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G. P. W. Collection.

PLATE V

Ficus Carica (common variety).

FIG.

The Fig is the most ancient, as well as one of the most valuable of all fruit trees. Its name is nearly the same in all European languages. The tree is supposed to be a native of Caria in Asia Minor. The intelligent cultivators of Anatolia, by whom the Smyrna Figs are produced, adhere to the caprification process, used from time immemorial. In California, efforts have been made to test this process. In the Hawaiian Islands, the Portuguese seem to be the most ssuccessful cultivators of the Fig, and several varieties are to be found throughout the group. This common variety grows to a height of from 10 to 20 feet, is hardy, and can easily be propagated from cuttings. Its leaves are alternate, 3 to 5 deeply lobed and are shed during the fall months, at which season careful pruning will increase the following year's yield. The fruit is single, appearing from the axils of the leaves, on the new wood. It is a hollow, pear-shaped receptacle, containing many minute seeds, scattered throughout a soft, pinkishwhite pulp.

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G. P. W. Collection.

PLATE VI

Ficus Carica.

FIG.

Some years ago, this variety of Fig was to be found growing in large numbers at Makawao, and in the Kula district of Maui. Now, however, there are few, if any, trees remaining, as a destructive blight, together with the lack of proper attention, has caused their extermination. This variety is very prolific. The fruit is small, pear-shaped, and has a particularly sweet and delicious flavor.

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G. P. W. Collection.

Ficus Carica (white or lemon variety).

FIG.

PLATE VII

This is a low-growing tree with compact foliage. The leaves are small, and the fruit is round-turbinate, about 1 to 11⁄2 inches in diameter. The skin is very thin, is light-green in color, turning to a greenish-yellow when thoroughly ripe. The pulp is pink, very sweet, and when quite ripe is free from milky juice. This variety is also prolific, is easily dried, and on this account would find a ready sale in our markets.

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