manu- facture of these carpets. The annual output, it is said, has a value close to a mil- lion dollars. The "Quercus Aegilops," Valonia Oak. occupies great stretches of the plain in the vicinity of Uschak. The cups, which run from an inch to two inches across, are .gathered in the fall of the year, the acorns are removed, and the cups are then shipped by rail to Smyrna. Here they are sorted into sizes, and eventually find their way to Germany, Er gland and Russia. They are prized for their ta.nnin. The famous Morocco and other high-grade leathers are manufactured by their use. They contain from 40 to 45 per cent, of tannin. The exports from Asia Minor of these oak cups, which are grown in many other districts, amount to from 15,000 to 20.000 tons annually. Leaving Uschak in the morning of August 29. the railway runs through the mountainous districts until it reaches Ala-Shehr. the "Spotted City," which stands on a terrace beneath the range of Mt. Tornolus. The .growing of licorice is an im- ])ortant industry, particularly in the swampy sections. From here to Smyrna the line passes through a level valley, every acre of which is devoted to the culture of Sultana raisins and cereals. Shortly before entering Smyrna, the train passes through Burnabat. a charming summer resort of the wealthy Smyrnoites. Some of the villas, with their well laid out and nicely kept gardens, are very picturesque. On arriving at our destination, we were in no manner detained, a few baksesh to the guard and our baggage was passed without examination. - Deeming it advisable to keep my business while in Smyrna as far as possible from persons of too inquisitive turn of mind, I avoided the hotels, and took up my residence in a private lodging house. I again assumed the name of James George, thinking it wise from my former experience not to take any chances in having my identity known. The day following my arrival, I started with my interpreter for Aidin. Mr Magnissalis. who had entertained me before, was traveling in Europe, so lodgings were secured in a private family. The railroad runs through the very heart of the fig district, and as our train sped alorg through mile after mile of the fig orchards. 1 had a splendid opportunity to observe the general condition of them as well as of the trees, and was particularly impressed w-ith the fact that all the trees were of one type. My conclusions in this i-espect were still further verified when I examined the trees more closely later on. The harvesting of the Smyrna Figs was .going in full sway, and the methods of doing the work was closely observed and every phase of the process minutely scruti- nized and noted. nannnnnnnnnDnaDnDaannnannD \W^ i..«^]lV^ L..^ll^^ LSHIIB^ ^'^1 D ' DC _ ^ nnnnnnannnnnnDDnnnnDnnnnnn DC^c^i^c:^^^e^^-,^^.^^_^° THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD .'51 CHAPTER V. HARVESTING AND DRYING THE SMYRNA FIG ABROAD. Before treating on this subject, it will not be amiss to verify my statements made in an earlier chapter, that there is only one variety of Smyrna Fig, which has any commercial value, namely the I.op Injir, it being the only one which is dried and exported, and which has done more than any other one product to make the name of Smyrna famous the world over. In my first trip to Smyrna, my only guide as to the variety of fig planted there for commercial purposes was the habit of the trees and the character of the foliage. My conclusions at that time, as to there being only one variety of Smyrna Fig, were more fully confirmed on my second trip, when the ripe figs were examined in many orchards. The Lop Injir was found to be the only fig dried and exported: it therefore is the only one having any real commercial value. As has been previously stated, the orchards are well cultivated, but before drying commences, the ground under the trees is cleaned of weeds, so the figs when they drop can easily be seen and gathered. In the district from Ayassonlook to Aidin. the harvesting in the season of 1901 commenced August 5. while further up the valley the season is fully five days later. In the early part of the harvesting season of 1901, westerly winds, which always carry a great deal of moisture, prevailed, and in conseqiience of this, many of the figs soured, and the complaint was general by the packers that the quality was inferior to that of the first figs. A few days before my visit to the orchard district, the winds changed, and blew from the north, the growers in consequence were elated, for the promise for a better quality of figs meant correspondingly better returns. In my inspection of the orchards, a number of sour and split figs were found, some of them having a black fungus growth inside, called by the growers "Bassarah." a Turkish word. The best figs are harvested in September, the figs being larger and the climatic conditions in all year? being more favorable for the maturing of a higher grade of fruit in that month. Fi'^s are gathered according to the rapidity with which the crop matures, early In the morning or late in the afternoon. When the harvesting season is at its full hei.ght the figs are gathered daily, but this is a matter in which the man in charge uses his judgment, and is dependent on the weather and the rapidity with which the figs ripen. The laborers, either men or women, gather the figs in baskets, holding fully forty pounds, which are never filled but half full. The figs drop to the ground Qf their own accord, but if a number of figs are seen in the trees which have reached the proper stage of maturity, the trees are shaken vigorously, and those still remaining are knocked off with Arundo Donax canes (false l)amboo). A fig is mature when it has lost its handsome form, and hangs limp and shriveled in the tree. So tenaciously does it cling to the branch before reaching this stage it cannot be picked except by tearing the skin and breaking it from the hard stem end adhering to the branch. Nature it seems, has made ample provision to have the figs remain in the trees until they have reached the proper degree of ripeness. A fig gathered before it is mature makes an absolutely worthless dried fruit, being without flavor and substance, and so inferior is the quality it is diflicult to believe it came from the same tree. During the harvesting season, the women recei-se four piestas and the men eight piestas p^er day, working twelve hours, and boarding themselves, A piesta is a little over four cents. :ii^ THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD All figs are harvested by the last of September. Should heavy rains occur before this time, the figs remaining on the trees are unfit for packing, and if gathered are used for distilling purposes. From a commercial standpoint, only one crop of Smyrna Figs is borne annually. The fruit appears like small buttons on the young wood in the latter part of May. is fertilised in .lune. and matures from August to October. The drying ground is usually an open space in the orchard wliere a few trees have died out, and have not been replanted. The method of drying Is very simple. A layer of rushes, the sarae as is used for hanging the Capri figs in the Smyrna Vig trees, is laid on the .ground, two inches thick, in rows three feet wide, and from sixty to seventy-five feet long, and with a narrow walk between each row, to permit tlie workmen to handle the fruit. The contents of the baskets are dumped out on till' rushes, and no attention is paid as to whether the figs touch each other or not, or how they lie. They are spread out on the rushes by hand, the only precaution exer- cised to have them all in one single layer. ICacii hg is not turned individually, but they are shuffled around every day with the hands. After the smaller figs, which naturally dry the quickest, have been gathered up. !he larger ones are placed by themselves, and turned by hand. The time of drying varies from two to four days, the rapidity of desiccation depending on the weather. The pioper degree of dryness is determined by feeling and kneading the figs between the lingers. If they have a leathery feeling to the touch, it is a sure sign toey are sufficiently dried. It is in determining whether the figs have been sufficiently dried, that the experience of the foreman in charge of the orchards comes into play. All the figs which are suflSciently dry are gathered each afternoon just before sunset. Tule mats are used for covering the figs at night the day before taking them into the shed, should there be much moisture in the atmosphere. The storing shed is usually a tumble down adobe structure, in many cases a small room partitioned from the dwelling in which the foreman and his family live. When the pile of figs is large enough, they are sorted over into three grades, no care being taken to separate the split and sour figs from the others. The grades are made according to size. The lack of cleanliness and the crude and careless manner in which the figs are handled, show how little re.gard these people have for those who are to consume the fruit. They are never processed in any way from the time they drop from the trees until they finally are paclied in the wooden boxes for export. However, there is no mistaking the fact of their fine quality. When piled in the sheds, the skin is white, soft and pliable, and has a silky feeling when handled The pulp is a mass of honey and seeds, giving to the fig a luscious sweetness not found in any other dried fruit. TRANSPORTING TO MARKET. When enough figs have been gathered by a grower thev are packed in lar-e goat-hair sacks, holding about 250 pounds each. A piece of paper is placed in the top of the sacks ard the flaps are drawn up and over this with heavy twine Camel trains visit the various orchards in a certain district, and two of the goat-hair sacks are loaded on each animal. The train, as soon as tlie camels are loaded up starts for the nearest railroad station, where the bags are unloaded in a large freight shed and later to the small box and flat cars standing on the siding The Ottoman Railroad Company makes special provision for the transportation of the figs, and daily trains leave the stations in the fig district every afternoon arriving at Smyrna during the night, all stopping at the outskirts, close to the old Caravan Bridge. Each owner has a letter or brand sown into his sacks for the Piirpose of Identifying his figs, and also to recover his sacks, should they be lost These goat-hair sacks are rather expensive, and are used exclusively for shipping the 1 Fie Bazartr Smyrna 2 Smyrna Fiss dumped in Packing House; sorting and maccaromng by the' women, preparatory to packing. 3. Women sorting; baskets used for taking tigs to tlie packers. in the foreground. 4. Capri Fig Bazaar in Aidin, Capri Figs being sold as merchandise m June, jQQ]^ J^educed from original photographs. :]4 THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD fig crop. They are nut only very strong, lasting many years, but the lint does not come off from them, as in ordinary saclvs. Either the owner himself oi' a trusted employee travels with the figs, until they are delivered, and the returns are received from the packing house. The maximum weight carried by the cars is seven tons, and the fig trains are a mixture of ilat and box cars. Their general appearance reminds one of the cars used in the United States when railroading was in its infancy. In each car there are from five to ten guards, lounging on the sacl, Proficlii crop. What appear to he seeds are galls eon taining insects. Front an orujinal photograph . In the year 1897, through the efforts of the State Board of Trade of San Francisco, the importance of introducing the fig wasp and establishing it here, was forcibly pre- sented in a letter to Hon. James AVilson, Secretary of Agriculture. This was referred to Dr. L. O. Howard, chief of the Division of Entomology, who communicated with Mr. Walter T. Swingle of the Division of Botany and Pathology, who, at that time, was in the South of Europe, studying at the International Zoological Station at Na- ples. Mr. Swingle had become interested in the subject of caprification, and had made a number of investigations on his own account, so that he was well prepared to carry out instructions given him by Dr. Howard. In April, 1898, several consignments of the Mamme or winter crop of figs, with insects, were received from Mr. Swingle, the first of which were in good condition; those which followed were mouldy and rotten. A Capri Fig tree had been previously covered with sheeting so that immediately upon receiving the figs, they were cut open, placed in jars and suspended by strings on the branches of this tree. However, none of the insects became established. In the year 1899 another attempt was made by Mr. Swingle, each fig being wrapped in tin foil and packed in cotton in a wooden case. A series of consignments were for- warded by him to Dr. Howard at Washington, and the same were remailed from there, arriving at Fresno between the 6th and 15th of April. The figs arrived in ex- cellent condition, due to Mr. Swingle's painstaking method of packing. They were quite firm, plump and green, and looked as if they had just been picked. On cutting them open it was found that they contained many' live and fully developed insects. So many experiments had been made in former years to establish the insects in a similar manner, without success, that the writer foresaw no better prospects in this irstance. and the following is an extract from a letter written to Dr. Howard at about that time: THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 45 "I will cut the figs open and place them under the Capri trees, which I have cov- ered, but anticipate no results, nor do I think a success will be made of this matter until fig trees with fruit on them are sent out here during the winter months. If this is done, the insects will have a chance to develop in a natural way, and, being full of vitality, will enter our Wild Figs, just as they do in their nativity, passing from one crop of Capri figs to the following one." While one of my employes was engaged in artificial fertilization, in the latter part of June, 1899, he informed me he had found seeds in some of the Capri figs, and to him it was a singular fact, as he had performed this same work of artificial caprifica- Sorting and stringing the Proflohi Figs preparatory to their distribution upon the Smyrna trees From an original photograph tion before, and had never found any seeds. On making an examination of one of the figs which had been left for the writer's inspection, what were apparently seeds were found to be in reality galls, and the writer's elation after so many years of work and experimenting can be well understood. A careful inspection of the tented tree revealed that there were fully forty figs which were still green, but badly shriveled, and on opening a few it was found that the female wasps had already made their exit, and those that remained were the wingless males. The figs under the covered tree had reached maturity much earlier than they would have done ordinarily, because of the higher temperature maintained by the tree being enclosed. Fortunately, for the success of the experiment, the tree adjoining was also a Capri fig tree, and some of the insects having escaped through an opening in the cover, caprifled about twenty- five figs on this tree. These figs were picked and taken to the other Capri trees in the orchard, which at that time had a few figs, most of which were so small, however, that it seemed impossible for the insects to enter, none of them being larger than two peas. A few figs were also taken to the foothill ranch, but no fruits were to be found on the Capri trees growing there. 4(i THE SMYKXA FIG AT HUME AND ABKOAD During this time tlie writer was in active communication with Dr. Howard, and an effort was made to secure the assistance of an entomologist, but all who were communicated with were absent from their respective homes. All that could be done now was to patiently await developments. One fact was established, and that was, that it was not necessary to import trees to secure the insect, and that at least was a source of gratification. The Capri trees in the orchard were carefully watched, and on July 19. 1899, for the first time, a marked change in the development of some of the young figs was Distributinf,' Proticlii Figs upon the branches of Ihe Smyrna Fig trees Froin an original photograph noticed: they being of a dark green color, plump and hard, an indication that they contained something; the metamorphosis in the appearance of the fruit being the same as in the Smyrna Fig when artificially p611inated. On August 12. the first Capri Fig matured on one of these trees, and on examina- tion it was found to contain pulp, a few galls containing female insects, as well as fertile seeds. This was a great disappointment, and the writer in his letter to Dr. Howard said that he was convinced that if all the figs then developing in the trees should, on ripening, be like the first one, a new and difficult problem had arisen, and it was feared the insect woidd be lost, as it would be smothered in the pulp of the fig before it could make its escape. Between the 20th and 26th of August, ten Capri Figs came to maturity, resembling very closely the June crop, except that the staminate flowers were absent, and the figs were much smaller. About the same time a new crop of figs made its appearance, and the insect entered them. When this crop began to mature, from the 15th of October to the 10th of November, nothing but pulpy figs were to be found. On the last date named and during a visit of Mr. Walter T. Swingle for the purpose of observing the workmgs of the insect, thousands of them were found to be emerging from the figs, these again being without pulp. THE SMYRNA P^IG AT HOME AND ABROAD 47 This was a new phase in the matter, for all writers on this subject had described only three generations of the insect, but in the salubrious climate of California a fourth generation had developed. Courtesy of V. S. Departvient of Agriculture. Branch of Roedings Capri No. 1. showing two winter or Mamme figs (the two nearest the lower side of plate), from which the hibernated Blastophaga are about to issue, and the bunch of spring or Proflchi Figs (near the tip of the branch) which are in the receptive stage, — that is, ready to re- ceive the Blastophagas issuing from the winter figs. Jteduced from an original photograph. Not knowing how low a temperature the Mamme or fall crop of figs would stand, it was deemed advisable to protect those remaining on the trees during the winter months, and over three of the trees, those in which this crop was the most abundant, a cloth house was Built, 28 feet wide, 75 feet long and 16 feet high. This covering served its purpose admirably, and on March 5, 1900, when Mr. E. A. Schwarz, the special agent from the Division of Entomology at Washington, arrived, he found fully 400 or more of the Mamme crop, in fine condition, all of which, from their gen- eral appearance, indicated that they contained the insect in the hibernating state. Quite a few figs on the Capri Fig trees, which were not covered, were also found to l^e in fine shape, although the temperature during the winter on several occasions had been as low as 29 deg. Fahrenheit. At the lower left hand side is represented a twig of ;i Smyrna tree bearineyoung figs showing the strik- ing difference between those on ihb left hand side, which are caprificated. and those on the right hand side, which are not. Photographed July 2, 1900, almost natural size. The large specimens on the right side of the plate, are nearly ripe caprificated Smyrna Figs, reduced. Photographed August 'zO, 1900. The small twig with figs in the upper left hand corner, represents the earlier and later Mamme crop of Roeding's Capri No. 1. The large fig at the tip being nearly ripe and about ready to give forth the winged female, natural size. Photographed August 20, 1900. Courtesy of Xf. S. Departmejit of Aaricxdture . THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD CHAPTER IX. AREAS, SOILS AND CLIMATES. Figs are often classed as products of the tropics or warmer regions, when, as a matter of fact, the whole family of Ficus cover a wide distribution over the earths surface, many species withstanding considerable cold. Specifically, the edible figs, (.Ficus carical, are native of the thermal belts of Asia Minor, from which they have spread to the warmer localities of the Mediterranean region, the South of France, the Islands of the Pacific, Australia, the South American States, Old Mexico, the Gulf States, and throughout California. This statement is literally true, as applied to the tree; some modification must be made, however, in the yielding of profitable crops, as a situation subject to cool summers and foggy weather is quite apt to retard the development and ripening of the fruit, and at the same time decrease the secre- tion of saccharine or fruit sugars, so essential to the production of merchantable cured figs. Thus it will be seen that California possesses every requisite for the exploitation of the fig industry, particularly in the warm and dry interior valleys, reasonably exempt from biting frosts. Portions of Arizona. Southwestern Texas, the Gulf States, and Old Mexico, are similarly blessed with climatic conditions calcu- lated to furnish congenial conditions for commercial fig culture. The great San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys — veritable empires in themselves — are destined to be the two great centers of the fig industry in this country. Not only possessing every advantage of soil and climate found in the fig regions of Asia Minor but in addition thereto better methods of culture and handling of the product, there is every reason to believe that the Smyrna Fig will become more of a feature to the landscape than the orange and the lemon, because it luxuriates over a wider geographical area, and has a much wider range of soils and climates. Wherever the summer season is exempt from fogs and frequent rains, and the thermometer does not go below IS degrees, Fahrenheit, it is a safe proposition to plant the fig as a commercial investment. To people unfamiliar with the fig, the first impression is that it is particular as to soils and climates, even in its native habitat. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, it is more indifferent in this respect than any other sort of our standard deciduous fruit trees, and will thrive with less moisture and more neglect and abuse. Its range in this regard is. indeed, a wide one, — a fact which has been amply demonstrated, not only in California, but wherever conditions are at all favorable to its successful culture. Situation is also of no great consequence; trees do equally as well in the foothills and on elevated mesas as on the mountain sides and in the great interior valleys. These remarks apply more essentially to the tree and crops for family use: when grown for commercial purposes, the summer tempera- ture must be sufficiently high to afford ample opportunity for the ripening of the fruit during the summer months, thus affording suflacient time to harvest and sun dry the crop before the fall rains set in. For these reasons commercial Smyrna Fig culture will always command the widest success in the hot and semi-arid interior valleys and along the higher plateaus and table lands of Arizona. Southwestern Texas, Old Mexico, and some of the more sheltered regions of the Gulf States. Of course countries like .j() THE SMYRNA FKi AT HOME AND ABROAD Australia, Hawaii, tlie South American States, and Cuba, where the thermometer never goes helow is degrees in winter, and ranges in summer from 95 to 105 degrees, Fahrenheit, with |)re\ailing dry winds and clear weather during the drying season, fig culture can he safeh' practiced. When it comes to character of land, it can he specifically stated that the Smyrna I'i.L; will grow and heai' crops planted in a wider diversity of soils than most any other fruit. It will give satisfactory growth in soils slightly impregnated with alkali, and at the same time luxuriate in a red adobe soil along the foothills; orchards of vigorous constitution and yielding fine crops are features along the mesas of San Bernardino and San Diego counties, while the slopes of Butte and Placer counties are dotted with I pper part of Capri Fig tree (Ruedings Capri No. :j) showing almndant crop of capriticated Spring (Proflehi) figs. Cnurlesn r. ,S. Department of Aijricidtnre. fig trees calculated to satisfy the mind, the eye, and the pocketbook for results; the sheltered sections of the extreme South and the valleys of Old Mexico, with their varied soils and degrees of moisture, harbor fig trees that are the joy of their owners. Sandy soils and the heaviest adobe soils are found to be well adapted to Smyrna Fig culture; the great requisite is good drainage. In soils where the water levels throughout the year stand too close to the surface, Smyrna Pigs should not be planted, for in such locations the tendency will be for the trees to go largely into wood, and there Is a possibility of some of the figs souring, should cool weather set in during the drying season. Experience has shown, however, that the Smyrna varieties suffer far less from this trouble than the ordinary sorts. In the orchard of the Fancher Creek Nurseries, where a few of the "WTiite Adriatic figs are still grow- ing, from 50 to 75 per cent, will sour on the trees, and in adjoining rows of Smyrna Figs it is only occasionally that a sour fig can be found. THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD CHAPTER X. PRACTICAL SMYRNA FIG CULTURE. PLANTING THE TREES. The future of an orchard and its ultimate success from a financial standi>oint is wholly dependent on the initiatory steps taken in its planting. As has previously been stated, the fig tree adapts itself to a great variety of soils; nevertheless. It be- hooves the intending planter to select a piece of land where the soil is of sufficient depth, well drained, and can be easily tilled. It must not, however, be over- t t- u 1-— -t- t- '- I i- _.w I- !- i - .!-_ (^ L ..i-. . . u 'L ^%. <•-- - J 4. 1 ^ ^:t ■%. ■"3 - 't ^ C ^i- -^ >iL. '■I ^ ^= "L €. ^ ^ a 't. ^ ^^ '•■? .,^i The Sqnare System, recomrQended for planting Smyrna Fig orchards. looked that the entire success of any culture in fruit growing is dependent on the care and thoroughness exercised in the work on the outset. Slipshod and careless methods in the preparation of the ground can only lead to an indifferent success, if not to utter failure. Hence, it is the part of wisdom to exercise every possible pre- caution in the preparation of the land to be devoted to this fruit. In preparing a suitable environment for the future Smyrna Fig orchard, the first thing to do is to level or grade the land so that the trees can readily be irrigated in rows or by a system of checks. In localities where other varieties of fruit trees thrive without irrigation this is not of so much importance, still a little expenditure, even in such cases, for grading will not be amiss, as there is always a liability of a drv season when irrigation must be resorted to if we are to maintain the orchard in .12 THE SMYRNA FKI AT HOME AND ABROAD good condition ami seonre Ijountlfnl fTO))s. In localities where the average annual rainfall is not less than fifteen inches, it can be safely stated that the Smyrna Fis tree will flourish and bear good crops without irrigation. The land, after being leveled and gradcil. the next thing to do is thorough plowing and cross-plowing to a depth of not less than 1. inches, to be followed by systematic harrowing until the entire plot of land to be planted is as friable as an ash heai>. Too much emphasis cannot be given to this point, as the fig, like all other trees, is quiekly responsive to intensive culture. The land can now be said to be ready for the trees, exceptin.g the layin,g off of the ground to the square system and the di.gging of the holes. The former is ex- Ten-year-old Koeding Capn No. 2. Tree in urime condition as seen March ao, IflOO when the fol- iage was not fnhy developed; had heen protected during the winter by a canvas tent, and the illus- tration shows the framework of the tent. In the background are rows of iSmyrna Fig trees. Courtesy of U. s. Dejiartment of Agrindhire. plained by the illustration on page 51. The method of procedure is as follows: The first thing to observe carefully is to clearly define a true corner as a base from which to mark off your plot of ground accurately, an allowance of half the distance between the rows of trees in the orchard to constitute your base line for actual planting from the line defining the boundaries of your land. Having your base or boundary lines defined, running at right angles to each other, start at one side of the field, at a point about 250 feet from your true corner, and run a row of stakes parallel to the line running at right angles to the base line. In small fields this work can easily be done by sighting to a stake set at the proper distance from the corner on the opposite side of the field; in larger plantings, however, these lines, in order to facilitate the work and insure accuracy, should be run by a surveyor. Having laid out your field in sections, the stakes where the trees are to be planted can easily be defined by using a heavy wire 250 feet long, marked at the proper distances, indicating where the trees are to be set. Before digging the holes for the trees, the planter should be provided with a narrow board THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD r)3 about 5 feet long, with a hole bored into each end, and a notch in the center. The notch should he placed against the stake originally set and indicating just where the tree is to stand. Now pull up the stake, place it and another stake in the holes at each end. Then lift your board and proceed to dig the hole at a point about the center between the two stakes. Repeat this operation by proceeding to your next stake, and in this manner complete the digging of the holes over the entire field. It is at the option of the planter to either dig the holes and plant the trees as he goes The Bardajic Fig. showing habit of growth and cross-section of fruit. Very much reduced. From an orhjinal photograph. along, or to dig all the holes before setting any trees at all: obviously the latter method will require more stakes to indicate the positions over the whole field that the trees are to occupy. The holes should be at least IS inches in diameter and of equal depth. The Smyrna Fig tree is a great surface feeder, and in its maturity becomes a tree of no mean dimensions. Owing to these two conditions, it is advisable to plant the trees rot less than 25 feet apart, and, on exceptionally rich soils. 35 feet would be preferable. Indeed, the experience of planters in California points decidedly in favor of giving the fig plenty of latitude in this respect. Sunshine is always a desideratum with this fruit, as it has an important bearing on its proper ripening during the sum- mer season. The ground is now ready for the reception of the trees. In planting the Smyrna Fig extra precaution should be taken to avoid any unnecessary exposure of the roots. Before planting care should be taken to cut away all bruised and lacerated roots to THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD a clean, smooth surface with a sharp knife. When planting the tree, be sure to till in with surface soil first, carefully spreading out the roots in as nearly a natural posi- tion as possible. When set. the tree should stand at the same height out of the ground as it stood in the nursery, or at the most not over 2 inches deeper. The earth should be well firmed around the roots, but in order to insure a successful growth each tree should be given at least ten to twenty gallons of water. When planting is completed, the trees should be cut back to at least 20 inches from the ground, and the wounds covered with rubber paint or grafting wax. As the reader learns further on in this work, Smyrna Fig culture is only feasible by the addition to his orchard of trees of the Wild or Capri Figs, and the assistance of the Fig Wasp (Blastophaga grossorum). Capri Figs are the natural home of this insect, and though essential to every orchard, do not require the care and attention of the Smyrnas. The general practice is to plant them in a single row or hedge; or, if planted in orchard form, in a block by themselves to one corner of the grove. The trees should be set about 20 feet apart. To insure immunity from severe cold weather, and to protect the life of the insects, it is often advisable to plant Capri Figs in sheltered localities against buildings and other protected situations. AFTER CARE AND IRRIGATION. The after care of the fig tree is less exacting than the average citrus or deciduous fruit orchard, and in this respect much resembles the care and labor bestowed on an olive grove. While it is conceded that the Smyrna Fig will withstand more or less neglect, it is nevertheless keenly alive to good culture and healthy growing condi- tions. Clean culture will pay the grower, and where the rainfall is less than eight to ten inches annually, irrigation must be resorted to, especially in the warm interior valleys of Central and Southern California and portions of Arizona. As a general proposition, only one irrigation is necessary, namely, before or just about the time that the Smyrna crop is fertilized by the Blastophaga, which occurs usually during .Tune and July in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys. Irrigation, in sections of scant rainfall, or during seasons of drouth, may be essential oftener than once a year; of this the grower must be his own judge. A want of proper moisture in the soil during the growing season is quite as apt to check the development of the Smyrna Fig as any other crop. On the other hand, care must also be exercised to avoid irrigating orchards situated on lands that are sub-irrigated by waters from running ditches seeping underground and spreading under the land. Soils of this nature when cultivated, are quite apt to bring up this moisture from below by capillary attrac- tion. A safe guide to follow is to learn the character of your soil. In digging the ground, if it should turn up at a depth of say ten inches dry and crumbly, refusing to mold to the form of the hand when sampled, it is safe to say that your ground can be irrigated to the advantage of the trees and growing crop. A Smyrna Fig orchard should be plowed reasonably deep (except close to the trees), and cross-plowed once a year, and well cultivated during the growing season. Should the trees be wanting in vigor and robustness, or fail in producing good crops of merchantable fruit, it is an indication that the soil is poor in plant food, and needs an application of fertilizer. PRUNING. , The fig requires less work with the saw and shears than any other variety of fruit tree; notwithstanding this fact, it is important to observe a few simple rules, for mistakes in pruning are difficult to rectify, and an error in using good judgment in this line may result in a loss of a crop for several years to come, as well as impair the vitality of the tree. The first season, from three to four branches should be allowed to diverge from the body of the tree, none of which should start at a point closer than twelve inches THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD .").". from the ground. To prevent the stems from becoming sun-burned, the tree should be protected by wrapping paper or burlap around the trunk, or, better still, use a tree protector, of which there are several malves in the market. After the branches forming the head have started and they have been thinned out to the required num- ber, no further pruning except to remove suckers starting from the base of the tree close to the ground, will be necessary. The importance of starting a tree so it will have a single stem to begin with, thus forming a base, so to say. for the main branches which will eventually form the head of the tree, should not be lost sight of. It would be a great mistake to permit the tree to start its branches close to the ground, for such trees are difflcurt to handle, and as they grow older, the workman is always puzzled how to prune them. Furthermore, the branches of such trees will break off close to the ground quite often, and where this happens, the symmetry of the tree is destroyed. What is finally the object in training a tree? Surely there can only be one definite aim in view, and that is, when the tree comes into bearing, to secure as large a fruit- producing surface as possible to insure the very largest crops obtainable. The branches diverging from the main body of the tree must be sturdy and strong, for they are the ones which must eventually support the numerous laterals forming the head of the tree. Care should be observed the first season in not allowing them to grow too close together on the stem, otherwise the will be cramped and cannot de- velop as they should. The second year after planting the laterals should be shortened in from one-third to one-half of their growth, the amount of pruning depending, of course, on the growth made during the previous season. From each one of the branches shortened in, from two to three shoots should be allowed to develop, evenly distributed and close to the point, where the main branches were cut off. The head now is practically formed, and in the third season not much pruning is necessary, except to cut out all interfering branches. In subsequent years, provided the tree grows thriftily and is covered during the growing season with a sufficient amount of foliage to afford partial shade no pruning is required. Should this condition not be maintained, then a shortening of all the laterals and a method of thinning out should be followed to promote new growth. It has been a fixed rule that fig trees should never have their lateral branches shortened in, like the peach, pear and many other deciduous trees: experience, however, in the orchard on the Fancher Creek Nurseries, has impressed me with the folly of this rule as applied to Smyrna Fig trees. An open top into which the sun can penetrate is not a desirable condition to have. Cli- matic conditions may make it necessary to deviate from this in other sections, but in the hot, dry valleys of the semi-arid regions, the best success and largest crops will be obtained when the trees are maintained in the condition already described. The Fig Wasp ( Blastophaga grossorum), seeks the shade when flying in the trees, and the largest number of fertilized figs will be found where the sun does not pene- trate too freely. It is not necessary to follow the shortening-in method each season, but only in cases where the tree is not making much new wood, and in consequence of which the young figs are not shaded sufficiently for the insects to properly per- form their functions. Attention is here also called to the treatment of the Wild or Capri Fig tree. This being the natural home of the Fig Wasp, it is important that the tree be developed along lines calculated to meet the wants and requirements of the insect. In view of this, the tree should be pruned sparingly, and then only with a view to producing a dense head, even to the exclusion of direct sunlight. In other words, cut back only strong, straggling branches which may at times make their appearance and prevent the development of the dense growth which the insect demands for its best develop- ment and propagation. THE SMYRNA FI(4 AT HOME AND ABROAD CHAPTER XI. THE FIGS OF ORCHARDS AND GARDENS. In the orchard of the Fancher f;reek Nurseries, fully seven varieties of Smyrna Figs entirely distinet from the true fig of commerce have been found. Three of these were received in the original importation, viz., Ivassaba. Bardajic and Cheker lii.iir. The other varieties, several of which are still unidentified as to their correct iiames. have Ijeen found growing here and there in the orchard of the Lop Figs. As only Ihe commercial side of the question is involved in this book, the other varieties of Smyrna figs having only value for table purposes, it is not considered necessary to give tliem more than a passing mention. They, like all other varieties of Smyrna Figs, require caprification to mature their fruits. Originally the name California Smyrna was given to the fig of commerce, the Lop Injir of Smyrna, in order to gi\e some distinction to the variety growing at home. Fully appreciating that others having a!i inferior fig would not only pack figs and sell trees under this name, as soon as the superiority of the California Smyrna was established, it was deemed of sufficient importance to adopt for this particular fig a distinctive name. Following out this idea, a premium of .$25.00 was offered for the most appropriate and euphonious name for this fig. Among the hundreds of names submitted, the word "Calimyrna," a contraction of the two words California and Smyrna, was selected as being the most satisfactory name for the new fig The name "Calimyrna" has been copyrighted, with a view of giving protection, not only to this brand of dried figs, but to the trees as well. To be plain, the Calimyrna Fig is a distinct variety of Smyrna Fie. and there is as much difference l)etween it and the other varieties of Smyrna Figs. as there is between a Muir and an Early Crawford Peach. This statement is not made for the purpose of discrediting in any way the genuineness of Smryna Figs i-eceived in other importations, but merely to show that the Calimyrna is a variety in itself. For the Ijenefit of those who may be interested in the group of economic figs, the following brief descriptions of Smyrna classes and varieties are here given: THE SMYRNAS. Bardajic. Derives its name from its close resemblance to the form of a water- jug used by the people of Smyrna. Medium to large, ovate pyriform. neck long; stalk long and slender; ribs distinct, of a greyish green color; orifice small; skin very thin, greyish green, and sprinkled with small light grey dots, becoming seamed when fully matured and showing the white meat beneath; pulp rich deep crimson; seed small, fertile and numerous. Tree a compact, low spreading grower with very thick closely jointed branches; leaves very large and only slightly lobed. A magnificent fable fig, but of little value for drying, for, although it is exceedingly sweet, the skin presents a dirty brown color, and is quite tough. It is used exclusively as a table Hg in Smyrna; scattering trees are to be found growing in the gardens near Smyrna and in the foothills a few miles from the city. They are always caprified. but not svstematically as is done in the fig district proper. THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 57 Calimyrna. Lop Injir. A copyrighted name given to the world famous fig of commerce to distinguish it from the other varieties of Smyrna Figs. Very often packed in Smyrna under the name Erbeyli. meaning superior fig, and indicative of the district of "Herbeyli." in the Maeander Valley, Asia Minor, where the finest grade of these figs are supposed to come from. Known in the Turlvish language as "Lop." and in the Greek as "Lopia," meaning sweet fig. Fruit large to very large, turbinate, almost globular, except that it is very much flattened at the apex; neck very short, in many instances almost entirely absent; stalk short and breaking from the tree readily when the fig has lost its form and hangs limp, shriveled and seamed on the tree; ribs very distinct, and of a slightly greenish shade; sivin lemon-yellow, smooth and very thin, turr.ing nearly white when the fig is dried, and feeling almost like silk when in this condition and rubbed between the fingers; orifice large, of pale ochre color and widely open when the fig is mature and before shriveling; pulp reddish amber, sometimes pale amber turning to dark amber just before falling: seeds large, yellow fertile, overspread with a clear white syrup, giving the fruit a richness and meatiness surpassed by no other fig. Tree a strong grower, of spreading habit and inclined to be straggling, a difficulty readily overcome by shaping the trees when young; leaves medium to large, of a dark green shade, slightly downy underneath, lobes very deep, and five lobed. The dried figs contain H3.92 per cent, sugar, which is 1% per cent, more sugar than found in the imported Smyrna Fig. Dries readily and with less trouble and expense than any other fig, dropping to the ground of its own accord and being practically dry when it falls. The only variety of fig planted in Asia Minor for export, and the only one having any commercial value. Black or Purple Smyrna. Small, globular, stems short; no neck; skin very thin, purplish, with prominent light greyish ribs, sprinkled with round, brownish dots; pulp dark amber; a most delicious fig to be eaten out of the hand. Dries well, but the skin is thick; fruit is too small for commercial purposes. Tree a dense, compact grower, giving as derse a shade as the Texas Umbrella; leaves small, five lobed, slightly serrated. Name local, found as a mixture in the orchard of Calimyrna Figs. Black or Purple Bulletin Smyrna. Fruit large to very large; obtuse pyriform; neck short, stalk long; skin light purple, streaked and ribbed with grey and sprinkled with small brown dots; pulp reddish pink, very rich and luscious; seeds large, fertile; orifice open when mature and very small. A superb fruit in the fresh state. Of little value when dried, the skin being thick and leathery. Several trees of this variety (the name being local) were received among the Bulletin Smyrna Figs from the Bulletin Company in 1S83. Cheker Injir. Signifying "Sugar Fig," and grown in the Island Scios. Tree a very strong grower, branches heavy and closely jointed; of upright growth; leaves very large, deeplj' lobed and slightly serrated; fruit roundish, oblate, short neck; pulp reddish-pink, seeds small, fertile; skin greenish-yellow, very thin, ribs distinct, light green. Of no particular value for drying purposes. Kassaba. Medium to large, rounded; obtuse pyriform, flattened at the apex; short neck and stalk: ribs slight: oriflce decidedly large and open; skin pale green: pulp reddish pink; seeds small, fertile. Deliciously sweet both fresh and dried, the analysis showing higher sugar content than the Calimyrna, and when dried the skin is even whiter than that variety. The objection to it is that it ripens late. Tree is a beautiful, erect, upright grower, of good habit. More trees of this variety are to be seen scattered among the "Lop" figs of the Maeander Valley than any other. In drying no effort is made to separate these figs from the "Lop" figs. The men in packing the figs, however, invariably discard them, remarking that they are no good. They are readily distinguished by their deep red colored pulp. This variety is found principally in the vineyard district of Kassaba, as a border tree, or growing as isolated specimens, when they attain an immense size. No attempt is made to dry them, the inhabitants claiming they are of no value for this purpose. Maple Leaved. Medium, turbinate, rounded at apex; stem short; slight neck; pulp red; no ribs; oriflce widely opened, dark straw-colored: skin pale, yellowish- green: seed fertile, small. Tree of spreading habit, branches short jointed; leaves large, deeply lobed and heavily serrated. A rather inferior fig and possessing no value for drying purposes. Not seen by the writer during his inspection of the fif orchards in Asia Minor, and it probably is only found as an occasional mixture in tlie gardens of the "Lop" figs. The name given is a local one derived from the pecuHar form of the leaves. 5S THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD WILD, OR CAPRIS. Allusion has already been made in previous chapters to the Capri Fig, and its economif relation to the Smyrna type of figs, so it is not necessary to repeat these facts again. The group is a very extensive one, and comprises hundreds of varieties, which have originated, no doubt, as seedlings in the countries bordering on the Mediterranean where capriflcation is practiced, and later on the varieties having the greatest value for capriflcation purposes were propagated and planted in the gardens and suburbs of the towns in the fig districts. Distinct types of these figs are to be found growing in Asia Minor, Greece, Italy, Algeria and Spain. In Asia Minor none of the Male or Wild Figs are named, but in Greece, Italy and Algeria, according to statements made by Messrs. Swingle and Fairchild, agricultural explorers of the United States Department of Agriculture, many of them are described and named. As a rule the trees are readily distinguished from the other figs, by their slender branches and radically different habits of growth. While the writer was examining Capri figs in Asia Minor, however, one variety was discovered which so closely resembled the "Lop" type of figs, not only in its character of .growth but in the formation of the leaves as well, he would have pronounced it to be of that variety had it not lieen loaded with Profichi figs at the time this observation was made. There are fully thirty distinct types of Capri Figs, growing in California today: time and experience will alone determine their vaUie. A short description of the three varieties used in caprifying the Smyrna Figs on the Fancher Creel-c Nurseries is given herewith. The Profichi crop of figs are by far the largest figs, and are the only ones described, the others possessing no value in the capriflcation of the Smyrna Figs. Roeding's Capri No. 1. Profichi. about 1 i-i inches wide by 2% inches long; oblong pyriform ; neck long; very few ribs and not pronounced; skin dark, dull green, orifice large: gall flowers very numerous, and male flowers producing an abundance of pollen: tree of a low spreading habit, limbs heavy: leaves very large and dark green color without gloss. Profichi come to maturity a week earlier than Roeding's Capri No. 2. Particularly valuable on account of its producirg all the crops necessary for successfully carrying through all the generations of the Blastophaga. Six hundred female insects have been counted coming out of a single fig of this variety. The flrst Blastophaga were established in the Profichi crop of this variety from the importations made by Mr. Walter T. Swingle, in April, 1899. Roeding's Capri No. 2. Profichi about 1% inches wide by 2V2 inches long, almost globular, with short stalk and neck; ribs distinct: skin very smooth, waxy, greenish yellow; gall flowers numerous: tree of rather erect growth, with slender limbs, leaves medium, light, glossy green color; produces an abundance of the Pro- fichi crop and a limited number of the Mamme. some individual trees, however, producing this crop in abundance. Its value lies principally in the fact of its len.gthening the season for caprifying the Smyrna Figs. Roeding's Capri No. 3. Profichi about 1%, inches wide by 3 inches long; stem short, turbinate, with an extremely short neck; ribs very pronounced and running the full length of the fig; skin light, shining green; orifice very large. Gall flowers as well as male flowers very abundant; tree a rather straggling grower, with heavily noded branches, and of dwarf habit; leaves medium, light green, very rough and serrated: ripens a few days earlier than No. 1, and valuable on this account, being sure to have insects for the first Smyrna Figs, which are in the receptive stage. As high as 1000 female insects will issue from one of these figs. The Mamme of this crop are easily distinguished from the others, by their larger size, distinct ribs, and dark purplish green color. THE SMYRNA PIG AT HOME AND ABROAD CHAPTER XII. GRAFTING THE CALIMYRNA (SMYRNA) FIG. With the successful establishment of the Calimyrna Fig, identical with the true Smyrna Fig of commerce, the culture of this particular sort is destined to create a revolution in the fig industry in America. Obviously, all the common varieties of figs that have been planted in this State, excepting a few garden sorts for family use in Fig Grafting. Preparation of Stocl^ and ,Scion. From an original photograph. the fresh state, are destined to become obsolete as factors in the flg market. In view of this, many orchards of the Adriatic class will be grafted to the Calimyrna, or True Fig of Commerce, which is perfectly feasible and easy of accomplishment, as has been thoroughly demonstrated in the experience of the writer in his own orchard. The following paragraphs give a concise statement of proper methods to be employed in working over undesirable varieties of fig trees by means of grafting: CO THE 8MYRNA FI(4 AT HOME AND ABROAD White Adriatic Fig tree, grafted with Calimyrna (Smyrna) Fig scions. From an oruiinal jihotograph. In graftina: over orchard trees the branches to be grafted should be cut off to within 18 to 24 inches from the point of divergence from the body of the tree, allow- ing at least two branches to remain, one of which should be on the southwest, if pos- sible, so that the grafts will be shaded from the afternoon sun. The object of leaving the branches, is for the purpose of having an outlet for the sap, for the removal of the entire top of the tree is dangerous. In the Coast counties trees can have their entire tops removed, and still withstand the shock, the scions taking readily, if properly inserted; but in the interior valleys, where the atmosphere is dry and warm, to remove the entire top of a fig tree close to the main body would result in the loss of the tree, a fact which has been fully demonstrated by actual experience. The two branches which have been allowed to remain can be sawed off entirely the following season, or they can be in turn grafted, if the scions of the year before have not taken well. THE SMYRNA FIQ AT HOME AND ABROAD 61 After having sawed oft" the branches the stumps or subjects to be worked on shouUl have the tops neatly smoothed over with a sharp linife, so as to have a clean, smooth surface, particularly along the edge. From two to four scions should be placed in each stoclv, the number of course being regulated by the size of the stump. Cut out a V-shaped piece of bark; the distance from the top of the stock to the point of the V should be from 1 to 1V4 inches. Select a scion of the proper size, making a sloping cut along the lower end, as long or somewhat longer than the incision on the stock. The scions should be cut the same as for a whip graft, except that the cut is all on one side and should have a V"^!^- White Adriatic Fig tree, with summer growth ot gr.-it't. Frtnn an oriijinal photograph. little more bevel, and the second cut for the tongue of the whip graft should be omitted. The scions should never be smaller than an ordinary lead pencil; as a rule scions from 2-year-old wood, as they have very little pith, with a diameter of five- sixteenths to one-half inch, will be found to give the best results. The scion should be of such a size that it fits snu.gly into the opening in the stock, so that the bark on both sides of the scion touches the bark of the stock. After the scions are inserted, wrap tightly with five or six-ply cotton twine, so as to hold them in place, and cover the wounds as well as the stub with liquid grafting wax. Also be careful to wax the top of the scion to prevent drying out. Never use wax cloth tor wrapping, or if you do, be careful to remove it early in the summer before the warm weather sets in or the bark, when the grafts are set, will be smothered and the grafts will die. After the scions have become well united, which takes from two to three months, the strings can be cut. The writer prefers this method of grafting to all others, and has had no difficulty in making fully 90 per cent, of the scions grow, many of them making a growth of five to seven feet in a single season. This method of grafting cannot be practiced until the sap begins to flow, and from the latter part of February to the 1st of April has been found to be the best time. The scions should never be more than four inches long. The grafting wax should be melted in a pot and put on hot, using a small paint brush, or a brush made out of short pieces of hay rope tied to a small stick (i-' THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD answers the purpose just as well. The best results have been secured by usiny' a wax made of one pound of beeswax, three pounds resin and three ounces of raw- linseed oil by weight. Place the beeswax and resin in a kettle and cook same until thoroughly dissolved, then add the oil and allow the ingredients to cook slowly for ten or fifteen minutes longer. Remove from the fire, and as soon as the wax has cooled some, pour a small quantity into a bucket of lukewarm water. Grease the hands and take the congealed mass and knead and pull it until it becomes very tough; wrap in oiled paper and it is ready for use. By preparing the wax beforehand the ingredients are mixed in proper proportions, which is not easily done when you have a large amount of work to do in the field. This wax is also far superior to wax which has not been pulled. CHAPTER XIII. INSECT PESTS AND DISEASES. It is pleasant to note the fact that among all the fruits now grown commercially in California, and, for that matter, in sections with similar soils and climates, t,he Smyrna Fig is strikingly alone m being almost wholly exempt from the attacks of injurious insects and immune from many of the diseases to which general orchard crops are subject. In so far as the writer's observations and experiences go — now covering nearly a score of years — the Smyrna Fig in this State is practically exempt from attacks of this nature. The same may be said of the Smyrna Fig orchards in Asia Minor. So striking is this fact that the statement seems almost Utopian; never- theless, it is borne out by the facts. The Smyrna Fig in this respect presents an anomaly in California horticulture. — instead of being the subject of attack from in- jurious insects its well-being and commercial importance depend wholly on the at- tacks of what must be considered the greatest beneficial insect which ever found its way into the realm of an enlightened horticultural practice, viz.: the little fig wasp — Blastophaga grossorum. nnnnnnnnDnnanninnnDnnnnnnnn nnLannnnannnnannnnnnnnnnnD THE SMYRNA FIG AT H0:ME AND ABKOAD 63 CHAPTER XIV. HARVESTING AND DRYING CALIMYRNA (SMYRNA) FIGS. No proposition receives more careful thought and investigation hy the fruit grower before he embarl^s in a certain line of fruit growing than what the expense will be in harvesting the crop. In California, where labor is so scarce during the summer months, a grower is certainly justified in giving this subject earnest and careful con- sideration. A large fig orchard can be handled at far less expense in the matter of harvesting the crop, than any other variety of deciduous fruit. One advantage it has over all other varieties is that all the fruit does not mature at the same time, but extends over a period of about six weeks; hence a few laborers can take care of an orchard. This alone is a point which appeals to all practical fruit growers. The Smyrna Fig possesses an advantage over all other figs, inasmuch that its fruits do not drop from the trees until they are practically dried. In the early part of the season, two days' exposure, and, in some cases, when it is very dry and warm, the figs will dry sufficiently in a single day. The figs commence to ripen about the middle of August, and continue to mature their fruits until the latter part of Septem- ber. The trees are gone over every few days. When the figs first commence to riper, the laborers simply pick the fallen figs from the ground into small buckets or baskets. As the season advances, the harvesting is expedited by shaking the trees. This, however, is not advisable when the figs first commence to drop, for many green figs, (that is. figs which have not commenced to shrivel), would drop off. All of such figs are valueless for drying purposes, for they have not a sufficient amount of sugar, when dried, and have an insipid and unattractive fia\or. entirely unlike the figs which have reached their full maturity. It is remarkable how tenaciously the figs cling to the tree, and hang limp and shriveled, with their skins seamed, until they be- come dry and fully matured, before they will fall. Any attempt to pick the figs before this stage is very difiicult: the succulent part will tear off before the hard stem can be detached from the tree. After the figs have commenced to ripen freely, it is advisable to divide the gath- erers into two crews. One crew goes from tree to tree giving the branches a vigorous shaking, causing all shriveled figs, which have not fallen of their own accord, to drop, while the other follows, gathering the fruit in small galvanized iron buckets. When filled, the figs are dumped into picking boxes, which have previously been distributed by a truck in that part of the orchard where the crop is being gathered. After a number of the picking boxes are filled, they are hauled to the drying ground. In a small orchard there is no need of a special drying ground, but where a large crop of figs is to be handled, a place to dry them should be selected and all arrange- ments should be made to have everything in readiness to handle the figs expeditiously, so there will be no hitch when harvesting actually commences. The drying ground in the Fancher Creek Nurseries is a large open space, sloping to the south, and Is admirably situated for this purpose. In the northerly end of the grounds a large open shed was built 40x60 feet. In one end is a room raised off the ground about a foot, enclosed throughout with tongue and grooved lumber, to be used for piling up the figs after they are dried, allowing them to pass through a sweat. Directly back of this room there is a large sixty-gallon cauldron set in 6(; THE SMYKNA FKi AT HOME AND AIJKOAD liriclv. The lioxes of figs, as they come to the drying shed, are piled up until several tons have Ijeen gathered, when the work of dipping and spreadirg out on the trays proceeds without interruption. The water in the cauldron, in which aliout three ounces of salt to the gallon has heen dissolved, is heated up to the boiling point. A large perforated bucket is used for dipping the figs. This is attached by a rope and pulleys to a short wooden arm, hung on a pivot to the upper part of the building, one end of which hangs directly over tlie cauldron, about seven feet aliove it. The bucket containing the figs is .submerged in this hot brine tor about a minute, it being raised and lowered several times during this interval to allow the water to drain off and also to remove any grit or sand adhering to the figs. The figs are dipped in salt water to hasten the drying and to soften the skins; the beneficial effect of this treatment is especially noticeable in figs which have become somewhat over-dried nn the ti'ees before falling off. As soon as the figs are dipped, the l)eam is swung over to one side, the bucket is tilted, and the figs are dirmped on wooden trays, which have been previously placed on a truck running on an iron track. These trays are 3 by 3 feet, and have a three-quarter cleat nailed all around them to prevent the figs from falling off. Three of these trays are filled at a time, being placed close together on the truck. The figs are spread out on them in a single layer, no care being taken as to the position in which they are placed, or whether they touch each other or not. As soon as one tier of trays is filled, another set is placed above them and also filled, this continuing until the trays are piled ten to twelve deep. The truck is now run out on tlie tracli to the drying ground, and the trays are spread out on both sides of the same. The drying ground should be firm and hard, the harder the soil the better. In the early part of the season, the figs distrib- uted are not allowed to remain on the trays in the sun for mucli over two days. The second day the figs are turned, a very simple matter. An empty tray is placed over a fidl one. Two men standing at each end of the trays, by a dexterous move- ment of their hands, transfer the figs from the filled to the empty one. If the figs pile up when turned, they can easily be spread out again l)y merely shufRing them around with the hands. The trays, after two days' exposure, are piled up so the air will pass freely through them. This stacking is not actually necessary, but it lienefits the figs, first in preventing them from drying out too rapidly, causing the skins to become tough and hard, and, secondly, they dry more evenly. One great mistake made in handling figs is that in many cases they are over-dried, which more than anything else is the cause of tough skins. The proper degree of dryness is de- termined by examining the figs in the early morning hours, before they become warm. If, when worked between the fingers, they have a slightly leathery feeling, they are sufficiently dried. The work of sorting now commences. Many of the larger plump and meaty figs will on examination be found not to be dried sufficiently; these are sorted out placed on trays, and exposed to the sun once more until they become dry enough. The other figs are thrown into a pile in the sweat room. The piles of figs are turned over in this room every few days; meanwhile the sweating process continues, the skins of the figs become moist and pliable, and, although the figs are apparently wet. it is in reality nothing more than the sweating and curing process they are passing through. After remaining in the pile for ten days, the figs are now in condition to be packed. During the process of drying and handling, more or less dirt adheres to the figs, so they are given another washing before hauling to the packing house. A trough, made of two-inch lumber, two feet wide, one foot deep, and from ten to twelve feet long, is half filled with cold water, in which four ounces of stock salt to the gallon has been dissolved. From 100 to 150 pounds of figs are dumped into this trough at a time. All figs which float to the top are removed first. These are over-dried, and are called "floaters." The figs which sink to the bottom are given a thorough washing between THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD G7 tlie hands, and are then taken out and placed on large trays. 3x6 feet. The figs are piled in these trays a couple of inches deep, and are then exposed to the sun a half a day, being turned once during: this time. This final exposure is made to re- move all superfluous moisture from the figs. The trays are then taken to the drying shed, and their contents are dumped into sweat boxes. A sweat box is made of one-inch lumber, is eight inches deep, two feet wide, by three feet long. The figs are now ready for packing. If the figs have been carefully handled they will have a tender skin, and be soft and pliable, and present a fine, glossy white appearance. The skin of the Smyrna Fig when dried is white, and to one not familiar with its natural tendency, to have this color, the inference would be that the figs had been sulphured. Sulphur- ing of figs is always objectionable, but it is found necessary with the ordinary White Adriatic, in order to give the skin a white color, but this gives that fig a bitter flavor, and extracts what little of the true fig flavor this variety originally possessed. PACKING. The Packing House for handling the product of the Fancher Creek Nurseries is located in the city of Fresno, and as the quantity of fruit to be packed is limited, the building is of modest pretentions, fully large enough, however, to accommodate the force of twenty-five to thirty men and women en,?aged in packing the Calimyrna Figs. The figs are hauled in the sweat boxes to the packing houses. Here they are piled up. each box being carefully placed above the one below it to prevent the en- trance of insects, which are attracted by the sweetness of the figs. The first step before packing is to grade the fruit into sizes. This is quickly accomplished by a fig grader. run by power, and especially designed for this purpose. This grader con- sists of a series of trays, in a frame, all on the same plane; underneath are the hop- pers, partitioned off to receive the several grades. The trays are made of galva- nized iron, and are perforated with round holes. The first tray has holes % of an inch in diameter, second one. 1 inch, the third one. I14 inches. The figs dropping through the first tray are designated as three-crown, the next, four-crown, and the last one five-crown. Those passing over all these trays and into the hopper at the end of the machine are the six-crown. The trays are fastened to a frame built inside of the main frame of the machine, but not touching it. This frame is sup- ported by levers, which are so adjusted when the machine is started that it is given a quick up-and-down motion, causing the figs to pass from the trays with the small holes to the larger ones. The three-crown figs are not packed, but are dumped loose into fifty-pound boxes, as they are too small; only the four, five and six-crown are packed in cartons. The six-crown are extra large, fine, meaty figs, and run from sixteen to twenty to the pound Just before packing, the figs are placed in a steam chest lined with galvanized iron, and steamed. The trays used have a wire screen bottom, and hold about thirty-five pounds of figs. From three to four of these trays are placed m the box at one time The steaming is done with a twofold object in view, viz., to heat the figs through thoroughly in order to destroy all insect life and germs, and to soften the fruit so that it can be easily handled by the packers. The packing is done entirely by women. A long table, about two feet high and four feet wide, is provided for this purpose. , j The figs when taken out of the steam chest, are dumped into small boxes, placed in front of each packer, who selects a fig, and, flattening it out between the fingers, turns the orifice end to the under side, and then with a small knife, slits the fig from the orifice to the stem end; meanwhile spreading it out to the proper width, so the cides of the figs will fit snugly into forms, which are made of hard wood and divided 70 THE SMYRNA FI(4 AT HOME AND ABKOAL) into tour sections, each ot wiiicli is the exact size ot the carton into which the figs are to lie i)acked. The first layer of figs is placed face down, so the bottom of the pacl T,1i! to ^roDacate the species, it carries out a two-fold purpose; the flgs thus entered conm°n fertile seeds and mature into beautiful. luscious fruity If the fig has not been removed from the Capri tree, it enters the young Mammoni figs, deposits fts eggs in the gall flowers, and fertilizes the few female flowers to be found m this """"The propagation of the wasp in the following crops of Capri figs is the same, the only noteworthy difference is that the Profichi crop is the only one developing an abundancrof male flowers. Hence, this is the only crop essential to the Smyrna abundance ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ .^ ^^.^^ ^^^ ^^^^ blossoms reach a perfect state of maturity and without which no Smyrna Figs can be produced. THE SMYRNA FKt AT HOME AND ABROAD CHAPTER XVI. A SCIENTIFIC VIEW OF THE FIG WASP. The following life history of the Blastophaga srossnrnm, or fig wasp, is from the pen of Dr. L. O. Howard, chief of the Division of Entomology of the Department of Agriculture, at Washington. It is here given in its complete form, because it tersely and graphically deals with the whole subject from the view point of an experienced, economic entomologist, and can therefore be considered reliable and in keeping with all the facts bearing on the case. LIFI3 HISTORY OF BLASTOPHAGA. "So far, we have referred to the life history of the fig-caprifying insect only in the most general terms. The illustration (fig. 1) which is given of the insect in the early part of this article is a copy of an old one drawn by the famous English entomologist. Prof. .J. O. Westwood, and which was published in the Transactions of the En- tomological Society of London, 1882, plate iv, in part. It is an interesting figure, and illustrates rather well the difference between the male and the female. It shows the peculiar mouth parts of the female, which enables her to gnaw her way through the tough seed-like gall, and shows also the male in the act of fertilizing the female. •Tnd the female in the act of issuing from the gall. It is, however, incorrect in some of the rather important structural details, as will be seen by comparing it with fig. 2, here given, which has been drawn under the writer's supervision from living specimens reared at this office and in California. The entomologist will at once note especially the difference in the details of the thorax in both males and females, and especially will the difference in the length of the abdomen of the male be seen. The male is always wingless. It has no ocelli, and its compound eyes are greatly reduced in size. The fact tliat the male rarely leaves the fig in which it has hatched might almost be inferred from these tacts of winglessness and partial blindness. When this wingless male issues from the seed-like gall in which it is contained, it seeks a female gall in the interior of the same fig, gnaws a small hole through its cortex, inserts its extremely long, almost telescopic, abdominal extremity through the hole, and fertilizes the female. The female subsequently, with her powerful jaws, gnaws the top of the gall off and emerges, crawling around the interior of the fig and eventually forcing her way through the ostiolum. almost immediately, seeking for young figs, w^hich she enters, and should the fig entered prove to be a Capri Fig, lays her eggs at the base of as many flowers as she can find, and then dies. Should the fig entered, however, be a Smyrna Fig, either through the fact of the Capri Fig from which she issued having been hung in the branches of a Smyrna Fig tree, or from the fact that she has flown to an adjoining Smyrna Fig tree, she walks around among the female flowers seeking for a proper place to oviposit, discovering eventually that she has made a mistake, but, nevertheless, probably trying to find a proper place for oviposition by thrusting her ovipositor in here and there. It is this futile, wandering- search, covered as her hody is with pollen from the Capri Figs, that produces the extensive and almost perfect fertilization of the entire number of female flowers." THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 77 THE EGG. "The egg when seen in the ovary is very long and slender, Imt when fo\inil in the fig it is less than three times as long as broad, almost regularly elliptical in shape, white and sli.ghtly shining, with a delicate petiole of about one and a half times its length. On dissecting a flower into which the egg has been inserted liy the female Blastophaga, it will be found to have been p\ished in transversely to the axis of the flower nearly to the center, with the petiole reaching out to the cortex. Its dimensions are, length, exclusive of petiole, 0.092 mm.; width, 0.046 mm." rt;;^ FIG- 2— Blastopti.-^ga Grossorum— , a, adult female with wings extended, seen from above: b, female, not entirely issned from pupal skin and still contained in gall; c, antenna of female: d, liead of female from below: ..% adult male: /, the same — all greatly enlarged. Courtesy of I'. Department of Agriculture THE LARVA. "The young larva is a delicate little creature curved upon itself and showing no visible segmentation. It takes many days development of the Capri Fig before the larva becomes visible with certainty without the most careful observation under a strong lens. The first sign which indicates that one is watching the larva and not the sap in the gall is the visibility of two brownish spots, which are without doubt the mandibles of the larva. When these spots become visible with a very powerful hand lens (one-fourth inch Tolles triplet), the larva is more than two-thirds grown and the segmentation of the body has become noticeable. It is a very difficult thing to dissect the larva out of the gall without crushing it, but it can be accomplished with care by the aid of dissecting needles. Xo casting of the skin has been observed. With the growth of the larva the gall at the base of the male florets becomes hard, and greatly resembles a seed, turning light brown in color." tS THE S:\IYRNA FKi AT HOME AND AISROAJ) THE PUPA, "The male and the female pupae each occupies a greater portion of the interior of tlie gall, and the advanced female pupa, almost ready to emerge, presents the api)earance indicated in fig. 3." Fl(i, ;-!. Male -"ind female pupa in galls,— enlarged, Cuurtcsii of r. S. Department of AuricuUiirc, DURATION OF THE EARLY STAGES "This is a point upon which it is very difficult to secure exact data. It seems certain that more than fifty days are given to the larval stage, Oviposition takes two days, or perhaps longer, and the last larval stage with the pupa stage, and what may be termed the immature imago stage, lasts only a few days. All of the long intermediate period is occupied by the immature larval stages unless there should prove to be a prolonged egg state, which is improbable. These three stages seem paralleled by the three outwardly visible changes undergone by the fig, and which have been described in preceeding paragraphs. The first swelling of a freshly stung fig, about four days after the entering of the insect, probably marks the hatching of the egg. The long inter- mediate stage of slow, almost imperceptible growth, is identical with the duration of the larval stage, and includes also the pupal stage. The final and sudden expansion of the fig always marks ihe issuing from the galls (but not from the fig) of the male images. In the hibernating generation the duration of the final stage is greatly prolonged. On March 15, Mr. Schwarz found the insect in fallen overwintering figs as larva, pupa, immature imagos, and occasionally mature male images, and this lasted until March 28 or later. The same state of affairs was found in figs sent to the writer by Mr. Roeding as early as February. It seems probable that before a sudden drop in temperature occurred at any time subsequent to ihe middle of October the insect would hibernate in the several different stages. With the growth of the larva the gall at the base of the male florets becomes hard, and greatly resembles a seed, tvuming light brown in color," nnnnnDnDannaan nan atjanananD nnnnDnnnnDnnannnnnnnnnnnDD THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD 79 CHAPTER XVII. PRODUCTION AND MARKETING. PRODUCING QVAI.ITIES OF THE S^IYRNA FIGS. The Calimyrna Fig produces two crops annually, the first one maturing in June. called the 'Brebas." which are produced in very small quantities, only a few- scattering specimens are found on some trees, while njany trees develop no fruit at all of this crop.. The figs are quite large, of lemon yellow color, acute pyriform. wiih long necks. The seeds are large but quite hollow-, and the fruit possesses but little flavor and is ei-itirely unlike the regular crop following. Commercially, it has no value. The Smyrnas bear as regular and heavy crops as the varieties belonging to the Adriatic class. There are rarely years when even partial failures occur, and where the necessary precautions are observed to have a good stipply of the Mamme, or winter Capri figs, the possibility of failure is very remote. The only expense incurred in growing Smyrna figs over and above the ordinary varieties is the matter of caprification. This is not -worthy of serious consideration when the value of a crop of Smyrna figs is compared with the Adriatic varieties. All other expenses are proportiorately less: the figs dry quicker and require less processing in order to make them marketable. Leaving out the fact that the Smvrna Fig is superior in every sense of the w-ord to the ordinary figs, that it commands more than double the price in the markets, there is still another even more important point in its favor, viz., it rarely sours, a fact which has been fully demonstrated where the Sn-iyrna Figs were growing in adjacent rows to the A\Tiite Adriatic. This latter variety is inferior enough to begin ■n-ith. but when it is still further made unpalatable by the fruits souring on the trees. making them unfit for consumption, this alone, -n-ere there no other consideration, should be good cause to discard the Adriatics in favor of the Smyrnas, Success in every line of fruit culture can only be attained by having the best: it costs no more to grow- a good variety of fig than a poor one, the same care, the same intelligent thought must be brought into play, but what a difference in the results: one goes begging for a buyer: the other is placed on the same equality w-ith the imported fig, and w-ill sell in competition with It, Is it worth while to waste time, liatience and money in growing a fig, -which, to begin with, cannot be considered in the light of a merchantable article' The whole success of Smyrna Fig culture rests on the successful and permanent establishment of the Blastophaga, -^vhich is an accom- plished fact. MARKETING CALIMYRNA FIGS. California figs, unlike her other fruits, havP always been regarded with disfavor at home in the eastern states. They sold only because they were cheap, and in some seasons even this factor of cheapness did not add to their being in demand. California horticulturists, particularly the pioneers, passed through trying ordeals in marketing their fruits, whether green or dried. It was necessary to educate the Eastern jobber that this State must be recognized as a fruit section, and that the prejudice against home products must finally give way to reason. It required the expenditure of thousands of dollars and a dogged persistence on the part of the so THE SMYRNA FIG AT IIOJME AND ABROAD prowers to do tuis; but Kiiccfss finally rrowned their t'ffortR, and they have attained a reputation, and erealeil a demand for these goods tar above expectations. There is no denying tlie taet that fi.g growin.q possessed no eominereial importance until the Calimyrna was successfully i)i'odnced ard marketed. It was diflicult to convince Eastern buyers tiiat there was a difference, iiut today they are ready to admit it, and they do not hesitate to give the Calimyrna the praise it deserves. They now admit that their sweeping declaration that California could never produce good figs must be modified. Smyrna Figs, enjoying a wide reputation, are exported to all parts of the world, and nothing has done more to create a name and reputation for Smyrna than its figs. No wonder the industry lias been so carefully guarded; Its loss means much to the people of Smyrna, and her growers engaged in its culture. Our intelli.gent efforts, improved machinery, and more cleanly methods of handlin.g the fruit must in the end win in the marl^ets of the vorld. The culture of the Calimyrna Fig will not be confined to limited areas, iiecause it finds congenial environments throughout an immense scope of country on tlie Pacific Slope. Once let its culture become established on a commercial footing, and we will command the marK'cts of the world. ,]ust as surely as the sun rises and sets, so surely will the Calimyrna enter into competition with the mother iig in Asia Minor, and in the end drive it out of the field. This has been the case with other lines of dried fruits, where they have entered into com- petition with the products ol the Old World, and the same results will in the course of events follow with the Calimyrna Fig. American push, energy and the inclination to surmount every difBculty, no matter how great it may be, must in a short time redound to the growers of Calimyrna Pigs; they may not have the experience in the matter of marketing their goods, but this will keep pace with the industry as it grow's and increases in importance. No fruit adapts itself to su(di a variety of uses as the fig, and leaving out the matter of export, an important factor of course, the home consumption must increase enormously, for the fig can be crystalized, preserved in cans, picketed, tlie poor and defective figs can be distilled or manufactured into coffee, so that this product in the variety of its uses, has a field before it, equalled by no other fruit. nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnnannnnnnnnnnnnnnn THE SMYKXA FI(^ AT HO^fE AND ABROAD SI CHAPTER XVIII. A CALIMYRNA FIG ORCHARD AS AN INVESTMENT. In this age of keen competition and strenuous life, tlie first question tiiat will suggest itself to the person investigating the fig question, with a view to planting an orchard, is apt to be. -Well, what is there in it?" To fully answer this interrogation means to go into the entire commercial phases of the new industry. — which obviously, undei- many and diverse conditions, is almost beyond the ken of human knowledge to answer accurately and specificallv. So many factors which are purely local in character and environment surround and hedge about each individual orchard and locality that it is out of the question to lay down hard and fast rules, or make specific statements calculated to be reliable in e\ ery case, and a safe foundation on which to premise the final commercial results to be anticipated from the planting and development of a Calimyrna Fig orchard. Broadly speaking, however, a few basic principles may lie laid down, which will bear scrutiny, and are of themselves so self- evident and vital in character, as to almost remove all questions of risk and doubts as to the future of the fig in America, and its profitableness as an orchard crop to all who may venture to plant and properly handle the trees and their product. Since every man is the maker of his own fortune and career, the question oi ■'What is their in it." is largely one of personal initiative, exploitation and develop- ment along intelligent lines, backed by a determination to win. In lieu of this fact, let us take a cursory glance at the question, carefully noting its salient features, and see what the conditions really are that lead to the conviction that the Calimyrna fig will not only create a revolution in fig culture in this country, but become the nucleus of a new industry, calculated to add more to the horticultural wealth of the sections adapted to its culture, than any other one thing that has transpired in a decade, not even excepting the introduction and development of the Washington Xavel orange. The first thing to be considered is the cost of land. This again is subject to local environment ard personal preference. As to preference, in this respect the fig is no more exacting than the olive, and much less so than the orange or the stone fruits. Lands adapted to its culture in the great Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys are to be had all the way from .|20.00 an acre and upwards: these, for the most part, are contiguous to markets. In more remote sections the cost is even less, while in the southern counties it is quite apt to be a trifle higher. WTrere irrigation is essential some allowance must be made for water advantages. For the most part lands suitable to the Calimyrna Fig are apt to be had for less than those adapted to the apricot, the walnut, or the citrus fruits. This fact is also emphasized by the fact that it has a wider range as to climatic conditions. The cost of planting a Calimyrna Fig orchard need not be great; indeed, it can be accomplished for about the same cost as the creation of an olive grove, or a peach orchard. Figures and data on these points being so mtich a matter of individual means of procedure and local conditions they are here purposely omitted, as any reference to the subject in this direction would not apply to two orchards alike, even if in the same neighborhood. S2 THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AN]) ABROAD The expendituif iiT time, laljor and money in Ininging a fis" orchard into bearing is purely nominal. All that is necessary, is to thoroughly plow and cross-plow the ground once a year; c\iltivate well during the growing season: jjruning is but sparingly necessary, and hence is a matter of small cost: irrigation — where necessary — is also of no great expense, because only required once during the summer season, even in periods of scant rainfall. The Calimyrna P'ig comes into bearing at about (our years from the time of planting, the Capris coming in at about the same time. No attention must be given to the little fig wasp (Blastophaga grossorum), after once established, in order to secure fruit. To start them in a new orchard all that is necessary is to secure a few of the winter or Mamme figs, containing insects and suspend them in the Capri trees. This crop of figs can be transported for thousands of miles and even if four weeks or more in transit would arrive in prime condition. From March 10 to April 1 is the best season to forward colonies. If the orchard has been given intensive culture and intelligent care, the yield at four years from planting should be about twenty pounds per tree, dried. This crop, at present prices (November, 1902), possesses a commercial value in the Fresno market of 8 cents per pound. Allowing for the fact that the Adriatics at the same period brought only 3% cents per pound, dried, further comment is uncalled for. Of course prices are bound to fluctuate from year to year, and as the acreage increases the tendency will be to lower prices. The Calimyrna being so much superior to all other sorts as to render them almost unsalable when the supply shall prove sufficient for the demand, it stands to reason that it will always command a higher price; when to this is coupled the fact that it can be produced as cheaply as the Adriatics, it would seem that its commercial supremacy was assured beyond a doubt. As the orchard increases in age, the volume of product will also be enhanced in a correpsonding ratio. When from eight to ten years of age, the trees should average 100 pounds, dried, to the tree, and under favorable conditions should be much heavier. With much less favorable conditions as to c\ilture and intelligent care, the Smyrnas yield even more than this, so that this is rather a conservative statement. At fifteen years the yield will be about 200 pounds, dried, to the tree; at twenty years, 300 pounds. The cost of harvesting, curing, and delivering the crop in the sweat boxes to the packing houses in Fresno, will not exceed one cent per pound; in the case of the late crop of the writer, the cost was a trifle under this figure. Thus it will be seen that the Calimyrna Fig has everything to commend it to the consideration of intending planters. nannanDDnnnnnnnnnDnnnnnnnn nnnnnnnnannnnpaannnrJDnnnna THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD S3 CHAPTER XIX. ECONOMIC AND ORNAMENTAL VALUES. THE CALIMYRNA AS A BORDER TREE. The Calimyrna Fig tree has other uses and values beyond being merely the inhabitant of an orchard. Its fine shape, clean trunk, exemption from disease and injurious insects, together with its beautiful foliage and spreading head commend it for planting as a border and avenue tree. When to these advantages we add the commercial value of its fruit, it becomes almost the tree to plant for this purpose. Singular as it may seem, it does remarkably well when planted in this way. particularly if set some distance from other trees and afforded ample room in which to develop a vigoroiis root system, calculated lo support its wide spreading head. and density of foliage. Indeed, when so planted under these conditions it often does better, both in habit of growth and in yield of fruit, than when situated in an orchard. These advantages have been strikingly exemplified in the Fresno district wherever the fig has been planted as a border tree around vineyards or aligning some of the leading public roads. Clean and handsome, affording protection and a commercial product, it can be commended as a tree of great value for these purposes. These considerations also render it of peculiar interest for ornamental planting in the home grounds, and of special value to the small orchardlst. Requiring little or no care when so planted, it is a matter of unalloyed pleasure to the tree lover, and a source of fruit supply to the culinary department of every well-regulated household. The simple method by which the fig crop is harvested, viz,, dropping to the ground, and then only requiring gathering, makes the Calimyrna Fig a desirable commercial product to grow in a small way. Thus the man with a small acreage cannot only sit under his own vine and fig tree, but his children can gather and market the fruit, while peace and contentment, based on a positive source of income, casts her benign infiuerce over a home so happily situated. THE ECONOMIC USES OF THE FIG. It is probably safe to assume that fully ninety per cent, of the people know of the Smvrna Fig only as a luxury, in its dried and cured condition, just as they buy it of their local grocer or confectioner. In large measure this is excusable, because fully seventy-five per cent, of the annual output finds its way to the vast army of consumers as an article of food coming under the head of table delicacies. Its economic value however, is much more varied in the realm of an enlightened domestic household economy. The method of "working up" a crop extends beyond the drying and curing of the fruit. Excellent jams and marmalades are made with the fi- retaining all the dietary and nutritious principles and flavor of the cured Smyrna rtg of commerce. The inferior fruits, those small in size, of bad formation and bruised can be worked up in this way. The really best specimens can be used for crystallizing, and will undoubtedly become a regular feature of the confectioner s trade.' For culinary purposes, particularly in pastry cooking, the Smyrna Fig has a S4 THE SMYRNA FKt AT HOME AND ABROAD wide usage, will Ije a feature of every balvery catering to the eonstantly growing demand for tlic better grades of table delicacies in the way of liaked iiroducts. For sa.uces and i)rr'sei'\ es. it is indeed a fruit calcnlalnd to delight the housekeeper and give zest to any meal of which it is served as a dessert. In the practice of medicine the Sniyrra Fig occujues a unique position, and must be regarded as the equal of the olive in certain ailments to which jjoor humanity is more or less suliject. The fruit either cured or fresh, acts as a mihl and gentle laxative, calcidated to regulate the functions of digestion, and assimilation, witliout any of the disturbing elements of more radical remedies. As a matter of fact, people of sedentary employment should make the S]nyrna Fig a re,gular article of diet. In certain ailments, the leaves and the acrid sap of the green growth have a medicinal value. nnDnnnanDapnnnnnannnannnnn nppnonnnnDnnnannnnunannnani THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABROAD s.l INDEX CONTENTS. P.-iije Aokuowledgments 2 Open Door, at thf 3 Historical View, the 5 PART T — THE SMYRNA VIG ABR()A1>. I Outward Bound 7 II In the Land of the Smyrna Fig 13 III Smyrna Fig Culture in Asia Mino}' 19 IV The Trip to Smyrna by Land 29 V Harvesting and Drying the Smyrna Fig Abroad 31 PAP>T II — THE smyi:na fig at ikime. VI Early History of the Fig in California 39 VII An Historical Aiew of Our I >rchard -11 VIII Introducing the Insect 43 IX Areas. Soils and Climates -49 X Practical Smyrna Fig Culture 51 XI The Figs of Orchards and Gardens 56 XII Grafting the Calimyrna ( Smyrna) Fig 59 XIII Insect Pests and Diseases 62 XIV Harvesting and Drying Calimyrna ( Smyrna) Figs 63 XV Caprifying the Calimyrna (Smyrna) Fig 72 XVI A Scientific View of the Fig Wasp 76 XVII Production and Marketing 79 XVIII A Calimyrna Fig Orchard as an Investment 81 XIX Economic and Ornamental Values S3 ILLUSTRATIONS. The Smyrna Fig in Natural Colors Frontispiece Smyrna Fig Orchard, Fancher Creek Nurseries. 2. Typical Calimyrna Fig tree -4 A Calmyrna Fig tree in winter. 2. Roeding's Capri Fig No. 1 in winter s Type of Entrance to a Smyrna Fig Garden in the Herbeyli District 14 Method followed in planting cuttings to start young trees in the Maeander Valley 15 Type of Trunk of a Smyrna Fig tree, Herbeyli District 17 A Typical Smyrna Fig Orchard, Herbeyli District. 2. A Capri Fig tree in the suburbs of Aidin. 3. Six-year-old Smyrna Fig Orchard, showing method of training trees in the Maeander Valley ^° Shaking a Smyrna Fig tree to cause such figs as have not fallen of their own accord to drop, as seen near Herbeyli. 2. Knocking off Smyrna Figs, which have not fallen at the proper stage of maturity, with Arundo Donax poles 22 Di-ying Ground in the Fig orchard of Mr. S. G. Magnissalis, Herbeyli District 24 Spreading Smyrna Figs for drying on rushes. Herbeyli District. 2. Gathering Figs in baskets, Herbeyli District ^*-' s(; THE SMYRNA FIU AT HOiME AND ABROAD Flat car loaded with (ioat Hair sacks tilled with ymyrna Fifjs. Guards in ehai'tre wait- iiii,' foi' trail) to start. L'. A Fig train .s Fig Bazaar, Smyrna. 2. Smyrna Figs dumped in Packing Honse; sorting and macea- roning by the women, preparatory to packing. 3. Women sorting; baskets used for taking figs to the packers. 4. Capri Fig Bazaar in Aidin Packing Smyrna Figs. Scenes in the Packing Houses of Smyrna The Calimyrna F^ig, the True Fig of Commerce Cross-section of Koeding's Capri Fig No. 3, Profichi crop Sorting and Stringing Profichi Figs preparatory to their distribution upon Smyrna trees Distributing Profichi Figs upon the branches of the Smyrna Fig trees Branch of Koeding's (.^apri No. 1, showing two winter or llamme tigs from which the hibernated Blastophaga are about to issue, and the bunch of spring or Profichi figs which are in the receptive stage A twig of a Smyrna tree Ijearing young tigs, showing the difference between those on the left hand side whicli are caprified, and those on the right hand side, which are not.. Ujiper part of Capri Fig tree showing abundant crop of caprified Spring (Profichi) figs Ten -year-old Koeding Capri No. 2 The Bardajic Fig, showing habit of growth and cross-section of fruit Fig Grafting White Adriatic Fig tree, grafted with Calimyrna (Smyrna) Fig scions White Adriatic Fig tree, with summer growth of graft lirying Calimyrna (Smyrna.) Figs, showing Drying Shed of the Fancher Creek Nurseries Grader for grading Calimyrna Figs in Geo. C. Koeding's Packing House in Fresno. .. I'^rms used in Packing Calimyrna (Smyrna) Figs in the Packing House of Geo. C. Roeding How Calimyrna (Smyrna) Figs are packed ; the finished product Packing Calimyrna (Smyrna) F'igs in the Packing House of Geo. C. Koeding, Fresno, Cal Blastophaga grossorum, after Westwood Blastophaga grossorum, after Howard Blastophaga grossorum — male and female pupa in galls I'.-iKe 2S 33 36 42 44 45 4C. 47 48 50 52 53 59 60 61 64 65 68 6!> 71 73 77 78 CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECTS. I'ART 1 — TlIK SMYUNA FK; ABRCJAD. Afium Kara 1-iissar, town of 29 Productions 2!( Climate 30 Aidiu Peculiarities of. 16 16 Asia Minor 16 Fig Culture in 19 Visiting an ( )rehard 19 ilale or Capri Figs 20 Capii Figs as Merchandise 20 Jlethods of Handling 21 F^ig Gardens, the 21 Character of Trees 23 Climate 24 Planting and Culture 23 Objectionable Features 24 Jealousy of the Industry 25 Athens 27 Ayassoulook 14 Balaeiiik, town of IP Berlin, return to 27 Commissioner, appointment of 7 .... 10 Constantinople, impressions of. Page Cuxhaven, arrival at 7 Denizli, end of Fig District 15 Difficulties of the Second Trip to Smynra 27 Ephesus, orchards of 14 Fig, as food a Botanically 5 In Ancient Times 5 In the United States 6 Methods of Harvesting in Smyrna... 31 T>rying ' " 31 Handling 32 Transporting to Market 32 Marketing 34 Vastness of the Industry 34 Packing Houses 34 Methods of Packing 35 Styles of Packages 35 Boxes 37 Grades 37 Wages Paid 37 Wormy Fruit 38 Kassaba, town of 25 Maeander Valley, m the 14 Crops of 15 Irrigation 15 Mt. Athos 11 THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME AND ABKOAI) P.-igc Outward Bound 7 Salonioa 11 Smyrna, journey to 7 Arrival at 12 Features of ttie Country 13 Population 13 Climate, the 13 American Consul at 13 Country, the surrounding 14 Fig Tree, the 13 Return Ti ip by Land 29 Vesuvius 27 Work Completed 38 PART II — THE SMYRNA FIG AT HOME. Areas, Soils and Climate -49 Artificial fertilization demonstrated 45 Blastogapha grossorum, how introduced. 43 Becomes established 46 Functions of 72 Life History 76 How Distributed 73 Blastophaga — a scientific view 76 Life History 76 Egg, the 77 Larva, the 77 Pupa, the 78 Duration of Early Stages 78 Calimyrna Fig as a Border Tree 83 Calimyrna Fig Orchard as an Investment 81 Cost of the Land 81 Expense of Planting 81 When Commencing to Bear Fruit 82 Maximum Yields 82 Cost of Harvesting 82 Capri Figs, first introduction 43 How and Where Planted 43 First Matured 46 Protection of Trees ■±7 Capri Figs, Varieties 58 Koeding's Capri No. 1 58 Roeding's Capri No. 2 58 Roeding's Capri No. 3 o8 Caprifying the Calimyrna Fig 72 Capri Figs, Nature of 72 Functions of the Blastophaga t2 How the Insect is Distributed 74 Life History of the Fig Wasp 75 How it Propagates '75 Cuttings, First Importations 39 Diseases, freedom from 62 Early History in Califoiiiia 39 Economic Uses of the Fig 83 Fanehev Creek Orchard, History of 41 Fig Wasp, Introduction of 43 Shade for 55 Graftin'g 59 Object of (iO Selection of Scions 61 Methods of 61 Harvesting and Drying 63 Season of l\',i Manner of tTatheriiig the Fruit 63 Drying Grrounds 63 Boxes and Paraphernalia iUy Sorting and Washing ( i6 Careful Handling Essential 67 Packing and Grading 67 Different Grades, the 67 Trays used in Steaming (i7 How Manipulated 67 Packing Moulds 67 Finishing Touches 68 Insect Pests, freedom from 62 Maslin, E. W., experiences of 39 Planting the Trees, methods of 51 Production and Marketing 79 Producing Qualities of Smyrna Figs.. 79 Marketing 79 Future Prospects SO Roeding, F., early efforts of 40 Smyrna Fig, geographical area 49 Soils 49 Climate 49 Planting an Orchard 51 preparing the Ground 51 Square System of Planting 52 How to Proceed 54 Capri Figs Essential 52 After Care 52 Irrigation 52 Pruning 52 An Orchard as an Investment 81 Economic and Ornamental Values 83 Uses of the Fruit S3 Smyrna Figs — Varieties 56 Bardajic 56 Calimyrna, (Lop Injir) Fig of Commere 57 Black or Purple Smyrna 57 Black or Purple Bulletin Smyrna 27 Cheker Injir 57 Kassaba 57 Maple Leaved 57 Van Deman's, H. E., importations 40